Question by Crystal J: Terrified of Camping, should I use sleeping aids?
So I used to camp quite often and then two summers ago my husband and I were camping alone and long story short we ran into some bears and were in the scariest situation of our lives. (I have never EVER been so terrified).
So I have been camping ONCE since then and I am apparently unbearable to go camping with now because as soon as it gets dark, I friek out and become extremely skittish and paranoid, I am up all night… basically trying to keep others up with me so I don’t feel alone….
I know this sounds ridiculous and that you are thinking, “just get over it”. And I’ve tried but its like a switch gets flipped to “crazy” when I am in the forest and it gets dark. I live in Colorado and I don’t think are usually too many bear attacks.
But I just bought a 400$ tent and would like to go camping a few times this summer I just am scared I can’t do it. I always bring guns, I have a 12 gauge shotgun that holds 9 rounds and I have hollow point slugs for camping, I also have a concealed carry permit and I carry a 9mm and 38 special (which are useless against bears),
I guess what I am asking is has anyone been attacked by a bear or had to shoot a bear? And should I try and get some sort of sleeping aid like ambien or something so it will just knock me out when it is time for bed?
Any suggestions are appreciated thanks.
Okay and also obviously I would not have firearms near me if I was on some sort of sleeping pill. My husband would be in charge of the guns.
Best answer:
Answer by tugar357
I would avoid it. Guns and sleeping aids really don’t mix. What you could use would be some sleepytime tea. I know when I use Tylenol PM, I am in a fog for half the next day.
Here are a few tips you can use.
Always make sure your campground is sanitized of food. The less you have it out, the less tempted animals will be to look for it and will smell it.
Crossing paths with the larger animals is fairly rare. I’ve been camping all of my life. 40+ years. Animals usually avoid contact with humans.
My only other suggestion would be to take turns standing guard, but that’s pretty extreme.
As for the guns…The shotgun is obviously the best bet but is also a bit unwieldy. You might look around as see if you can find a Ruger Blackhawk or Super Blackhawk. With the 5 1/2 inch barrel, the 44mag would be easy to carry in a holster and would be nearer to you. Or trade the 38 in for a 357 which will shoot both and Buffalo Bore makes a 180 grain hardcast lead gas check that is at the very edge of hot for the 357. Federal does also, but the Buffalo Bore load is MUCH hotter.
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Provided you take the proper precautions, you should never have to worry about a bear danger. I have backpacked throughout North America for almost 20 years and never once had a bad bear encounter.
A) Store all of your food and any items such as toiletries, water bottles that had drink mix in them, first-aid supplies, lip balm, sunscreen, or anything else that may have a scent as well as clothing with food or related scents in a bear bag, bear can, bear box, or in your car. Hang a bear bag at least 20 feet off the ground and away from the trunk of a tree by at least 15 feet.
B) Never cook in or near your tent. Use a sheet of plastic to cover picnic tables or the ground where you prepare your food. Put that plastic sheet in the bear proof container as well. Never eat in your tent, and change before you go to sleep.
C) Dispose of all waste properly. Some campsites have dumpsters or a caretaker may take the trash for you. In the backcountry, your garbage goes into your bear bag, bear can, etc. Don’t leave any food particles in your wash water.
D) Keep a whistle, or a clean pot handy to make noise in you hear a bear. Only a sick bear will stick around and not be scared off by humans making noise.
I’ve camped in tons of places throughout Colorado. Maroon Bells, Rocky Park, Poudre Canyon, Summit County, down near the Sand Dunes, and up past Steamboat. I’ve seen bears, I’ve seen bears come into my camp, but the bears couldn’t get my food and a little noise scared them right off. Never needed a gun.
If you are that afraid of bears, to the point where you think you need to arm yourself, I suggest you stay at home. Unless you are hunting bears, you really don’t need a gun.
I’m also concerned that you would be unable to use the firearm properly if in a state of panic. It’s likely you would aim poorly, forget to chamber a round, or possibly disable the safety. If you are using a sleeping pill, and you do wake up, your judgement might be impared as well. Hmmm…barbituates and firearms….yeah, good combo.
Take the sleeping pills, have a good night sleep, and leave the guns at home.
“I am apparently unbearable to go camping with”
You made a funny (given the fact that your fear stems from bears).
Seriously…I would avoid the sleeping pills…try the Tylenol PM or melatonin. That should help. Along with ear plugs.
You are correct that there aren’t that many bear attacks in Colorado. Most bears don’t attack people..they’re vandal bears that break into people’s houses and cars. I used to live in Denver and would read about all the people living up in the foothills that had problems with bears getting into their garbage and breaking into their houses.
And take the precautions that should be taken in bear country – especially proper food storage (that’s a big one). I camp in bear country all the time (Sierra Nevada, Montana) and I’ve only seen bear tracks twice…both times related to improper food storage. Most developed campgrounds in bear country have bear proof storage bins so you don’t have to store it in your car. Bear canisters are available to store food in when backpacking.
I’ve never seen any bears in Colorado (although, as I mentioned before, I read about them up in the foothills).
Or don’t camp in bear country.