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Started By
Message
Backcountry Safety
Posted on 7/6/19 at 12:31 pm
Posted on 7/6/19 at 12:31 pm
Hey, folks.
I have done quite a bit of hiking in places like Wyoming, Montana, Canada, and Alaska. Never gone far into the backcountry and camped out, just day hikes on trails that usually have a fair amount of human traffic.
Those of you who go hiking in the backcountry in places where encounters with dangerous wildlife (bears, wolves, etc.) or unknown people is quite possible, do you carry firearms? If so, what kind?
I have done quite a bit of hiking in places like Wyoming, Montana, Canada, and Alaska. Never gone far into the backcountry and camped out, just day hikes on trails that usually have a fair amount of human traffic.
Those of you who go hiking in the backcountry in places where encounters with dangerous wildlife (bears, wolves, etc.) or unknown people is quite possible, do you carry firearms? If so, what kind?
8
Posted on 7/6/19 at 12:51 pm to Globetrotter747
Ran into a wolf last week, it was complete accident. It was gone before I knew it was there. So, getting into a wolf confrontation would be rare I think. Other people I know up here in WY don't worry too much about wolves either.
I would get Bear Spray for sure. I'd be more worried about a bear cub and you stumbling upon it. I would also be concerned with smelling like dinner to an adult bear. Cooking near your sleep spot and sleeping in clothes that smell like food can get you in trouble.
As far as a sidearm, weight is almost as important as anything else. I wanted to carry a S&W 460. It weighs more than a rifle. I carry a Glock 40 cal with me and my bear spray. I usually regret the weight of the pistol, but carry it anyway for peace of mind more than anything. I ran into some Morrell pickers last month, that was kind of weird. I learned about a cottage industry that I didn't really consider before.
And, I wouldn't want to shoot a grizzly with my Glock. If you are in Yellowstone, shooting a bear is a big no-no. Hosing it down with Mace is a-ok though.
I would get Bear Spray for sure. I'd be more worried about a bear cub and you stumbling upon it. I would also be concerned with smelling like dinner to an adult bear. Cooking near your sleep spot and sleeping in clothes that smell like food can get you in trouble.
As far as a sidearm, weight is almost as important as anything else. I wanted to carry a S&W 460. It weighs more than a rifle. I carry a Glock 40 cal with me and my bear spray. I usually regret the weight of the pistol, but carry it anyway for peace of mind more than anything. I ran into some Morrell pickers last month, that was kind of weird. I learned about a cottage industry that I didn't really consider before.
And, I wouldn't want to shoot a grizzly with my Glock. If you are in Yellowstone, shooting a bear is a big no-no. Hosing it down with Mace is a-ok though.
Posted on 7/6/19 at 1:33 pm to NimbleCat
quote:
Cooking near your sleep spot and sleeping in clothes that smell like food can get you in trouble.
Posted on 7/6/19 at 1:39 pm to Globetrotter747
I always carry a Glock 20 in the woods
Posted on 7/6/19 at 1:51 pm to Globetrotter747
Bear spray. It’s at every big box store in the west. Might be able to find it locally at Massey’s or Backpacker but TSA doesn’t like you flying with it.
Possession of a firearm without a special permit in National Parks and Forests is a yuge fine and/or trip to federal pound you in the arse prison.
Possession of a firearm without a special permit in National Parks and Forests is a yuge fine and/or trip to federal pound you in the arse prison.
Posted on 7/6/19 at 1:53 pm to NimbleCat
I spend a fair amount of time deep in the back country but I’m elk or sheep hunting so I always have a rifle and side arm. I wouldn’t go hiking or camping without a side arm, I’m not too confident in spray stopping a charging bear before it can make contact with you.
I wouldn’t be concerned with wolves in daylight. A pack at night could possibly attack a human but a single wolf in the daylight would retreat.
I wouldn’t be concerned with wolves in daylight. A pack at night could possibly attack a human but a single wolf in the daylight would retreat.
Posted on 7/6/19 at 1:58 pm to Jack Daniel
quote:
I’m not too confident in spray stopping a charging bear before it can make contact with you.
What do you carry with you that's capable of stopping a charging grizzly?
Posted on 7/6/19 at 2:02 pm to Globetrotter747
44 mag and I’m not saying it would most definitely stop a charging grizzly in its tracks either, but I have more confidence in it than spray.
Posted on 7/6/19 at 2:03 pm to NimbleCat
quote:
Ran into a wolf last week, it was complete accident. It was gone before I knew it was there.
Huh?
Posted on 7/6/19 at 2:20 pm to Globetrotter747
Bear spray is a must. If you're on a bike just Pedal Faster
Posted on 7/6/19 at 2:34 pm to Golfer
quote:
Possession of a firearm without a special permit in National Parks and Forests is a yuge fine and/or trip to federal pound you in the arse prison.
Please Link the above information.
NPS Yellowstone Firearm Info
Firearms
Federal law allows people who can legally possess firearms under applicable federal, state, and local laws, to legally possess firearms in Yellowstone. Hunting and the discharge of firearms remain prohibited in Yellowstone.
It is your responsibility to understand and comply with all applicable state, local, and federal firearms laws before entering the park. Yellowstone encompasses parts of Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, and each state has different regulations: follow the links provided here to learn more.
Federal law prohibits firearms in certain facilities in this park (such as visitor centers and government offices): those places are marked with signs at all public entrances.
Firearms should not be considered a wildlife protection strategy. Bear spray and other safety precautions are the proven methods for preventing bear and other wildlife interactions.
Posted on 7/6/19 at 2:40 pm to Golfer
quote:
Possession of a firearm without a special permit in National Parks and Forests is a yuge fine and/or trip to federal pound you in the arse prison.
Since when? I thought you could carry since some time in 2010. There are restrictions based on the laws of the state that the park is located in, can't carry on shuttles, in federal buildings, no fully automatic, blah blah blah, but semi-auto handguns and revolvers are fine.
Posted on 7/6/19 at 3:05 pm to Globetrotter747
My dad gave me a Charter .44 special bulldog from the early 80s. 3in barrel. I've carried it as a backcountry defense gun for a long time. Underwood 245 grain flat nose round. It's nice to be able to load one snake shot + 4 flat nose as well.
Posted on 7/6/19 at 3:08 pm to Jack Daniel
I dont have that much confidence in my shooting if I'm that rattled. A 12 guage with buckshot, yeah. A pistol, no. I'd feel better with the spray
Posted on 7/6/19 at 3:13 pm to iwantacooler
quote:
Since when? I thought you could carry since some time in 2010. There are restrictions based on the laws of the state that the park is located in, can't carry on shuttles, in federal buildings, no fully automatic, blah blah blah, but semi-auto handguns and revolvers are fine.
I feel like every trail in Glacier and RMNP were marked with some “no firearms” sign. Could have been the outposts/campgrounds, though.
Posted on 7/6/19 at 3:30 pm to Globetrotter747
quote:
do you carry firearms?
No.
Posted on 7/6/19 at 3:37 pm to Jack Daniel
quote:
44 mag and I’m not saying it would most definitely stop a charging grizzly in its tracks either, but I have more confidence in it than spray.
You get one. Maybe two shots to make it count.
Or you have a really pissed off bear. Bear spray has good success. Not 100% but just as good or better than firearms.
Everybody has to educate themselves and make the choice that helps them sleep in the woods.
Posted on 7/6/19 at 4:10 pm to Nodust
quote:
Everybody has to educate themselves and make the choice that helps them sleep in the woods.
A dog is the answer to the best nights sleep you can get in the woods. There is a reason man domesticated them thousands of years ago. I don't like camping in bear country without a dog.
Posted on 7/6/19 at 5:25 pm to Nodust
quote:Bear spray is the same pepper spray that women walk around with, but it just comes in a bigger canister. My dog got sprayed with it, and I didn't know it until 20 minutes later when my roommate petted him and wiped his face. Dog didn't make a noise or run away from the mailman lady who sprayed him through the fence
Bear spray has good success
Posted on 7/6/19 at 5:33 pm to Hammertime
quote:
Bear spray is the same pepper spray that women walk around with, but it just comes in a bigger canister.
Not really
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