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dsburke1 
Group: Members
Posts: 5
Joined: Nov. 2012
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Posted on: Dec. 02 2012, 11:41 pm |
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Hey people,
I recently moved to Wyoming this fall and while hiking and reading hiker safety it seems like so many people make sure to have bear mace. I grew up in the White Mountains of New Hampshire and while bears are present, in seems like a crazy idea to carry around bear mace. Just simply not a natural weapon of protection to carry into the woods.
What im wondering is do the real hikers carry bear mace? or is it just because the amount of what i would say "fake" hikers that come to the region. And when i say "fake" im talking about the people that we all see on the trails that make a hike into a much bigger ordeal then it really is.
And im not trying to sound like a dick to the many people that i have seen carrying mace, im just looking for some answers
Thanks
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| Post Number: 2
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big_load
Group: Members
Posts: 21825
Joined: Jun. 2004
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Posted on: Dec. 02 2012, 11:51 pm |
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Bear spray is quite advisable in grizzly country. It is a very effective defense when used properly. Several forum members have put it to successful use, and quite a few more carry it where appropriate.
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| Post Number: 3
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bbobb169
Group: Members
Posts: 669
Joined: May 2009
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Posted on: Dec. 02 2012, 11:58 pm |
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I carry it anytime out hiking where the possiblity of Black or Grizzley bears are...and thats a lot of places in Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada. I've lived and backpacked out here for 30years. I even have it nearby in when car camping at campgrounds.
Oh, its Bear Deterent or repellent......
I use Guard Alaska or UDAP, carry 9oz can minimun, everyone in your hiking group. If you don't have it, you will wish you did.......out here carrying it is not 'sissy'
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| Post Number: 4
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High_Sierra_Fan
Group: Members
Posts: 39533
Joined: Aug. 2005
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Posted on: Dec. 03 2012, 12:24 am |
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New Hampshire black bears or Sierra black bears for that matter are nothing remotely like Rocky Mountain Grizzly in terms of threat. Bear spray is a proven, effective deterrent.
Grizzly country rangers routinely carry bear spray. Ask one of them if they're "real".
For a more data driven approach try
Bear Attacks: Their Causes and Avoidance (1985) by Stephen Herrero.
And:
http://www.bear.org/website/bear-pages/pepper-spray.html
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| Post Number: 5
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| Post Number: 6
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TrailTromper
Group: Members
Posts: 132
Joined: Mar. 2011
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Posted on: Dec. 03 2012, 8:07 am |
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I don't bother, just never felt the need.
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| Post Number: 7
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rayestrella
Group: Members
Posts: 6411
Joined: Nov. 2004
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Posted on: Dec. 03 2012, 9:29 am |
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Do maces work on Grizzlies?
I carry bear spray when I'm up there.
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I measure happiness with an altimeter
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| Post Number: 10
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JimInMD
Group: Members
Posts: 3112
Joined: Feb. 2011
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Posted on: Dec. 03 2012, 9:34 am |
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I thought mace was usually used in baking or other sweet dishes, not roasting savory meats like bear. 
In all seriouseness, I see no reason not to carry it if you're going to be in bear country.
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Checking out for a while, find me on FB.
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| Post Number: 11
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treelinebackpacker
Group: Members
Posts: 409
Joined: Aug. 2011
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Posted on: Dec. 03 2012, 9:52 am |
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I always carry mine.
We have a LOT of bear in my area, so it's a no brainer.
In my experiences, I sleep better knowing that if a bear (when?) shows up at my tent I can fend him off without harming the critter, except for an uncomfortable night.
It's humane, and generally advised. It adds some weight, but that's just more reason to go buy some more lighter gear right ;)
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| Post Number: 12
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Tigger
Woods Pouncer
Group: Members
Posts: 10496
Joined: Apr. 2005
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Posted on: Dec. 03 2012, 10:24 am |
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I don't live in a heavily populated bear territory but I do bring it when I hike in areas with cougar, elk, and the like.
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If I'm going to be lost, in the woods is where I want to be...
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| Post Number: 13
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toesnorth
Group: Members
Posts: 2500
Joined: Jan. 2007
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Posted on: Dec. 03 2012, 10:34 am |
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I live and hike in an area populated with all manner of critters, grizzly bears included. I carry Counter Assault bear spray.
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"Failure is never as frightening as regret."
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| Post Number: 14
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hikerjer
Group: Members
Posts: 9132
Joined: Apr. 2002
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Posted on: Dec. 03 2012, 12:00 pm |
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Never had to use it but I always carry it in bear country.
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"Too often I have met men who speak only of how many miles they've traveled and not of what they've seen." - Louis L'Amour
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| Post Number: 15
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Dabrador
Group: Members
Posts: 143
Joined: Jul. 2009
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Posted on: Dec. 03 2012, 1:49 pm |
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What's a "fake hiker"? I know when I hit the backcountry, I make it a big deal because I don't get to do it as much as I want. And yes, I carry bear spray.
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| Post Number: 16
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rayestrella
Group: Members
Posts: 6411
Joined: Nov. 2004
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Posted on: Dec. 03 2012, 4:35 pm |
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Why griz don't carry bear spray.
Ah, my eyes, damn not having opposable thumbs...
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I measure happiness with an altimeter
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| Post Number: 18
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TDale
Group: Members
Posts: 13138
Joined: Jun. 2005
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Posted on: Dec. 03 2012, 6:07 pm |
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Living in the Deep South, I don't see many bears. I've been considering getting some anyway for other varmints. I'd guess it would be equally effective on rabid racoons, mad dogs, and drunk rednecks. Easier to possess in state parks and campgrounds, too.
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"Sure as I know anything, I know this - they will try again...They'll swing back to the belief that they can make people... better. And I do not hold to that. So no more runnin'. I aim to misbehave."
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| Post Number: 19
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Godxillax
Group: Members
Posts: 232
Joined: Feb. 2007
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Posted on: Dec. 04 2012, 12:27 pm |
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It's also good on chicken or eggs (scrambled)
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39° 32.690 N
76° 08.415 W
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| Post Number: 20
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gunslinger
Group: Members
Posts: 6024
Joined: Mar. 2007
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Posted on: Dec. 04 2012, 5:12 pm |
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(TDale @ Dec. 03 2012, 6:07 pm)
QUOTE Living in the Deep South, I don't see many bears. I've been considering getting some anyway for other varmints. I'd guess it would be equally effective on rabid racoons, mad dogs, and drunk rednecks. Easier to possess in state parks and campgrounds, too.
I see bears from time to time, but I'm in the back country most every weekend....never seen an aggressive bear myself as they don't stick around very long and run off pretty quick. That happens because Bubba and the boys hunt them.
Still, black bears have been known to attack on rare occasions.
It's the 2 legged predators that concerns me.
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For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
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| Post Number: 21
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Godxillax
Group: Members
Posts: 232
Joined: Feb. 2007
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Posted on: Dec. 04 2012, 6:00 pm |
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I recently moved to MD from NJ. Northern NJ is LOADED with bears. There are many trails in NJ including a really nice stretch of the AT. Many loops that go through NY and PA. You could hike for weeks in the area. I have always seen bears, walked with them, talked to them and just enjoyed them from a safe distance, but I always carried a can of bear spray. There have been several instances of bears raiding shelters on the AT or harassing day hikers by the Water Gap. There are too many irresponsible hikers and strollers out there who don't have any respect for the wild. 35 years ago, when I would camp, fish and hunt in the area, I never saw a bear nor any sign. I would camp during trout season for several days at a time. The most I've seen in one day, 2006, was seven. That's a lot of bear.
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39° 32.690 N
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| Post Number: 22
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justwalkin
Group: Members
Posts: 394
Joined: Nov. 2008
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Posted on: Dec. 05 2012, 10:58 pm |
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Bear spray doesn't always work; sometimes it's nice to have some firepower. Just ask the three hunters who had to shoot a Grizzly in Teton national Park less than two weeks ago. The bear was sprayed and kept on coming.
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If a day in the mountains is better than a week at work, why aren't I working in the mountains?
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| Post Number: 24
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| Post Number: 26
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High_Sierra_Fan
Group: Members
Posts: 39533
Joined: Aug. 2005
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Posted on: Dec. 05 2012, 11:59 pm |
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There's mention they are required to carry bear spray in the park news release, no mention of it being used before the hunters opened fire.
http://www.nps.gov/grte/parknews/news-release-12-88.htm
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| Post Number: 27
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| Post Number: 30
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hbfa
Group: Members
Posts: 7073
Joined: Feb. 2002
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Posted on: Dec. 06 2012, 11:26 pm |
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Black bear country - I don't carry bear spray
Grizzly bear Country - I do carry bear spray
(I carry pepper spray, I haven't heard of mace being used on bears)
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