Weapon recommendations for use in the Bush (McGrath, Sleetmute: health, moving to)

[snowpuppy]

We are moving back to the bush in a few months. The first year we were out there, we came without weapons. We explored a lot of trails in the great unknown, and other than a few moose and a porcupine, we were fortunate enough not to tangle with any irate wildlife. That said, we did encounter bear and wolf tracks many times, along with scat, that let us know we weren't alone out there.

What kind of guns are best in the bush? We want something that will put a predator down the first time- not just p*** 'em off! Of course, we do take precautions and don't want to have to kill an animal. But we all know that sometimes that can't be avoided.

Thanks for your recommendations!

[trapperken2000]

A good quality 30-06 with a good scope would probably be your best bet.

[Huckleberry3911948]

sorry wont see my bear hunt friend til 14th of month. but i know he is picky bout what weapon and what ammo. find out b4 you buy. take bear spray.
all of the above are useless up close they are much faster than you. their smell however is so good a line of bear spray in the ground can makem
go away at a healthy distance. good luck.

[McGowdog]

Oh! Me! Me! Pick Me!!!!!

If it were me, I'd go with a 45-70! It's not fast, but it's a freight train. I've heard it referred to as a brush-gun.

I shot one a while back. It's got a kick for sure. But whatever you hit will feel it more.

[DannyL]

in order of preference....

- 12 guage pump, 8 shot (extended mag). Winchester Defender or Mossberg
- Marlin 1895 45-70, loaded with 405 gr (whether mdl 1895 or Guide Gun, which ever is your preference)
- 30-06 bolt gun, either 165, 180, or 220 gr coreloks.

Notice I left out pistols. Did it for a reason. Drawing a can of bear spray is more faster and effective than trying to fast draw a pistol for 80% of you folks out there. Not trying to step on any toes, it's just the truth.

[DannyL]

oh, BTW...30-30's are useful up here also. Especially effective by those who have the ability to hit something properly with the first shot.

[Barkingowl]

Originally Posted by DannyL

oh, BTW...30-30's are useful up here also. Especially effective by those who have the ability to hit something properly with the first shot.

Is poor marksmanship a big problem, Danny?

[warptman]

Originally Posted by snowpuppy

We are moving back to the bush in a few months. The first year we were out there, we came without weapons. We explored a lot of trails in the great unknown, and other than a few moose and a porcupine, we were fortunate enough not to tangle with any irate wildlife. That said, we did encounter bear and wolf tracks many times, along with scat, that let us know we weren't alone out there.

What kind of guns are best in the bush? We want something that will put a predator down the first time- not just p*** 'em off! Of course, we do take precautions and don't want to have to kill an animal. But we all know that sometimes that can't be avoided.

Thanks for your recommendations!

Where exactly are you moving to? What part of the "bush?"

[snowpuppy]

Goin' back to McGrath.

[warptman]

Sweet, I've never been that far upriver. Farthest up I've been was Sleetmute. Great country upriver.