On Wed, 22 Aug 2012 16:30:16 +0000 (UTC), Doug Freyburger
> wrote:

>Judy Haffner wrote:
>>
>> The bad part about me trying to pick berries around our house in the
>> woods, is keeping an eye out for the BEARS, as seems to be an abundance
>> of them this year, and especially now, as the fish are running in the
>> creek by our house! I take our dog with me so he can alert me, but then
>> not sure what I'd do, as not about to try and climb a tree at my age!
>> :-O
>
>Are you a US citizen? Then the question answers itself. Pick the
>bigger gun and go armed for bear. A hunting license is only needed if
>you go out there looking for the bear.

Actually, in NY you need a license to "carry a gun afield" -- which
covers anything off your property, or not on the way to a range. And
if you shot a bear out of season, you'd be answering uncomfortable
questions. [not as uncomfortable as being gnawed on by Ursus
horribilis-- but still, some avoidable bad times.] Not to mention the
chances of a neophyte with a gun just ****ing the bear off.

If I was in bear country and was nervous I'd check the local sporting
goods store for bear mace. [and stay mindful of which way the wind is
blowing- that stuff stings the eyes]

Jack Hanna says he's carried a can for years and years-- and actually
had one occasion to use it a year or two ago.
[I just checked to be sure my mind remembered that right-- yep-
Grizzly bears- 2 yrs ago]
http://abcnews.go.com/WN/zookeeper-j...ry?id=11263009

Jim