Robson Valley chapter hosted an “Inservice” (education session) for our members put on by member Terry Winkler this spring. Participants were asked to bring expired or partially discharged bear spray to practice with. A change of clothes was also recommended in case of accidental exposure!
Safety contingencies were in place, including clean water, wash basins, soap, paper towels, saline for eye washing, face masks, and eye shields. Stations were set up with targets on a clothes line in a forested area.
Prior to the practice sessions, a knowledgeable member led the information session. He
reminded members about bear awareness, use of bear spray, and how to best carry it. He advised to carry an air horn as well.
Background topics included bear behaviour, types of encounters, and how best to avoid them. We learned the importance of keeping a clean camp and proper food storage to avoid attracting bears.
The session covered the importance of having your spray and air horn readily accessible in your hand, on your belt or backpack shoulder strap at your chest, or in front horn bags, and to practice regularly taking it out of the holster and taking the safety off.
We learned about safe storage, transport, and expiry dates. We discussed how to use spray when being charged, including effective spray distance, and factors such as wind direction and the potential for the user being sprayed. Decontamination by flushing with copious amounts of water and soap were recommended.
When travelling on trails, users should be using their observational skills and their horses’, looking for birds or signs of carrion. Additionally, simply making more noise to avoid surprising a bear when in areas more likely encounter one…such as berry patches or travelling along creeks or rivers (or when travelling quietly in the morning listening for your horse’s bells on a pack trip!) is an effective tool to avoid encounters.
If we encounter a bear, we learned the importance of making noise, having a barrier between you and the bear and backing away. Most importantly, not turning and running away.
Following the theory, participants practised on the targets set up in the bush. A member pulled the line and participants practised spraying the moving target. Practices were also done on stationary targets and innocent shrubs.
Great fun was had by all! We all learned a lot, and we look forward to a safe season on the trails.
Photo credits Shelly Cousineau
SUaug26-1 Eileen and Shelly geared up to practice
SUaug26-2 The group gathers around
SUaug26-3 Terry demonstrating spray distance and direction
SUaug26-4 Eileen learning technique
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