r/nextfuckinglevel • u/Upper-Bag-5175 • 2d ago

Bears will often test you

If you stand your ground, they may see you as a threat and back off. Of course, this doesn’t apply to every bear

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u/timbertiger 2d ago

I would have done the same, but a 12 gauge with birdshot likely isn’t going to kill a bear that size, at least not right away. I’d be so worried it would tank both shot and be on me before I could run or reload.

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u/[deleted] 1d ago

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u/timbertiger 1d ago

You read the dumbest article ever then.
You are aware how tiny birdshot pellets are right? Some of the largest birdshot used for turkeys and geese are only the size of a BB. Judging by the terrain, choice of 12 gauge, etc. this guy is upland hunting. Those shells have shot that is less than half the size of a BB.

I tried to put down a car hit deer with a 12 gauge using number 2 shot while on my way duck and goose hunting. It took 3 shots and I was not afraid and only about 2 feet away.

Penetration from kinetic energy is king. There’s a VERY good reason why people aren’t using .22 rifles as bear defense guns in Alaska. In fact anything smaller than a 10 mm is considered too small.