Carry And Know How To Use Bear Spray

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Bear pepper spray is not just for summer use when hiking or camping. Hunting in Montana is a prime time to encounter a bear, especially if your are calling game and using scents.

If you plan to hunt alone, let someone know about your plans, or better yet, hunt with a partner.

While you are out, pay attention to fresh bear sign, and keep the golden rule of hunting in mind: "get the game animal out of the area as quickly as possible." The longer a carcass remains lying on the ground, hung up in a camp, or stored in the back of a truck, the more likely it is that it will attract a bear.

Bears are opportunists and change their behavior to take advantage of new food sources. Always assume that grizzlies are in the area and make certain your camps, cabins, and homes are bear proof, and that bear attractants are unavailable or contained.

Always carry bear pepper spray. Keep the spray within reach and know how to use it. In sudden grizzly encounters, bear pepper spray has proven effective.

Hunters should report encounters with grizzly bears where the bear is aggressive or displays defensive behaviors toward people, livestock or pets. Contact FWP at 1-800-TIP-MONT, call the U.S. Forest Service, or contact an FWP bear management specialist nearest the area where the bear is seen:

    * Mike Madel, Choteau, 406-466-5100
    * Tim Manley, Kalispell, 406-751-4584
    * Kim Annis, Libby, 406-293-4161 X107
    * Kevin Frey, Bozeman, 406-994-3553
    * James Jonkel, Missoula, 406-542-5508

For more on safe hunting in grizzly bear country, see the FWP 2008 big game regulations.
 

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