I'd prefer to test fire a can of bear spray before I depend on it in the field. But I wonder if the test discharge is more apt to plug up the discharge nozzle - like what happens with spray paints. I just read the FAQs on the Counter Assault web site and they don't say anything about shelf life should one decide to test fire their product.
12.
What is the shelf life of bear pepper spray?
Counter Assault products have a four-year recommended replacement date because ALL aerosols lose propellant over time. This four-year replacement date means that it will shoot to maximum distance the first four years, and will still spray a considerable distance after that date. For example, Counter Assault Bear Deterrent, when new, sprays 30 to 32 feet whereas many other bear deterrents only spray from 15 feet to 20 feet when freshly manufactured. Though the potency of the pepper does not diminish, all aerosol canister seals will weaken over time, allowing the propellant to escape.
13.
Will Counter Assault work in freezing temperatures?
"Yes, although it will not spray as far at freezing temperatures, because a decrease in temperature causes a decrease in pressure, American and Canadian park rangers carry their Counter Assault under their jackets to keep it warm for emergency use. It has been used effectively in Cape Churchill, Manitoba against polar bears using this method and also in the Arctic at extremely low temperatures of 12°F/-12°C to -6°F/-22°C.
Air taxi pilots flying you out into the bush in small planes have the valid concern that if bear spray discharges inside the plane, they will be rendered incapable of flying the plane, or landing the plane safely. I don't specifically know the law for flights on small commuter air taxi planes. I know the bush pilots can refuse to fly anyone or anything they consider unsafe. Their choice. They may, or may not, allow you to fly with bear pepper spray. If the spray discharges in flight, you're in for bad times.
11.
Can I carry Counter Assault onto an airplane?
FAA regulations do not allow transportation of more than 4 ounces of pepper spray packed in your luggage. You may call us for local dealers in the area you are going or we can drop-ship to your destination.
The universally recommended slug ammunition for bear protection in Alaska for those carrying shotguns for bear protection is the Brenneke ammo. Brenneke slugs are hard cast lead slugs. No expansion, but they'll cut a 3/4" diameter hole in the bear. Ever since an oilfield worker was killed during winter seismograph work locally on the Kenai Peninsula, oil companies and their contractors have been required to provide the protection of an armed bear guard with every field team. A large brown bear rushed out of its den in the middle of winter, as the worker walked past. Quickly bit and crushed the man's skull, and then promptly escaped into the forest. Gone. Was never found by State officials. Poor tracking snow conditions. It was reported to be a big boar. It takes a big bear with a wide jaw spread to be able to open wide enough to grasp and crush a human skull. Most efforts by smaller bears result in a scalping.
Armed means firearm, not bear spray. They predominantly carry shotguns loaded with Brenneke slugs. These bear guards are commonly licensed big game hunting guides that pick up some extra employment in their off-season. Never, ever, heard of a bear guard solely carrying bear spray to fulfill his job duties as bear guard. It's a firearm or unemployment.
I would
never use expanding slugs for large bear protection, given the choice of a Brenneke. Brenneke slugs are deadly on bear, small or big.
Products Most any slug would do the job on a "
Winnie the Pooh" bear. You want penetration from a 12 gauge slug on the big boys.
BTW, one of these bear guards was mauled down by Homer, AK, a few years back. Even bear protection guards and big game guides aren't bear proof, when the bear gets the surprise advantage. I don't have the fine details of that event. Bear guard wasn't killed, and it wasn't even a terrible mauling. A "common" mauling, so to speak...
