Quote:
Originally Posted by ColbyBruce
Prey runs, so don't run. Group together to appear larger than the bear, and make plenty of noise. Bear spray works, according to everything I have ever read and several park rangers in north Georgia, where we have a home and many black bears.
However, I would not pass on the opportunity to purchase a new (or used) handgun while the wife is scared, so I suggest you go shopping. When we are picking blackberries in the mountains I usually carry a 4" S&W #629 .44 mag, #657 MG .41 mag, #58 .41 mag, or a recently acquired #1076 10mm.
Dana Safety Supply in Columbia, S.C. has a used S&W #325 .45 a.c.p. revolver for around $700.00 if you want a lighter gun that shoots big bullets.
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True words,
Never pass an opportunity to purchase a new gun, and lots of ammo for it.
We also live where black bears frequent the back yard.
I have manufactured a 'bear grenade', made of 2inch firecrackers wrapped up in a ball (about softball size), using duct tape to keep everything together. The effect is about four seconds of fireworks going off at your 'too close' visitor.
However, with a young child in your home a pump action 12 gauge is the best thing, always keeping it handy.
SW's 629 is my favorite. Don't be concern with concealment. It's your property, and you are only defending your family.
Bear spray does work. I have friends who have turned a charging Grizz with pepper spray.
Black bears do have a route they travel, usually in the same direction, and about 3 days in length. Perhaps you can watch and possibly predict when this bear is due to return.
Remember to take photo's of the bear on your property. Might come in handy if you have to put him down.
I had to put one down a few years back. The FWP was looking at me pretty hard, it was a big good looking male, and it was a month before the season open. I shot it at the back door, it staggered back and died in the yard. Long story short, a neighbor 1/2mile away had been feeding him table scraps off his back porch.
FWP was pissed! And they kept the bear.