Wyoming Outdoorsmen Stress Preparedness and Safety with Firearms in Grizzly Country

Wyoming outdoorsmen suggest that having a round chambered in a defensive handgun is often a crucial measure for those venturing into grizzly country, Cowboy State Daily reports.

In recent discussions with Cowboy State Daily, they highlighted the importance of readiness, with some sharing experiences that underscore the risks of bear encounters.

When a grizzly charged at hunter Garrett Kalkowski and his father Vince near Meeteetse, Wyoming, Kalkowski’s decision to carry his Glock 10 mm pistol with a round already chambered may have prevented a mauling. The bear emerged from thick timber just four yards away, leaving no time to chamber a round during the incident.

Bill Tallen, a firearms instructor from Cody, emphasized that carrying a semiautomatic pistol without a round chambered can delay response times, which can be critical in such close encounters.

“The idea of carrying a semiautomatic pistol without a round in the chamber is just dangerous foolishness,” Tallen said.

He noted that modern handguns, when properly holstered, are designed with multiple safety mechanisms.

For outdoorsman Josh Coursey, chambering a round is standard practice when navigating areas where bear encounters are possible. Coursey stressed that carrying a chambered round is safe for those well-practiced with their firearms. He emphasized the value of muscle memory and quick response in these situations.

“The time to rack a slide to chamber a round could make the difference between a successful defense and not,” Coursey said.

Paul Ulrich, another Wyoming outdoorsman, takes a situational approach. In dense cover where bears might appear unexpectedly, Ulrich will chamber a round and keep his handgun ready. In open country, however, he sometimes prefers the added caution of carrying his sidearm with an empty chamber to mitigate risks of accidental discharge if he trips or falls.

Modern firearms, Tallen noted, are far safer than the revolvers of the Old West, which often had only five live rounds, leaving one chamber empty to avoid accidental discharge. Today’s semiautomatics are designed with additional safety features, such as Glock’s trigger safety levers, making them unlikely to fire accidentally if bumped or dropped.

Many outdoorsmen recommend frequent practice to maintain proficiency and safety. Tallen suggested that hunters practice quick-draw drills with field conditions in mind.

“If you can’t get that weapon out of the holster and get a round downrange within about two seconds, you’re kidding yourself,” he said.

Coursey agreed, recommending that hunters practice handling their firearms while wearing field gear like heavy packs.

“Adrenaline has an enormous impact on muscle memory, aim, and target accuracy,” he said.

Coursey  emphasized that realistic practice conditions can improve hunters’ readiness.

As for bear safety, Tallen highlighted the importance of a secure holster to keep the firearm stable while covering the trigger guard. Whether carrying bear spray or a firearm, Wyoming’s experienced outdoorsmen agree that preparation, awareness, and practiced skills are essential for safe encounters in grizzly country.