Wearing a Pistol When Bowhunting Bear

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

08-31-2006, 05:43 PM

woody19792000

Thread Starter

Join Date: May 2006

Location: WI

Posts: 60

Wearing a Pistol When Bowhunting Bear

Let me know what you think and what your rules and ideas are on this.
Andif you'd like to wear a handgun during deer with bow in a heavy bearconcentrated area???

09-01-2006, 12:10 AM

Idaho hunter 58

Join Date: Dec 2003

Location:

Posts: 1,063

RE: Wearing a Pistol When Bowhunting Bear

hey i carry a glock 23 with me whenever i go hiking or bowhunting. I don't see why not, even though if i saw a bear i would just shoot it with my bow because it is in season where i hunt, but if i was gutting my deer/elk and a cougar/wolf came up i would be happy to have my glock at my side.

09-01-2006, 12:35 AM

PAhunter86

Nontypical Buck

Join Date: Feb 2003

Location: Lancaster, PA

Posts: 3,240

RE: Wearing a Pistol When Bowhunting Bear

If it's legal to do in your state, go for it.
You never know.

09-01-2006, 12:47 AM

Sniper151

Nontypical Buck

Join Date: Feb 2003

Location: Cornwall, Pa.

Posts: 1,720

RE: Wearing a Pistol When Bowhunting Bear

If yourWisconsin game laws permit it, why not. In Pa. you can not carry a firearm during the bow season even with a concealment permit.

09-04-2006, 08:52 AM

jones123

Join Date: Dec 2004

Location: Montana

Posts: 586

RE: Wearing a Pistol When Bowhunting Bear

I formed the following opinion from two firearm loving hunters I know who have had bear charges . . . . they tell me they'dstake their safety on spray overa pistol whenunder pressure from an attacking bear. You'd have to be a really good or lucky shot to stop a charging bear with a pistol. Bear spray is as easy to shoot asa shotgun and much more of a pain shock to the bear.

I know - bear spray sounds like a weenie sierra club peta thing, but the hunters I am referring to are not sierra clubbers and are experienced with their pistols.

Since I don't have experience with a charging bear, I would just as soon carry both, but will reach for the spray first!

09-04-2006, 05:15 PM

jhtrapper

Join Date: Aug 2006

Location: Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Posts: 262

RE: Wearing a Pistol When Bowhunting Bear

It's illegal here in Wyoming in bow hunting season, but if its legal go for it! I'd use a 357.

09-06-2006, 12:08 PM

Wolf killer

Nontypical Buck

Join Date: Jun 2003

Location:

Posts: 2,395

RE: Wearing a Pistol When Bowhunting Bear

I had a run in with a Grizzly this year in Wyoming. I was fishing at the time. I only had bear spray. I am living proof that bear spray works. I recommend bear spray over a handgun any day.

09-06-2006, 09:45 PM

borealboy

Fork Horn

Join Date: Feb 2003

Location: Thunder Bay ONT CANADA

Posts: 132

RE: Wearing a Pistol When Bowhunting Bear

We live with bears here every day around the house and know lots of guys who hunt them, including me. I've never heard of anyone being attacked by a black bear while hunting. I have heard of lots of guys being accidently shot by their own guns when out in the bush though. I'll take my chances with a bow.