I think pepper spray would have given me as much if not more comfort than my old shotgun when picking berries. I know it would have been easier to carry pepper spray

Your typical pepper spray for bears is a product made from oleoresin capsicum or (OC) for short. Which is comprised of oil (usually vegetable) added/mixed with resin from peppers (mainly hot type), then chemically treated and refined to thin the viscosity so when combined with a propellant it can be discharged from a canister in some fashion usually in a spray/fog forming a cone type pattern similar to that of a short blast from a shotgun, only instead of pellets you have a red oily substance called oleoresin capsicum or pepper spray if you like.

In order for your pepper spray to have a chance to work you must of course hit the target in the face as per the instructions on your bear spray canister thus delivering a blast of pepper spray that should cause a very extreme burning sensation on the skin and an even bigger effect buy reacting with the mucous membranes of the eye's, nose and if inhaled the lungs causing these tissues to swell resulting in a temporary loss of sight and restricted breathing.

Now a few years back I spent some 8 years in a part of the Kootenays that had an abundance of black bears and 5 of those 8 years was in a homesteading type of scenario whereby I did a lot of exploring/hiking, hunting and fishing. Of coarse this doesn't qualify me as an expert by any means but I did have my fare share of bear encounters most of which were at a distance where I could observe these amazing animals with awe, admiration and a new found respect, needless to say I did have a few close encounters that were a little scary. Unfortunately pepper spray at this time was not widely heard of or carried in our area but now knowing what I have learned about pepper spray I can easily relate to how it would work and wouldn't venture into bear country now without it.

A pepper spray that I personally would take into bear country would be as follows:

• 1% - 2% capsaicin content *(maximum 1% in Canada).
• 25ft. minimum spray distance in a conical cloud pattern.
• 6 second minimum spray duration.
• 7.9oz./225grms. net. minimum amount *(min. amt. Canada).

*Canadian law is a little grey in the pepper spray area and a proposal to modify it is under consideration, In other words if it looks like you plan to use your pepper spray for other than it's intended purpose which is in defense from wild animals you could be charged with a weapons offence. Also it must be labeled "bear spray" not pepper spray, capsaicin content of 1% or less and canister must be 225grms or larger.

As for pepper spray in the United States it is legal in most states to purchase and carry if you are 18 yrs. of age or older. There are different regulations/restrictions for Washington, DC, Massachusetts, Wisconsin, Michigan and New York so check with proper authorities before purchasing or entering these areas with pepper spray.

Words of caution for you and your pepper spray in bear territory.

 Remember there is nothing that is 100% effective in stopping bear attacks.

Avoidance and knowledge of bears is your best defense and pepper spray should only be used as a last resort against an aggressive bear.

Know how to use your pepper spray as per the directions on the canister.

Keep your pepper spray close at hand bear attacks can happen in seconds in areas where visibility is poor.

Wind and weather can effect the distance and direction of your pepper spray discharge.