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Target shooting-carrying firearms on the boat
- Thread starter Pete in NY
- Start date
When I had the C-Dory, I considered putting all the plastic, cans, and bottles in a nylon mesh bag, like a divers bag and hanging it underwater at docks where there might be a bear problem. That would kill the smell and perhaps the shrimp and small fish would clean the food scraps off the trash. I never tried it, but it might work.
Everywhere outside of towns in SE Alaska there is a garbage problem. Folks there have to burn or landfill their own trash.
Recycling is not economical.
When buying and stocking up, consider what you will do with the containers. Pringles cans and things like drink boxes don't biodegrade and when burned, leave the aluminium lining behind.
Everywhere outside of towns in SE Alaska there is a garbage problem. Folks there have to burn or landfill their own trash.
Recycling is not economical.
When buying and stocking up, consider what you will do with the containers. Pringles cans and things like drink boxes don't biodegrade and when burned, leave the aluminium lining behind.
Don and Brenda
New member
Does anyone carry a flare gun to scare the bears off, or use the whistles we normally carry, like the ones I have strapped to my life vests instead of a shotgun, and does the Canadian gov't have a problem with these "survival items"
starcrafttom
Active member
larry, warrens concernis his dogs. the dogs have to go to shore. a dog on a leach could attract or startal a bear.
when we go north we plan to take a shoot gun or two for shore walks and doggy walks. All of which will be on the beach. The dog is not going into the wood line with me in bear country. its my misfourtane to own a karelian bear dog mix. so if he even smells a bear he's gone. The last thing I need is a dog with a bear in hot pursuit. Have to flip a coin to decide who to shoot first. :wink: dog on leash on the beach, is that considered baiting??????
when we go north we plan to take a shoot gun or two for shore walks and doggy walks. All of which will be on the beach. The dog is not going into the wood line with me in bear country. its my misfourtane to own a karelian bear dog mix. so if he even smells a bear he's gone. The last thing I need is a dog with a bear in hot pursuit. Have to flip a coin to decide who to shoot first. :wink: dog on leash on the beach, is that considered baiting??????
Another easy thing to carry which won't get you cross wise with the Canadians is a loud horn to scare away bears. The first line of defense for the Anchorage police department for problem animals is a small handheld horn like I have as a back up on the boat. If carrying firearm is a problem, the horn fits just about anywhere. I've used them a couple of times to get moose out of the yard (for some reason they like to eat my lodgepole pines), and to be sure a bear that wandered up on the deck didn't come back.
We pack a 12ga stainless pump, usually tossed up in the V birth and unloaded. Take it ashore for bear protection. Been boarded by the CG, they just want to know where it is, see it, and be convinced it’s not loaded. You will be hard pressed to find a boat in Alaska waters without a gun of some sort.
Tom E, Warren,
I did not realize that dog protection was the issue, it wasn't mentioned in the posts.
For sure, if the dog brings a bear to you, you have a problem.
Perhaps training the dog to use a 'doggy mat' onboard would be the best solution.
I have heard that shooting a bear is a serious matter in AK. I recall hearing that if you shoot a bear in self defense, you must report that to the State Patrol and they will investigate that as a possible crime. I don't know if shooting a bear that is threatening your dog is OK or not. If I was going to be in that situation, I would find out at a police station what the deal was prior to going out into the bush. The Alaska State Patrol has an office in Ketchikan.
I personally would not try using a flare gun to scare a bear. Bears are incredibly tough, the flare could just bounce off the bear and start a forest fire. My understanding is that if you are not a proficient firearms user, and bear-wise, carrying a gun and thinking that will protect you could be very foolish.
Most bears just want to go about their business and will avoid people if they can. If hiking, sing, make noise, wear a bell, do not sneak up on a bear. If you find a pile of steaming bear scat on the trail, you are in the wrong place. If you see cubs, mama is lurking nearby. And if a bear is 'huffing' at you, DO NOT return the noise. That 'huffing' sound is a warning, you huff back and the fight is on!
Best advice I have heard is to become bear wise before going into bear country, and I don't consider myself very bear wise, except to know that I am not and that I stay out of risky situations.
I did not realize that dog protection was the issue, it wasn't mentioned in the posts.
For sure, if the dog brings a bear to you, you have a problem.
Perhaps training the dog to use a 'doggy mat' onboard would be the best solution.
I have heard that shooting a bear is a serious matter in AK. I recall hearing that if you shoot a bear in self defense, you must report that to the State Patrol and they will investigate that as a possible crime. I don't know if shooting a bear that is threatening your dog is OK or not. If I was going to be in that situation, I would find out at a police station what the deal was prior to going out into the bush. The Alaska State Patrol has an office in Ketchikan.
I personally would not try using a flare gun to scare a bear. Bears are incredibly tough, the flare could just bounce off the bear and start a forest fire. My understanding is that if you are not a proficient firearms user, and bear-wise, carrying a gun and thinking that will protect you could be very foolish.
Most bears just want to go about their business and will avoid people if they can. If hiking, sing, make noise, wear a bell, do not sneak up on a bear. If you find a pile of steaming bear scat on the trail, you are in the wrong place. If you see cubs, mama is lurking nearby. And if a bear is 'huffing' at you, DO NOT return the noise. That 'huffing' sound is a warning, you huff back and the fight is on!
Best advice I have heard is to become bear wise before going into bear country, and I don't consider myself very bear wise, except to know that I am not and that I stay out of risky situations.
starcrafttom
Active member
We, Susan and I have talked about it a lot and we have a plan. now we dont have any experience with grizzly's but we both have a good deal with blacks. I have ran them out of camp grounds before and they are not scared of me at all. they just figure is easier to raid another camp ground them deal with me making a lot of noise.
My plan is to have Susan walk the dogs and carry bear spray on her. I get the gun. the new sprays are very effective and have a greater range then they did a few years ago from what I have seen on t.v. a horn would also be a good tool to use BEFORE the spray. but I know from talking to enough folks and reading enough reports that one time in a thousand a bear will just keep coming no matter what happens. and yes they kill people and pets every year. And when your dead it does not matter who's fault it is. When you live thru it is does not matter what questions the cops ask as long as you are alive to tell the tell. and no bear is worth more then Susan or me, the dog on the other hand is one his own.
so IF we see it coming. its drop the leash, hit the horn hit the spray , shoot the bear in that order. One thing I learned climbing towers, then in the marines , then on the range is this- You WILL react the way you were trained. and if you don't have any training you WILL shut down and stand there. Every Time. same goes for docking your boat by the way......
My plan is to have Susan walk the dogs and carry bear spray on her. I get the gun. the new sprays are very effective and have a greater range then they did a few years ago from what I have seen on t.v. a horn would also be a good tool to use BEFORE the spray. but I know from talking to enough folks and reading enough reports that one time in a thousand a bear will just keep coming no matter what happens. and yes they kill people and pets every year. And when your dead it does not matter who's fault it is. When you live thru it is does not matter what questions the cops ask as long as you are alive to tell the tell. and no bear is worth more then Susan or me, the dog on the other hand is one his own.
so IF we see it coming. its drop the leash, hit the horn hit the spray , shoot the bear in that order. One thing I learned climbing towers, then in the marines , then on the range is this- You WILL react the way you were trained. and if you don't have any training you WILL shut down and stand there. Every Time. same goes for docking your boat by the way......
when you look at statistics, comparing numbers of bear attacks verses number of tourist coming here every year you should be comforted. Ve would be more concerned that the pilot of the airliner bringing you here, was not high or drunk or both! :disgust
Ve have anchorages chosen for their "National Geografic" appeal where you can watch bears all evening. We're never apprehensive. Isn't fear of the unknown one of the biggy's? Learn more about them, heck even ole Treadwell made it longer then you'r likely to be here.
Martin
Ve have anchorages chosen for their "National Geografic" appeal where you can watch bears all evening. We're never apprehensive. Isn't fear of the unknown one of the biggy's? Learn more about them, heck even ole Treadwell made it longer then you'r likely to be here.
Martin
A couple of years ago while kayaking with some friends, the discussion came around to what to do with bears that come into camp. One friend who knew I hunted alot, asked what I would do with a bear that came into camp while hunting. I casually said "shoot the bear." Her jaw dropped, every one else started laughing and I had to explain:
a. It was hunting season and bears were legal.
b. We had a bear tag.
c. We put a lot of effort into hauling the caribou meat back to camp and we didn't want the bear eating it all.
Even as a ardent environmentalist, she understood the logic of the argument. She was also eating the caribou sausage I had brought along.
I encounter multiple bears every summer hiking in Prince William Sound. Last summer I did a lot hiking with a dog. She treed one black bear (I never did understand how that happened) and surprised another who went one way while she went another. I have never had to bring a gun out of the holster or shoulder the shotgun. I guess I have been lucky in seeing the bears first before they saw or winded me. In each case where I have seen bears at close range, fish were involved. When I am hiking, I'm practicing hunting. Black bears are easy to see compared to black tail deer. I always see them. I am still looking for the deer.
a. It was hunting season and bears were legal.
b. We had a bear tag.
c. We put a lot of effort into hauling the caribou meat back to camp and we didn't want the bear eating it all.
Even as a ardent environmentalist, she understood the logic of the argument. She was also eating the caribou sausage I had brought along.
I encounter multiple bears every summer hiking in Prince William Sound. Last summer I did a lot hiking with a dog. She treed one black bear (I never did understand how that happened) and surprised another who went one way while she went another. I have never had to bring a gun out of the holster or shoulder the shotgun. I guess I have been lucky in seeing the bears first before they saw or winded me. In each case where I have seen bears at close range, fish were involved. When I am hiking, I'm practicing hunting. Black bears are easy to see compared to black tail deer. I always see them. I am still looking for the deer.
Yellowstone
New member
Pete has raised some interesting issues, and the replies have been very enlightening, if not borderline entertaining, particularly the link to the bear dog called the Karelian. I have had a few encounters with grizzly bears when unarmed, and luckily was not attacked. And I have killed bears for sport. I no longer do that and am thoroughly sorry I ever did and even say silent prayers for them.
Shooting over water carrys risks to others depending on the weapon. The shot from shotguns (trap shooting) quickly loses velocity and will usually fall harmlessly to the water.( the environmental impact of lead not under consideration.) Hand guns and rifles (including the .22 caliber rim fires) are another matter. There is documentary evidence (not folk lore) that bullets can ricochet off water and travel long distances and strike people, killing them.
From a social point of view, any shooting which can be heard by other boaters (unless alerted before hand that shooting was going to take place) will cause concern.
Regarding having weapons aboard for personal safety, that is only a decision the individual skipper can make. Sometimes I do, and sometimes I don't. If boating off Somalia, I would. (just kidding)
People not raised in the gun culture find guns very frightening. Yet, here in Montana where gun shows go on year around with literally thousands of rifles, shotguns, and hand guns lying on tables pointing in every which direction, few if any pay the slightest bit of attention to that.
John
Shooting over water carrys risks to others depending on the weapon. The shot from shotguns (trap shooting) quickly loses velocity and will usually fall harmlessly to the water.( the environmental impact of lead not under consideration.) Hand guns and rifles (including the .22 caliber rim fires) are another matter. There is documentary evidence (not folk lore) that bullets can ricochet off water and travel long distances and strike people, killing them.
From a social point of view, any shooting which can be heard by other boaters (unless alerted before hand that shooting was going to take place) will cause concern.
Regarding having weapons aboard for personal safety, that is only a decision the individual skipper can make. Sometimes I do, and sometimes I don't. If boating off Somalia, I would. (just kidding)
People not raised in the gun culture find guns very frightening. Yet, here in Montana where gun shows go on year around with literally thousands of rifles, shotguns, and hand guns lying on tables pointing in every which direction, few if any pay the slightest bit of attention to that.
John
Tom and Larry both give good advice. We have had some experience with Grizzlies, but always stayed safe by following a number of cautions. First it is their land--and never contest that. Second always be very aware of what is going on. Make noise when going ashore and on the trail. Let the bear know where you are, and what you are doing. If encountered, slowly back away--keep the dogs under control. Keep calm, let the bear identify you as a human, and back away slowly.
If you want to see Grizzlies, then see if you can get a permit for "Pack Creek"--given out at Juneau, on a lottery basis, as well as by reservation. There are a large number of bears feeding and a ranger there. You cannot show up there and expect to go ashore (We did that the first year). You only have 3 days to get from Juneau to Pack Creek.
We had two labs with us the 4 years we cruised SE AK with the Cal 46. They went ashore at least 3 times every 24 hours. Primary defense was bear spray. Although "pepper spray" and "Mace" is illegal in Canada, Bear spray is not. In fact in the Queen Charlotte Islands there are some areas where it is suggested that you have bear spray on your person if ashore. The bear spray range is listed at 32 feet. We have tested an old can of "Counter Assault" and it did spay 30 feet. But the usual effective range is considered at 15 to 20 feet.bout 10 seconds of spray. You have a If a bear is charging--that is mighty close! The bear can run much faster than you can. Our decision if in danger is that Marie would handle the bear spray and if shots were necessary, I would do that. But, a bear will continue even with a .44 mag shot in center mass, head or neck, so a shot is a very poor choice and a last chance--avoidance is best. A shot bear better have powder burns.
We did also carry one of the horns, and if any question, we both yelled before going ashore and hit the horn, especially at night. We also used a spotlight to check out the shoreline at night.
As for firearms--we carried a ..44 Mag with a high cross draw (chauffeurs type) of holster. Load: 300 gr solid bullet, with a "hot" load. This firearm requires a lot of practice shooting to be comfortable and is not for everyone. A shot gun is difficult to carry, as well as handle a dinghy outboard, landing on the beach, dogs on lead etc. It might be easier if you could use a "riot gun"--but not allowed by Canada. (We did not let the dogs off the lead if any question about bears in the area.) The hand gun is not as good as bear protection as a slug in a shot gun. The .44 had to be sent to AK by our fire arms dealer to another fire arms dealer, to avoid the Canada issue.
If you want to see Grizzlies, then see if you can get a permit for "Pack Creek"--given out at Juneau, on a lottery basis, as well as by reservation. There are a large number of bears feeding and a ranger there. You cannot show up there and expect to go ashore (We did that the first year). You only have 3 days to get from Juneau to Pack Creek.
We had two labs with us the 4 years we cruised SE AK with the Cal 46. They went ashore at least 3 times every 24 hours. Primary defense was bear spray. Although "pepper spray" and "Mace" is illegal in Canada, Bear spray is not. In fact in the Queen Charlotte Islands there are some areas where it is suggested that you have bear spray on your person if ashore. The bear spray range is listed at 32 feet. We have tested an old can of "Counter Assault" and it did spay 30 feet. But the usual effective range is considered at 15 to 20 feet.bout 10 seconds of spray. You have a If a bear is charging--that is mighty close! The bear can run much faster than you can. Our decision if in danger is that Marie would handle the bear spray and if shots were necessary, I would do that. But, a bear will continue even with a .44 mag shot in center mass, head or neck, so a shot is a very poor choice and a last chance--avoidance is best. A shot bear better have powder burns.
We did also carry one of the horns, and if any question, we both yelled before going ashore and hit the horn, especially at night. We also used a spotlight to check out the shoreline at night.
As for firearms--we carried a ..44 Mag with a high cross draw (chauffeurs type) of holster. Load: 300 gr solid bullet, with a "hot" load. This firearm requires a lot of practice shooting to be comfortable and is not for everyone. A shot gun is difficult to carry, as well as handle a dinghy outboard, landing on the beach, dogs on lead etc. It might be easier if you could use a "riot gun"--but not allowed by Canada. (We did not let the dogs off the lead if any question about bears in the area.) The hand gun is not as good as bear protection as a slug in a shot gun. The .44 had to be sent to AK by our fire arms dealer to another fire arms dealer, to avoid the Canada issue.
Tom, good plan :thup When Jo-Lee and I are together ashore we both carry the spray and I the shotgun too. Our plan is if surprised at very close range she uses the spray while I go for the gun and if the spray doesn't work use it.
Yes, being "Bear Wise" is definitely a big plus if wanting to venture into the bears territory, but like most things wisdom comes best through experience though I've spoke to many without much experience who have spent a good deal of time in the bush without a bad encounter. The downside is one bad encounter could sure make for a bad day.
I'm certainly not a certified bear expert, but have spent many years watching their behavior and have read many books on the subject and can say that I agree with the majority of experts that bear spray for most is the best deterrent. Unless one is very good with a rifle or shotgun and even better than that with a pistol your not going to stop a determined charging grizzly bear without a great deal of luck. Emagine trying to hit a very fast moving four inch diamter target with your life riding on your hitting it. That said, I carry bear spray and a shotgun when in the bush and feel confident of the outcome if the gun is needed. No skill needed for the spray other than not panicking. Downside if there is any wind and its blowing with the incoming bear you are going to be in the spray cloud almost as much as the bear making for an even more iffy situation. Have carried and experminted with a bears reaction to horns, boat flares and bangers and though they are all recommended by some I would not want my life on the line with them the only deterrent on a determined charging bear. Most of the time I think they would work well if the bear is some distance away but just being more aggresive acting than the bear would probably work just as well.
In the sharing of our Southeast Alaska Cruises in the Grand Adventure Forum I've told of a few bear encounters and they might be interesting or even of some use to those considering similiar adventures.
Jay
Yes, being "Bear Wise" is definitely a big plus if wanting to venture into the bears territory, but like most things wisdom comes best through experience though I've spoke to many without much experience who have spent a good deal of time in the bush without a bad encounter. The downside is one bad encounter could sure make for a bad day.
I'm certainly not a certified bear expert, but have spent many years watching their behavior and have read many books on the subject and can say that I agree with the majority of experts that bear spray for most is the best deterrent. Unless one is very good with a rifle or shotgun and even better than that with a pistol your not going to stop a determined charging grizzly bear without a great deal of luck. Emagine trying to hit a very fast moving four inch diamter target with your life riding on your hitting it. That said, I carry bear spray and a shotgun when in the bush and feel confident of the outcome if the gun is needed. No skill needed for the spray other than not panicking. Downside if there is any wind and its blowing with the incoming bear you are going to be in the spray cloud almost as much as the bear making for an even more iffy situation. Have carried and experminted with a bears reaction to horns, boat flares and bangers and though they are all recommended by some I would not want my life on the line with them the only deterrent on a determined charging bear. Most of the time I think they would work well if the bear is some distance away but just being more aggresive acting than the bear would probably work just as well.
In the sharing of our Southeast Alaska Cruises in the Grand Adventure Forum I've told of a few bear encounters and they might be interesting or even of some use to those considering similiar adventures.
Jay
Is bear spray a deterrent or a disabling type of spray? How potent is it?
I've heard that wasp/hornet spray is far more effective than pepper spray, or even a stun gun(?) It also is capable of shooting 25 of more feet to a target.
ONTOH, it just might "awake the sleeping giant............!!!"
Any opinions?
Joe. :teeth :thup
I've heard that wasp/hornet spray is far more effective than pepper spray, or even a stun gun(?) It also is capable of shooting 25 of more feet to a target.
ONTOH, it just might "awake the sleeping giant............!!!"
Any opinions?
Joe. :teeth :thup
starcrafttom
Active member
spray is a deterrent and may or may not stop a bear. now I have been exposed to c.s. gas many times in open and closed areas (small rooms, bars, training areas) and I will tell you this, that depending on the person and their training it will stop you cold or not bother you at all.I have sung the marine corp hymn while in a 20 by 20 room full of CS. Some guys will freak out and it takes two or three guys to hold them down, others just take it and calmly walk out. I'm sure some bears will run the other way at the first sniff, others just might decide to kill the source of the spray. That said I will carry a can or two and use it first. I hope that I have to never use it at all, but I will not expect it as my only deterrent.
Look I have no need to kill a bear and if I did I would go hunt for them here. I just don't want to get killed if it all goes wrong and I refuse to be a one in a thousand statistic with out giving it my all.
someone talked about terry taste well lasting a long time in bear country. that was luck and dumb luck at that. And as with all luck it ran out. Luck prefers the prepared.
Look I have no need to kill a bear and if I did I would go hunt for them here. I just don't want to get killed if it all goes wrong and I refuse to be a one in a thousand statistic with out giving it my all.
someone talked about terry taste well lasting a long time in bear country. that was luck and dumb luck at that. And as with all luck it ran out. Luck prefers the prepared.
El and Bill
New member
With the discussion moving to bears, thought it might be interesting to some to visit Anan in Southeast:
http://cruisingamerica-halcyondays.com/anan.htm
http://cruisingamerica-halcyondays.com/anan.htm
Larry, we have a dog potty mat and plan to make that our priority. But there may be times when we want to go to shore. Even though I don't have the training that someone like Tom has, I figure having a shotgun and bear spray is better than nothing. My first line of defense is to avoid bear encounters so I don't plan to go beyond the tree line and stay close to the dinghy.
I suspect my shotgun is very similar to the one Jay has. No pistol grip, 18" barrel. It's a Winchester 1300 Mariner, but it has been discontinued. Here is a description from their web site when it was available:
I have researched Canadian regs extensively and think I will be OK. I'll get the permit before I cross the border, of course.
Warren
I suspect my shotgun is very similar to the one Jay has. No pistol grip, 18" barrel. It's a Winchester 1300 Mariner, but it has been discontinued. Here is a description from their web site when it was available:
With a nickel-plated stainless steel barrel, corrosion resistant, anodized aluminum alloy receiver and key parts that are plated for corrosion resistance, the Coastal Marine is naturally very popular in saltwater environments. Specifically, the coastal bear country of Alaska where lesser guns simply waste away. 18" barrel length with cylinder bore choke. Eight-shot magazine capacity. Sling swivel studs included. Removable front TRUGLO® fiber optic sight
I have researched Canadian regs extensively and think I will be OK. I'll get the permit before I cross the border, of course.
Warren
Chris Bulovsky
New member
Big Browns are amazing animals. I personally witnessed how a bear can behave after being hit with three rounds from a 375 H&H in the vitals and two rounds from a 45-70. Let me tell you any pistol is a joke. Better than nothing I suppose but don't let it give you false sense of security. 12# or 45-70 with hard cast bullets for coastal browns. Even then they could still be on top of you even if fatally shot. These animals look like super hero's when skinned. They can move so fast and will take direct hits. VERY VERY AMAZING ANIMALS.
Prevention is the trick here IMO.
As for guns on the boat I just stow them in the v-birth in a case as I would in a car. I have used my C-Dory for duck hunting and deer hunting. Also where does the Coast Guard qualify with boat mounted guns????? Wonder if they shoot non-toxic rifle ammo into the lake? :lol:
Chris
Prevention is the trick here IMO.
As for guns on the boat I just stow them in the v-birth in a case as I would in a car. I have used my C-Dory for duck hunting and deer hunting. Also where does the Coast Guard qualify with boat mounted guns????? Wonder if they shoot non-toxic rifle ammo into the lake? :lol:
Chris
My first really close encounter was with a black bear in a remote area of the High Sierra. I was working for Edison at Big Creek, and worked 10 days, and had 4 days off. On the off days I would solo hike into back country using a topo map. I always put the food in the pack up the branch, out from the tree etc. I was sleeping in the open, with an air matress and a tarp over my sleeping bag. At about 1 am, I awake as a black bear came into my camp-couldn't get my food pack and came over to me--the bear sniffed me, and left. That is probably the most frightened I have been in my life. I had a .357 in my hands, and it was pointed up during this encounter, but I held my breath and did not move while the bear was close by.
After the bear left got up, and built a large fire-not going back to sleep that night! We have had a number of other not quite as close encounters with black bears in to our camps--especially where we have "driven them off" with noise. However, I am well aware that even in the lower 48 there are a number of bear maulings every year. "playing dead", and getting in the protective position, leaving a pack on, and putting hands over the back of your neck is also key to survival if attacked.
The chance of death from a bear attack are only 1 to 3 per year in the entire US and Canada. You have a much greater chance of death by lightning strike! But still be safe.
The bear spray is a pepper spray. It is quite irritating. In is in an oil base which sticks to the bear's fur. The rangers I have talked to about its use had positive reports. The "Counter Assault" has a concentrated spray pattern. The times we used it on the old cannisters there was no spray in our area--as we aimed at places 30 feet away. The idea is to hit the bear/bears in the face, and it is said to be 97% effective, vs 67% for bullets.
We carry the bear spray on a belt where it is always instantly available--in a back pack it is not as easily deployable. We also carry it when hiking in the US. There may be some local Nat Park restrictions--but for the most part if you have specific Bear spray it seems OK.
In some further research--Canada only allows "1% of Capsaicin" on the label, where as the US label is required to have "2% capsaicin and other related capsaicinoids" The manufactuer says the product is the same. I have never had any problems at the border, but it could be an issue.
After the bear left got up, and built a large fire-not going back to sleep that night! We have had a number of other not quite as close encounters with black bears in to our camps--especially where we have "driven them off" with noise. However, I am well aware that even in the lower 48 there are a number of bear maulings every year. "playing dead", and getting in the protective position, leaving a pack on, and putting hands over the back of your neck is also key to survival if attacked.
The chance of death from a bear attack are only 1 to 3 per year in the entire US and Canada. You have a much greater chance of death by lightning strike! But still be safe.
The bear spray is a pepper spray. It is quite irritating. In is in an oil base which sticks to the bear's fur. The rangers I have talked to about its use had positive reports. The "Counter Assault" has a concentrated spray pattern. The times we used it on the old cannisters there was no spray in our area--as we aimed at places 30 feet away. The idea is to hit the bear/bears in the face, and it is said to be 97% effective, vs 67% for bullets.
We carry the bear spray on a belt where it is always instantly available--in a back pack it is not as easily deployable. We also carry it when hiking in the US. There may be some local Nat Park restrictions--but for the most part if you have specific Bear spray it seems OK.
In some further research--Canada only allows "1% of Capsaicin" on the label, where as the US label is required to have "2% capsaicin and other related capsaicinoids" The manufactuer says the product is the same. I have never had any problems at the border, but it could be an issue.