Be Bear Aware!

Grizzlies can be found throughout much of Montana. Due to conservation efforts, grizzly bear populations are expanding, and bears are moving back to where they once lived. This means that hunters are more likely to run into grizzly bears.

The very act of hunting puts hunters at increased risk of encountering bears; elk bugling, game calls, and cover scents attract not only game, but also bears.

Tips for hunting in bear country:

• Pack meat out as soon as possible.
• Avoid cutting up a carcass at dusk or at night.
• If you kill an animal at dusk, be prepared to cut up the carcass in the dark by carrying strong headlamps. Be extra vigilant and watch for bears.
• Properly hang meat until you can retrieve your downed game.
• If you must leave your animal, return to the site carefully. Leave it in an area that is easily observable from a distance.
• Drag gut piles at least 100 yards from your carcass as soon as possible.
• If a bear has claimed your animal, do not attempt to haze or frighten the bear away. Report any lost game to FWP.
• Bird hunters should be extra careful while walking in and around areas of brush because grizzly bears use thick cover for day beds—especially along waterways. Bird hunters should walk with the wind, carry bear spray, and keep a close eye on hunting dogs. If there is abundant, fresh sign of grizzly bears in the area, consider bird hunting somewhere else.

Most bears will leave an area if they sense the presence of humans. Hunters who observe a bear or suspect a bear is nearby should leave the area immediately. If by chance, you encounter a bear:

• If a bear is not actively engaged with you (looking away, ignoring you, running away, or retreating), give the bear space by backing away slowly from the bear and going in the opposite direction of the bear.
• If a bear shows agitated/defensive behavior (huffing, jaws clacking, head swaying back and forth, bellowing, swatting the ground, hopping forward, and/or drooling), stand your ground, prepare bear spray, and speak in a calm manner until the bear moves off.
• If a bear charges or appears ready to charge:
  • Stand your ground.
  • If it charges, use your bear spray.
  • If the bear is going to touch you, go face down on the ground, cover your neck and head as much as possible, and deploy your bear spray in the bear's face. If you do not have bear spray, play dead if it is a grizzly bear and fight back if it is a black bear. If you are unsure of the species, act based on the bear's behavior.
• If a bear shows predatory/curious behaviors (follows you; or slowly, purposefully, or methodically approaches you):
  • Stand your ground.
  • Get aggressive, wave your arms, and shout vigorously.
  • Get bear spray out and ready.
  • Fight back if it makes contact.
• If a bear enters or reaches into your tent, use your bear spray and fight back.