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whyzata
senior member (51)senior membersenior member
  
07/28/2021 03:11PM  
Just want input on this. Is bear spray really necessary in the BWCAW? What is the best spray or product to use? Are most canisters single use. What happens if you have an encounter on more than one occasion? Do you need more than one canister? Can you bring bear spray into the Quetico or into Canada? I've met many a bear (black) in my 40 years in the back woods but never felt threatened. But I've always had my dogs with me and they seem to be a good deterrent. Just curious.
 
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07/28/2021 03:24PM  
From this link:

"To be legal in Canada, the label must clearly show that it is intended for use on animals; the package volume cannot exceed 500 ml."

TZ
 
whyzata
senior member (51)senior membersenior member
  
07/28/2021 03:29PM  
I don't recall them asking this question at border crossings. Do I as an American citizen need to disclose this information? So product should not be buried in pack somewhere but readily available to show the Customs officer? I plan on heading north of Nipigon in September but not sure if bear spray is really necessary?
 
MRH
member (24)member
  
07/28/2021 03:57PM  
Asking about bear spray is quite common at the Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario border crossing. Legal, too. More common are questions about firearms.
Always good to know where things are in order to make the crossing faster.
 
07/28/2021 06:03PM  
whyzata: "I don't recall them asking this question at border crossings. Do I as an American citizen need to disclose this information? So product should not be buried in pack somewhere but readily available to show the Customs officer? I plan on heading north of Nipigon in September but not sure if bear spray is really necessary? "


During a 10-week RV trip from western NC to Alaska and back, we crossed the US/Canada border multiple times. Each time we went into Canada we were asked about weapons, ammo, firewood, and bear spray. If I carried bear spray, I'd have it accessible so the border officials could ensure the container complied with Canadian regs.

Personally, I've seen as many black bear in my yard as I've seen in Quetico, and wouldn't even consider the extra weight, etc, of bear spray. YMMV

TZ
 
whyzata
senior member (51)senior membersenior member
  
07/28/2021 06:57PM  
Thanks TZ. I've never needed it before and won't pack it this time. Seems to be more of a hassle, less gear the better..
 
07/28/2021 06:58PM  
whyzata: "Just want input on this. Is bear spray really necessary in the BWCAW? "

I have some and usually bring it, but I would not make a strong argument that it is necessary. I travel solo and with a dog, so might have a slightly harder time if a bear bothered me than a group. I actually dont worry much about a bear attack, more a nuisance bear that wants my food and wont leave. Some might argue it would be handy in case of problem people, but that is also rare. You could also use it on an ornery moose if needed. I once used it to fend off a bull bison in rut in Yellowstone back country.

whyzata: "What is the best spray or product to use?"

There are several good brands out there. I have used UDAP and Counter Assault. The canisters look identical. Not sure about other brands. They usually come either about 8 oz or there is a slightly bigger one. The smaller one is plenty for BWCA black bears. I think the bigger ones were designed for people fishing in Alaska who might run into several browns in a day.

whyzata: "Are most canisters single use. What happens if you have an encounter on more than one occasion? Do you need more than one canister? "
The smaller size canister should have about 7-8 seconds of spray in it - and that is a lot. You should be able to do small 1 second or less bursts if needed. I think I used 2-3 seconds worth on the bison, and he was 1,500 lbs, eyes on the side rather than front of face, and pumped up with testosterone. I think it is so unlikely you will use it at all, I can't see why anyone would want multiple.

Like others have said, Canada will let in canisters labeled for bears. Smaller canisters of the exact same compounds and brand that are labeled as pepper spray are considered for self defense and not allowed.

I know first hand what bear spray can do, but I am also very aware of its limitations. Wind direction is a big deal. Aside from what might blow back in your face, wind could also carry it into your camp or onto your tents or tarps. The stuff is nasty, and I suspect getting just about any on your tent or tarp could ruin it. Spraying it anywhere in your campsite could render the site unusable after for days or until a rain. You have to be careful how and where you use it, or you could make things worse.
 
Ohiopikeman
distinguished member (155)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
07/28/2021 08:17PM  
whyzata,

I drove from Canton, Ohio to Anchorage, Alaska in 2018 and besides 4 cans of Counter Assault Bear Spray, I had a Remington 870 shotgun with a box of slugs as well.

At the border I declared all of the above and provided the paperwork for the shotgun. The customs agent had me park the vehicle and bring each of the four cans of bear spray into the office so that they could inspect the cans. Ironically they had no interest in the shotgun.

As mentioned above, they were looking specifically to see that the spray was designed for bear protection and not "self defense" pepper spray which is not legal in Canada.

Both UDAP and Counter Assault are well known and trusted brands. If you go with bear spray, I'd stick to these brands.

Here is a good video on bear spray that I stumbled upon recently:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZ5HJHZ8Mfw

Dave



 
08/04/2021 10:47AM  
I bring it more for the humans
 
straighthairedcurly
distinguished member(1923)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
08/04/2021 11:43AM  
I have never carried bear spray in the BWCA or southern Canada.
 
mjmkjun
distinguished member(2885)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
08/04/2021 12:06PM  
Canoearoo: "I bring it more for the humans "

That's the oddity/humor of Canadian Rangers checking to make sure it's the spray for bears, not humans.
 
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