Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunter's Campfire The score: griz-1, hiker-0

A hiker was life-flighted from northwestern Wyoming on Monday after being mauled by a grizzly bear.

The man, who was not identified in a Wyoming Game and Fish Department press release, was hiking on 13,158-foot-high Francs Peak west of Meeteetse in the Shoshone National Forest when he surprised the bear at close range. Although the victim was carrying bear spray he didn't have time to deploy it before being mauled, according to the information provided.

The man was flown by helicopter to a Billings hospital for treatment. The extent of his injuries was not revealed.

Game and Fish personnel and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are investigating the incident. Based on initial findings the encounter appears to be a surprise so no management action is planned. Game and Fish will continue to monitor bear activity in the area and will make management decisions in the interest of public safety, the agency said.

44 magnum >minimum.

Damn tourions

Way past time for a hunting season!

If he was unable to deploy bear spray why do you think he would have been able to deploy a handgun effectively?

^^^^^THIS^^^^^

Thinking maybe he might have been one of the fastest draw guys in the world like me.

Was he wearing a bear spray holster?

I have carried both while on duty. A hand gun can be deployed quicker and with greater effect.

I carry my lead based bear spray in retention holster, at least I know where my gun is in case I get a chance to pull it.

Yessir! Them things is fast! 0-30 in 3 jumps/ 1.5 seconds/ 30 feet . About. If they are in a hurry. Plus, it sounds like he/she got the jump on him before he was even aware of her/him.

A few years back I got a sow after me (my stupidity). She wasn't exactly charging, I think (there were cubs involved, sort-of), but was running me down, mistaking me for a caribou, maybe. She covered almost 200 yards (not even going all out), while I covered 50, heading for the boat, where the rifle was while I set up camp. I came up short by 40-50 yards.....

I do not recommend 10X42 binoculars at 3 yards as a bear deterrent. It lacks penetration. Proven, but once effective.

Different type of personality. It wouldn’t surprise me to learn that the bear spray was in a pack on his back.

I’d rather have a small .22 than a can of spray.

Oh, yeah- I still need new binoculars. I have to hold the focus ring to keep them in focus. I might have had some emphasis on them....

Bear spray in the OP situation may have been employable had it been in-hand, primed, the hiker practiced, and initial contact at 20 yards or greater. In the back pack, fanny pack, or hip holstered, not.

Sheiss happens....

Oh wow. There needs to be a season.

68 yr old man from Buffalo NY. Sounds like his locator beacon may have saved his life.

How do they know the bear was surprised?

Maybe the guy saw a surprised look on the bears face before it whacked him? Bears wear their emotions on their sleeve. You can differentiate it from the happy to see you, I was expecting you look.

Beat me to it! Eyebrows were up.

Somethin tells me, they weren't able ta interview the "surpris-ee".