Well I'll tell you what, I've spentenough of time hunting in bear country, both black and brown to know what I would prefer. Yes I've even been "approached" by a bear, to be honest with you, I don't know if it was a bluff or not, I didn't stick around long enough to find out.

It was a long time ago and I wasmuch younger (late teens), I was close to a fairly populated camp with permanent structures and people in and around it.I had just finished hanging some signs on some trees along a trail that led from the archery range to the camp. I hada hammer and box of nails in my hand when the bear appeared out of the timber fairly close to me, heading my way and fast. I dropped the hammer and nails and ran (smart of me huh...dropping my only weapon) like hell back to the camp soI think I have a pretty goodidea of that feeling, you know like you're about to get you arse chewed off.[&:]

There is nothing wrong with pepper spray, it's been documented to work and if I ever found myself in bear country again (I'm sure I will) I'll probably bring some along. But don't think for one second I'm not bringing a gun....and a very big one at that.


Here is some good reading...Ithink this guy found his mark.I'm sure pepper spray would have worked as well in this situation,BUT there is one thing that happened that pepper spray could NEVER do....see if you cantell whatthat is.
http://www.bear-hunting.com/news.cfm?Action=News&NewsFlashID=244