Expert: Kent Staubus - 4/26/2009

Question
Hello, We are planning a 1200 mile kayaking trip down the Yukon River from the headwaters in Atlin, BC, Ca. to Stephens Point Ak. (where the pipline crosses the river). Anyhow, our biggest fear besides drowning is of course crossing the path of a grizzly. If we are in camp and a grizzly strolls in, what should we do? If comes down to shooting this animal, would a 12 guage shot gun with a deer slug do what we need it to do or will it just tick him off? In canada we are not aloud to carry a hand gun so we would need something to fit this criteria.

Thanks Norm

Answer
A 12 gauge slug will drop a bear.  However, my solution has been to have two people carry bear spray.  This stuff works very well.  It's a lot easier to carry, and everyone can have a can of it with them.  It's also safer and cheaper.  Bear spray works out to 30 or 40 ft.  Space is at a premium on a kayak, and you keep the can in a holster on your belt.  A shotgun might tend to be buried in with other gear and not be as fast to pull out when needed.


Kent in SD