General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Man shoots grizzly bear sow that charged him near trail off Chena Hot Springs Road (Alaska) [View all]its just not that easy.
https://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/exploration-survival/does-bear-spray-work/
this guy wasn't off trail, and how would bear spray have made a difference?
https://www.fieldandstream.com/photos/gallery/survival/animal-attacks/2009/08/charging-grizzly-killed-alaska/
personally, in the states, I never carry a firearm hiking. I've hiked the AT, pinhote, palmetto trail (swamp fox passage) parts of PCT and Colorado trail along with hiking all over smaller trails. at home in Colorado, I've never felt the need to carry a firearm, and never had a problem. walked up on plenty wildlife unawares.
in Alaska, I carried bear spray. never had to use it. closest I got to a brown bear in the day was 100 feet. he/she wasn't interested in me thankfully.
but I would never dismiss anyone that wanted to carry a firearm for their safety in the woods. attacks happen, and sometimes they are blind sided and don't have time for some textbook taught encounter.
I live in the woods way away from pavement, and nature visits daily. in most cases if you don't do stupid human things, the wildlife stays wild and will ignore you.