Bears are hungry, and they have hard heads. Dont try to stop a bear by shooting in the head. Most rounds will skip off the skull. Grizzles are not the only bear to be nervous about. Talk to a ranger at a ranger station near where you are planning to go, they will be the most knowledgeable about how to be safe. Letting the rangers know how many in your group, where you will be and when you are expected to be back is a good way to
My dad was a guide for many years in the Selway Bitterroot area, and a stomach shot was the preferred area to shoot at any hungry bear. Next was a leg or lung to slow the creature down. Always plan on running downhill if you are being chased, they will catch you right away if you run uphill. Bear spray and bells have also saved lives.
45-70 is the guide gun of choice with a 500 grain bullet. A 44 on the hip as well. Take a med kit or two, or three with clotting agent and a tourniquet. A good knife is a must.
Your food will attract any bear, above all, learn how to store and dispose of food well away from your camp. You are NOT the top of the food chain out there, so.... head on a swivel my friend. Just make sure all persons in your party know what to look for and what to look out for. Also, FIRST AID TRAINING FOR ALL!! A tourniquet doesn't help if your bleeding out and the wife or kids don't know what to do.
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