Re: [Paddlewise] Guns and Polar Bears

On Tuesday, November 04, 2003, at 9:54:21 AM PST, Shawn Baker wrote:

> That said, this really isn't a gun group, but I'd hate to see
> someone use the wrong size shot.

I certainly agree that this is not a gun group, but I find the
current discussion interesting nonetheless (and I don't own any
guns either...never even held one).

In general, I don't like even the idea of me owning/carrying a gun
(and I certainly don't like the idea of having to shoot such cute and
cuddly looking bears!), but with my dream to someday live in Alaska,
with lots of wilderness paddling and hiking in mind, I'm wondering
what advice the more experienced "bear country people" here would have
for a person like myself. I've encountered Black bears here (even in
my "backyard"...the dunes along the beach...and also in the hills),
but whenever they see/smell me, they don't stick around very long (am
I really that smelly or unpleasant to look at?! ;-)).

Anyway...I'm sure that when I do finally get myself to Alaska, I'll
learn as much as I can from the experienced locals, and try to do the
smart thing...even if it means having to learn how to use a gun (and
hopefully, never ever have to use it!).

-- 
Melissa
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