RE: [Paddlewise] Guns and Polar Bears

From: Matt Broze <mkayaks_at_oz.net>
Date: Thu, 20 Nov 2003 02:33:50 -0800
I wrote:
>>>>>>...but if
I was going to be solo in Polar Bear country I'd take a 12 Gauge (6 to 8
shot) short barreled pump shotgun and back that up with a can or two of bear
spray. I'd carry the bear spray at all times and keep the gun ready and
nearby.<<<<<<<

Steve Brown responded:
>>>>>>One thing I do know about first hand is shotgun shot sizes. I use
#6-to-#8
shot on ducks and doves. It usually stops them on the first shot. For any
bear I would start with 00 Buck shot. I have heard of using #8 as the last
round in the magazine to blind the bear from close range if all else fails.
I don't know if there are any living persons who have actually tried that
though.<<<<<<<<

I'm back from vacation. I'm sorry, I was unclear in what I said before I
left. I meant a shotgun with a 6 to 8 shot magazine (not the pellet size).
BTW, I'd use #8 for skeet or doves, #6 for pheasant, #4 for ducks, #2 for
geese and 00 Buck shot and/or rifled slugs in big bear country.

Matt Broze
www.marinerkayaks.com
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Received on Thu Nov 20 2003 - 06:23:11 PST

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