Surprising Holiday Gift For Wyoming Outdoor Lovers

When you're thinking about buying Christmas gifts for someone, most people will consider what the gift recipient enjoys. You wouldn't buy a person who hates cats a cat sweatshirt unless you're pulling a prank. If you are spending the money, you may as well put some thought into the gift.

If the person you're buying for loves to hike, camp, fish, or hunt in bear country, bear spray is an item they're unlikely to return. While you're at it, you should consider bear spray as a gift for many people on your gift list. You never know, it may be the gift that saves their life.

People are interesting when they're thinking about gift buying. Usually, they purchase gifts that are relevant in the moment. If you buy clothing as a gift, you're probably not buying summer clothes, and the same goes for bear spray. With many bears hibernating this time of year, you're probably not thinking about them like you would during the summertime.

Bear safety is something that should be practiced just like your golf swing in the winter. If you don't practice, on your first few times out, you'll be rusty and may not have your best form when you need it.

In the concealed carry classes I've taken, being repetitive is key to you being prepared in the event you need to use your firearm. When you practice, you are building muscle memory in your body.

Using bear spray is the same; if you're in a position where it's needed, you may not have much time to think, and you need your body to react instinctively. There are many steps to using the spray, so being prepared is essential.

If you purchase bear spray as a gift for your outdoor-loving family members now, they'll have plenty of time to practice and be ready if they ever need to use it.

Remember, when practicing, never use only inert training canisters if you're going to deploy the spray, to avoid spraying yourself or others around you.

Practice carrying the canister where it is accessible, such as on your hip or chest, not in your backpack.

Practice the following sequence repeatedly until it is a fluid, instinctive motion:

• Quick Draw: With your gear/backpack on, practice quickly removing the canister from its holster.
• Remove the Safety Clip: Use your thumb to firmly pull the safety clip straight backward until it comes off.
• Assume Firing Position: Grip the canister firmly with both hands to ensure stability and control.
• Aim (Simulated): Aim slightly downward, toward a point on the ground about 30 feet in front of you. This creates a cloud that the bear must pass through.
• Simulate Spraying: Place your thumb on the trigger (actuator) and press down to simulate spraying for a 2-3-second burst.
• Re-engage Safety (Simulated): Practice replacing the safety clip by pushing it back into place until you hear or feel an audible "snap".

Bears are fast, and if you're being charged, one wrong move can be all it takes.

Safety Tips

• Make sure you are carrying EPA-approved Bear Spray as your bear deterrent; don't depend on personal defense products to stop a charging bear.
• Make sure the canister is immediately available, not in your pack.
• Leave the safety clip on the trigger unless you are ready to spray an aggressive bear.
  The spray may accidentally discharge otherwise.
• Consider using bear spray when affected by wind, rain, cold temperatures, or age.
• Follow the manufacturer's instructions, know how to use the spray, and be aware of its limitations, including the expiration date.
• If you use the spray to stop a bear, leave the area immediately.
• Bear spray is NOT a repellent! Do not spray it on people, tents, or backpacks.
• Do NOT store your bear spray in a vehicle. It may explode.
• Under no circumstances should bear spray create a false sense of security or serve as a substitute for standard safety precautions in bear country.