I had to take a buddy back to the states once. His DUI was from 10 or 11 years ago. Felt real bad for putting him on a bus, but my hunt was already paid for.

Over the last 8 years my buddy who I help has guided an average of 5 hunters (in WI) per fall season and never had a problem with the bears. I run into bears while on foot and while in my stand and have never had any problem.
I won't hunt Canada anymore because of their gun laws. They don't want guns there, then they don't want my money for bow hunting or fishing either. Bunch of friggin socialist. If you are, and I know you are only asking, that uncomfortable about bear hunting with a bow, don't go.
If you do go, good luck and listen to your guide.

I am not at all uneasy about bear hunting with a bow but I had had a number of gun hunters tell me I needed to take a gun for backup so I thought I would just check for other opinions. The consensous seems to be that it should never be a problem. I am surprised by apparent rules on maise. That was one thing I had considered. A friend of mine took it with him 2 years ago and had no problem at the border. He was shooting a 300 mag so I'm not sure why he felt he needed backup. He did indicate that more than one person in camp had had bears try to climb their trees but they were run off by kicking in the noise. That did sound a little close for me and is why I was looking at my options. Thanks for all the input.

Was just at a Bass Pro Shop yesterday and they have Bug Tamer suits. I would imagine all the better stores would have them. From what guys have told me and articles I've read a bug suit in the spring time is an absolute must. Remember duct tape too to tape the legs and sleeves shut. Also tuck in the head net and fasten. I guess any opening the bugs will find and you will pay. Don't know personally cause there were no bugs out when I went in the fall<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>.

We sell pepper spray so it is not illegal from what I know, I think that mace is probably a different substance and most likely is illegal.
I know how you all feel about the gun law's. Alot of us canadian's feel the same way. Through out history, when ever a law was brought in, to register guns they ended up getting taken away. Hitler did it in germany, Stalin in russia. Don't ask me though, because I am in western canada, and our federal government is run, and souly based to apeeze a majority of those in eastern canada.
Please don't be offended by this.

As for bearhunting, I don't think you will need a shotgun, When I was 17 I never had a problem with bears trying to bother with me, while in my stand. I've also had them show up when I was shooting at my old clubs range in fort mcmurray. The sound of arrows clanking in your quiver is enough to send them packing for the most part. Good luck.
Dylan


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DON'T WORRY ABOUT THE BACK UP GUN YOU WON'T NEED IT. JUST REMEMBER SHOT PLACEMENT IS THE KEY BEST OF LUCK ON YOUR HUNT, HUN T HARD AND HUNT SAFE!!!!

Kansas,

I'm also going bear hunting next march to Saskatoon and I'm a little worrie about the rigth set up in my bow for Bear Hunting.
What bow and broadheads are you going to use?

I use a Mathew Ultra2, Easton xx78, 68# and SpitFire 100gr, this set up give me 70Ke; but I dont know if Mech. are Ok to use for bears.

Edited by - jafzi on 02/06/2002 18:05:41

I'm shooting a hoyt aspen. It's a relatively slow bow with a long ATA because I prefer to shoot fingers. Arrow are xx78-2315-with 125 thunderheads. On the mechanical issue I have heard rumor of penetration problems with larger game or even non perfect hits on whitetails. I have no personal experience with them. I am considering switching to a bow using a release as my finger release does not seem to be what it us to be. On the bear topic, I am a first time hunter so all I know is what I read and hear. I am soaking it all up right now and hoping for the best. Good luck.

Jafzi, when I went I used an XI Legend Mag. bow set at around 60 lb. with 2317's and 140 gr. Hoyt Bow Bullet broadheads. Speed was about 205 fps. My bear was broadside and I shot right through it and had the broadhead stuck in the bait barrel on the opposite side. Wish I would have stayed with my 2315's and 125 gr. Top Cuts after actually being there and talking to others. Basically any good deer setup will take a bear. The mechanicals I don't have any experience with but have also heard that they don't function as well (get caught up opening in the fur). Talk to your outfitter and see what he suggests. Found out afterwards my outfitter didn't like my broadhead cause it came apart when it hit the bucket. This after a 19 yard run by the bear before dieing. All comes down to shaving sharp and placement.
Kansaswiderack, I was shooting fingers at the time too and a good guide has things set to optimize the shot. Mine was at 13 yards and the 3 other guys who were in camp got theirs at 20 yards (longest) down to 16 yards. As long as you are confident with your shooting and wait for the right shot you will be fine.

I do have a pak. of 6 Muzzy 100gr. 4 blades and a pak. of 6 Tunderhead 100gr. 3 blades but I can ever tune them to group well over 25yrs. In the other hand I had make shoots over 45yrs with the SpitFire.
What's the average distance to shoot a Bear over Bait?