Don't ever think Bear spray is as effective as a gun can be, but sometimes it might be your only choice. I've been charged on the ground and had a few trying to share a Treestand with me. No sweat!! That's why we Bowhunt, for the excitement!
I think it depends on the situation. If a bear has settled his mind on you as a menu item, or say a sow has identidified you as a threat to her cubs, there is little arguement from me here that pepper spray might as well be a condiment on the bear's supper table.
Conversely, in a confrontation, where the bear may only be somewhat curious as to exactly what your intentions are, I think spray can be a lifesaver for both the bear and the person. Its all situationally dependent. Let the hypothicals spin.....
__________________ You get what you put in, and people get what they deserve. - Kid Rock
a bears nose is 3000 times more sensitive than a bloodhounds...which is 300 times more sensitive than our own. A deer will continue running for 2 minutes after you put a big ole hole in its vitals. If a deer can do it, I bet a bear does it better!! I bear hit in the nose with a gallon of pepper is going down. Regardless of what you might think. Carry em both, let the gun be option A, when it gets up close...the spray is your best bet.
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Enjoying life at full draw......
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