Side Arm Preference??

[NorthT]

What do you guys take along with you in back country?

[Old Hunter]

I've never felt a need to carry one. I have a rifle in my hand.

[Colorado Cowboy]

Depends. Here in Colorado I usually don't carry one, don't want to pack the extra weight and frankly really don't think I need one. BUT,last year I went on a wilderness hunt in Wyoming at the edge of Yellowstone NP (real Griz country) and i carried my .44 S & W mag. Outfitter said if I had one carry it, I still needed Bear Spray too, to satisify his & FS rules.

[NorthT]

I was refering to bowhunters, Id love to have a rifle, if i can get some to tote it for me ha. Im going to central wyoming in Grand tetons. I had heard they get a few griz in that area on occasion. I have a 454 casull but it weight almost 4 lbs.

[Old Hunter]

I was in grizz country once. I carried a .44 mag and bear spray. I didn't think my bowie knife was going to be enough.

I wasn't hunting though. Gold prospecting.

[Colorado Cowboy]

I guess If I was a bow hunter, I pay the weight penalty and carry one....a real one too, not a pea shooter. If I need to use it, I want to kill it, not just make it mad!

[jenbickel]

I carry a .41 mag and I always carry it!! I had to use it last year while elk hunting solo. I got charged by a long horn.... Or this last spring when I went in to get my bear baits out and there was a bear eating at one and he decided to have a stand off with me, it at least makes me feel a little better especially with all our wolves. And one time we had an America's most wanted fugitive in the mountains living as a sheep herder and so you just never know who or what you may run across! I'd rather be prepared. It's worth carrying the little extra weight with to me!

[HuntWYODon]

I carry a .41 mag and I always carry it!! I had to use it last year while elk hunting solo. I got charged by a long horn.... Or this last spring when I went in to get my bear baits out and there was a bear eating at one and he decided to have a stand off with me, it at least makes me feel a little better especially with all our wolves. And one time we had an America's most wanted fugitive in the mountains living as a sheep herder and so you just never know who or what you may run across! I'd rather be prepared. It's worth carrying the little extra weight with to me!

Dang Jen ! I do appologize ! I didn't read your previous post...Good job. I'm glad you pack a sidearm. And one with some power too.

[Old Hunter]

The best thing to have with you is someone else with a gimpy leg who can't run.

[HuntWYODon]

The best thing to have with you is someone else with a gimpy leg who can't run.

LMAO ! Or an older guy that you can run faster than or climb a tree faster is better yet ! About the spray, I would worry if the wind is blowing towards me but I know you wouldn't have time anyway but it would be screwed if you got it back in your face and couldn't react to the bear too. I had pepper spray blow in my face while sraying a nieghbor's pit bull on my door step once. The reaction is like somebody slapping you in the face and then intence burning eyes and face. I can see how it can incapacitate you quickly.