[pct-l] Bear Cannisters Q

[Bob Bankhead]

When I was ranching in Grizzly country by Yewllowstone Park (in the days before bear sprays), I carried a .300 Savage in my saddle boot. MUCH more effective, but much more weight.

Personally, as a hiker on the PCT, I feel it's dead weight I don't need, even in northern WA state. The bears aren't after me, just the food, so I carry a bear canister where required. 

That said, I feel it's more psychological than practical. If you feel safer with it than without it, then by all means, carry it (and carry it ON your body, not attached to or worse yet, in your pack). 


Wandering Bob
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: C. Hansen 
  To: mardav at charter.net ; georwy at charter.net 
  Cc: pct-l at backcountry.net 
  Sent: Tuesday, January 20, 2009 4:37 PM
  Subject: [pct-l] Bear Cannisters Q


  Marion, George, All -

  I've been watching the bear cannister thread with some interest simply because I'm interested in the likelihood of a bear encounter on trail. I have no problem carrying a cannister where it is required, or even recommended. However, it will be a new experience for me.. Typically, since I hike in Grizzly Habitat, I carry Counter Assault Bear Spray as my bear deterrent. The thought is, if a bear approaches for any reason, food or otherwise, he gets sprayed. Thankfully, I've never needed to use it.

  Being relatively new to the list (lurker for a month or so), I have not seen this topic broached. I wasn't able to find it in the archive or FAQ's either, unless it gets included in the "Firearms" section of the FAQ's. Regardless, forgive me if I've overlooked it.

  I'm curious as to people's thoughts about whether to carrying this on trail or not... Is it eight ounces of insurance I'd be better off leaving at home?

  C. Hansen

  ------------------------------

  Message: 9
  Date: Tue, 20 Jan 2009 15:52:18 -0800
  From: Marion <mardav at charter.net>
  Subject: [pct-l] bear cannisters Q
  To: pct-l at backcountry.net
  Message-ID: <497663B2.3040805 at charter.net>
  Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

  I've hiked with George Wysup. It's pronounced wise-up for good reason; 
  he really does have a lot of wisdom to share. He's out there all the 
  time bagging peaks on killer day hikes and overnights with the Sierra 
  Club.
  Listen to him. The bears of the JMT may be the worst gangstas anywhere 
  on any trail in the USA. They are not to be trifled with. They 
  (probably) won't hurt you, but they undoubtedly will get your food 
  eventually if you hang it. Get a bear can.
  Marion


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  End of Pct-l Digest, Vol 13, Issue 75
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