Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks bear biologists say hunters need to take steps to bear proof their hunt this year by thinking ahead about what they will do if they see a bear.
The likelihood a hunter will encounter a bear is real and it may increase when a game animal is shot. Last year, deer and elk hunters reported seven different encounters with grizzly bears in the western part of the state alone.
In one case the hunter shouted, “Hey! Where’s Your Mama?” at a young bear and successfully scared it off. Beyond a strong voice and a quick wit, packing pepper spray and knowing how to use it is smart.
In the seven situations in western Montana, potential conflicts were avoided in all cases, without the use of pepper spray, and there were no serious consequences to the hunters or the bears.
These encounters illustrate some basics about bears that may be helpful for hunters.
CASE STUDY—ACCIDENTAL ENCOUNTERS
During archery season, two bow hunters said a sow and two yearling cubs “walked into them” while they were hunting. The bow hunters, who had viewed a video on bear safety, remained still and the bears ran off. In another case, a rifle hunter walked right into a sow and two yearling cubs. He yelled and the bears ran off, and when the sow returned, he yelled again and the sow left for good.
BEARS’ VIEW:
Bow hunters wear camouflage colors; stalk animals quietly to get close enough for a good shot and use cover scents. The very nature of a bow hunt makes it more likely a hunter will accidentally surprise a bear.
In cases described here, the hunters knew they had taken the bears by surprise and they gave the bruins an opportunity to do the right thing. The bow hunters remained still and gave no aggressive signals. The rifle hunter yelled, alerting the bears that he was there, and as surprised to see them as they were to see him.
In most cases, bears will avoid conflict. Given the opportunity to retreat when they have been surprised they will, unless they feel threatened.
CASE STUDY—FILCHED PREY
A bow hunter, in an archery area in late October, shot a deer and waited several hours before trailing it, only to find a grizzly feeding on the carcass. The bear ran off.
BEAR’S VIEW:
Grizzlies don’t pack hunting licenses and they aren’t put off if another species made the kill. Think defensively when following a blood trail or when returning to a carcass that has been left for a few hours. Plan how to mark the location of a carcass so you can observe the site clearly from a good distance before returning to it. Make plenty of noise when you do return. If you observe a grizzly nearby or eating at the carcass, leave the site immediately and do not attempt to haze the bear away.
CASE STUDY—JUST TESTING
Rifle hunters came upon a grizzly that “huffed and puffed” and ran off. Another hunter reportedly was "stalked" by a grizzly in the same area. The hunter left a note to alert other hunters that there were grizzly bears in the area.
BEAR’S VIEW:
Bears don’t like to be taken by surprise or to be cornered, and they aren’t afraid to check out circumstances that look strange to them. Keep the bear in sight and back slowly away. Occasionally bears will quarter toward you when leaving, so continue to be cautious. The objective is to disengage from the situation. If the bear feels threatened, it may bluff charge. Many people have survived bluff charges untouched by standing their ground or dropping quietly to the ground.
Every situation is unique and there are no pat answers to “what should I do if I encounter a bear while hunting.” These scenarios cover three common situations. In addition, watch for and observe FWP warning signs in the field regarding grizzly bears. The best advice may be to learn all you can about bears and then trust your instincts—that’s what the bear will be doing.
Here are some tried and true tips:
* If you are alone in grizzly country let someone know your detailed plans, better yet, don’t go alone.
* While hunting, pay attention to fresh bear sign.
* After making a kill, get the carcass out of the area as quickly as possible.
* Use special precautions in returning to a carcass, including placing it where it can be easily observed from a good distance.
* Do not attempt to frighten away or haze a grizzly that is near or feeding on a carcass.
* Carry bear pepper spray and know how to use it.
* If physically attacked, play dead. Lie face down, covering your neck and head with your hands and arms. Leave your backpack on. Remain still until the bear is gone.
Finally, take time to rehearse various scenarios in your mind in advance. Sports trainers say, “If the mind has never been there before, the body does not know how to respond.”
For details on how to hunt safely in grizzly country, check the 2003 Deer, Elk and Antelope Hunting regulations on page 25. To check an electronic copy of the regulations, go to the FWP web site at fwp.state.mt.us, click on Hunting, then Regulations, then 2003 General Regulation Information for Deer, Elk and Antelope, then click on Think Grizzly and Act Defensively.
Recent News
