More on Black bears, advice please

Oh, I would be oh, so careful about loaded guns in a house with children.

Several years ago, in the county I used to live in, a deputy sheriff's son got hold of his service revolver and shot his little sister to death.

Of all families/children you would think would know better, the most awful thing still happened.

Janis

Ashley,
Cabin Fever is absolutely right. The worst case scenario would be more likely to happen if you were to keep a loaded weapon in a house with children. Please don't do it.
I live with black bears all around me and the worst I've ever had happen was a torn up bird feeder.
Mickey

since I do not know the age of your children, I might have different advice. But, I would bring the kids out to the range with your firearms. Let them handle, hold, aim....and if old enough...shoot the firearm(s). If they are yound, let them hear and see the damage a firearm can do. There are two goals in doing what I'm suggesting. One, is to reduce or elimnate the childrens curiosity about firearms. After 30 minutes of holding the gun, they are likely to get bored with it. IN the future , they will not likely go looking for it. They'll already know what it's all about.

The second goal is to teach the children respect for the firearm. When they hear the report of the gun being fired, and experince the kick of the weapon, and see the watermelon (or whatever clever target) explode when hit....they'll know it's not a toy and something to be played with.

I was exposed to firearms at a very young age. They were in the house loaded. I knew not to go near them.

__________________
This is the government the Founding Fathers warned us about.....

I live where there are alot of bears and I really don't think about it much. I'm cautious-- especially early spring when they're hungry, but I seldom really worry about bears. A few of my trees are obviously shredded by a bear. I found bear poo right beside the swingset last year-- I don't worry about it much 'cause I have a few good dogs who are always out when me and the kids are and I'm a good shot if need be.

Last fall I was walking from my sisters in the dark-- when I got beside the woodshed and small barn I heard a low grrrrr and I said "Mark, cut it out" because I thought it was my son being a smart aleck. Well, I got inside and Mark was in the bedroom. The next day I looked and there were bear prints beside the barn. I still don't worry about it much-- I walk around in the dark all the time.

I have heard of people being chased and 'treed' by bears around here(climbing a tree is a foolish thing to do) but agressive behavior usually occurs when you startle a mother with her cub(s)-- generally they just mind their own business. I'm also smart enough to know that if being chased by a bear you run downhill at a diagonal-- not straight down

Janis-- When I was younger Gramp used to take me to watch the dump bears about 30 minutes from here. They would come right up to the car. We'd even get out if they were a safe distance away to see them better.

I was quite shocked by the 600+ pound black bear someone shot about a mile from here-- old bugger had no teeth left. It was the biggest black bear I ever saw, and I've seen a lot of them!

Michelle

Cabinfever, they are 4, 2, and 10 months, all boys.

For all who are against keeping a loaded weapon in the house, I appreciate your concern. It is not just for the bears, but the two-legged troublemakers as well. My husband and I are not entering into the situation lightly or carelessly. And we will not keep the weapon loaded until we feel we can do it safely.

You sound like a prudent person to me.

I think there may be some "middle ground" when it comes to firearms readiness. There are certain items available today, that gunowners didn't have available 20 years ago.

One such thing is a locked pistol box, that has to be opened with a sequence of correctly pressed buttons. You can unlock one in a second.

Another way, is if you have a pistol that takes a magazine, is to store the pistol and mag in seperate places, although that's a bit slower.

Concerning shotguns, maybe a trigger lock, with the key worn around your neck would be a possibility.

But to echo Cabinfever, as the boys grow older, they need to be taught what guns are, what they do, with an emphasis on the lethality of the weapon, and safety. Guns are just another necessary tool around the homestead, but they are one of the most dangerous.

I will be looking into the pistol box, that sounds like a good idea.

And I agree, the boys definitely need the education regarding guns, safe handling, and their power.

Mwhit
treeing will do more for you than running downhill, at least then you might be able to fight it off from a stronger position.

We've co-existed quite happily with a black bear for the last 7 years. He rarely showed himself. All of sudden he's hanging around, getting into the compost (now moved), the garbage (now moved) & trying for the chickens. He did kill one of my hens that was outside the pen. I don't have dogs but will be getting a donkey in about 6 weeks. The fish & game person said he'd rather we'd shoot it than make him come out & trap it. Since it has killed it's legal - according to him. I'd rather have it trapped - it's so cute! - but then, I don't want it after my livestock either. Some years ago a neighbor had a bear trying for his pigs.

If we kill it, it won't be wasted. But would it be better to make the fish & game people come out? They claim they're too busy, but if I push, they'll come. Opinions?

__________________
God bless,
Bonnie
Opportunity Farm
Northeast Washington

"While we have the opportunity, let us do good to all." Galatians 6:10

I lived in a Glacier National Park(Canada) for many years.

Bears were a part of the terrritory. Every afternoon on my walk the same bear and I would cross paths and as long as he knew where I was at all times, we had no problems.

You do need to be aware of your surroundings. You should be making noise before rounding any corner. All garbage and food should be securley stored.

As long as you do not suprise the bear you should be fine.

I'm reading with interest because a black bear tore apart our neighbors' outhouse last year. No sign of any bears this year, but I admit to getting a little nervous as berry season approaches. If noise prevents surprises, would it be a good idea to carry a radio when walking? Will wilderness bears (those not used to campers) try to get food out of a trailer or tent? We just started camping on our land this year and have had no experience with bears.

I don't think that I'd bother calling game and fish....a neighbor of mine had been complaining to them that a big, 400 lb black bear was eating thier cat food...they only had it in a utility room on the back of their house. Well...another neighbor, who is a friend and lives a mile down the hill from me, let them put a trap on his place. Last Thursday, they got said beastie, and released at my place....... DUH!!!! ???? I saw the guy and he is huge...but healthy and pretty as well...Like my friend said, I think the NEIGHBOR needs to be relocated!!!!!!!! I too second all the cautions, and also keeping a LOADED gun around...after all these guys move very, very fast....not giving you enough time to load a gun....I also bought several gross of bottle rockets....and that actually works better than the gun does...at least for scaring them off...I've also lived around black bears for a long time. I've lived in the woods for almost 12 years now...........just be cautious...and noisy......... :baby04:

__________________
I support our troops, I love my country, but fear my government.....

while i dont live in bear territory i recall reading somewhere....

radios run out of battery power. carry or tie to your backpack a couple of rocks in a can. make sure it rattles loudly as you step.

in the parks they rip doors off vehicles so your little trailer or camper wont hold them back.

I had one stand up to me tonight. It was in the berry patch and I was walking along the road with my dog. It reared up and scared me silly since it was only a few feet away.
Maybe it wanted to play 'shake a paw" I didn't stick around to find out.

Do 6' fences (for deer) keep black bears and other critters out of gardens? Are bears interested in anything in the garden besides fruit?

OmaMutti Yes they have been raiding my guarden every year. They like tomatoes squash green beans peas cantiopbes water mellions,and every thing you can think of. They have been raiding my guarden and have got cucumbers and tomatoes this year. Last year they cleaned up everything that was their.

__________________
God must have loved stupid people because he made so many of them.