unfunnyryan Posted June 14, 2012 Report Share Posted June 14, 2012 I'm going to be spending about a week in NC backpacking, trail riding, and rafting late this month/early July. I've never been to NC before, so I don't know what to expect. Is it going to be raining bears the whole time or am I safe? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KillJoy Posted June 14, 2012 Report Share Posted June 14, 2012 A quick look, yes. Make sure you get a Bear Canister. :thumbup: KillJoy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jewtoys Posted June 14, 2012 Report Share Posted June 14, 2012 Bob cats Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Duff1647545513 Posted June 14, 2012 Report Share Posted June 14, 2012 I did a lot of work up on the mountains there and used to hear bears quite often and there were signs posted eveywhere about bears. Never saw one though. Very cool all around Asheville, all kinds of shit to see. There's a natural waterslide that usually has a bunch of bitches at it in the afternoon on Saturdays Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doc1647545523 Posted June 14, 2012 Report Share Posted June 14, 2012 Hike with someone slower than you = bear solution. I would be mindful of snakes in your campsites and on the trails, but that's just me. I've dealt with brown and black bears and with rattlesnakes. I much prefer the bears to the snakes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaddyBuiltRacing Posted June 14, 2012 Report Share Posted June 14, 2012 My mom just moved to West Jefferson NC and all they do is go hiking on the weekends. I dont think they have encountered anything too wild. I will ask her what part of NC they actually go to, I know they live in the mountains lol. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Archie Posted June 14, 2012 Report Share Posted June 14, 2012 I'm in asheville right now... the only dangerous snakes here are in a bar called Scandals Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AWW$HEEET Posted June 15, 2012 Report Share Posted June 15, 2012 I'm in asheville right now... the only dangerous snakes here are in a bar called Scandals Only dangerous snake on this forum is fat shit steves herpe ridden penis. But in srsness I think the appalachian trail may run thru NC. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Duff1647545513 Posted June 15, 2012 Report Share Posted June 15, 2012 But in srsness I think the appalachian trail may run thru NC. yeah, and that's where I saw most of the bear signs, and Doc is right about the snakes, those shits were everywhere. Chiggers suck too. My mom just moved to West Jefferson NC and all they do is go hiking on the weekends. I dont think they have encountered anything too wild. I will ask her what part of NC they actually go to, I know they live in the mountains lol. The only thing good about West Jefferson was they still had pop machines around the town that you could get a brand name can for like 30¢. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Hal Posted June 15, 2012 Report Share Posted June 15, 2012 A quick look, yes. Make sure you get a Bear Canister. :thumbup: KillJoy This. Also, be aware that there are copperheads and rattlesnakes. Simple safety precautions should make everything fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Otis Nice Posted June 15, 2012 Report Share Posted June 15, 2012 Hiked up Mt. LeConte in TN a month or so ago. I was informed of bears. Here's what I have on me during a hike. On my pocket. http://images.nitrosell.com/product_images/7/1748/large-KS1620CLARGE.jpg On my left pack strap for quick access. http://i22.ebayimg.com/06/i/001/13/e4/1b6c_35.JPG On my hip with 17 rounds. http://www.columbusracing.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=581&pictureid=4642 ...I saw 2 chipmunks and a falcon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
unfunnyryan Posted June 15, 2012 Author Report Share Posted June 15, 2012 I'll take this solution with me. Thanks for the input. http://i.imgur.com/RSXiql.jpg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Hal Posted June 15, 2012 Report Share Posted June 15, 2012 I'll take this solution with me. Thanks for the input. http://i.imgur.com/RSXiql.jpg Ok, but that wouldn't be my first choice for dealing with a bear. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJ Posted June 15, 2012 Report Share Posted June 15, 2012 Ok, but that wouldn't be my first choice for dealing with a bear. no doubt, whats a blue high lighter going to do? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Otis Nice Posted June 15, 2012 Report Share Posted June 15, 2012 no doubt, whats a blue high lighter going to do? LOL. +rep. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KillJoy Posted June 15, 2012 Report Share Posted June 15, 2012 If you MUST carry a bear defense weapon, Bear Spray would be more effective then a handgun. Just as much range, proven effective, and easier to aim when you are pumped up on adrenaline. Read up on some of the hiking & backpacking forums, and see what other's suggest. KillJoy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ImUrOBGYN Posted June 15, 2012 Report Share Posted June 15, 2012 Hike with someone slower than you = bear solution. I would be mindful of snakes in your campsites and on the trails, but that's just me. I've dealt with brown and black bears and with rattlesnakes. I much prefer the bears to the snakes. lol That's pretty much what I always say. You don't have to be faster than the bear, just faster than your friend... or be close enough to trip them. Oh, and I truly wonder just how many of you could calmly stand your ground, take aim, and take down an enraged, charging bear. haha Holy shit. Everyone's a boss. Carry some bear spray, too. Better safe than sorry, I guess. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
unfunnyryan Posted June 15, 2012 Author Report Share Posted June 15, 2012 If you MUST carry a bear defense weapon, Bear Spray would be more effective then a handgun. Just as much range, proven effective, and easier to aim when you are pumped up on adrenaline. Read up on some of the hiking & backpacking forums, and see what other's suggest. KillJoy I agree. If you get them in the eyes they are immediately blinded. Bear can't do much good then. Maybe I can take some snakeshot with me though in case a snake gets too friendly. I think I have extra time to plan now for this trip, since my parents are going to texas around the same time, and want me to watch their house for them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BloodRed Posted June 15, 2012 Report Share Posted June 15, 2012 Bear activity in the areas around the Smokies will depend on the time of the year you want to do this trip. They don't have much of a winter in that area, so the bears are very active all year long. During the winter months, they will move toward deeper into the park. Once spring comes, they normally start moving toward more populated areas. Not saying you still won't run into one in the middle of the park during the summer months, but the chances does go down. I make many trips a year to the GSM, and I almost always see bears there. I was just there before Memorial Day weekend and ran into a mother and cub feet off the trails up to Clingmans Dome. The Appalachian Trail runs right to the top of Clingmans Dome. If you are going to be doing some deep woods trails, take some bear spray. Better to have it and not need it than to not have it and need it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Duff1647545513 Posted June 15, 2012 Report Share Posted June 15, 2012 I'm in asheville right now... the only dangerous snakes here are in a bar called Scandals Where are you staying in Asheville? They have a ton of good craft beers at the downtown bars. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Archie Posted June 16, 2012 Report Share Posted June 16, 2012 Where are you staying in Asheville? They have a ton of good craft beers at the downtown bars. You're tellin me! I've been drinking every night and I'm pretty surprised I haven't knocked a bartender up yet. I'm actually staying in a house in Black Mountain, but working on phase 2 of the court house... What a mess. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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