I hope I don’t create an itch hear but as someone who’s wife who was assaulted by an unleashed dog, any thoughts on bringing pepper spray? I think I shall after reading many posts of strays and unleashed hounds running amuck. Of coarse I love dogs…just not the unruley kind.
Bushwhack
I have had no personal experience with pepper spray. From what I understand it provides iffy protection at best. First, if you are going to carry it, carry one that is rated for bear protection, not the personal mace type of product. It is effective for about 10 feet, maybe. It depends on the wind, and how accurate you are. If there is a wind blowing toward you, you might be more affected than the animal. If it is a strong cross wind, the effectiveness will be greatly reduced.
I have had experience with dogs, however. Worse than someones unruly pet are feral dog packs. They are not afraid of humans, and will come looking for food. Years ago, we came upon a mother and her two daughters being attacked by about eight dogs. We were hunting in a National Forest. The husband and older son were also hunting, and this was their base camp in a National Forest campground. We were lucky to have killed four of them before the others disappeared into the forest. I would not want to have been depending on pepper spray. Guns they understood.
Trailblazer75
I had a dog attack on the trail in the past. However, I do not intend to carry any spray with me on this hike. Unless the animal gets it directly in the eyes it is not of much use. Besides to be effective I have to have it out and ready at all times. i just don’t feel like I want that “negative” little bludge hang off my hipbelt for my entire hike. I’ll take my chances. (I feel the same about guns etc.) hamockhngr
hamockhngr
The March 2001 Sports Afield has an intersting article on Grizzly attack, and the development of a new bear spray. The authors have also carefully researched its effectiveness, and the results were shown on some interesting footage that was on the Discovery channel. I have since bought a can of the stuff and sprayed it to see how far it would reach. Darn effective. I’ll carry it from now on, especially where guns are not permitted. Hamhock. stated above that it has to get in the animals eyes. I know this is not true, and this was also covered in the article. While it affects vision greatly, the most debilitating effect is when it gets in the lungs and nasal passages. It dulls (practically shuts down) sense of smell, causes wheezing and coughing and/or sneezing. Burns nasal membranes and lungs. You can get more info about this product at www.udap.com . They do point out that pepper sprays cannot be carried on planes in your onboard luggage, or even checked. Arrange to buy at site or ship ahead. The thing I like about this product is that it is a big can with lots of content. So many of these personal protective devices have about one 10 second shot and that’s it. Also, the way this one is made, you can shoot direct from the belt.
Trailblazer75
In my previous post I mentioned the www.udap.com site. Although I had briefly looked at it and bookmarked it, I had not investigated it thoroughly. I just did so. An excellent site for info on bear behavior, avoiding bear attacks, and what to do. If you are going to be in the outdoors, it should be mandatory reading. It’s not just about bears, but feral dog packs, walking your dog anywhere, and personal protection. I strongly recommend you and yours examine the site thoroughly whether you are going to buy the spray or not.
Trailblazer75