Bear defence while flyfishing

Alberta Bigbore

Alberta Bigbore

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been bouncing this one in my head for a while. A buddy and i were trying to think of what would be a decent bear defence gun while we are in out ALberta trout streams. In the past few years we have been seeing more and more bears and some closer than we like, one encounter was so close we both laid down in the river to avoid being seen. also while being in camp with my family, we have had bears walk right into camp like we didnt exist

2 options were:

-Maverick 88 Security

-870 pump with a 14 inch barrel.




questions are i never owned a maverick 88, would like to know if it will not let me down in the time of need, AND.....can one add a sidesaddle to it

The rem 870 is no question reliable, and can fling lead in a hurry



should i get a remi with 14 inch and call it a day, or just save some cash and go with the maverick.




also any tips on how to srap a shotgun to a backback with quick access or how to carry it on whatever kind of sling so i am able to still fish in comfort would be appreciated. a gun on a basic sling slung over my shoulder just isnt gonna cut it, and laying a gun down on the rocks while im fishing defeats the purpose of having it when i need it.




THX

:canadaFlag:
 
Yayyy! Another bear-defence thread!!!:dancingbanana: :dancingbanana: :dancingbanana:

Given a choice between the two, I would probably just go with the cheaper Maverick with the slightly longer barrel. I've used a short 14 inch and just didn't like it as much as the longer 18 plus inchers.

Also, I would consider something with rifle type sights over a plain bead, as slugs are the only real option for bears.

To keep it on you but out of the way, I have an over-the-back scabbard that fits the bill just nicely. (I ended up picking it up at a clearance sale at Walmart for $11.00 !!) The shotgun is secure, will not fall off, but is readily available if you need it. You can even make your own with a soft rifle case and an old rifle sling. :wave:
 
Maybe Ike can give you some info on this as he spends a lot of time in salmon streams in SERIOUS griz country.

I'd suggest one of these (minus the light and mount) on a really good quality (strong fittings and a wide thick strap for comfort) three point sling. Just make sure that the sling material near the shotgun does not interfere with the cycling of the action.

hp9-1right-1.jpg
 
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I doubt if the Maverick would let you down mechanically, however the action is much rougher than the 870's and therein lies the opportunity to short stroke the action under stress. I consider the 590 a better choice than either, but the 870 is leaps and bounds ahead of the Maverick.
 
I used to carry the Mossberg now I am going with the FABARM 14inch Martial. comp. The reason is weight. I use mine for river fishing daily...Heading out in a few minutes after I am done post-whoring.

I here good things about the Norc 14inch but the Fabarm is lighter and well, not a Norc:p

The Fabarm has a sling now or I just stick her down the back of my fishing vest. The Mossberg needs a sling to carry as she is a heavy ##### when loaded for 'bear'. (hahaha)

I coloured the Fabarms front sight with bright orange nail polish (as suggested ) and it works very very well for fast target aquisition. The Mossy already has it on there. Both take 3inch one takes a bayonet if need be.

There are often good bush shotguns in the EE so keep your eyes and wallet open for that next great deal.


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Just as important as WHAT you're carrying as HOW to carry it:

IM001384.jpg

This is a combination gun case/over the back carry scabbard.

IM001378.jpg

Shown being worn by ugly fat guy. Out of the way and lets you use both hands without worrying about gun falling off your shoulder, yet...

IM001379.jpg

...easily accessible. BTW - That is a full-sized Winchester Model 94 with a 24 inch barrel; no sawed-off wannabe pistols neccessary with the scabbard.

I use it every time I go fishing. The only problem is, there are NO bears where I go fishing, but it's fun to bring a gun along just the same!:onCrack:
 
Ya never know where those bears are! That is a slick rig! Can you please provide details as to where you got it , what brand etc? Is that the Wally World one mentioned earlier?
 
Norinco's HP9 - 14" barrel - copy of the Rem870 - exact same gun regardless of what anyone else says (except finish). So you get Rem870 quality and steel receiver strength and with a short barrel. You're in Edmonton so drop by P&D, they have one.

Mossberg fit and finish have a little something to be desired, but Remington does a good job on they're guns for sure.
 
pitdogboy said:
Ya never know where those bears are! That is a slick rig! Can you please provide details as to where you got it , what brand etc? Is that the Wally World one mentioned earlier?
Click to expand...

I picked it up at Walmart here in Mississauga a few years ago, haven't seen one recently. I think you can get similar ones from Cabella's in the US though.:rockOn:
 
Oh, and to address the 'sawed off wanna be pistol' comment.(I missed it earlier) Please temper those comments. My Dad used to tote a single shot sawed-off SG (back when legal)in his canoe etc for years and it saved his bacon more than once. A bird gun is not practical in West Coast bush...The right tool for the job, right? No flames bro, but you even stated there is no threat in your fav. fishing spots.

I have been lucky enough NOT to shoot a threat bear/s. That being said I have been stalked, faus-charged and generally messed with by alot of bears.

Most were blackies, but I have had (by choice) to jump in the river and get taken for a ride when a Grizz momma popped out of no where with cubs...I did not have a gun and frankly might not have even had the chance or expertise in those days to use it effectively. The river ride seemed the best/fastest way out of that situation. (lost some gear but I am fine and momma is alive to raise her cubs=win.win)

I have smacked blackies with an axe handle when they roamed into my house in whistler. Perhaps not the best solution but I was 20 and full of piss.

I do like the concept of that scabbard but it would be more for the treking in 'safe' places...there is no chance you could draw and shoulder that gun when you needed it.

My vest set up is similar but due to the lenght of the gun very fast. (it kinda hangs out to the side. I tend to have a 3 point sling (for the Mossy)or a very long 2 point (for the Fabarm) to be able to shoulder the gun fast as required. The 'operators' on this site warn that a 3-point sling may block the gun's action.

I figure if real deal charged blind (to me) I might at best get 1 shot off b4 the bear is on me...My Dad agrees and has had a lot more Grizz bear experience than I. He tells some chilling tales. That being said a sick or momma blackie is not to be taken lightly either.

A good dog (not mine as she picks fights with Bears she can't finish) is prolly one of the best bear defense tools...After all a solid 'inbound!' or being able to divert and tree the beast is what will keep you from being dinner.

As I mentioned, I have a ton of escaping and beating on bears experience.

I DO NOT have any hunting or actually shooting a bear in self defense experience. I am thankfull for the later as I respect and like bears. I am not into hunting them but certainly do not harbour any ill feelings to those who like to hunt them. (Gatehouse has extended an invitation to go on a hunt and I may just do that)

Hunting is all good in my book and something I would like to get into ( I am sucking up to Gatehouse in hopes of some mentorship). But I prolly would not choose to hunt bears...time will tell.

Bottom line: Be prepared for the worst and hope for alot of Trout, a suntan and a great uneventful day on your fav. creek or river. A combat lenght/model shotgun or big bore lever guide gun, a plan, and training for your entire camp crew will do alot to ensure your collective safe fun adventure.

On a parting note I took 4 big fat aggressive Rainbows this afternoon! No it is time to prepare them for Mrs. PDB and me for dinner!

Cheers brothers!
 
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what is it about the Norinco 14 inch shotgun that people dont like?? i have heard many many many times NOT to buy one. i saw the one at P&D, but after being told to stay away from them i let the idea go, the price was right and it felt good. its just to stop a charging bear or a stumbling zombie:D




and thx for the comments guys, much appreciated, and that back holster thing looks pretty slick.
Frontier has a couple nice mossy's i have my eye on as well


but also i asked, can a maverick security have a side saddle attached like a remi or a 590?
 
Bitterman said:
Norinco's HP9 - 14" barrel - copy of the Rem870 - exact same gun regardless of what anyone else says (except finish). So you get Rem870 quality and steel receiver strength and with a short barrel.
Click to expand...

"Quality. There is hardly anything in the world that some men cannot make a little worse and sell a little cheaper, and people who consider price only are this man's lawful prey." John Ruskin
 
Barry Mitchell, well-known and published Alberta fly fisherman,
has fished Alberta's FTR watersheds for year's, mostly on his
own in some pretty remote spots. He carries what looks to be a 22" barreled smoothbore slug gun on a sling over his "off shoulder".

The behind the back rig the one fellow recommends ... judging by
the bottom end which is well below his fanny - would be IN THE
WATER most of the time where I've fished by floating/wading
in the Bow, Crowsnest, Oldman, West Castle, Belly and Waterton.
 
My 20inch got a bit bashed up when kneeling down to un-hook fish etc...and wet when wading deep. I'll give this lil' one a try and report back soon.
 
kMART travel rod with 3lb test and some fake salmonberry should be good for blackbears. You just have to play them for awhile till they tire. :D
 
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