Bravo's self-defense techniques used in Canada

[James Bond]

http://m.theglobeandmail.com/news/natio ... ice=mobile

If you have any doubts about the effectiveness of Bravos flashlight self-defense techniques I found a story to emphasize it. Turns out if you meet a polar bear you don't even need a super bright light, your cellphone will do in a pinch. Of course a tac light or gun is better, but don't give up hope, creativity and tenacity go a long way when fighting for your life.

[Irish]

I have solo hiked for a week at a time in the Olympic mountains of NW Washington State and while there has never been a confirmed attack on a human by either bear or mountain lion, I am still always on my guard (aka, freaked the fuck out when walking after dark).

I remember reading a parody of some hiking story in the Rockies where they were describing how to identify bear scat..."hikers are warned to carry bear mace and wear bells around their neck to warn bears of their approach. You can identify bear scat...it smells like bear mace and has little bells in it."

None the less, they are usually more afraid of you than you are of them. I would have to say that a super bright flashlight would be a good deterrent.

[James Bond]

Haha. The best ones are the people that think bear spray is like bug spray. But that don't realize bears like spicy food too....

Or my dad. Who thinks the food is safer in the tent. Lol still haven't convinced him otherwise yet. :/

I guess the bells have their place. But I'm in the wilderness to enjoy the peace and quiet. Not listen to a tinking bell.....

[Irish]

I agree...

I personally don't carry either (mace or bells). You can now carry a firearm within US National Parks and that is something I might consider.

food in the tent on the other hand is something I won't do despite knowing a lot of folks who swear by it. It never takes me long to simply rig up a bear wire and even though the thin-ass nylon that separates me from the outdoors and my little nest is no match for a curious predator, I tend to feel safer in there knowing that what they really want (food) is somewhere else.

[James Bond]

Yeah if you could carry a .45 magnum revolver that would be badass.

I'm stuck lugging a 12 gauge or .47/70 for bears. If you trap in remote areas there are provisions to carry a handgun, but that's really far north. Still, not too shaby.

I only have black bears where I live. A few bear bangers and a bright light is fine.

If I was in Churchill I'd carry a light in town and a 12 gauge out of town. Would be alkward having to always carry a gun around if you weren't planning on shooting something.

And food. I don't get why people think that thin nylon makes them and their food safe!?

Stringing it up is bait! When you wake up in the morning you might find a teddy bear posing for you rather than trying to cuddle with you.