Pistol for Protection While Hunting
10-28-2008 | 06:05 AM
#1
Thread Starter
Fork Horn
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 437
Likes: 0
Pistol for Protection While Hunting
After a recent incident while bowhunting for bears in Southern WV I am considering getting a handgun to carry as protection from bears. I am looking for something inexpensive just for that purpose only, can anyone recommend such a pistol? I know I will will need a carry permit to do so.
Jim
Jim
10-28-2008 | 07:00 AM
#2
Giant Nontypical
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 6,066
Likes: 0
From: Nekoosa Wi USA
RE: Pistol for Protection While Hunting
If its not concealed you shouldnt need a carry permit. I too have bear issues as well and carry my Taurus 44 mag revolver. This is a medium frame and not overly heavy. When it comes to bears, I as well as many others will recomend not use anything smaller than a .44. A 357 might be ok but its a little on the iffy side.
10-28-2008 | 07:06 AM
#3
Boone & Crockett
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 12,823
Likes: 5
From: Eastern PA
RE: Pistol for Protection While Hunting
red I know the feeling. I have a I think more bear than deer where I hunt lately here in PA and have come face to face with a few carrying only 'stick and string'. And until last year you could not carry any firearms during bow season. I now carry a Steyr M40 (40 S&W) and feel a whole lot better. I don't know what your budget is but check out the local gun shops and look at the used handguns. I would suggest a revolver, 357 minimum with 4" barrel or if you're looking for a pistol, the 40 S&W as a minimum.
I know statistically it has been stated that 1 in 100 black bear will come at you. You may never meet that individual bear in your lifetime, or it may be the very first bear you see, and it is best to be prepared. Every bear except one I've ever seen, after detecting me, ran away like a scalded dog. One however was a huge boar and was really defiant. He did a face off with me and my full grown lab (on a leash) pacing back and forth on an old dirt road until me and the dog slowly backed off. For some reason on this hike I was carrying my S&W 29 in 44 mag with full house loads. Believe me, it was unholstered and at the ready. Forrtunately I didn't have to use it.
I know statistically it has been stated that 1 in 100 black bear will come at you. You may never meet that individual bear in your lifetime, or it may be the very first bear you see, and it is best to be prepared. Every bear except one I've ever seen, after detecting me, ran away like a scalded dog. One however was a huge boar and was really defiant. He did a face off with me and my full grown lab (on a leash) pacing back and forth on an old dirt road until me and the dog slowly backed off. For some reason on this hike I was carrying my S&W 29 in 44 mag with full house loads. Believe me, it was unholstered and at the ready. Forrtunately I didn't have to use it.
10-28-2008 | 07:28 AM
#4
Giant Nontypical
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 6,270
Likes: 0
From: Texas - BUT NOW in Madison County, NY
RE: Pistol for Protection While Hunting
What are the WV laws about this? Here in NY, there are some mighty big bears, but the State does not permit the carrying of any sort of firearm while bowhunting, period! Permit or no!
10-28-2008 | 09:22 AM
#5
Nontypical Buck
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,600
Likes: 0
From: S.W. Pa.-- Heart in North Central Pa. mountains-
RE: Pistol for Protection While Hunting
ORIGINAL: bronko22000
red I know the feeling. I have a I think more bear than deer where I hunt lately here in PA and have come face to face with a few carrying only 'stick and string'. And until last year you could not carry any firearms during bow season. I now carry a Steyr M40 (40 S&W) and feel a whole lot better. I don't know what your budget is but check out the local gun shops and look at the used handguns. I would suggest a revolver, 357 minimum with 4" barrel or if you're looking for a pistol, the 40 S&W as a minimum.
I know statistically it has been stated that 1 in 100 black bear will come at you. You may never meet that individual bear in your lifetime, or it may be the very first bear you see, and it is best to be prepared. Every bear except one I've ever seen, after detecting me, ran away like a scalded dog. One however was a huge boar and was really defiant. He did a face off with me and my full grown lab (on a leash) pacing back and forth on an old dirt road until me and the dog slowly backed off. For some reason on this hike I was carrying my S&W 29 in 44 mag with full house loads. Believe me, it was unholstered and at the ready. Forrtunately I didn't have to use it.
red I know the feeling. I have a I think more bear than deer where I hunt lately here in PA and have come face to face with a few carrying only 'stick and string'. And until last year you could not carry any firearms during bow season. I now carry a Steyr M40 (40 S&W) and feel a whole lot better. I don't know what your budget is but check out the local gun shops and look at the used handguns. I would suggest a revolver, 357 minimum with 4" barrel or if you're looking for a pistol, the 40 S&W as a minimum.
I know statistically it has been stated that 1 in 100 black bear will come at you. You may never meet that individual bear in your lifetime, or it may be the very first bear you see, and it is best to be prepared. Every bear except one I've ever seen, after detecting me, ran away like a scalded dog. One however was a huge boar and was really defiant. He did a face off with me and my full grown lab (on a leash) pacing back and forth on an old dirt road until me and the dog slowly backed off. For some reason on this hike I was carrying my S&W 29 in 44 mag with full house loads. Believe me, it was unholstered and at the ready. Forrtunately I didn't have to use it.
..........
10-28-2008 | 09:39 AM
#6
Typical Buck
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 696
Likes: 2
From: Indiana county, Pa
RE: Pistol for Protection While Hunting
redmag, here in Pa. we are not allowed to carry a firearm while bow hunting. even with bears more plentiful up here. better check with the game commission in W. Va. before taking one into the woods. it might not be allowed. even with a protection permit.
10-28-2008 | 11:23 AM
#7
Thread Starter
Fork Horn
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 437
Likes: 0
RE: Pistol for Protection While Hunting
According to what I have been told I can have a gun with my bow as long as I have a carry permit. During some seasons I can have a pistol only if Ihave a DNR pistol permit and no need to have a carry permit.
Thanks for the replies.
Jim
Thanks for the replies.
Jim
10-28-2008 | 10:48 PM
#9
Fork Horn
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
RE: Pistol for Protection While Hunting
ORIGINAL: redmag
After a recent incident while bowhunting for bears in Southern WV I am considering getting a handgun to carry as protection from bears. I am looking for something inexpensive just for that purpose only, can anyone recommend such a pistol? I know I will will need a carry permit to do so.
Jim
After a recent incident while bowhunting for bears in Southern WV I am considering getting a handgun to carry as protection from bears. I am looking for something inexpensive just for that purpose only, can anyone recommend such a pistol? I know I will will need a carry permit to do so.
Jim