Texas Couple Fends Off Bear Cowboy Style

by
posted on August 11, 2020
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
mainyellowboy.jpg
In a scene that could have leapt from the pages of a Western, Texas native Bill Williams successfully defended himself and his wife from an intruding black bear. The bear initially appeared outside the couple's Colorado summer cabin in the evening, but as he seemed to be minding his own business, Mr. Williams thought best to leave him alone. He did load up his Uberti 1866 Yellowboy carbine however, simply as a precaution. In hindsight, its a good thing he did. The couple awoke with a start at 3:00 a.m. that same night, to the 250-pound animal breaking through the cabin window. Jumping up to investigate, Williams saw the bear on his couch less than four feet away. All told, Williams had to put eight rounds of .45 Long Colt into the black bear before it stopped moving. The couple credits keeping the rifle ready and close with saving their lives. They have since reinforced their door and barred the windows however, as an extra precaution. The Uberti, however, still resides by the bed.


Latest

W H2026 07 Hardware W3832 TAH 1596Leadlayered
W H2026 07 Hardware W3832 TAH 1596Leadlayered

Hardware Review: Steiner ePredator LRF & ePredator 8 Riflescope

Looking for a surefire solution for long-range shooting? Look no further. Check out our review of the Steiner ePredator line.

Buckmasters’ New Record Book Reveals Hot Spots, Revamped Rankings

Deer hunters will have the rare opportunity to decipher the current state of whitetail deer when Buckmasters releases the ninth edition of its record book this fall. The 600-page tome shows where, when and by what means these world-class whitetails—25,000 in total—came to be included.

Clean 'em Up—Gun Cleaning 101 for Hunters

Ever wonder how often to clean your gun? How about what to clean it with? How about what to clean it with if you're hunting at 40-below? Phil Massaro answers all these questions and more, in this clean-freaks primer.

Hunting Show Attendance Shattering Records

Attendance records have been shattered at this year’s major hunting shows. The latest, Ducks Unlimited’s DUX (Ducks Unlimited Expo), set a new high-water mark in Memphis, Tenn. According to the Commercial Appeal, the July to Aug. 2 event attracted roughly 30,000 attendees. The 2025 event, also held in Memphis, drew a crowd that numbered nearly 20,000.

The Colonel’s Caliber in an Interesting Rifle—.35 Whelen

“Only accurate rifles are interesting.” Townsend Whelen

New for 2026: Beretta A400 Solo

Beretta USA has launched the A400 Solo, a new semi-automatic shotgun engineered for hunters who demand performance in the harshest conditions. Built on Beretta's A400 platform and packed with the company's latest advancements, the A400 Solo combines Beretta's B-Link Pro gas-operating system, Steelium barrel technology and Kick-Off Plus recoil reduction system into one dependable platform.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.