Scouting question ?

Pan Fry · 12-17-2002, 09:21 AM

Just moved to Scappoose about 3 months ago and am starting to get my maps out to verify potential bow hunting spots.
My wife doesn't like to get cold, so it's just me going out scouting by myself.
I'm definitley not new to the woods, but new to the Columbia County area.

My question is; what are some of you carrying with you as you scout if you cross paths with a cougar or bear ?
-Repelant sprays, a blow horn ?
I was just curious if this is a concern with any of you, or if my wife is trying to make me paranoid. I've come across bears and cougars in other areas and it hasn't been a problem before or yet.

BuKuBass · 12-17-2002, 09:47 AM

Around here it isn't much of a problem, unless you fall into their cage at the zoo.

tailchaser · 12-17-2002, 10:14 AM

.40 cal handgun will solve the worries nicely. It isn't illegal to carry one and heck it's oregon lot's of people have them. I personally am not sold on the pepper spray and things of that nature. I would rather be able to look back on a situation if I shot one on how I could've avoided it rather than being lunch.

Don't believe people when they say those animals you mentioned are scarse. There's becoming more and more of them every day. A couple of occassions not even a handgun made me feel comfortable up close with bruins.

tc

RogueFishr · 12-17-2002, 10:44 AM

I pack a .40 cal handgun, mainly for cougar. I had one get a lot closer than I would have liked (20 feet) and a friend shot one at point blank range elk hunting in 2001. I have never had any problems with the bears.

RF

Norm · 12-17-2002, 01:16 PM

Someone that is slower than you :grin: . Really, it's not a problem around here.

fishsauk · 12-17-2002, 01:49 PM

If you were in Alaska or BC I always carried a 375H-H mag but working in the OR woods for 12 years I never had a problem.Nothing to worry about.

GutshotApe · 12-17-2002, 03:00 PM

Most people never have a problem. But, a few years ago a forester I know was "chased" back into his pickup by a big black bear that was snapping his teeth and followed him for 200 yds. That happened near Timber Junction just south of Hwy 26. :shocked:

Gobbaworms · 12-17-2002, 03:42 PM

Like everyone said, generally not a problem, but last year someone in our party did have a bear try to get into his tent in the middle of the night. The flashlight coming on was enough to spook it away. It probably needed someone to snuggle with because all the food was in the truck.

[ 12-17-2002, 04:43 PM: Message edited by: Gobbaworms ]

Tunamaster · 12-17-2002, 04:52 PM

Pan Fry,
No reason to be paranoid, but best to be prepared. Afterall, the most dangerous animal you are likely to encounter in the local woods is another human being with bad intentions. It would be a very unlikely scenerio, but I can't think of a better excuse to tell the wife that would justify a nice new side arm! Good Luck!

KingFisher85 · 12-18-2002, 04:40 PM

I take a gun in the woods with me every time I go out. Never know what you might run across. Got that Ruger 10/22 with a few 25 round mags or one of my many 12 shotguns or one of the 410 shotguns. Soon to be packing a Thompson contender when I go and get that 22 barrel.
Oh ya, anyone have a 357 mag or a 30-30 barrel for the T/C for sale?

crabbait · 12-18-2002, 09:40 PM

A .44 stainless Bulldog when I go out alone, but it is not for the bears or cougar. The trouble comes on two legs.

FishinFinatic · 12-18-2002, 10:36 PM

Most people can go out in the woods and not have a problem with any of these critters, but it would suck to be that one person that did. I had a runnin twice in one year with cougars. I was armed, but did not have to take the animals life. Even though they both were within a rocks throw. I think by the time they figure out your human there long gone, but i will tell you this, i will not be lunch for one if i can help it. and yes i almost had to change my shorts, even though i had a big bore pointed right at the cat.