Bear Attack

[eddiememphis]

https://denvergazette.com/outthereco...13186b02d.html

According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife, a sheepherder was attacked and severely injured by a black bear in the Weminuche Wilderness, about 23 miles northeast of Durango.

The sheepherder fired a .30-30 rifle at the bear, with the bear then attacking him. The man sustained bite wounds on his head, as well as wounds on his left hand and arm, his left hip, and his back.

The victim received initial treatment at the scene and was ultimately flown to Grand Junction for surgery.

The suspect bear was located and killed via gunshot at about 10:53 p.m.

Once the bear was recovered, it was determined that it was a roughly-8-year-old male, weighing 250 pounds.


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[Hummer]

Too bad he didn't have an ought-six.

[copfish]

Or someone else that ran slower...

[Jim B]

Too bad he didn't have an ought-six.

Or a 10mm.

[BladesNBarrels]

If he already is relying on a 30-30 lever action, why not step up to a 45-70?
Maybe cost or access is the problem.
I don't think sheepherders have a lot of disposable income, but if my life was in the balance.......just sayin...

[eddiememphis]

A .30-30 is perfectly adequate for a 250 pound black bear- provided you can hit it.

The problem is they move very quickly and this guy obviously didn't have time to get off a good shot.

I have seen the shepherds around Steamboat and up on the Flat Tops.

The guys in Steamboat were Basque and living in gypsy wagons. They are seasonal workers (obviously) and choose to spend their summers alone in the mountains with maybe a dog to keep them company.

[Hummer]

I have backpacked many time across the Flat Tops and met Basque sheepherders several times. My guess is that the .30-30 rifles are supplied by the permit holders, just as the camp trailers are.

And yes, the bears can move very fast.

[.455_Hunter]

I have backpacked many time across the Flat Tops and met Basque sheepherders several times. My guess is that the .30-30 rifles are supplied by the permit holders, just as the camp trailers are.

And yes, the bears can move very fast.

But, but, but, does that mean the sheepherders have access to a rifle without completing a BCG? The horrors...

[TRnCO]

article doesn't say if he struck the bear with a shot or not, if he didn't it doesn't matter what caliber he was carrying. As was mentioned, his caliber was adequate to stop a bear if he made a good hit.

The guy is now in the bear bait club. That's what they call those that live griz attacks in AK. anyways. One of my pilots was a member of the club on my first hunting trip to AK.