The California Department of Fish and Wildlife is reporting that an experienced bear hunter was mauled by his prey and hospitalized. Although he survived the attack, his condition is unknown.
“There were three people hunting–archery hunting for bear–it was legal archery hunting season in that zone of California,” said the department’s Patrick Foy.
After shooting the bear he left his perch and approached it. “When he ran up to the bear, the bear attacked him and it mauled him severely,” said Foy.
“Approaching an animal that’s injured can be dangerous or can at least put that animal in a position where it’s going to forcibly defend itself thinking it’s under threat,” he added.
“Bear attacks are really, really rare. We’ve had incidents–even recent incidents–where a bear did come into physical contact with a young guy who was camping. We’ve had a few cases over the last few years of bears, but nothing to this degree,” said Foy.
The other two hunters were not hurt. The bear, who the group estimated to be around 300 pounds, died of its wounds. Speaking anonymously, one of the hunters told the local news what went wrong.
Although the trio were experienced hunters, the man who was mauled did not wait long enough after shooting the bear to approach. The misjudgement nearly cost him his life.
In San Bernardino bowhunting season runs from August through early September. Earlier this year the California Department of Fish and Wildlife approved a petition that allows archery hunters to carry handguns for self-defense in the field.
“Hunters often find themselves alone and isolated,” said the NRA. “Not having adequate means to protect themselves from predators and criminals puts them in danger. This is especially true with the increase of illegal marijuana grows in popular hunting areas, which are often patrolled by armed gang members willing to violently defend their crops.”
“The Commission’s decision does not change the restriction as applied to deer hunting,” added the NRA. “A state statute outside of the Commission’s control prohibits any person other than specified law enforcement from carrying a firearm of any kind while archery hunting for deer.
“The NRA and CRPA are working together to change that statute so that all archery hunters can exercise their Second Amendment rights.”
Typically, hunting season for bowhunters starts earlier in the year than other hunting seasons. This gives bowhunters an advantage of taking game, if they have the ability. Bowhunting is also considered by many to be one of the more challenging forms of hunting.
What you don’t understand about bear hunting is that there is a need for population control that doesn’t exist in nature. Hunting helps with that but does not eliminate over population.
I saw NOTHING in the story that indicated the hunter was not hunting for meat
If you want to see cruelty, watch an animal starve or, invade populated areas and prey on pets. That’s what occurs when predators seek easy food sources rather than compete in over populated conditions.
Your preference for the safety of a wild animal over a human is unbelievable. Obviously, you’re above other humans and therefore capable of judging who should live or die.
God have mercy on your soul… if he sees fit to do so!
We have small numbers of black bears, and many mountain lions, where I hunt, and this is exactly why I ALWAYS carry a powerful sidearm (at my side, not in a pack) while bowhunting. Many times the laws in various states will prohibit a bowhunter from carrying a “firearm” while bow hunting, unless the bowhunter also has a firearms tag. But, I say BS to that and carry it anyway, as I would rather be alive, and go to court over that issue, than comply and be dead, or badly maimed.
I read that one of the men did have a pistol, but it wasn’t readily available, and milliseconds count in such a situation. The bear spray can be effective on some bears, but not all, so a powerful sidearm is preferable.
Jimbo Billy Bob, please don’t confuse a liberal with facts.
Who said bear meat wasn’t edible? If you research it you will find information about bear meat and recipes and just how good it really is.
Honestly, bear hunting is just wrong. As is any hunting that is not for meat alone. Kudos for the bear for fighting back. Karma!
Haha! What? Of course you eat a bear. Don’t make comments when you obviously have no clue about hunting at all. You just make a fool of yourself. It would be like me telling you what food you should feed your 12 rescue cats ; )
Your ignorance is boundless, and unless you are a vegan, than you’re also a hypocrite.
What an ignorant, and hateful comment. Skanks like you had better pray that nothing ever goes wrong with the smooth delivery of “food” to your local grocery stores. It is quite a fragile system actually, and mass rioting and starvation would occur rather quickly for the likes of you if some unforeseen disruption were to take place, such as an EMP attack- karma I guess. LMAO!