Question on bears and cats when hunting.

[bowdude]

My brothers and I are getting ready for our bowhunting elk hunt and they are literally loading up for bear and cats for "protection".  I have been out there 8 times in the mountains and at the most took bear spray the 1st year.  I was joking with them that this will be the most dangerous year for me yet.   But they feel like we have to have someone stand gaurd while we bone out an elk like the bears and cats are drawn like sharks to blood in the water.  Have I been careless all these years or are they over reacting?

[Blue Buck]

I've been on 10 elk hunts or so in NM and CO. Your brothers are over reacting.  I've never carried anything other than my bow.  Unless you are planning to hunt in Grizz country.

[Rick McGowan]

If bears and cats acted like that, they would all be extinct now. Cats have a lousy sense of smell anyway, no better than ours and they aren't scavengers so they aren't going to come running to the smell of blood. Bears could come to the smell of blood, but they are going to avoid people. Bears prefer the guts to the meat anyway, so just gut the animal and drag it a bit away if you are worried. I just read that there have been 15 people killed by black bears in all of NORTH America in the last 7 1/2 years, thats two per year, more people choke to death on their toothbrushs than that!

[J-dog]

Never been out there but I grew up on the ocean and to me it is like worrying bout sharks, if your scared don't go in the water. Their enjoyment of the trip will be hindered by them looking over their shoulders every step of the way.

I am not saying to act foolish and disregard all safety that is asking for it. But practice safe measures food storage, safety when RETURNING to a kill site, and so on. Other wise ENJOY yourself.

Like the guy I went scouting with Saturday, wouldn't go without his pistol?? I spent my whole life in these woods and never felt like I needed to pack a gun scouting.

Later

J

Have a good safe trip