Grizzly Bears

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks bear biologists say hunters need to take steps to bear proof their hunt 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 taken with a bow or rifle. Here are precautions that will help to prevent potential conflicts between hunters and bears:

• After making a kill-Get the carcass out of the area as quickly as possible.
• Returning to the carcass-Use special precautions in returning to a carcass, including placing it where it can be easily observed from a good distance.
• Recreating in bear country —Know how to behave when traveling in bear country. [Learn more]
• Encountering a bear —Know what to do if you encounter a bear. [Learn more]
• Bear pepper spray —Carry bear pepper spray and know how to use it. [Learn more]

For details on how to hunt safely in grizzly country, check the Deer, Elk and Antelope Hunting regulations. For an online version of the regulations, go to the FWP's Interactive Hunter Planner.