Re: [Paddlewise] Guns and Polar Bears

While I recognize that there are some places that we all might like 
to travel that some bear risk exists I would also suggest that going 
places where the risk is actually high is maybe not a great idea.  
First, let me disclaim I am not anti-gun, this topic is not related to 
that obviously volatile issue.  Now let me say I am "anti-gun as self 
defense against wildlife on recreational wilderness trips".  That of 
course is my opinion and I recognize some will certainly disagree.  

Let me suggest an approach to consider.  Research chemical 
irritants and other non-lethal techniques as defense against bears.  
Research your destination and the level of bear risk.  If the non-
lethal options do not balance your concerns about the risk maybe 
you would consider an alternate destination?  Shooting a Polar 
Bear living in it's own territory because it's natural instinct as a 
large predator is not convenient for you seems very wrong to me.  
Not to mention the whole issue of being able to actually use a gun 
in your defense.  Trust me that having a chemical irritant handy 
and using it in a manner that is helpful to your situation is much 
more likely.  I did some fairly extensive research on this topic for 
some work I do with a wilderness camp for teenagers.  

If you would prefer to do it differently be my guest, but please do 
what you can to avoid killing bears.

Aaron
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