Offical Bear spray News!!

[Kytroutbum]

Having wasted time that last two weeks tying dries, due to the rain and high water, I am leaving my computer to return to my tying desk. I've go some heavily weighed nymphs to replenish.

I hope we established by the documentation that carrying spray IS LEGAL! With a density of 2 bears per square mile, the increased number of park visitors many of who DO NOT follow bear protocol as far as food, etc. You DO NOT have to be the one causing the problem- food, harassing cubs, etc. to be the beneficiary of someone else's stupidity.

[mcfly]

Trout bum from kentucky:

Well said! So the next question is, how do we reduce this behavior and make it safer for everyone?

If you can't tell from my posts, I am passionate about this, so please don't take offense to my smarta** comments! None was intended.

[BlueRaiderFan]

Originally Posted by yoursmokies

I like your style.

The fish must quake when you wade into a stream!

I've learned not to wade in the Smokys unless I have to...and I don't really carry the gun.

[kytroutman]

"'I hope we established by the documentation that carrying spray IS LEGAL! "
I don't know that I would say it is LEGAL but PERMITTED per the email received. The email also elaborated that it is not RECOMMENDED to carry the repellent in the GSMNP. The CFRs (Code of Federal Regulations) are the basis of regulations applied to governmental and federal public properties, including the national park system. These regulations are still the edicts but do allow the Park Superintendents to make exceptions or waivers to certain portions of the CFRs. The situation with the GSMNP is an exception to the CFR has been granted for the possession of bear spray by the Park Superintendent.

[Kytroutbum]

(:>) Too much Kentucky Rain lately!!

[kytroutman]

I hear ya. I think we're starting to mold.

[jross]

wow! this is the most excitement I've ever seen about bears on this board!

I remember when I rode bikes as a kid. The dad I rode with said just to spray a charging dog with your water bottle. (And for back up on really really mean dogs, he carried a form of pepper spray.) It's a deterrant. If just water to the face will stop a charging rottweiler (it will) then pepper spary to the eye will throw a critter off enough to disuade it (skunks do it, right?). So, yes, pepper spray will work. And to say a firearm will work better is a very open statement! What caliber? What bullet? Hunters don't use .22s on bears.

[Arctic Grayling]

The State of Alaska Department of Fish & Game recommends a minimum of a .300 magnum rifle or a 12 gauge shotgun for bear protection:

http://www.wildlife.alaska.gov/index...=bears.bearfax

[BlueRaiderFan]

Bears say we taste good with pepper.

[sammcdonald]

i suggest every bear use a great deodorant spray.....won't smell as bad and we won't worry as much

bears say we taste like chicken.