[Paddlewise] Subject: Quatsino Sound

Brad said:
>Looks like a trip to Quatsino Sound, northern end of Vancouver Island, is
in the works. Any advice on where to launch, what to see, what to do (or not
do), where to camp would be appreciated.<

In the past folks have often asked about this area in relation to wildlife
issues. I've usually responded that there weren't any real problems; but
lately, more stories are coming back about wildlife encounters. Bears are
getting more persistent in the area, as are cougars. So, just be a little
extra caution with foodstuffs, etc. Also, generally wildlife in the campsite
causing problems are rare while campers are in their tents -- if proper
precautions have been followed. However, if anything tries to get into a
tent, fight back to the death (well, mice aside). Attacks outside the tent/
on the trail/ on the beach are dealt with differently. If a creature wants
in your tent, it wants you!

BTW, Bigfoot has made headlines here on Vancouver Island again, but it is
graduation time too. If Bigfoot is real, and if he/she/it should try to
enter your tent, especially in Spring and you are multi-day trip smelly, and
there is a romantic look in the creatures face, perhaps resistance isn't
futile. :-) Soap helps.

Question to paddlewisers: has anyone ever experimented/built/ found out
about modifying 12-gauge flare guns to shoot "bear bangers?" (noise makers).

Doug Lloyd
Victoria BC

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