Would you go by yourself?

elrey2375 wrote in post #13779461
If it were me, a gun would be among the things I packed.

I've gone to Yellowstone many times by myself. I've hiked lots of trails and never ran into any problems. I've come across bears but after years of living near the Rockies you learn how to deal with those. Packing a gun, imo, is not one of them. Though you can now take a loaded firearm into most national parks you cannot walk into any of the federal buildings or any structure where a federal employee works such as the interpretive centers. Yellowstone is is one of those parks that now allow this but I would be more afraid of some one firing in fear and striking a person.Here isthe regulation regarding firearms in Yellowstone.

There are plenty of attractions in Yellowstone that you can see outside of your vehicle without putting yourself in jeopardy. If there is a bear sighting, which I am assuming that is what most worry about, the trails are quickly closed and warnings posted. The one thing that Yellowstone doesn't have a shortage of is visitors and most wildlife just avoid crowded areas. There are still those people that will try and feed some of the animals and in those areas the animals will approach even a vehicle to see if there is a treat. I would not hesitate for a moment to go to Yellowstone again by myself and I do it almost every year. However, if one wants to stay in their vehicle there is still plenty of good photo ops but it would be a waste, imo.

To harm a bear enough to slow it down, much less kill it, takes a big caliber. Even then, you'd have to be a calm, good shot, or hope the noise makes it go away. Assuming, of course, you do not hit yourself or someone else in the heat of that moment

We just get bear spray.

I'd go alone, it makes any decisions that need to made very easy.

S.Horton wrote in post #13780218
To harm a bear enough to slow it down, much less kill it, takes a big caliber. Even then, you'd have to be a calm, good shot, or hope the noise makes it go away. Assuming, of course, you do not hit yourself or someone else in the heat of that moment

We just get bear spray.

All it takes is a 12 guage loaded with slugs. Bear spray would work too. And to the other person who said they'd never had any problems; that's great, but there's always a first time and I'd rather be safe than sorry.

A trip of any kind is a little of a bummer if you have no one to share the experience.

S.Horton wrote in post #13780218
We just get bear spray.

Most definitely the best bet. I always have some with me.

I am all for traveling with another photo enthusiast. That's just me, I like good company.

If it's a mental health trip, I'd probably go by myself. But if you insist on shooting from the car you'll miss all of the fun.

Besides, I always thought sighting a bear was the whole point.

When I go into the wilds of northern Laos, a very remote part of SE Asia, I usually go alone. Last year was the first time I went with someone, a workmate who's not really into photography.

I guess I just like my own company.

I'd go alone. I can't really photograph effectively with others around. If I want to socialize I will go have a beer or two with someone. If I want to make photographs, for me, creating is a very personal and solitary event.

elrey2375 wrote in post #13780523
All it takes is a 12 guage loaded with slugs. Bear spray would work too. And to the other person who said they'd never had any problems; that's great, but there's always a first time and I'd rather be safe than sorry.

I would just go with someone I know I could outrun. No more bear problems

I do Yellowstone alone most often, but I also do Yellowstone trips with photographer friends and with my wife.

I have not found it to be dangerous to be alone. All the talk here about packing a gun with you seems unnecessary. I have spent much time in the park alone, way, way off the roads and off trail, as well. I never had a gun and never needed one on any of my solo Yellowstone expeditions. It seems that those who give the most advice about protecting yourself from bears are those who don't spend much time with the bears.

One advantage of having a friend go along is the obvious one of splitting costs for gasoline and camping (or lodging). This can be a huge benefit, and may allow you to stay longer as your money will not be eaten up as rapidly.

Plus, it can be nice to have someone to hang with, and another set of eyes can really help with spotting wildlife.

But don't hesitate to go it alone if you can't find a photographer friend who is able to go for as long as you can. If you're able to spend a full week in the park, it would kind of suck to have to plan a shorter 4 or 5 day stay just because your friend can only stay that long. If that's the case, it's better to go alone in order to spend the maximum amount of time in the park.

Alone. Nature and shooting is more enjoyable alone imo.

Going alone is okay if you do a lot of research and know where you're going, what to pack, etc. Water is important. Food should be well-sealed. Some people actually wear bells on their shoes (jingle bells). I know that sounds silly, but people do, especially on the Appalachian Trail (which starts a couple hours from here). Black bears, believe it or not, have killed more people than brown bears (grizzlies), and black bears are more likely to eat you. Brown bears have eaten people, but the one you really need to worry about is Polar bears, and that's only a problem for Yellowstone visitors if they hike about 900 miles north.

Bring a whistle, fully-charged cell phone (with a gps app. A gps app doesn't need cell service...it feeds off the satellites).

BUG SPRAY is always a great idea anywhere.

And taking a risk or two is what life is all about.

You know how they say you should never swim alone? Well, that's good advice, but most surfers (myself included) enjoy the challenge of paddling out alone in big surf at least a couple times in life. There's something about being on your own that feels incredible. You're out there in big surf and there's nothing anyone can do to help you if you get into trouble. Some call it reckless or stupid, but they haven't done it and wouldn't understand.

Go for the adventure. And if you're only going a short distance from the car you might not want to bring food. Leave it in a sealed cooler in the car. A packet of beef jerky can be pretty tempting to a bear.

Where I go camping (Amicalola Falls in the North Georgia mountains) you see bears frequently. Most are about the size of a St. Bernard, but they are there. The last time I was up there we tried to see them but had no luck until we were literally driving toward the exit. A bear jogged across the road about fifty feet in front of my minivan. I kept pointing to it so my daughter could see. By the time I figured out that I should (duh) pull out my camera it was up in the woods.

Here's the very clear and definite shot of the bear.

It depends. If the other person doesn't have much interest in photography then no because they will get bored and wonder why it takes you 15 minutes to set up for one shot. If the person is an avid photographer I'd take them along.