03-01-2020, 04:24 AM
Growler Wrote:^ This sounds smart
In my limited opinion (everybody has one), you might be better served by bringing a 3 gun competitor buddy with you than trying to have the perfect bullet. Perhaps the next best thing would be optimizing your carry system for rapid use. If you are alone, surprised, charged, and arent carrying ready to fire immediately, getting even one shot off may be next to impossible.
Last time I was surprised by a bear (black bear cub in CO mountains), it was less than 10 yards. I should have heard it, but was moving too fast and making too much noise of my own. I screamed like a little girl and ran like hell, apparently in the right direction. Never saw the momma, and thats probably why Im here today. The adrenaline was ridiculous, what little coordination I have vanished, and aiming would have been a real trick (assuming momma bear decided to appear and charge). Manipulating a safety would have been extremely difficult. All I had on me was a day pack. I listen a lot more now, move slower, and pay more attention to my surroundings.
A single point slung grendel pistol or (considering adrenaline) a simple lever carbine would be better than nothing, but without a buddy similarly equipped, I would most likely have been bear food if momma bear saw me as a threat.
The easiest way to get distracted is hiking with a group of people. In a group, people tend to focus on each other rather than what is going on around them. Every step in the woods exposes a new picture and a possible hidden animal. If walking in a tight vegetated "forested" area, move slower. Keeping your head on a swivel and look for possible blind spots. Keep a look out for tracks, scat and other signs of animals. I have never been surprised by any predator while walking in the woods, "but if it does happen" it will have been my mistake and I will probably scream like a girl too
