Over the years, I've used over 20 cannisters of pepper spray. It is my weapon of choice, because it is effective most of the time. It does not wound, kill or otherwise harm anyone. However, all of my experience with pepper-spray has been on dangerous people, because my profession is in law enforcement. I've learned an important lesson I will pass on to you: In 1994, during a fight with a prisoner, I managed to pepper spray myself directly in the eyes! I became angry, and to my surprise, discovered it is possible to fight through its effects. Wildlife does not know this little secret, so they usually turn and run way. They are not at risk, unless they stumble over a cliff while escaping.
Learning points:
1. Pepper spray has proven far more effective at stopping animals that charge and/or attack people than firearms, and this includes grizzlies.
2. Not always, but most of the time pepper spray works. As a side note, this is true for people as well. Pepper spray does not work well on people who are mentally ill, and sometimes it has zero impact. I think this concept probably carries over to the animal kingdom, meaning some wildlife is deranged. Perhaps this explains why pepper spray is ineffective at times.
3. Pepper spray is legal, and if you're in law enforcement you can carry the really strong stuff (5% to 15%). On the other hand, many police agencies only carry non-flammable (i.e. non-alcoholic) pepper-spray. Tasers set alcohol on fire, and police don't want arrestees going up in flames if a taser is deployed following the use of pepper spray. The disadvantage of a non-alcoholic base spray is that it's less effective on animals, and that means wildlife.
4. Pepper spray is relatively inexpensive, and you don't need to apply for a Carry Concealed Weapons permit to own some, at least not yet.
5. Carrying pepper spray in a readily accessible place will give you more peace of mind when hiking in the wilderness. I've mounted a cannister on my trekking pole just below the hand-grip by using two hose clamps. If I need to use it, it's immediately accessible.
6. Pepper spray is non-lethal, and causes no permanent damage.
7. Pepper-spray has never made a bad situation worse. In contrast, if you wound an angry animal with a firearm things could get much more serious. This is especially true with bears.
8. Pepper spray is easy to use, although you should practice shooting it so you know what to expect. Pepper spray is fired at close range - the closer the better. The distance depends on the type of spray you're using (stream, foam or aerosol spray). I sometimes carry PUNCH II M-3 (an aerosol), and the Directions For Use say, "Direct spray to the face of the attacker for best results. Proper training is required for effective use of this product. Effective range 6-8 feet." You should practice retrieving your cannister until it's instinctive, and always carry it in the same location. Wildlife should be sprayed directly in the face at close range, aiming for the nose, eyes and mouth.
Note: Bear pepper spray is not a law enforcement product, and is an EPA approved chemical deterrent, with a concentration of 1.4% to 2% capsaicin and related capsaincinoids. These products claim a minimum range of 25 feet (for the 7.9 ounce cannister), but this is doubtful. You must pay attention to the environment, because wind, rain and temperature can drastically change the effective range. Get as close as you can, and don't waste chemicals by spraying pepper spray until you can hit your target.
|
