Hunting in Grizzly Country - The Real Gunsmith 

Preach, Randy! This man speaks truth. When I’m in grizzly bear country I carry a 454 Casull loaded with 300 grain bullets. Killing big game in northwestern WY these days is like ringing the dinner bell for grizzly bears; and bear spray will do nothing to prevent an angry bear from killing you or your horse. Load heavy, folks.

A man of knowledge,compassion for others. Talk as my dad did when he was living life. You are a teacher above the others who don't have common sense

"If I'm going to mess around with something like that, than I shouldn't really be in the mountains. I need to be prepared." Nailed it. Thanks for keeping it real.

We can't carry handguns in Alberta Canada , so instead I haul around a MOSSBERG 590a1 loaded with 3" 1-1/4 ounce slugs

RIP Mark , may the good lord give peace and comfort to your family. Thanks for the video. Hope it helps someone save their life.

While I don’t live in grizzly bear country(PA here) I still enjoyed the video. Just found the channel and I’ve been binge watching your videos. I’m only 24 and have so much to learn and I just want to thank you for sharing your wisdom and knowledge. Keep it up boss

I know it's sad about the the young guide being killed but it made me think of this post: "Important Announcement: In light of the rising frequency of human - grizzly bear conflicts, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game is advising hikers, hunters, and fishermen to take extra precautions and keep alert of bears while in the field. They advise that outdoorsmen wear noisy little bells on their clothing so as not to startle bears that aren't expecting them. They also advise outdoorsmen to carry pepper spray with them in case of an encounter with a bear. It is also a good idea to watch out for fresh signs of bear activity. Outdoorsmen should recognize the difference between black bear and grizzly bear dung. Black bear dung is smaller and contains lots of berries and squirrel fur. Grizzly bear dung has little bells in it and smells like pepper."

UPDATE: While some of the details of the attack are based on what we were hearing at the time the video was made, what is stated is not all exactly as it is now being reported after a full investigation. The fact remains that neither the guide or hunter had a firearm on their person, and it is unknown if that would have changed the outcome or not. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord. UPDATE: 11-29-18 Jim Shockey has posted on his FB page a very much needed commentary about the need to manage grizzly populations. He has posted this after the death, by grizzly mauling, of a lovely young wife and mother and her 10 month old daughter. We urge you to read it and share. facebook.com/JimShockeyFanPage/posts/1919251314791511?__tn__=K-R

I live and hunt in grizzly country here in Montana and agree 100% with everything said.

I just started planning a Idaho elk hunt for 2019. I just added a large caliber handgun to my list. Thank you for sharing your knowledge, it is appreciated.

I’m on the same page as you. I refuse to trust my life with spray. Just as I left Idaho hunting elk this incident happened and my uncle who lives out there is now finally looking into carrying a handgun. We the hunt the diamond creek zone which is just west of Alpine,WY into Idaho. We have yet to see a grizzly or sign but for as much as they are expanding we expect and prepare for it. Another thing I find disgusting is the head biologist that was at the start of the grizzly rehabilitation program has been saying for sometime now there needs to be a season on grizzlies they have far surpassed their goal and yet it’s being held up by people disconnected from reality.

A heart felt dedication to this young man. Thank you for making this video and for speaking common sense. Also, Amen to the 480 Ruger. It's my Go To big bore as well.

Side arm should be on person at all times.

Thank you Randy for your voice of sanity.You know they tell us to use bear spray on a charging sow with cubs yet the police are killing labrador puppies in vehicles with the windows rolled up and say they feared for their life. I never hear of law-enforcement using pepper spray on dogs they’re constantly shooting the family pet. Yet we need to use pepper spray. Once again thank you so much Randy.

Let this video go to show that "bear spray" is useless against a charging bear

You Sir are a welcome voice in the hunting and outdoor world. Thank you for speaking out and with such accuracy and conviction. You are a credit to our lifestyle Sir, thank you

Great video Randy our prayers go out to Marks family and God Bless them!

Smith and Wesson makes good bear spray in 460 and 500 strength! Pepper spray just seasons the bears meal!

As I understand it, bear spray only works on a bear who is simply curious, and not one who intends to kill you. Don't reckon I'd take the chance..

Sorry to hear about that young guy. I pray for his family. Making this video had to be hard. It was a very nice tribute.

Just ran into this channel and I love it. Thanks so much for sharing your experience Sir, even tho it has such a tragic background...

20 year Grizzly/brown bear guide in Alaska. True, bear spray is never going to have an effect on a truly predatory grizz. I'm not talking about the 99% of encounters in which the bear is just being pushy. But real attacks, which are extremely rare... It's no going to be effective. 10mm Glock? Very effective. Question? How accurate can you fire when you've got a second to react? More FIREPOWER is a good thing. If you want to kill a bear 1 shot with high probability, carry a magnum rifle. Otherwise be ready to sling lots of lead quickly.

Thanks for sharing your knowledge, watching your videos has been very educational.

We have the same thing here in southeastern NC with the black bears. Way too many. Thanks for sharing your stories with us.

Grizzly are at the top of the food chain up there. Best to be prepared. Thanks Randy for sharing your thoughts on this.

Very powerful presentation sir. God bless the young guide that lost his life. I pray that your own son never encounters such a violent situation.

They say to watch the bear poop. To know what kind of bears are around. Small twigs, grasses, berries, small animal bones... Black bear Larger animal bones, large sticks, hats, boots, cans of bear spray.. grizzly bear........

Randy, excellent video and spot on.

RIP young man. Growing up hunting out west my grandfather and father both carried .44Magnums with full wad cutter cast bullets and a big snort of Unique powder IIRC at all times while we were out in the mountains. Both were S&W's and I now carry my grandfathers after he passed. Like you, I guarantee I'll never be found in griz country with bear juice. It's no more effective than wasp and hornet spray...but costs 10x as much. When I'm in black bear country here in the upper midwest...I'm not as concerned but you bet your bottom dollar I'm not heading out west with out my sidearm...

Amen, Brother Randy. Spread the wisdom.

I live in Virginia, I treat black bear the same way. It's archery season here. My Ruger 44 mag Super Red Hawk is always on my person. There have been sightings of mountain lion in my area too. Most of you all wouldn't think black bear will attack and kill people, they are capable just as much as a grizzly. The good news is there is a hunting season for them. We have the problem where people move out here from DC and Fairfax these folks build developments right in bear country. These folks from the city leave their trash out and bears get into it. Thus bears learn not to fear people. These folks are misinformed and have the notion that these bears are more afraid of you than you are of them. You have a disaster waiting to happen.

There was a story out a while back where a large grizzly bear was shot and there were 2 hunters one with a 338 win and the other with a 375 H&h and the bear finally was put down after both guns were empty. That will show you sometimes a handgun is not enough and pepper spray even becomes less effective.

I agree 100%. I've carried bear spray before, but I've talked to, and heard of stories of Bears not even being phased by it. Might work good for Black bears, or even a Grizz that's just being defensive and is just trying to run you off. But I won't take my chances, especially with the numbers of Grizzlies we got up here in certain areas in Alberta. Been quite a few nasty attacks in the last year or 2. And then those morons in BC, where all the anti hunting hippies who are the majority, but only live down in the south western area of BC. Held a referendum to ban all bear hunting period! Despite what the wildlife biologist's advise was. These dang Liberal's just don't flipping get it. BC hunter's and the sane people of BC are livid with this. Now you're going to have an overpopulation of Grizzlies, of which they already had real healthy #'s. And the ungulates are going to suffer real bad. They should take every problem bear and helicopter it in to down town Vancouver, and just drop about a 100 off there in Stanley Park. This new generation of Liberal's are a scary lot. They don't listen to the real experts who understand the situation. But go by how the "Feel" things should be run. Then eventually that nutty government will get voted out, and a sane government will be back in charge, and they will have to run a government cull. Plus, being next door to B.C. , I'm pretty sure Grizzlies won't obey the province signs. We already have Northern Caribou in dangerous shape due to too many wolves, and the lack of the B.C government to open them up to hunter's near year round like we do in Alberta. So we can shoot all we want here, but they are still breeding like crazy just across the border. It's darn frustrating.

I don't live in bear country but you just verified to me what I had always thought about bear spray. Give me a good red hawk any day in that country.

You can tell Grizz scat by smelling and looking. It smells like pepper spray and has little bells in it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks for the message. Well taken.

Good video, Sir. Liked and Subbed. Thank you for posting.

appreciate your commentary on human saftey in grizzly country !

another good video randy. my son has hunted in idaho and is going to the brooks range alaska next year and i have demanded he either take my ruger 44 or he buys one of his own and make damn sure he has it on him at all times when he goes. theres no need to be afriad of the bears but a have heap of respect for them and what they can do and stay alert around them

Yes. Learning from someone who knows what he is talking about and living it his whole life is refreshing. I don't feel as though I would need to carry anything smaller than a short barreled 500 S&W after listening.

I bought a S&W 460 with a 5 inch barrel and will use 454 Casull 360 grain wide-nose flat hard cast held in a Diamond D Custom leather Guides Choice holster. I will be prepared. Thanks for your wisdom.

Thanks for posting this, this gives us perfect lesson of what not carry in bear country. Like you, I have same thoughts on bear spray, or any kind of spray for any type of defense..I wouldn't recommend it for women in defense against a possible rapist. Most hunters stay downwind, if bear charges from that direction, and pulls out bear spray...most likely he/she can possibly spray themselves. This story makes me fortunate that I bought a heavy cal. Handgun 4 yrs. ago just in case if I ever head out to bear country. Thank God for the .500 sw mag

There are black bears out east here that have learned to bluff charge backpackers, because the people are told to drop their packs when confronted by a bear. They've learned people will feed them if they charge. Fortunately it's very rare, but those things aren't stupid. Sadly up here in Canada, we aren't allowed to carry handguns, except for a few people who work in the woods. In most government parks, firearms aren't even allowed. More than a little annoying. Especially since it's all rules made by people who only see bears on tv.

Everyone who comes to this site , it is a must that you read the Shockey report ! Heart wrenching! He along with Randy hit the nail on the head! Although a Canadian, I no longer live in US or Canada,but I agree with tea party rallies &have participated & more need to get active & join such , Make your voice heard like Randy & Jim ! Turn off the Communist news networks and do something !!!!

I agree with you sir. I'm from South ga and we ain't got grizzlies but we do have black bear. And I believe that we as humans have to show any animal who is boss. I don't mean that we need to shot just to be shooting but if one ever acts like he might be wanting to try me he will meet my 44 mag first. Great video from a great man I can tell. Thanks.

Good Video and Content. It is easy to play Monday Morning Quarterback on situations like this because we will never know exactly what happened on the side of that mountain. The hunter carrying the 10mm should have started shooting at the bears instead of tossing his sidearm to the guide. Obviously fear set in and the hunter reacted accordingly. The guide being young and possibly inexperienced should have known better than to enter an area where a wounded/dead elk lay without protection. For those who doubt the capabilities of a 10mm, it is a great alternative to carrying a heavy wheel gun. I was in Alaska, unit 14b late August 2017 and had my 10mm cocked and ready for 10 days 24/7 with Buffalo Bore Solids. Reasons why I choose the 10mm over a heavy caliber wheel gun had to do with being able to operate that caliber efficiently. Certainly I can shoot a heavy wheel gun but I could not control the recoil as efficiently as the smaller 10mm. Carrying a sidearm that I’m not proficient with does me and or my hunting partners no good during the heat of the moment. Remember gentlemen, we are all on the same team and we need to be respectful to one another. A man lost his life doing what he loved and it could have been avoided has he and his cohort made better decisions before entering an area known to have Apex Predators.

thank you for this heartfelt warning!

Great advice! Subbed.

Such a sad and needless ending to a young mans life. My heart goes out to his wife and kids. This is a sobering reminder to evaluate the tools we trust to protect life with.

You are so right up here I. The north we still have worry about black bears I now people say black bears are harmless I beg to differ black bears are dangerous God bless be safe

Thanks for the video

excellent advice brother

You are a great man.

So sorry for his family. Prayers for his family.

I’ve been looking for this video for years, you convinced me to get a .44

Aspiring guide, I take wisdom from your cut of man. Thank you sir.

If only the ones in power would listen to you Randy. How many men have to die before something is done. When I lived in Wyoming we always had a sidearm while up in the mountains.

I hunted a little west of you and it was a daily occurrence to have my tracks covered up by grizzlies in the drainages . Same thing on the south fork as well

"Ach du lieber, mein schatz" Mr. Randy! I yust became a proud new subscriber! How I greatly admire you AND where you live, by Cody, Wyoming. How I'd LOVE to sit around a campfire & listen to your "yarns" over a nice hot cup of cowboy coffee! I greatly LOVE guns, especially the old black powder ones like the Hawkens & flinters. Throw them "black guns" that fire a million shots in two seconds in the garbage!!! I lost my shootin' range last fall & haven't found a new one yet I can afford to shoot at (only outdoors!). I unfortunately live near the Rockford, Illinois area - yes, ILLINOIS!!! You're the kind of a man I wish I could have been! And at 78 plus, you can call me "grandpa Ron", alias "Mr. Thickey", after my big .58 custom Hawken rifle made by Andy Fautheree in 1968, my most prized material possession!!! May God bless you to a long AND healthy life ahead. "Gesundheit" und pass da saurbrauten und veinerschnitzle poleaze! YA!

Preach. I've been having both the argument of "gun vs spray" and the "10mm vs a true big bore magnum" for bear defense for years. I'd not heard of this situation until now but it further reinforces my and many others argument that the 10mm is just not enough gun for big bears. .44mag is the minimum, yet there are those that think they're going to get away with a pistol that maxes out at 220gr and around 650ft lb of energy in the relevant loadings, which is 100-120gr lighter than the .44's heaviest bullets, and literally half the energy at the muzzle is going to be enough... Hell, even Tim at Buffalo Bore says he thinks the .44 isn't quite enough for bear, and it absolutely dwarves the 10mm in power. I always hear "well I've got 15rds on tap" but it doesn't matter how many rounds your mag holds when you MIGHT have time for 1-2 shots. I can only assume these are people that have never been in brown/griz country. I knew people that would sometimes carry a 10mm in AK, but it was always as a back-up to something like a 45-70 they had on their shoulder at all times, never their primary arm. No matter how fast you think you are, those bears are faster. In an actual charge, you're not going to have time to get off 15 shots of anything, you might have time for 1-2, so do you want 650-700ft lb on target, or 1450+ft lb from a larger diameter, heavier projectile? Glocks are great, semi's in general are great, but they aren't the right fit for bear defense. My condolences to this guide's family. RIP.

Randy, I've been telling hunters that are going out there to hunt that they need a heavy handgun in a shoulder holster every time they go outside when they are in that country.The guys from down here aren't use to hunting in that area and I have managed to convince quite a few of my friends to do that and they have taken my advice but a few are stubborn about their ability with their rifles. I convinced my father and he carried the same handgun that I carry. A Smith & Wesson .44 magnum with heavy bullet load. We cast our own bullets which are hard cast open hollow point and reload them to max for just that purpose.

Very sad when a hunter or anyone for that matter loses his life to a bear. Prayers for his family. The problem lies directly at the feet of the "environmentalist" in their effort to secretly ban hunting. Their agenda infiltrates all forms of government and this is the reason you don't have a season. It pisses me off to no end to have to watch this country go to hell. And it's not simply a matter of voting these bastards out of office due to the fact that our states are filling up with Leftist that have an agenda that will only bring our way of life down. Thank you Randy for sharing this video with us. Safety to you and your son. God bless.

Fully agreed sir, bear mace may work in some cases but I have seen it fail twice. When I hunt Wapiti in the US I too carry a handgun all the time. Bear flares work sometimes if the bear is at a distance. Mine choice is a S&W 460 with 325 grain hard cast flat nose, carried strong side. In British Columbia I can't carry a pistol or revolver so I have a shotgun with 18" barrel and 5 slugs. Carry on a sling 24X7, hunt, eat, sleep and poop with it. Had to use the revolver last October when my hunting partner gut shot a bore and it charged. Lesson learned - if the bear is charging drop to your knee else you will likely shot over him, they are faster than you think. You are a very wise man sir, thank you for the presentation. Preserving knowledge like yours is a fine use of this platform.

I feel the same way about the dang wolves that some people want to have running around everywhere. They should be closely monitored and kept at a reasonable number. If they show up on my property, and I have the opportunity , they will damn sure be thinned out.

it never seems to amaze me why can't people use common sense anymore hope your vedio saves lives

GOTTA LOVE GOOGLE AI. If you come face to face with a grizzly bear, your primary goal is to stop the attack as soon as possible and convince the bear you're not a threat. Here are some things you can try: Bear spray If you're close enough and can deploy it quickly and accurately, bear spray can deter an attack. However, a charging bear might not be stopped by a little irritant in its face. Whistle Grizzly bears have sensitive hearing, so loud noises like a whistle can startle and scare them away. Remain still Stand your ground and slowly wave your arms to help the bear recognize you as a human. A standing bear is usually curious, not threatening. Play dead If the bear charges and attacks, cover your head and neck with your hands and arms, and lie down flat on your stomach with your legs outspread. Remaining still and quiet can show the bear you're no threat. However, if the attack is predatory, playing dead won't help. Direct punches and kicks You can try directly punching or kicking the bear in the face. Use a weapon If you have a weapon like rocks or branches, you can use it to defend yourself. If you're an armed hunter, you can use a gun as a last resort. A heavy wide flat nose hard lead bullet can shatter bone on impact and cause extra damage.

To Mark Upton’s family I’m sorry for your lose my hopes and prayers are with you always.

I’m planning my first ever elk for next fall in Colorado late season. Now my 44 mag is definitely going with me instead of bear spray. I’m planning on using my 30-06 with 180 partitions. Do you think that would be good inside 300 yds? I have s 7mm mag but the rifle is a lot heavier. I would love to see a video from you with your decades of hunting experience in that area. about what you consider essential hunting gear and tips for hunters new to the west. I am experienced white tail hunter from ky but it’s a totally different environment there. Thank you for your time

Exactly a card trick that's right thanks for video, hell with spray, I've said that all along

Wow great story great advice as well them bares are just a whole different level of danger!

Awsome truth thank you sir enjoy all your videos

Regardless of who's shooting, 44 magnum and similar cartridges recoil A LOT. 10mm has adequate penetration, and you're more likely to get a CNS shot. Even a heart shot from any magnum pistol or rifle is not a guarantee it will stop it's attack, you've got to put the lights out.

You are right on the money, as usual.

I hunt 20 miles south of Laramie and I am convinced that we have grizzly in the area. With sign I’ve seen and talking with old boys there are probably quite a few. CDOW denies that we have them but they also denied wolf packs which I have seen in sand creek Colorado and I have friends that have seen them in Walden. Point being if they are in Wyoming then they are in Colorado. I carry a ruger Alaskan 454 because of grizzly and moose. I would without a second thought use my pistol on the only grizzly in Colorado if it meant getting home to my family. Save the pepper spray for your Denver omelette

Great words! We need more people like you! Hunting would stop these overly aggressive bears. They would be the first to be harvested! It's so sad that people don't have much of a brain anymore.

Mr. Selby, I’ve been shooting for a few years and just got into hunting. I found a 460 S&W for a price that’s hard to overlook. Do you think it would suffice for a hunting sidearm ?

Thanks Randy ! You're a sage and your words are full of truth . RIP to the guide , and God Bless everyone effected by this tragedy . In my home state of South Carolina Its legal for anyone participating in outdoor sports and recreation to open carry a handgun . (Provided they're not prohibited from owning guns .) This should be law everywhere . A fisherman or hiker can be killed just as dead from a venomous snakebite as a hunter killed by a bear . My dear departed uncle carried a .410 derringer just for snakes after being bitten by a copperhead . This summer a woman was killed by an alligator while walking her dog down on the South Carolina coast . Arm yourself and stay safe .

Thanks for the reply. I cast a Keith type bullet (rcbs mold) 260gr in 44mag at a 16 bhn hardness. Haven't harvested a bear with it yet. Guess I should do some ballistic testing.

The brother of one of my father's colleague had been a life-long bow hunter, very confident in his abilities. He had taken down several black bears, moose, deers, cariboo etc in Quebec's forests. He went to Alaska bow hunting for Grizzly. He found a Grizzly at a reasonable distance, and took the shot. I forgot (happened in the late seventies) the distance, but from what I recall, it was a textbook perfect shot at something like twenty yards. He was shooting a very powerful compound bow and was proficient with it. The arrowhead was top quality and performance dug itself textbook fashion into the bear's heart. But the bear did not die on the spot. It charged toward the hunter, furious, berserk. Getting closer, it went vertical, to attack. And then, it just died, collapsing right in front of the hunter, snout on the ground about 30 inches from the hunter's feet. If that arrow had been two one second late in its effect, the guy would have been mauled. The guy came back to camp with brown pants. He never went bear hunting again.

Thank you for this info & your wisdom... i agree, heavy cal. handgun is best,but you better know how to use it....God bless that fellow & his family .RIP Mark Uptain & hope other guy heals up ok.....recently subscribed really like it..

I can't fathom a Guide not having a firearm in Grizzly Country. No we won't ever know if it would have changed the outcome, but I would like to think it would have. I pray God bring comfort to this mans family Amen.

I know the guides uncle. Feel so terrible for his family. Great video. Thanks for letting the truth be known.

Very interesting!!

good advice,,,,i live near the continental divide here in idaho,,,montana is 13 miles away,,grizzlys have been seen on the idaho side this year,,so i need to remember to pack a large caliber pistol,,,,which i always pack a handgun on the rare chance of wolves being a problem,, but i better go bigger,,,,,great video,,

thank you sir.

Never hunted bear. To me, for what I think I know, heavy 44 mag would be marginal. Now, I love 10mm. I carry one daily....for defense against two legged critters, but would never consider it an adequate round for any bear.

very good information.

All very good advice

I totally agree 110%

What a shame. God bless and keep his family. People you should accept the knowledge that is being given and live it.

Very well said 👏

Well said. I live where there is the highest concentration of Griz in the lower 48. The present of Griz is common, and is a constant threat. Last year, chicken coups were being raided. Going out late to lock up the coup meant taking the shotgun with a light with you. I no longer go huckle berry picking. There are so many Griz around here that last year, 2 of them got hit by the train. I would think that cattle would be more prone to being hit by the train.... go figure :O)

That was crazy not to have a firearm.

Bear Spray according to your experience is like shooting at a mean charging grizzly with a sling shot. I will take your advise. Minumin at least a .44 Mag with 300 grain bullet. Your experience living around grizzlies, I will follow. These so call experenced gun arthurs say use a 10MM Glock. I believe this to be bull ship. If I do visit Yellowstone Park. I will carry a ten millimeter but that would be for the big cats. Not grizzlies. Better yet I will carry the .44 , thank you Randy for what you do, it has be an honor to listen to you.

A lot of good info here. Bear spray is not what I am going to be carrying in Grizzly or Black Bear country. However, to be effective with a pistol in bear country you need to be practiced with your weapon. If you only shoot you pistols 1-2 times per year you will likely not be ready for a bear encounter. The only thing I would disagree with is the comment regarding the Glock. The 10mm Glock has become the weapon of choice for many guides in Alaska. It has been used successfully in several encounters and is the rage. When I was Whitetail hunting in Montana this last fall my Glock 20 was on my hip the entire time.

Randy, what is the brinnell hardness of the hard cast bullets that you use? Are they hollow points?

You are 100% correct sir. Better the long gun, but on your person all the time is where the handgun comes in useful. People just don't understand the speed and power of bears. They are simply unbelievable until you see it.

Truer words have never been spoken.

Well said

Great information that just might save a life.