By Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
With bowhunting season underway, it is a good time to review the basics of hunting safely in bear country.
A bowhunter needs to be sneaky, with “no-scent” on, and camouflaged to look like a bush. While that’s what it takes to get close enough for a good shot with a bow and arrow, that hunter is making it hard for a bear to notice him or her.
A bear’s usual early warning systems of sight, sound and smell can be scrambled by bowhunters, resulting in surprise encounters.
In recent years, grizzly bear populations have expanded and these bears are re-colonizing some historic ranges. Grizzly bears are found throughout western Wyoming and the Yellowstone ecosystem, and black bears range widely across Wyoming.
With bowhunting season underway, it is a good time to review the basics of hunting safely in bear country.
Here are some guidelines for archery hunters hunting in bear country.
Be prepared to see a bear. Mentally rehearse handling different scenarios with bears so you are better prepared.
Hunt with a partner. If you hunt alone, let someone know your detailed plans and have a way to periodically check in.
While hunting in grizzly country, pay attention to fresh grizzly bear sign. Look for tracks, scats, digs, concentration of foods or a carcass.
Always carry and know how to use bear pepper spray.
Bow hunters who harvest a deer or elk need to plan to quickly get the carcass out of the woods. The longer a carcass remains lying on the ground or within reach of a bear, the more likely it will be discovered by a grizzly.
Carcasses left in the woods require special precautions. Carry a colored, lightweight tarp or space blanket. Put the guts on the tarp and drag them as far away from the carcass as possible. Then use the tarp to cover the carcass. This will reduce the scent trail from the guts to the carcass. Hang clothing and other items at the site to keep animals away. Locate an observation point as far away from the carcass as possible with a clear line-of-site to the carcass and memorize the site.
When you return, study the site from a safe distance for any movement or changes. When you finally approach, yell and make noises.
Do not attempt to frighten or haze a bear away from a carcass.
If, in spite of these precautions, a bear is found at the site eating the carcass, or a bear has covered the carcass with debris and it is not salvageable, hunters should immediately report the incident to Wyoming Game and Fish. They can contact a local warden or the nearest Game and Fish regional office to provide a detailed description of the location and situation, so local Game and Fish officials can follow up.
When hanging meat back at camp, make sure it is at least 10 feet off the ground. Also, keep food and other garbage out of a bear’s reach.
What to do if you encounter a bear:
The mere presence of a bear does not always pose a risk. The vast majority of bears will leave an area when they become aware of human presence. If you do run into a bear, assess the situation and stay calm: do not run.
Decide if the bear is aware of you and threatening, or if it is fleeing or unaware. Keep the bear in sight and back away and leave the area.
Most grizzly attacks are prompted by inadvertently running into a female and young, surprising a bear at close range or near a carcass.
Why The Experts Say "Carry Bear Pepper Spray"
By Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
People hunting or recreating outdoors this fall are encouraged by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee to carry and know how to use bear pepper spray. The IGBC, created in 1983 to lead the recovery of the grizzly bear in the lower 48 states, recommends bear pepper spray to reduce the number of grizzly bears killed in self-defense, reduce human injuries caused by bears, and to help promote the recovery and survival of the grizzly bear.
Here are the IGBC’s guidelines on the use of bear pepper spray:
When to use bear pepper spray:
Bear pepper spray should be used as a deterrent only in an aggressive or attacking confrontation with a bear.
Bear pepper spray is only effective when used as an airborne deterrent sprayed as a cloud at an aggressive animal. It should not be applied to people, tents, packs, other equipment or surrounding area as a repellent.
Carrying pepper spray:
Each person should carry a can of bear pepper spray when working or recreating in bear habitat.
Bear pepper spray should be carried in a quick, accessible fashion such as in a hip or chest holster.
In your tent, keep bear pepper spray readily available next to your flashlight. You should also keep a can available in your cooking area.
Spray should be tested once a year. Do not test spray in or near camping areas.
Be sure to check the expiration date on your can of bear pepper spray.
Using bear pepper spray:
Remove safety clip.
Aim slightly down and towards the approaching bear. If necessary, adjust for any cross wind.
Spray a brief shot when the bear is about 50 feet away.
Spray again if the bear continues to approach.
Once the bear has retreated or is busy cleaning itself, leave the area as quickly as possible, but don’t run. Go to an immediate area of safety, such as a car, tree, or building.
Do not chase or pursue the bear.