The Bottom of the Ocean
If you’re going hunting, I would suggest that you leave the mindset of “It’ll be fine” or “Nothing bad ever happens to me” at the bottom of the ocean. Scratch the if you’re going hunting, it’s a good mindset to leave at the bottom of the ocean in all situations. If you don’t live by the ocean, good, it’ll take that much longer to get back to you.
If you’re an archer, there is a great possibility you might encounter dangerous situations. In some places the only weapon/tool you’re allowed to carry is your Wicked Ridge Commander M1 Crossbow or your Bear Archery Paradigm RTH Compound Bow. In a close encounter, it can prove not to be much of a deterrent.
Dangers to Consider
In every hunting situation there are dangers to consider. Once you’ve considered them, it’s a good idea to be prepared to deal with them.
Take firefighter training for example. Firefighters are trained to put fires out in the most efficient and safest way possible to save lives. As a hunter, someone who may encounter dangerous wildlife, you should want to do the same thing. That is to deescalate the situation the gentlest way possible.
Predators and wild game differ in each region, some are a larger threat than others. Their behavior is different and what deters them from an attack may be different as well.
You wouldn’t deal with a cougar the same way you’d deal with a mama bear with cubs. The cougar may be looking to soften you up with their saliva to fill their hungry belly. While the mama bear is only protecting her cubs, the situations call for a different response.
I’m not at all suggesting you need to know how to deal with all the predators or possible threats to humans in the entire country. If that was true you may never have time to hunt.
If you’re in the Rocky Mountains, you don’t need to know how to ward off an alligator! You should find out what is native to your area and do some research. Better yet contact the local Department of Natural resources and get some advice from them.
Know the Laws and Your Rights
Most importantly, know the laws and your rights. In some places it may seem the animals have more rights than you and you need to know how to properly deal with them.
If you’re in a region that allows you to carry a sidearm, and you’ve tried to deescalate the situation, that is a last resort. I would recommend a hollow point bullet like the Federal Premium Personal Defense rounds, because if it does come down to that, you want the most stopping power. Remember, only as a last resort and keep reading, there are other options.
Less Lethal Option
Yes pepper spray, but not just any pepper spray. The Mace Brand Guard Alaska Bear Spray would deter most anything I would think from attacking. It’s got a greater volume and sprays farther than most personal defense sprays do. Don’t be daft, do your part and make sure you’re using the pepper spray properly and never point it at yourself!
There are less lethal options for protection. In the case where that is your only option, The Bow Bully asks, please be sure to have it available and on your person while bow hunting and that is you being responsible!
The Bow Bully,
You brought up some great points here!
“If you’re in a region that allows you to carry a sidearm…”
Fortunately for me, I do live in such an area (Georgia); and I never go into the woods without a sidearm.
The first two rounds up are snake shot, as copperheads and cottonmouths are prevalent here! 🙂
Blessings to you,
dave
Hi there Dave,
Thanks for the feedback and yes, I am in a similar situation as you. I hear horror stories all the time of people that aren’t allowed to carry and have had close encounters with Bears, Mountain Lions, wolves, and Hogs. I’m thankful I can carry but if I couldn’t, I’d be packing a large amount of pepper spray.
All the best!
-TBB
TBB,
You make some good points. If I may add a couple more that I’ve seen over the years…
STUPIDITY
– people do stupid things all the time – watch some “fails” on YouTube for examples, people crossing creels are particularly entertaining. When alone in the outdoors we have to be especially careful/aware as a slip or fall can break a leg and leave you stranded. Don’t take chances, be safe.
BE PREPARED, Mother Nature can be brutal.
– carry a compass/GPS even in familiar territory – a snow squall can make you “lost” real quick.
– have a basic medical kit – a variety of bandaids, tape and asprin/acetaminophen. Carry a snake-bite kit if applicable.
– be ready for an extended stay in the outdoors. Pack water and appropriate stuff (flashlight, matches, cloths, sunscreen, bug repellent, emergency rations, etc) for the environment.
Domestic animals are more likely to to be a danger than wild ones. A mean bull/horse is not to be underestimated and a farm dog is doing his job if he attacks trespassers. Don’t set yourself up for trouble, with the animals or the landowner.
Basically I’m saying to use your common sense in environments that could potentially be dangerous. That being said, I’m more comfortable with all the “dangers” in the outdoors than I am in “civilized” cities… they scare me.
Cheers!