Posted on 03/08/2012 10:58:38 PM PST by Zakeet
Conventional wisdom isn't always based on common sense, and sometimes isn't even based on real data, especially when it comes to animals of mythological proportions like bears.
BYU wildlife biologist Tom Smith wants to change that.
A new study suggests that one of the most commonly suggested deterrents against bears in the wild — guns — actually won't protect people any better than not using a gun.
"It really isn't about the kind of gun you carry,” he said. “It's about how you carry yourself. We need to respect an animal that could potentially take our lives."
[Snip]
This isn't the first time Smith has had a study showing that guns aren't as effective against bears as generally believed. In 2008, Smith released a study saying that bear spray is more effective than guns.
Part of the problem is that shooting accurately is very difficult in a terrifying situation like having a giant animal charging at you. Even if you do kill the bear, that's still a problem, given declining populations and the the loss of what a bear can contribute both economically and ecologically.
"It's a conservation issue in that we'll see needless bear mortalities," Smith said.
(Excerpt) Read more at deseretnews.com ...
That's true. I would never kill an elephant for its ivory let alone thousands of them. happy hunting partner.
Good heavens man! Where are cue balls and piano keys going to come from? Not to mention the rampant unemployment amongst native gun bearers your policy could cause.
This idiot needs to present his theory to Cynthia Dusel-Bacon.
An old time Alaskan friend of mine who happens to be over 70 and is taking me out bear hunting this year told me the problem with bear spray is after a time or two they learn to like it. They will actually come up to you and give you threat displays to get you to spray them.
All I know is that I sprayed a small nosy black bear this year and it took off like a scalded dog, and was back within 20 minutes rooting around behind the camp kitchen again. Kinda suspect double ought buck might have a more lasting effect.
I guess according to them, the only deterrent to a bear is wearing magic underwear.
That...is awesome.
That...is awesome.
The bear started climbing after him and he shot it numerous time in the head. He said all the rounds bounced off and just pissed off the bear.
It finally gave up and climbed down but he was treed for two days with the bear prowling around roaring the whole time.
After that he took his .44 mag with him on his trips.
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