[SJackson]

If you’d like to be on or off this Outdoors/Rural/wildlife/hunting/hiking/backpacking/National Parks/animals list please FR mail me. And ping me is you see articles of interest.

I know there will be disagreement, but the author's underlying conclusion is correct. If you're not going to use a weapon, don't carry it. At least a bear won't take it away from you, though that's not much consolation.

[DemforBush]

I tend to agree. A firearm (or any other defensive tool) is useless if you’re not willing to use it when the moment arrives to do so. I don’t know how effective Bear pepper spray is, but it’s got to be better than a holstered pistol.

[MamaDearest]

When you're in the woods and you hear the leaves rustle and nearby branches cracking, you best be ready with whatever you have. It could be deer, elk, moose, bear, mountain lion, coyotes or wolves; ANY of which can cause you serious harm.

A local person wrote recently of his and his wife's experience falling when about five miles down the trail and breaking bones and ribs in the process. It's not an easy trek back to the vehicle in that event (they had bicycles they could not ride because of their injuries) and iffy if any cellphone coverage. Two-way radios are a good back-up plan for such woodsy excursions.

Those who have bear spray should note the cannisters have expiration dates. I wouldn't want to "test" the efficiency of this product when it is most needed.

[Ghost of Philip Marlowe]

I’ll tell you what.

Let me carry both.

I think a .44 Mag strapped to my side would make me feel just a bit more comfortable than just the spray.