Bear attack during Turkey Hunting

Hi guys,

Sorry if this has been asked before already. I wasn't able to find much by doing my search on the forum.

I should have all of my paperwork ready to go in time for the Turkey season. It will be me first hunting experience ever. The gun I'm purchasing once my PAL comes through will be Mossberg 535 with the Turkey barrel. I will be going with my dad as a company but he doesn't have gun license or the outdoors card. He will just be there for the company. Not going to be touching the harvest or shooting any guns.

My question now is, how do you make sure you dont have a run in with a bear? How do you prepare for a possibility of it happening? Can I have my dad carrying a side by side with smooth bore and slug shells ready? From what I understand he can carry it if unloaded. Should I have a bear spray with me? Are there areas where I can hunt Turkey but will never come across a bear?

What do you guys think? Thank you guys in advance.

Happy hunting

Where are you turkey hunting?

dont think I would be too worried about bears in the Burlington area.

and no your dad can't have a gun loaded for big game, especially since he doesn't have a PAL or a hunting license.

Chances of encountering a beer are slim....chances of being attacked by an aggressive Black bear are even slimmer. They tend to avoid humans.

I have encountered a few beasts while I was enjoying a sunrise while Turkey hunting, a Wolf once, but again, as soon he saw me he took off.

I used to carry a 12 ga slug shell in my breast pocket just in case I might 'need' it. I figured if the ratchet sound of the slide didn't scare off the attacker, then the slug shell would be loaded. Never used it.

If your worried about a bear attack while hunting turkey stay out of the bush. Such an irrational fear may be more dangerous for someone else walking in the bush than a bear actually attacking you. Besides you would have a better chance at being attacked by a pack of coyotes.

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Originally Posted by Mateo

Hi guys,

Sorry if this has been asked before already. I wasn't able to find much by doing my search on the forum.

I should have all of my paperwork ready to go in time for the Turkey season. It will be me first hunting experience ever. The gun I'm purchasing once my PAL comes through will be Mossberg 535 with the Turkey barrel. I will be going with my dad as a company but he doesn't have gun license or the outdoors card. He will just be there for the company. Not going to be touching the harvest or shooting any guns.

My question now is, how do you make sure you dont have a run in with a bear? How do you prepare for a possibility of it happening? Can I have my dad carrying a side by side with smooth bore and slug shells ready? From what I understand he can carry it if unloaded. Should I have a bear spray with me? Are there areas where I can hunt Turkey but will never come across a bear?

What do you guys think? Thank you guys in advance.

Happy hunting

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Your Dad can't carry any firearm without a PAL. To do so is a criminal offense. Maybe,he should take the OHEP and PAL courses,too. Then,you can be a family tag team which would be pretty frickin' awesome. :thumbup::moose:

Not sure why you are worried about a bear attack. Have you taken your turkey course yet? Do that and listen to what the instructors have to say. You Dad cannot carry any firearm and if you recently took your firearms & hunting courses ( and paid attention) , you should know this.
As Trimmer suggested, have you Dad take all of the required courses and then you can hunt together.

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Originally Posted by B Wilson

Where are you turkey hunting?

dont think I would be too worried about bears in the Burlington area.

and no your dad can't have a gun loaded for big game, especially since he doesn't have a PAL or a hunting license.

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Thank you B Wilson,

I realize that my dad can't carry the gun now. Am I allowed to carry two guns though? It seems like something I will need to do.

I haven't picked a spot for Turkey Hunting yet. I'm thinking of going up north rather than staying here in Burlington to be honest? Could you recommend an area that I could take a look at?

Thank you

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Originally Posted by MikePal

Chances of encountering a beer are slim....chances of being attacked by an aggressive Black bear are even slimmer. They tend to avoid humans.

I have encountered a few beasts while I was enjoying a sunrise while Turkey hunting, a Wolf once, but again, as soon he saw me he took off.

I used to carry a 12 ga slug shell in my breast pocket just in case I might 'need' it. I figured if the ratchet sound of the slide didn't scare off the attacker, then the slug shell would be loaded. Never used it.

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Thank you Mike,

I will do something similar. I will probably take a smooth bore shot gun with me with slugs as well as a last resort. I will give it every chance to just run away of course.

Thanks for the input

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Originally Posted by finsfurfeathers

If your worried about a bear attack while hunting turkey stay out of the bush. Such an irrational fear may be more dangerous for someone else walking in the bush than a bear actually attacking you. Besides you would have a better chance at being attacked by a pack of coyotes.

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Hi Fins Fur Feathers,

Could you please elaborate? I normally see people hunting Turkey setting up their blind on the edge of the bush and set up decoys 40 yards away in the field. How do you personally approach it? I would of course never try to shoot at anything without knowing exactly what is in the bush to make sure I never shoot at other hunters accidentally

Thank you

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Originally Posted by trimmer21

Your Dad can't carry any firearm without a PAL. To do so is a criminal offense. Maybe,he should take the OHEP and PAL courses,too. Then,you can be a family tag team which would be pretty frickin' awesome. :thumbup::moose:

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Thanks Trimmer,

My dad will be taking these courses as soon as he learns to speak the language in the nearest future. I can't wait for that time to happen. It looks like for now I might need to join other hunters who would be willing to take a new hunter out to learn the ropes.

Thank you

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Originally Posted by JMatthews

Not sure why you are worried about a bear attack. Have you taken your turkey course yet? Do that and listen to what the instructors have to say. You Dad cannot carry any firearm and if you recently took your firearms & hunting courses ( and paid attention) , you should know this.
As Trimmer suggested, have you Dad take all of the required courses and then you can hunt together.

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Thank you J Matthews,

I just ordered the DVD and should receive it some time this upcoming week. I will definitely study it extensively. I will get my dad to take the same courses too as soon as he's learnt the language even a little bit.

Thank you J

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Originally Posted by Mateo

Thank you B Wilson,

I realize that my dad can't carry the gun now. Am I allowed to carry two guns though? It seems like something I will need to do.

I haven't picked a spot for Turkey Hunting yet. I'm thinking of going up north rather than staying here in Burlington to be honest? Could you recommend an area that I could take a look at?

Thank you

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Tecnically you could carry several shot guns and be legal, but I would stick to one gun. I can't recommend a good turkey area as I don't turkey hunt. But if I was going to get into it, I would do my best to find someone with experience that would be willing to teach me or hire a guide / outfitter to help flatten the learning curve.

Good luck with your first turkey hunt

Unless you were in an area that has a bear population to speak of, I wouldn't worry too much. If you're concerned, carry spray but I've never heard of it in southern Ontario. I'd be more worried about a coyote sneaking in and I'm not too concerned with that. I'm sure a load of #4 in his face would deter one in a hurry.

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Originally Posted by B Wilson

Tecnically you could carry several shot guns and be legal, but I would stick to one gun. I can't recommend a good turkey area as I don't turkey hunt. But if I was going to get into it, I would do my best to find someone with experience that would be willing to teach me or hire a guide / outfitter to help flatten the learning curve.

Good luck with your first turkey hunt

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^^^^^^This,Mateo and read it TWICE.^^^^^^ Something else you'll need to know about is that if there's an open spring season for Black Bear (nothing difinitive,yet) in the WMU that you're Turkey hunting in,you won't be able to carry any shot size greater than #2 without also having a Black Bear license and tag. When you take your Wild Turkey course,I'm sure this will be addressed,but,it's something all hunters need to be aware of and need to ask at the course.

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Originally Posted by B Wilson

Tecnically you could carry several shot guns and be legal, but I would stick to one gun. I can't recommend a good turkey area as I don't turkey hunt. But if I was going to get into it, I would do my best to find someone with experience that would be willing to teach me or hire a guide / outfitter to help flatten the learning curve.

Good luck with your first turkey hunt

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Thank you B,

I will definitely try and find someone to teach me for this hunt. The reason why I'd want two guns is to have one that could shoot slugs in a matter of seconds. I don't think a Turkey load would really do anything to a charging bear. I might be mistakes though.

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Originally Posted by boozyleroux

Unless you were in an area that has a bear population to speak of, I wouldn't worry too much. If you're concerned, carry spray but I've never heard of it in southern Ontario. I'd be more worried about a coyote sneaking in and I'm not too concerned with that. I'm sure a load of #4 in his face would deter one in a hurry.

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Hi Boozy Leroux,

I was thinking of going to the central part of Ontario to hunt but I'm pretty sure I might find some Turkey areas in Southern Ontario too. Wherever I chose to hunt I will make sure to study the bear population there and see if there is anything to be concerned about. Thanks for letting me know about having to watch out for coyotes. I will definitely pay attention to them.

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Originally Posted by trimmer21

^^^^^^This,Mateo and read it TWICE.^^^^^^ Something else you'll need to know about is that if there's an open spring season for Black Bear (nothing difinitive,yet) in the WMU that you're Turkey hunting in,you won't be able to carry any shot size greater than #2 without also having a Black Bear license and tag. When you take your Wild Turkey course,I'm sure this will be addressed,but,it's something all hunters need to be aware of and need to ask at the course.

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Thank you Trimmer,

I will definitely pick up a bear tag if when I hunt Turkey there will be an open season for black bears. This is a great tip. I really appreciate it.

I'm very much looking to studying the hell out of the course when I receive the DVD.

Thank you

Thank you guys.

I really appreciate the input. I've learned a lot based on the responses you guys gave.

Mateo put the fear of a bear attack out of your mind. Stop preparing for that bear attack that won't happen better spending your time learning to hunt turkeys. The reality is bears do not see humans as food so they won't be hunting you down. Therefore any chance occurrence the bear will rather run than fight. All you have to do is alert the bear to your presents before they have no choice but to fight. If you must protect yourself carry a rape whistle or simply fire a shot in the air if you believe a bear is near that way it won't be surprised.
All the years turkey hunting never hear of an incidence with a bear. That includes personal experience from last year where the farmer warned me the previous day a bear was grazing in the field I intended to hunt. Never saw it got a nice turkey though.

I was walking out of the field edge I was turkey hunting and had a bear snooping around the drainage ditch near the truck. I was only about 70yrds from the truck and had already unloaded. After making sure it was a bear I was looking at I reloaded quickly and walked into the field and waited for 20 mins. After I gained the nerve to finish my walk out I got into the truck as quickly as I could and glad I didn't see that bear again. This was just north of the Shelburne area.

It's a little unnerving walking in for a turkey hunt when it's still quite dark. I've heard my share of strange noises and things scurrying away in the dark but realistically you have a better chance of getting hurt from a fall than a wild animal.

A bear or coyote or rabid animal that gets too close is not common. But it does happen.
Test your turkey load at 15-20 yards. And you won't be worried any more.

Grab a pair of binos and go start scouting/birdwatching/enjoying the woods before turkey season. Once you spend some time in the bush you will become more comfortable and your bear fears will go away.

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Originally Posted by finsfurfeathers

Mateo put the fear of a bear attack out of your mind. Stop preparing for that bear attack that won't happen better spending your time learning to hunt turkeys. The reality is bears do not see humans as food so they won't be hunting you down. Therefore any chance occurrence the bear will rather run than fight. All you have to do is alert the bear to your presents before they have no choice but to fight. If you must protect yourself carry a rape whistle or simply fire a shot in the air if you believe a bear is near that way it won't be surprised.
All the years turkey hunting never hear of an incidence with a bear. That includes personal experience from last year where the farmer warned me the previous day a bear was grazing in the field I intended to hunt. Never saw it got a nice turkey though.

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Thank you sir. It is a great advice. I will concentrate on learning the skill to hunt Turkeys rather than worry about an improbable attack by a bear.

I will have the bear spray just in case I guess but otherwise not really worry about it.

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Originally Posted by RobB

I was walking out of the field edge I was turkey hunting and had a bear snooping around the drainage ditch near the truck. I was only about 70yrds from the truck and had already unloaded. After making sure it was a bear I was looking at I reloaded quickly and walked into the field and waited for 20 mins. After I gained the nerve to finish my walk out I got into the truck as quickly as I could and glad I didn't see that bear again. This was just north of the Shelburne area.

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Glad you made it back in one piece. Walking back into the field to wait until the bear goes away seems to be a good idea. I wonder if anyone would do anything differently in such situation?

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Originally Posted by warpipe

It's a little unnerving walking in for a turkey hunt when it's still quite dark. I've heard my share of strange noises and things scurrying away in the dark but realistically you have a better chance of getting hurt from a fall than a wild animal.

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Thank you for the reassurance

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Originally Posted by glen

A bear or coyote or rabid animal that gets too close is not common. But it does happen.
Test your turkey load at 15-20 yards. And you won't be worried any more.

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Thank you sir. I hear today at Silverdale gun club that even a regular bird shot at 20 yards hits almost as hard as a slug. So I will definitely try it out especially with the Turkey ammo I will be using. Thank you for the reassurance as well

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Originally Posted by Downwind

Grab a pair of binos and go start scouting/birdwatching/enjoying the woods before turkey season. Once you spend some time in the bush you will become more comfortable and your bear fears will go away.

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Thank you sir. This is a great piece of advise. I really need to get out there and get my feet wet so to speak. Just like you said, I'm sure a lot of my worries will go away once I actually spend some time in the bush.

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Originally Posted by warpipe

It's a little unnerving walking in for a turkey hunt when it's still quite dark. I've heard my share of strange noises and things scurrying away in the dark but realistically you have a better chance of getting hurt from a fall than a wild animal.

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Mateo.
Like thousands and thousands and thousands of other guys who walk into stands before sunrise, or out of stands after sunset. Ive done that for year in S Ontario with nothing but a camera............I'm still here.

I do recall one incident one morning, sitting in the bush waiting for sunrise and WTs, when a coyote pretty much walked into my lap. Honestly it was close enough to touch. I'm not sure who was more surprised, and startled. It or me. It had a funny look on its face and Im pretty sure I did to..........I'm still here.

There are thousands of guys who hunt bears, with bows...not guns..bows. Still recall the first time I did that and my first evening in the stand. There was about 10 minutes of light left, when it hit me...Now I need to get down and walk out of the bush in the dark, with nothing but a toothpick in my hands. Not so bright that I was thinking, given the whole idea of a bait barrel is to draw a hungry bear in, just before last night...just before I need to get down...Still here, as are the thousands and thousands of other guys who hunt bears with just bows.....So are the thousands of outfitters and guides who bait those barrels, every other day.....

As a friend said to me about Bears. Really, they are little more than overgrown racoons. Do bad things happen occasionally? yes they do.
There are likely statistically more self inflicted accidental shootings, and grievous injury each years, than bear maulings.

Once you start hunting and start spending time in the bush, those feeling of uneasiness will pass. Not unlike the first time a person gets behind the wheel of a car and gets on the 401. In time...............

I hunt Bear with my cross-bow only & we only hunt the afternoon hunt. It's a bit unnerving like others have said when you have to climb down & walk out @ dusk with my bow in it's case & only a knife to defend myself. I figure most Bears are scared of humans and want nothing to do with us while we are walking out in the dark. That's what I tell myself & it seems to be working... LOL

The fact of the matter is, if you are hunting turkeys in an area where there are bears, there is a chance that you could have a run-in with a bear. Apparently, usually they will run off when they see you, but I had an experience one fall when I was preparing for the deer season where I was unarmed and I had a run-in with a bear. It was not afraid of me at all even though I did all the things that are recommended for bear encounters. I got out of the situation, but it is not something I want to repeat.
If you have a run-in with a sow and cubs, you need to be prepared to defend yourself. Since you will have a shotgun with you, you will be in good shape. Try not to panic - don't go blasting away if it's 30 yards out, even if it appears aggressive. Save your ammo for if it gets very close, like 15 yards or less, then open fire if it keeps advancing. Any well-placed turkey load at close range will do the job. Three shots should be more than enough.

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Originally Posted by Mateo

Glad you made it back in one piece. Walking back into the field to wait until the bear goes away seems to be a good idea. I wonder if anyone would do anything differently in such situation?

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Bear at 70 yards nothing to worry about. Make a load noise or fire off a shot in the air and that bear will run off like a scared mouse and off home you go.

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Originally Posted by JBen

Mateo.
Like thousands and thousands and thousands of other guys who walk into stands before sunrise, or out of stands after sunset. Ive done that for year in S Ontario with nothing but a camera............I'm still here.

I do recall one incident one morning, sitting in the bush waiting for sunrise and WTs, when a coyote pretty much walked into my lap. Honestly it was close enough to touch. I'm not sure who was more surprised, and startled. It or me. It had a funny look on its face and Im pretty sure I did to..........I'm still here.

There are thousands of guys who hunt bears, with bows...not guns..bows. Still recall the first time I did that and my first evening in the stand. There was about 10 minutes of light left, when it hit me...Now I need to get down and walk out of the bush in the dark, with nothing but a toothpick in my hands. Not so bright that I was thinking, given the whole idea of a bait barrel is to draw a hungry bear in, just before last night...just before I need to get down...Still here, as are the thousands and thousands of other guys who hunt bears with just bows.....So are the thousands of outfitters and guides who bait those barrels, every other day.....

As a friend said to me about Bears. Really, they are little more than overgrown racoons. Do bad things happen occasionally? yes they do.
There are likely statistically more self inflicted accidental shootings, and grievous injury each years, than bear maulings.

Once you start hunting and start spending time in the bush, those feeling of uneasiness will pass. Not unlike the first time a person gets behind the wheel of a car and gets on the 401. In time...............

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Thank you JBen,

It does give me a peace of mind knowing that people hunt bears with bows and cross bows. It is pretty amazing. I will be sure to really spend a lot of time in the bush in 2016 to make sure I really learn and study the animal's behavior. Just like you said I'm going to make sure I get that uneasy feeling go away with me getting as much bush time this year as I can.

Good luck in your hunts and stay safe!!!

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Originally Posted by bellerivercrossbowhunter

I hunt Bear with my cross-bow only & we only hunt the afternoon hunt. It's a bit unnerving like others have said when you have to climb down & walk out @ dusk with my bow in it's case & only a knife to defend myself. I figure most Bears are scared of humans and want nothing to do with us while we are walking out in the dark. That's what I tell myself & it seems to be working... LOL

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haha thank you sir,

Yeah positive thinking is always good. lol

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Originally Posted by rf2

The fact of the matter is, if you are hunting turkeys in an area where there are bears, there is a chance that you could have a run-in with a bear. Apparently, usually they will run off when they see you, but I had an experience one fall when I was preparing for the deer season where I was unarmed and I had a run-in with a bear. It was not afraid of me at all even though I did all the things that are recommended for bear encounters. I got out of the situation, but it is not something I want to repeat.
If you have a run-in with a sow and cubs, you need to be prepared to defend yourself. Since you will have a shotgun with you, you will be in good shape. Try not to panic - don't go blasting away if it's 30 yards out, even if it appears aggressive. Save your ammo for if it gets very close, like 15 yards or less, then open fire if it keeps advancing. Any well-placed turkey load at close range will do the job. Three shots should be more than enough.

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Thank you RF2,

I will definitely keep that in mind. I've already learned a lot about bears and will keep on learning to make sure I'm ready for situations of different sorts. Main thing I will try to do is avoid bears with cubs. It might prove a challenge if I'm sitting in the blind being focused on where I will set up decoys for the Turkey but I will try and be as observant as I can.

Thank you

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Originally Posted by finsfurfeathers

Bear at 70 yards nothing to worry about. Make a load noise or fire off a shot in the air and that bear will run off like a scared mouse and off home you go.

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Thank you for a good tip Fins Fur Feathers,

I was thinking along the same lines may be. I'm glad there are a few different options to go about it.

Yep.
I will never forget that first bear hunt, and week in the bush up north. For months leading up to it, I was excited and while I could have brought my rifle, I really want to take one with my bow. So I brought my bow.

First evening, the guide brings me to my stand, gets me settled and with a twinkle in his eye as he's leaving says "good luck". Thanks I say, all excited......8:30 pm, can barely see the barrel it hits me. That 'Doh!" or lightbulb moment. Now I need to make the long walk out of deep bush in the dark.....and the reason Im in this tree 15 yards from a bait barrel? Hoping the bait draws a hungry bear right to this tree, in the last 20 minutes of light and I now need to climb down out of with nothing but a toothpick in my hand.....

Not so smart after all.
:)

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Originally Posted by JBen

Yep.
I will never forget that first bear hunt, and week in the bush up north. For months leading up to it, I was excited and while I could have brought my rifle, I really want to take one with my bow. So I brought my bow.

First evening, the guide brings me to my stand, gets me settled and with a twinkle in his eye as he's leaving says "good luck". Thanks I say, all excited......8:30 pm, can barely see the barrel it hits me. That 'Doh!" or lightbulb moment. Now I need to make the long walk out of deep bush in the dark.....and the reason Im in this tree 15 yards from a bait barrel? Hoping the bait draws a hungry bear right to this tree, in the last 20 minutes of light and I now need to climb down out of with nothing but a toothpick in my hand.....

Not so smart after all.
:)

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Since you're here to tell the story the decisions you made that time were smart lol. Is guide the same as an outfitter? Were they not supposed to come get you back? lol

There are video's on the net (you tube) of bears charging people. And the person stopping the charge cold with a shot into the air.

http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=...B42&FORM=VIRE3

http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=...ED&FORM=VRDGAR

I imagine a shotgun even without slugs ( Aka turkey gun) can do the same

edit add to answer your question

The particular outfitter I used has a "lead guide". They bring you to your stand, the first night to show where the stand is..after that they don't enter the bush...no need to chance extra people/sounds/smells...........and pick you up on the road later at night...

The spring I hunt I did back this past May, pickup was around 10:30pm. A couple nights it meant standing in the bush in the dark a long time waiting for them to pick us up.

You get used to it.

The "take away" here is to reassure you. Thousands of people hunt bears with bows and have for years. How many people in Ontario have been mauled by black bears? Very, Very, Very few

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Originally Posted by JBen

There are video's on the net (you tube) of bears charging people. And the person stopping the charge cold with a shot into the air.

http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=...B42&FORM=VIRE3

http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=...ED&FORM=VRDGAR

I imagine a shotgun even without slugs ( Aka turkey gun) can do the same

edit add to answer your question

The particular outfitter I used has a "lead guide". They bring you to your stand, the first night to show where the stand is..after that they don't enter the bush...no need to chance extra people/sounds/smells...........and pick you up on the road later at night...

The spring I hunt I did back this past May, pickup was around 10:30pm. A couple nights it meant standing in the bush in the dark a long time waiting for them to pick us up.

You get used to it.

The "take away" here is to reassure you. Thousands of people hunt bears with bows and have for years. How many people in Ontario have been mauled by black bears? Very, Very, Very few

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Thank you for the reassurance again JBen. I will definitely watch these videos when I get home tonight.

It's great to know that even if I only have a Turkey gun with me it will be more that enough to scare the animal away or protect my self if I need to. Which is a very very slim chance anyway. I never shot the mossberg that I will buy or any turkey loads per say but I assume it will be loud and effective at scaring the bear.

Thank you again for the the input.

Just last year I had two encounters in August & September. One where I was out for a scouting hike with one of the kids and an average size bear walked out onto the trail 35 yards in front of us. Bear was surprised to see us. Gave us the once over and took off running within 5 seconds. The second time I was working on a tree stand for deer season and a bear was hanging out just out of sight in the woods. I yelled at it to go home (meanwhile I'm the invader) a couple of times and it did. On the way out I noticed it had been turning over rocks looking for grubs.

I didn't have a firearm either of those times but the second I had a bear tag in my pocket I couldn't find a bear. If you are worried about bears just buy a tag and you won't see one ;-).

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Originally Posted by FamilyMan

.
. If you are worried about bears just buy a tag and you won't see one ;-).

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Yup best bear defense invented.....actually works for most animals. See more deer during turkey season and see more turkeys during deer season

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Originally Posted by FamilyMan

If you are worried about bears just buy a tag and you won't see one ;-).

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Worked for me too.

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Originally Posted by FamilyMan

Just last year I had two encounters in August & September. One where I was out for a scouting hike with one of the kids and an average size bear walked out onto the trail 35 yards in front of us. Bear was surprised to see us. Gave us the once over and took off running within 5 seconds. The second time I was working on a tree stand for deer season and a bear was hanging out just out of sight in the woods. I yelled at it to go home (meanwhile I'm the invader) a couple of times and it did. On the way out I noticed it had been turning over rocks looking for grubs.

I didn't have a firearm either of those times but the second I had a bear tag in my pocket I couldn't find a bear. If you are worried about bears just buy a tag and you won't see one ;-).

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Originally Posted by finsfurfeathers

Yup best bear defense invented.....actually works for most animals. See more deer during turkey season and see more turkeys during deer season

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Originally Posted by rf2

Worked for me too.

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Absolutely true,every post and if you really want the ultimate protection against Cougars and Big Foot at the same time,always carry a camera. They avoid them like the plague,too LOL

hahahahah yeah I'm pretty sure that's exactly how it will work out lol. I will definitely have a bear tag with me and it will pretty much guarantee me not coming across one lol.

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Originally Posted by trimmer21

Absolutely true,every post and if you really want the ultimate protection against Cougars and Big Foot at the same time,always carry a camera. They avoid them like the plague,too LOL

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hahahah true that

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Originally Posted by Mateo

Hi guys,

Sorry if this has been asked before already. I wasn't able to find much by doing my search on the forum.

I should have all of my paperwork ready to go in time for the Turkey season. It will be me first hunting experience ever. The gun I'm purchasing once my PAL comes through will be Mossberg 535 with the Turkey barrel. I will be going with my dad as a company but he doesn't have gun license or the outdoors card. He will just be there for the company. Not going to be touching the harvest or shooting any guns.

My question now is, how do you make sure you dont have a run in with a bear? How do you prepare for a possibility of it happening? Can I have my dad carrying a side by side with smooth bore and slug shells ready? From what I understand he can carry it if unloaded. Should I have a bear spray with me? Are there areas where I can hunt Turkey but will never come across a bear?

What do you guys think? Thank you guys in advance.

Happy hunting

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Well, you better make sure you are fit and ready to run real fast!
It happens to me every year to have a bear running after me, for real, and the best I found it's either to bring a older, slower friend with you and run fast or to just cry and bent over!

I can tell you right now, the toughest part of turkey hunting aint to shot one and I ran out of friend so if you are looking for someone to take you out, PM me.....
Good luck and get yourself a gym membership.

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Originally Posted by seabast

Well, you better make sure you are fit and ready to run real fast!
It happens to me every year to have a bear running after me, for real, and the best I found it's either to bring a older, slower friend with you and run fast or to just cry and bent over!

I can tell you right now, the toughest part of turkey hunting aint to shot one and I ran out of friend so if you are looking for someone to take you out, PM me.....
Good luck and get yourself a gym membership.

---

haha thank you for the advice. It's awesome hahaha

Seabast, if you need a Turkey hunting partner I'd be more than willing to come along and try to learn. hahaha I will just grab someone with us who runs really slow hahaha

I've had three encounters over the years and only one could have gone south and that was because of my actions.

Encounter 1 - sow with three cubs popped out of the bush 150 yards from my set-up. I stood up and walked towards my decoys and they all bolted for the woods.

Encounter 2 - very personal. I was set-up in a fence line and could here something coming. It was a very dry spring and at first I thought it was someone on horseback. Imagine my surprise when a sow with twin cubs stops directly in front of me inside of 10 yards. They were upwind of me thankfully but that sow knew something was there. She stood up and looked around. I was actually reaching for my camera but thought better of that as I didn't want to betray my position and risk the encounter getting nasty. After a few seconds they headed off to a nearby bush. That sow ended up being a nuisance bear and was shot by a farmer a month or so later.

Third encounter. I was travelling between spots and spotted some black blobs in the back of a corn field I had permission to hunt. I parked the truck and made a big circle around popping out right at the field edge. Imagine my surprise when the black blobs I thought may be strutting toms were actually two cubs and mom wasn't in sight. That was unnerving. I backed out and vowed to always use my binoculars before I pulled a stunt like that again.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by STUBBLE BUM

I've had three encounters over the years and only one could have gone south and that was because of my actions.

Encounter 1 - sow with three cubs popped out of the bush 150 yards from my set-up. I stood up and walked towards my decoys and they all bolted for the woods.

Encounter 2 - very personal. I was set-up in a fence line and could here something coming. It was a very dry spring and at first I thought it was someone on horseback. Imagine my surprise when a sow with twin cubs stops directly in front of me inside of 10 yards. They were upwind of me thankfully but that sow knew something was there. She stood up and looked around. I was actually reaching for my camera but thought better of that as I didn't want to betray my position and risk the encounter getting nasty. After a few seconds they headed off to a nearby bush. That sow ended up being a nuisance bear and was shot by a farmer a month or so later.

Third encounter. I was travelling between spots and spotted some black blobs in the back of a corn field I had permission to hunt. I parked the truck and made a big circle around popping out right at the field edge. Imagine my surprise when the black blobs I thought may be strutting toms were actually two cubs and mom wasn't in sight. That was unnerving. I backed out and vowed to always use my binoculars before I pulled a stunt like that again.

---

Glad you made it out of those situations in one piece. I'd never want to be within 10 yards of a cow with cubs lol. But I'm definitely getting my self a good set of binoculars though lol

I use to be a big name on this forum but dropped off after years of BS. I only presently have an account to peruse the for sale section and every once and awhile peek my head in here and the ice fishing sections. Your thread has made me want to respond.

Leave it up to these fine gentlemen to be so nice to a new hunter. I was lucky to have a good friend and great turkey hunter bring me on my first trip. This may all come off as a little harsh but better you find out this way then a harder way.

I'll tell you this straight up.

1) Find someone experienced willing to show you the ropes. I'm still learning going on to my 3rd season. You have picked a hell of a hard first ever hunt. Also I'm not taking on apprentices

2) Go find yourself a property to hunt. Down here you better know someone because many Southern Ontario folk don't take too kindly to rednecks shooting their Turkey's or the property already has existing hunter(s). Also don't rely on crown land unless you want to be picking #5 shot out of yourself. Lots of yahoo's in the local free for all woods.

3) If you are hunting south of 89 I wouldn't put too much thought to bears, especially enough to buy a tag or carry a different type of round on you. It would be pretty hard to explain to a CO why you were carrying a slug or buckshot on you when hunting Turkey this far south.

You have a much better chance of being a coyote target but they are sure aware of their surroundings and extremely skittish of humans. I had one Coyote wind me twice last year turkey hunting. The third time he charged my hen Decoy. At 12 yards, nothing will come for a second round of #5 - 2oz Turkey load, just ask that Coyote.

4) Walking out to your spot at 4am in the darkness can make your mind run, but you will likely only ever stumble into a Coon or a skunk. A skunk and I came 10 yards from each other last May at 4am. Thankfully we both decided walking in opposite directions was preferred.

5) Camo, don't cheap out, don't leave exposed skin

6) Tuck your pants into your socks, tuck your shirt in your pants, wrap your gloves around the cuff of your shirt and try to to leave any exposed skin. You are worried about bears? Be worried about ticks. Hose yourself down with deet and damn well make sure you are checking yourself after every hunt.

But please, find someone to bring you out.

Good luck and be safe.

-Screwbs

If for some reason you were in a situation where a black bear was threatening you a turkey load or two at close range would change things pretty quickly.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by DropT

I use to be a big name on this forum but dropped off after years of BS. I only presently have an account to peruse the for sale section and every once and awhile peek my head in here and the ice fishing sections. Your thread has made me want to respond.

Leave it up to these fine gentlemen to be so nice to a new hunter. I was lucky to have a good friend and great turkey hunter bring me on my first trip. This may all come off as a little harsh but better you find out this way then a harder way.

I'll tell you this straight up.

1) Find someone experienced willing to show you the ropes. I'm still learning going on to my 3rd season. You have picked a hell of a hard first ever hunt. Also I'm not taking on apprentices

2) Go find yourself a property to hunt. Down here you better know someone because many Southern Ontario folk don't take too kindly to rednecks shooting their Turkey's or the property already has existing hunter(s). Also don't rely on crown land unless you want to be picking #5 shot out of yourself. Lots of yahoo's in the local free for all woods.

3) If you are hunting south of 89 I wouldn't put too much thought to bears, especially enough to buy a tag or carry a different type of round on you. It would be pretty hard to explain to a CO why you were carrying a slug or buckshot on you when hunting Turkey this far south.

You have a much better chance of being a coyote target but they are sure aware of their surroundings and extremely skittish of humans. I had one Coyote wind me twice last year turkey hunting. The third time he charged my hen Decoy. At 12 yards, nothing will come for a second round of #5 - 2oz Turkey load, just ask that Coyote.

4) Walking out to your spot at 4am in the darkness can make your mind run, but you will likely only ever stumble into a Coon or a skunk. A skunk and I came 10 yards from each other last May at 4am. Thankfully we both decided walking in opposite directions was preferred.

5) Camo, don't cheap out, don't leave exposed skin

6) Tuck your pants into your socks, tuck your shirt in your pants, wrap your gloves around the cuff of your shirt and try to to leave any exposed skin. You are worried about bears? Be worried about ticks. Hose yourself down with deet and damn well make sure you are checking yourself after every hunt.

But please, find someone to bring you out.

Good luck and be safe.

-Screwbs

---

Thank you very much Screwbs. I do appreciate your input here. I'm glad you pin pointed some things like the ticks as it wasn't one of the main things on my mind. I will definitely make sure to wrap my self into Camo completely without any exposed skin. I will also purchase a blind that will hopefully help me avoid them for the most part.

I'm now starting to search a land to hunt since I want to have something ready for when the time comes. I might be opting out for an outfitter that is called Wing Feather Outfitters or something similar. I will start doing some scouting or may be knocking on doors next week and see where it leads me.

Public land definitely seems to have more things to worry about which is something I want to avoid for my first hunt.

The turkey hunt will most likely be my first hunt ever but it doesn't have to be. As soon as I'm getting my PAL next month I will try to get out for something that will be in season at the time. I really don't mind driving a few hours to find a WMU that has some game in season that point. Even if it's not Southern Ontario. What do you usually hunt prior to the Turkey season?

Thank you very much once again sir for the valuable info. I really do appreciate it.

Happy Hunting

Mateo

Quote:

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Originally Posted by terrierman41

If for some reason you were in a situation where a black bear was threatening you a turkey load or two at close range would change things pretty quickly.

---

This is what I hear a lot too. Once I purchase the turkey gun I will definitely shoot it quite a bit before going out for a hunt to pattern the gun and just learn what to expect out of those 3.5 inch Turkey loads.

Thank you

You should save up and hire a guide for your first turkey hint or two.you will Learn some if the most important stuff just being in the woods. Learn how to find turkey and how to set up on them .no worry over bears .Dutch

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by dutchhunter

You should save up and hire a guide for your first turkey hint or two.you will Learn some if the most important stuff just being in the woods. Learn how to find turkey and how to set up on them .no worry over bears .Dutch

---

Will do Dutch. Found a Wing Feathers outfitter within 200 kms of where I live. If you could recommend an outfitter or two I'd appreciate it as well. But yes I will definitely use an outfitter or guide for the first hunt or two. Nothing will beat learning for someone who has been there and done that.

Thank you for the advice.

To piggy back on what DropT mentioned about ticks....almost everyone who hunts turkey in the spring owns a Thermacell, the woods can get pretty thick with Black Flies and Mosquitoes. These work and worth every penny !

http://www.thermacell.com/mosquito-r...iance-in-olive

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by MikePal

To piggy back on what DropT mentioned about ticks....almost everyone who hunts turkey in the spring owns a Thermacell, the woods can get pretty thick with Black Flies and Mosquitoes. These work and worth every penny !

http://www.thermacell.com/mosquito-r...iance-in-olive

---

Thank you Mike Pal,

It's awesome that this is pretty much odorless. I definitely wouldn't want to use anything that can have a lot of scent but this seems to be awesome for scaring most of the bugs off.

Thank you

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Mateo

The turkey hunt will most likely be my first hunt ever but it doesn't have to be. As soon as I'm getting my PAL next month I will try to get out for something that will be in season at the time. I really don't mind driving a few hours to find a WMU that has some game in season that point. Even if it's not Southern Ontario. What do you usually hunt prior to the Turkey season?

Thank you very much once again sir for the valuable info. I really do appreciate it.

Happy Hunting

Mateo

---

Steelehead. Now to seriously answer your question. Although there maybe some options regarding hunting there are some things to consider. Being spring most animals will be in reproductive mode so becomes the ethical decision do you want to leave orphan critters behind. Ground hogs, pigeons, is some areas even rabbits would be legal game but all will have families so not my idea of a good time.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by finsfurfeathers

Steelehead. Now to seriously answer your question. Although there maybe some options regarding hunting there are some things to consider. Being spring most animals will be in reproductive mode so becomes the ethical decision do you want to leave orphan critters behind. Ground hogs, pigeons, is some areas even rabbits would be legal game but all will have families so not my idea of a good time.

---

This is a great point. I wouldn't want to leave orphans by killing the grown game at all. I would only try to hunt game that doesn't have babies to take care of. I'm not entire sure on what that would be at this point in time but I'm trying to learn.

Thanks for bringing that up as it's a very good point.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Mateo

Thanks Trimmer,

My dad will be taking these courses as soon as he learns to speak the language in the nearest future. I can't wait for that time to happen. It looks like for now I might need to join other hunters who would be willing to take a new hunter out to learn the ropes.

Thank you

---

Mateo,
I know someone that took the turkey hunting course and could not read or wright but spoke OK English. They took him aside and tested him one on one. He passed. I'm not sure if your dad could do this with yourself as translator. Something to look in to. Would be nice to share with your father.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by RobB

I was walking out of the field edge I was turkey hunting and had a bear snooping around the drainage ditch near the truck. I was only about 70yrds from the truck and had already unloaded. After making sure it was a bear I was looking at I reloaded quickly and walked into the field and waited for 20 mins. After I gained the nerve to finish my walk out I got into the truck as quickly as I could and glad I didn't see that bear again. This was just north of the Shelburne area.

---

A friend of mine hunts in that area as well. This past season he and his hunting buddy saw a black bear while deer hunting. There was one spotted a couple of years ago just north of Shelburne. They ended up shooting it near a school in Burlington.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ihunt

Mateo,
I know someone that took the turkey hunting course and could not read or wright but spoke OK English. They took him aside and tested him one on one. He passed. I'm not sure if your dad could do this with yourself as translator. Something to look in to. Would be nice to share with your father.

---

Thank you iHunt,

I will definitely look into it as my dad can not wait to come out and participate as much as I do.

Thank you

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ihunt

A friend of mine hunts in that area as well. This past season he and his hunting buddy saw a black bear while deer hunting. There was one spotted a couple of years ago just north of Shelburne. They ended up shooting it near a school in Burlington.

---

wow it's amazing that it was so close to a such a highly populated area. Canadian nature doesnt stop amazing me for one second

You should get a buddy or two a tent some sleeping bags and spend a night or two in the woods. It us a ton of fun to listen to the woods come alive at night .so many amazing sounds and shadows ir can really get ones imagination going .better yet bring your littel honey out with you .girls really like to cuddly tight in the dark when the woods start to come alive ...once you get used to the sounds it is much easier to enjoy the outdoors .Dutch

Mateo,
This is a great story. still amazes me. A friend of mine hunted bear this past year for the first time. All his friends that hunt were using the tree stands so they opted to set him up in a ground blind in a spot they thought would have bears walk en route to the stands. Well he was super pumped and did everything to the T. He was in camo, black, scent protector, washed his clothes in odorless detergent, stored them in scent free bags, brought his lunch in plastic air tight bags, did everything that could be possible to maximize his chances. Well, he was set up in his blind and sitting all morning. he had his gun down by his side, pockets full of knives, and suddenly in front of his blind, 2 cubs walk out into view. Before he could react, he says he had a side window that is meshed out, and it suddenly goes black. He realizes that mother bear was standing by his tent, so close that he could not see out of the side window! He was afraid to move. The tent moved and shook as it walked slowly to the front of his blind. He was terrified! Suddenly he thought, why the hell am I sitting in a ground blind on my first ever bear hunt? It happened so fast,he says and his heart was pounding out of his chest. Before he knew it the bear was directly in front of him, black fur was now poking in his blind front window as she snort and sniffed the air. He knew she could sense him but could not see him as he sat quiet. Afraid to move, and frightened the bear would attack with the gun still sitting on the ground by his side, knives in all of his pockets, he sat there defenseless and wondered if he had made a big mistake. Fur suddenly turned into a wet nose and a snout that shot into his front window, with in feet of his face. He said his only choice was to sit it out and not suddenly move and take a chance to expose his presence and suffer the unknown consequences. The bear sniffed and snorted with its head in the blind and it finally turned and walked out of site. He said it was the most amazing, fantastic and scary experience of his life. He told this story on a Monday morning to a group of tired eyed guys. We all sat there with our mouth wide opened in disbelief. My friend is an ex-military man and nerves of steel. He can't wait to go again this year, this time in a tree stand.

I think we all start off with fear of the unknown, it is exciting and rewarding. We all have stories of scary moments and you will to. Your basic survival instincts will always be there but your thoughts will turn from killer bears hunting you down in the woods to less drastic thoughts. You will enjoy some of the surprising and unexpected events that happen. Prepare for the worst, do what you must to feel comfortable-following the laws of course, don't panic and over react, and do something dangerous out of fear. Get out as much as you can before and during the hunt. Start off during the day and not walk in an hour before sunrise unless you are with an experienced person. Lots of turkeys are shot during the day and afternoon. Your biggest threats are other hunters, injuries, ticks and the odd coyote that will scare the crap out of you when you least expect it and pops up in front of you.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by STUBBLE BUM

I've had three encounters over the years and only one could have gone south and that was because of my actions.

Encounter 1 - sow with three cubs popped out of the bush 150 yards from my set-up. I stood up and walked towards my decoys and they all bolted for the woods.

Encounter 2 - very personal. I was set-up in a fence line and could here something coming. It was a very dry spring and at first I thought it was someone on horseback. Imagine my surprise when a sow with twin cubs stops directly in front of me inside of 10 yards. They were upwind of me thankfully but that sow knew something was there. She stood up and looked around. I was actually reaching for my camera but thought better of that as I didn't want to betray my position and risk the encounter getting nasty. After a few seconds they headed off to a nearby bush. That sow ended up being a nuisance bear and was shot by a farmer a month or so later.

Third encounter. I was travelling between spots and spotted some black blobs in the back of a corn field I had permission to hunt. I parked the truck and made a big circle around popping out right at the field edge. Imagine my surprise when the black blobs I thought may be strutting toms were actually two cubs and mom wasn't in sight. That was unnerving. I backed out and vowed to always use my binoculars before I pulled a stunt like that again.

---

Mom wasn't in sight because she was hanging up in the farmer's barn! See Encounter #2!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by dutchhunter

You should get a buddy or two a tent some sleeping bags and spend a night or two in the woods. It us a ton of fun to listen to the woods come alive at night .so many amazing sounds and shadows ir can really get ones imagination going .better yet bring your littel honey out with you .girls really like to cuddly tight in the dark when the woods start to come alive ...once you get used to the sounds it is much easier to enjoy the outdoors .Dutch

---

Spending a night in the woods like that is definitely on the to do list. Having a girlfriend there will definitely be a lot better lol

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ihunt

Mateo,
This is a great story. still amazes me. A friend of mine hunted bear this past year for the first time. All his friends that hunt were using the tree stands so they opted to set him up in a ground blind in a spot they thought would have bears walk en route to the stands. Well he was super pumped and did everything to the T. He was in camo, black, scent protector, washed his clothes in odorless detergent, stored them in scent free bags, brought his lunch in plastic air tight bags, did everything that could be possible to maximize his chances. Well, he was set up in his blind and sitting all morning. he had his gun down by his side, pockets full of knives, and suddenly in front of his blind, 2 cubs walk out into view. Before he could react, he says he had a side window that is meshed out, and it suddenly goes black. He realizes that mother bear was standing by his tent, so close that he could not see out of the side window! He was afraid to move. The tent moved and shook as it walked slowly to the front of his blind. He was terrified! Suddenly he thought, why the hell am I sitting in a ground blind on my first ever bear hunt? It happened so fast,he says and his heart was pounding out of his chest. Before he knew it the bear was directly in front of him, black fur was now poking in his blind front window as she snort and sniffed the air. He knew she could sense him but could not see him as he sat quiet. Afraid to move, and frightened the bear would attack with the gun still sitting on the ground by his side, knives in all of his pockets, he sat there defenseless and wondered if he had made a big mistake. Fur suddenly turned into a wet nose and a snout that shot into his front window, with in feet of his face. He said his only choice was to sit it out and not suddenly move and take a chance to expose his presence and suffer the unknown consequences. The bear sniffed and snorted with its head in the blind and it finally turned and walked out of site. He said it was the most amazing, fantastic and scary experience of his life. He told this story on a Monday morning to a group of tired eyed guys. We all sat there with our mouth wide opened in disbelief. My friend is an ex-military man and nerves of steel. He can't wait to go again this year, this time in a tree stand.

I think we all start off with fear of the unknown, it is exciting and rewarding. We all have stories of scary moments and you will to. Your basic survival instincts will always be there but your thoughts will turn from killer bears hunting you down in the woods to less drastic thoughts. You will enjoy some of the surprising and unexpected events that happen. Prepare for the worst, do what you must to feel comfortable-following the laws of course, don't panic and over react, and do something dangerous out of fear. Get out as much as you can before and during the hunt. Start off during the day and not walk in an hour before sunrise unless you are with an experienced person. Lots of turkeys are shot during the day and afternoon. Your biggest threats are other hunters, injuries, ticks and the odd coyote that will scare the crap out of you when you least expect it and pops up in front of you.

---

Wow that really is an amazing story. Such experiences definitely put things into perspective. It's amazing how he was able to just sit there quietly and not move in order to avoid "surprising" the bear. Next time you see him please send him my regards lol

I completely agree that this will be extremely exciting and rewarding if I prepare and put my self there. I've undertaken some other things before that I was extremely scared of but was able to beat my fears and the results were amazing. I will definitely be ready for any situation should it arise and really try to keep my composure and not panic to the best of my abilities. Just like you said, for my first hunts, I will be going to the blinds probably when it's sunny outside already. I will use an outfitter or hopefully join an experienced hunter for my first Turkey hunts but after I will probably go to my spots after sunrise.

Ticks is definitely something I'm learning about now. I will definitely make sure to have proper apparel to prevent their bites. I've seen some people who really had their life affected by them simply because they wouldn't think it was a problem. I will make sure to not have any exposed skin and use odorless bug repellent at all times.

Thank you for the numerous advices iHunter.

I really appreciate the insight

Mateo

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by mbhunter

Mom wasn't in sight because she was hanging up in the farmer's barn! See Encounter #2!

---

Based on what I've read so far a nuisance bear is a bear that frequents human locations such as back yards, camps and even houses. It's pretty clear that these bears aren't as scared of humans as some of the others. Is there a way to tell a nuisance bear from a distance? Are those rare dangerous human to bear interactions a lot more common with nuisance bears that non nuisance?

Thank you guys

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by dutchhunter

You should get a buddy or two a tent some sleeping bags and spend a night or two in the woods. It us a ton of fun to listen to the woods come alive at night .so many amazing sounds and shadows ir can really get ones imagination going .better yet bring your littel honey out with you .girls really like to cuddly tight in the dark when the woods start to come alive ...once you get used to the sounds it is much easier to enjoy the outdoors .Dutch

---

After reading this thread and some of the things posted I feel like maybe I take the threat of black bears too lightly?

For the past 14 years I've been backcountry camping in the likes of Algonquin, Killarney and upstate NY. Only once have I encountered a bear.
We surprised it. It came crashing down out of a tree 20yds ahead and took off down the trail.

Mind you, we're not hunting so we're not trying to be quiet and when we see fresh scat we take the silencer off of our bear bell so we don't surprise them. We always clean up well and hang all food and garbage at night. We make sure there are a pile of rocks near our tent just incase.

We're aware they could be around but I've never been too frightened of the thought of them, perhaps because we believe we've taken good precautions.

However, as dutch has said above when you're in those woods and it's dark and quiet as can be inside your tent there is definitely a heightened sense of hearing that can most certainly make your mind race.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ik0n

After reading this thread and some of the things posted I feel like maybe I take the threat of black bears too lightly?

For the past 14 years I've been backcountry camping in the likes of Algonquin, Killarney and upstate NY. Only once have I encountered a bear.
We surprised it. It came crashing down out of a tree 20yds ahead and took off down the trail.

Mind you, we're not hunting so we're not trying to be quiet and when we see fresh scat we take the silencer off of our bear bell so we don't surprise them. We always clean up well and hang all food and garbage at night. We make sure there are a pile of rocks near our tent just incase.

We're aware they could be around but I've never been too frightened of the thought of them, perhaps because we believe we've taken good precautions.

However, as dutch has said above when you're in those woods and it's dark and quiet as can be inside your tent there is definitely a heightened sense of hearing that can most certainly make your mind race.

---

Glad you never had any issues with the bears. Just like you said taking precautions is a great idea for safety and just peace of mind in general.

Stay safe out there. I'm actually looking forward to spending as much time in the bush this year as possible.

I lived in north Simcoe County for 8 years, and never really worried about the bears there. I always figured that 3 rounds of 3 1/2" turkey loads would provide a permanent attitude adjustment to any aggressive bear that ventured within 10 yards. Just never had to test the theory!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by genec

I lived in north Simcoe County for 8 years, and never really worried about the bears there. I always figured that 3 rounds of 3 1/2" turkey loads would provide a permanent attitude adjustment to any aggressive bear that ventured within 10 yards. Just never had to test the theory!

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Lol for sure. Even though we can only carry 3 rounds in the gun when hunting it will definitely be enough lol