Customer Reviews

Bear Encounter Survival Guide

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I have read both of Garys's Books AND I have taken both the class roon and rifle range instruction. I have had the classroom Instruction twice , unfortunatly the range instruction is no longer available. Both of his books form the basis of his lectures. It is now compulsory training with the forestry, WCB, BC Gass and Fisheries and Oceans.His books should be concidered TEXT BOOKS. Well written easy to understand and without ANY embelishments of the facts and occurences. As presented it is the true story of the present conditions of bear behavior . For those of us who have worked in bear country and used Gary's books as a study, the knowledge immparted becomes next to instinctive when an encounter happens. Having had hundreds of encounters while counting Spawning salomn in wild rivers, I have been able to avoid any serious agressive confrontations. There have been encounters where it was necesssary to take a defencive posture. Mr. Shelton's two books are, or should be manditory reading for any person tho uses " bear country" for recreation or work. To let you know a 3rd book is due out in May 2001 and a 4th is being contemplated.

This is the first book in a series by this author -- these books represent the absolute best information on bear attack survival available anywhere. If you spend any time in bear country, you owe it to yourself and your loved ones to read these books. I have a set at home and a set in my cabin in the Colorado Rockies for guests. The black bear population in the mountains within 40 miles of Denver is increasing. They are not cuddly.

This guide is indispensible, not filled with the "man is always in the wrong" agenda that many authors shove into their bear books. This is filled with documented, acurate details on what to do if you are attacked by a bear, given the circumstances. Try Shelton's "Bear Attacks: The Deadly Truth.," which goes into more detail as to WHY bears attack.

Easy to read, field manual style book. I've attended this guys bear safety course, and he has conducted hundreds of these courses for thousands of clients throughout western North America, especially for people who have to work in bear country. The book outlines different strategies to AVOID negative bear encounters, and gets a little political at times. Shelton subscribes to the "people first-bears second" philosophy. I would too if getting mauled by a hungry bear, problem is some of his claims such as bear populations are stable to increasing in all areas of British Columbia,don't hold much water, at least not in the Grizzly popn. case. No real population studies/scientific papers to back this up, just the claim of the so-called hundreds of field workers he has talked to. Sorry not too scientific! Good read and some good common sense stuff, especially on the info regarding predatory Black Bears and how to recognize this behaviour/avoid it (Do not play dead!) Unfotunately gets a little preachy at the end tends to detract somewhat from the overall tone. Definetly recommend it for anyone working/traveling in heavy use bear country, just concentrate on the strategy sections.

This guide is indispensible, not filled with the "man is always in the wrong" agenda, but rather documented with real stats and factual details. This book will let you know what to do in just about any scenario in which a bear attacks you. Also try Shelton's "Bear Attacks: The Dealy Truth" which goes into WHY bears attack people.

I have experienced the pleasure of talking to Mr. Shelton about this subject but unfortunately involving a friend's death to a black bear attack. After over 50 years of experience in the brush and timber from Arkansas to Wyoming, I totally agree with Gary's conclusions and observations! While I have never been around the larger Brown Bears or Polar Bears, I have lived and worked around both the Black and Grizzly Bears. I respect for both the bears power, beauty, and their ability to inflict damage on some of the largest animals on this continent such as the Moose. Even the black bear that too many do not give the credit it is due can and has taken down elk and moose; so a man has little to offer as defense against the determined attack of such a bear unless he is armed as Gary describes in his book. This book offers detailed information anyone can use when confronting a bear! A MUST read if you live, work or travel through bear country!

I found this book to be very practical and learned a great deal about predatory bear behavior. The author explains the different types of bear attacks and how to respond to each. I prefer this book over others on the topic because the author provides detailed information about what to do during a bear encounter, including when to use firearms or pepper spray.

The section on selecting a firearm for bear defense is excellent. The only other similar reference I have found regarding firearm selection is a US Forestry Service publication from the 1980's. For years I have gone hiking without any kind of protection and hoped I wouldn't encounter a bear that would try to kill me. Now armed with pepper spray, a suitable firearm, and the knowledge gained from this book, I feel that I at least have a fighting chance in the event of an attack.

SEE THAT PAW ???
I definitely am "packing" when in the deep woods .
Great stories, great easy read.

First of all I want to say you have GOT to get all three of Shelton's books. They compliment each other quite nicely. These books outline in no uncertain terms the risks and myths of bear encounters. If you are going into bear country you NEED to read these books. They are written by a man who has lived and worked with bears and gives lectures to government employees and others who work in bear country. He know what he is talking about. You need some kind of protection, bear spray at the minimum. He tells you how to use it and when. The biggest myth about bears is that black bears are timid! WRONG! READ THE BOOKS!