Bear spray on a fly in, bring or not bring?

[Bandit81]

Ok gents, Question for you all. We are heading for our first fly-in fishing trip in mid-August into the Ontario Wilderness. Our group has had the discussion about bear spray and one guy in particular is worried about getting attacked by a black bear. Obviously the odds of seeing one are one thing, and actually having one attack you is another. I know all the proper precautions to avoid a bear since we are from northern MN. So my question is do you recommend buying a $40 can of bear spray to bring with? Of course if you use it and it saves your life, it could be the best $40 you ever spent. But I don't think it's needed and that it can be an expense spared...thoughts on this? Thanks in advance for all your responses!!

[birddogger]

Split the cost. Cheap peace of mind. I have one myself.

[Hillbiehle]

Save your money....buy a case of beer.

[JayM5209]

I don't think you need it. Keep a clean camp. If you decide you need it, you'll need to get it in Canada. You cannot take it across the border.

[Bandit81]

Well that's the concern too is that who knows what the guys before us left in the woods etc. They might have been morons and thrown their fish guts next to the outhouse. Hopefully that's not the case but that would be my worry. But as far as bringing bear spray across the border I think you can. I think it has to be bear spray and not pepper spray. I've read mixed discussions about this, but most people say you just have to declare that you have bear spray at the border? No?

[Slushfish]

I didn't want to spend $80 on my UDAP pepper spay for bowhunting elk either, but, after being charged by a bear and spraying her at 8ft I was glad I spent the doe. Of course that was a grizzly. I chase alot of bear with hounds and spend plenty of time in the bush, never felt the need to have it for black bear. If you do get the urge to carry it, remember you can't cross the border with it, and don't WASTE your money on the dog spray that marketers try to sell as bear spray.
Good Luck and have fun.

[Larry Mac]

Originally Posted by JayM5209

I don't think you need it. Keep a clean camp. If you decide you need it, you'll need to get it in Canada. You cannot take it across the border.

Hi Bandit81, I do agree with JayM5209. The fly in's we have been on we were told no bear spray is allowed on the float plane (it would not be good if the can got damaged or went off accidently) I believe they told us it was a law. We have seen many a bear, even mothers with cubs and we respect their space. We have never had a problem yet. Have a great year

Thank you,
Larry Mac

[Ten Horse Johnson]

9 fly in trips and have never seen a bear at the lake. Have never heard a story of someone attacked by a bear while at an outpost cabin. Anything is possible I suppose, but very remote odds here. You'll mostly be in and around the cabin or out in a boat most of the time. For the guy in your group who wants it, tell him he can buy it and if it gets used you will then pay him five times the cost of it.

[Bandit81]

Here is what I found on the Canada customs website that talks about Pepper Spray/Bear spray. Looks like bear spray is ok, but then again there's the issue of whether or not you can fly with it in a float plane.....doubtful. "

(c)

Any other spray designed to be used against humans (e.g., "pepper spray") – These are chemical agents, often packaged in the form of aerosol sprays, made with the active ingredient capsaicin. Pepper spray is also known as OC (oleoresin capsicum) spray or OC gas. It is used to cause temporary incapacitation through irritation of eyes, skin, mucous membranes, and/or respiratory system, sometimes causing temporary blindness. In addition, some devices labelled as "pepper spray" may also contain Mace and/or tear gas.

Exception

: Aerosol or similar dispensers that contain substances capable of repelling or subduing animals (e.g. dog or bear repellent) are not considered prohibited weapons if:
(i) the label of the container indicates specifically that it is for use against animals only; and
(ii) the provisions of the Pest Control Products Act are met.

(iii) In order for a device or dispenser to be considered to meet the above criteria, it must be apparent that the device was designed exclusively for the control or use against animals.

[Fishoil]

You can take bear spray across the border into Ontario. I just did 3 weeks ago at the insistance of my wife. I informed the border guard that I had it and was told it was OK to bring. What your outfitter allows on their floatplanes may be another story.

Personally I would not spend the money on it. Your chances of seeing a black bear close enough for an "encounter" are extremely slim. The chance of that bear attacking you is even less. If we were talking grizzlies I wouldn't leave home without it, but black bears won't be a problem.