ORIGINAL: KodiakArcher
As far as bear protection here in Kodiak or anywhere else in AK, on the streams while fishing or in the alpine, that's a whole other topic in itself but boy do you guys need some factual info supported by real world experience and not a bunch of bearanoid, ramped up hogwash. Shotguns are for birds and deer, pepper is for seasoning, neither is adequate to stop p.o.'d bears in Alaskan weather. If you feel the need to pack protection pack something that is adequately going to do the job and that is a rifle, or more appropriately, a good case of common sense! Call the local sporting goods guncounter (907-486-4276) guys at ADF&G (486-1880) or USF&W (487-2600) or any bear (not fish) guide in the state and don't ask for what they recommend for Joe Shmoe touron, ask what they carry themselves. If my guide was packing a shotgun for bear defense, I'd look for another guide! He may know fish but he obviously doesn't know bears, nor ballistics.
Am I wrong for thinking that carrying a gun at all in the alpine in August isnt a neccesity for protection?
Maybe I just don't fully comprehend how they are, but they don't seem to be one of these man hunting predators out for hunters blood like most people paint them....I guess I'm not "bearanoid", either that or just idiotic.
I don't need people telling me how dangerous a bear CAN be if it attacks you, I realize a 10 ft coke machine sized beastwith 4" claws that can outrun me can be dangerous....
Rob, do I need to wake up and pack a megasized pistol or possibly rifle, or is it a safe bet that I wont even SEE a bear up in the alpine, much less have an encounter.If I do carry it certainly wont be a shotgun, People can survive these blasts from close range, and after thinking about what you said, pepper is a silly idea as well. I would pack a bigger caliber pistol if I felt the neccesity for one, what says you?