More info here: https://shootinjh.com/bear24/
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kevin Grange
714-421-0346
Kevin.grange@gmail.com
New Bear Defense Class Seeks to Reduce Human-Bear Conflicts
JACKSON HOLE, WY, March 19, 2024. Shepard Humphries, President and Founder of JH
Shooting Experience, and Kevin Grange, author of the forthcoming book Grizzly Confidential:
An Astounding Journey into the Secret Life of North America’s Most Fearsome Predator, are
excited to announce the upcoming Grizzly Bear Defense Workshop. This one-day event is
designed to equip participants with vital knowledge and essential skills for navigating grizzly
bear territories safely.
Grizzly bear recovery is a modern conservation success story. But, as bears increase in numbers
and reoccupy places they haven't been in hundreds of years, human-bear encounters are bound to
increase. However, with correct training, these encounters don’t have to end up with injury to the
person, stress to the bear, or a grizzly being killed unnecessarily.
“Most of us who enjoy the Rocky Mountains love spending time in the woods, from sows to
hikers to cubs, boars and other elk hunters of the human ilk,” Humphries says, “Since the
grizzlies cant attend class to give us human critters some tips, Kevin and Scott are available to
help folks prepare themselves to get along with bears in the wild, always preferring an ounce of
prevention!”
The class is scheduled for May 25, 2024, from 8am – 5pm, is aimed at anyone who lives and
recreates in grizzly bear country—hikers, anglers, hunters, mountain bikers and
backpackers—and features two comprehensive sessions:
- In the morning, Kevin Grange, who is also a paramedic with Jackson Hole Fire/EMS and former
Park Ranger, will cover grizzly bear behavior; prevention and avoidance tactics to minimize
encounters; the difference between defensive and predatory attacks; effective use of non-lethal
deterrents; and first aid for wildlife encounters; incorporating hands-on emergency scenarios.
“Understanding bear behavior is key and prevention is the best medicine,” says Grange. “Non-
lethal defense is the first option because bear spray is effective over 90% of the time and
grizzlies in the Lower 48 are still protected under the Endangered Species Act.” - In the afternoon, Scott Austin, a world-class firearms trainer, and Co-author of Nomad
Rifleman’s Extreme Long Range Shooting Fun, will focus on handgun defense against bears,
discussing defensive tool selection, shooting techniques under stress, and the legal aspects of
wildlife defense. Participants will get time at the gun range and participate in hands-on scenarios
training to simulate real encounters.
“Why carry a handgun in the backcountry for bear? Because Murphy always tends to be your
most faithful travel buddy,” says Austin. “What is required from your handgun/cartridge to truly
stop an aggressive charge from a committed predator? We’ll develop your strengths, minimize
your weaknesses and begin the process of learning how to shoot under stress.”
Kevin Grange714.421.0346kevin.grange@gmail.com
Cost for the class is $195 and students can register here: https://shootinjh.com/bear24/
Registration is limited to ensure an immersive learning experience. Early registration is
recommended. Contact information for registration will be provided.
**Preparation:**
Attendees should bring notebooks, lunch, outdoor clothing, and a keen readiness to learn. Details
on equipment for the handgun defense segment will be given post-registration.
**Note:** Participants must be of legal age and have no felonies for firearms handling. No prior
firearms experience required, but active participation and a willingness to learn are key.
**Location:** Details provided upon registration.
