Bobby,

You did not say if you was packing or not.

I talked to a fellow who hunted in that general area (317), but different drainage, and in a 8 day hunt they saw over 15 Grizz (november general season). They were chased off the mountain while breaking camp![][:'(]

I talked to the outfitter and he told me that they generally see grizz on all there hunts, but the USUALLYdon't come into camp, since they have a camp dog.

I use a 41mag stainless ruger redhawk most of the time.I think a good can of bear spray is best for fast close encounters,especially when your rifle is leaned up against a tree while you are gutting a bull.Or bloody hands that can slip off some pistol grips.By the time I could draw my pistol I could have sprayed the bear.Bear spray will blind them and take their breath away.I swear by it.

I have a 44-mag pistol next to my bed roll. A guy has got to use caution when you think about shooting a gun in camp. There will be other hunter & guides sleeping in several other tents in that camp. Where will "your" bullet stop? I would recommed you bring Counter Assault bear spray instead of a pistol. Bear spray works & you will not need to use the guide tent for a bullet backstop.

Wolf Killer, Elkshed

I have some bear spray. The brand name is Bear Pause. I would use the spray first, but it would be comforting to have some stopping power should the spray not deter the bear.

Does anyone know how long these cans hold their charge? This one is 5 yrs old.

Shawn, I pack a 3" S.S. colt revolver and bear spray when hunting or hiking in bear country. The gun is so lightweight that I forget that I'm packing it at times. Make sure you know how to use the spray without having to think about it. It has to be automatic and rehearse in doing so. A lot of times a griz may make a false charge and bluff you and stop 10 ft. away. If the bear does come in on you it will take a swipe first by its claws and then followed up by the jaws. Have fun and enjoy , Bobby

Forget the bear spray unless you think he'd appreciate spicy food. My dads friend got mauled just south of there in sunlight basin. he walked into a clearing and smelled something dead, he thought, bear kill get the hell out o here about the same time he heard it coming and went for his gun(44mag). the clearing was about 30 yds wide. now hes not billy the kid or quick draw mcgraw, but no turtle either. That bear was across the clearing and on him just as his gun came around. Now this is 30yds or 90 ft. bear spray is good out to 15 ft if the wind isn't blowing, less if it is, your in wyoming so just assume it is. how fast do you recon that bear will cover the 15 feet. OOOONNNN the other hand w/ a pistol you can give a warning shot plus you are going to have more courage w/ some iron in your hands. might be able to bluff him.

I tkink a crippled bear from a gunshot wound is more dangerous than an immobilized bear eating spicy food on a windy day.
Elkshed

Just make sure that you can out run your hunting buddies. You usually have at least one buddy with you helping when cleaning, boning, and hanging an animal as big as an elk right?

After you get back to camp to get some helping hands just put on your cross trainers before heading back down to finish the job. You know, so you will have that little bit of an advantage.[] If they ask why you put them on tell them you got blisters on your feet.

LOL I'll through in some tums so he won't get heartburn (sic)[:'(]