Reading the articles in question, it seems apparent that the discussion is a skirmish in the larger conflict over the 2nd Amendment and the right to carry which obscures what should be an objective, relatively unemotional inquiry about the relative merits of bear spray and firearms. This is actually a relatively knotty problem, since not all "incidents" are equivalent.
I think you hit the bullseye, hikermor! Having lived in Alaska since 1984, I've followed this debate closely for years. What I find fascinating is how the terms of the debate have shifted over time.
It wasn't that long ago that people were ridiculed for carrying spray. Firearms proponents were convinced that spray couldn't possibly work. And certain gun proponents implied that spray certainly wasn't very 'manly'. But slowly, year after year, more and more evidence accumulated that spray works, and works rather well. Then the argument was that while maybe spray would discourage an agressive bear, but it couldn't possibley stop a full-on charge. But, again, plenty of incidents demonstrated that spray would indeed stop a charge. Spray has even been successful when the bear had someone down and was chewing on them.
What is fascinating about the links in the OP is that these folks now seem almost defensive about the effectiveness of firearms. Like they are worried that people might think that pepper spray might even prove better than firearms! I found it hilarious when they claimed that bear spray users are a cult!
I am caught in the middle on this. Basically, I am a life long owner and user of firearms, but with increasing knowledge and experience, I carry less and less when outdoors. If bear spray is going to be as effective as bullets in an encounter, what is there not to like in a gadget that is lighter and cheaper?
I'm with you on this also. I own guns, both long and short. I've killed bears (on hunts, not in defense) and have a bear rug on my wall. I am by no stretch anti-gun. But these days I opt to carry spray rather than a firearm. Spray has been proven to work, it is lighter to carry, cheaper, and generally less of a hassle than firearms.
Also missing from the discussion is the need to develop good habits when in bear country - situational awareness, clean camps, proper food storage. Doing right in those areas and you may never have to deploy either gun or spray.
Dang....we agree again! Great minds think alike.
Previous Topic
Index
