Grizzly

[rwlittle]

Anyone ever run into a Grizzly when elk hunting? I will be heading to Montana next archery season and was wondering if anyone on JHO ever came face to face with a Griz. I will be bringing along some bear pepper spray as well.:skeered:

 

[suavegato]

I will be bringing along some bear pepper spray as well.:skeered:

I think the bears call that stuff marinade! Mmmmmm....

 

[bowslinger]

Is that why mine says Garlic & Herb bear repellant??? I thought that was weird.

 

[Bigolwiggler]

I wouldn't go if I was you.


In all seriousness, I have heard of a few grizz encounters. They are very rare.

I have never heard of anyone repelling a grizz with pepper spray, doubt if there would be time or if we'd have the wit to get it out, point it the right direction and fire if attacked. He would have eaten half way to your gizzard by the time you got the stuff out of your pouch. If ya ever get charged, a filter change might be in order so an extra pair of undies would be worth it weight in gold or you would have some splainin' to do back at camp. Not to mention the fact that you would likely be sleeping outside the tent for a while.

Just go out have fun , use your senses. Go light on the worryin'.

 

[fishnhunt]

Just go out have fun , use your senses. Go light on the worryin'.

+1 on that...Statistically your more likely to die or get injured driving to Montana than getting mauled by a bear or any number of other methods of major injury or death...Your carrying an elk rifle if you need to defend yourself you've got that!! Just make 100% sure you have no other option before you open fire!!

 

[suavegato]

Your carrying an elk rifle if you need to defend yourself you've got that!! Just make 100% sure you have no other option before you open fire!!

I think he is archery hunting... that's why he is so concerned. But you are 100% right, statistically he is more likey to die from the car ride or his camp fire etc. I used to use that logic when abalone diving in the "blood triangle" but I still couldn't help but think about sharks! :skeered:

You just gotta be prepared but keep it out of your head. You may want to do a little quick research as to what to do in the event of an attack or encounter... might help?
If nothing else, shoot some pics of it with your camera for your relatives to post up for us! :mooning:

 

[rwlittle]

Will do.

I usually do have the "don't worry, be happy" attitude

I will be sure to leave the honey/salmon scented soap at home :lol bashing sign:

 

[Huntnup]

When we hunt in Mt with bows we carry pepper spray and a side arm and keep a look out.

Just be smart

 

[suavegato]

When we hunt in Mt with bows we carry pepper spray and a side arm and keep a look out.

Just be smart

I "believe" in Ca you can't carry a side arm or gun of any kind during archery, no? Is that diff. in Mt. (i.e. they have more common sense than the brain trusts in Ca) or do you just do it on the down low, better to be alive and busted than dead and law abiding?

 

[Duknutz]

Yes,You can carry a side arm in MT. during archery season.I had a close enough encounter a few years back,when I cut some fresh tracks in the snow,I made a big loop and landed back on my tracks,when the bear did the same and was now on my tracks.Scared the you no what out of me.Watching my backside and kept a move on and didn't sit and glass for long periods.....:skeered:
That was SW MT.

 

[Lives2Hunt]

+1 cool cat, I will carry a side arm anytime I go into the field, hunt (bow and rifle) fish, hike, camp, you name it I am packing. And I dont have a CWP, but I would rather be "in trouble" but alive rather than dead and law abiding. I think if you chose to carry a firearm while bow hunting anywhere, if your smart you will be fine. They make many holsters that are under your clothes and concealed well. I personally would not shoot a bear unless its "on top of me", not literally but very near there.

If you dont carry one, make that one arrow really count, Robin Hood.

Most of the time they (the bears) will not be seen, and if they are more than likely they will jam. I agree with the other guys, be aware of surroundings and noises, bears, many times are very loud in general, esp. during this time of year. They are scavenging for food to store up for winter. However, you can sneak up on them, so I guess its always 50/50?

DO what ever you have to to be safe and give yourself a peice of mind.

 

[DAWG]

Getting mauled is unlikely, but always on your mind. I hunted moose just south of Yellowstone in 07. Never saw a grizzly, but....

Getting your camp/animal messed up is muck more likely, make sure you use proper food storage techniques, and be prepared for losing your animal if it has to be left on the ground overnight.

That being said, a guy who comes to our RMEF banquet every year was mauled and messed up so bad he will never recover fully on a guided elk hunt just north of Yellowstone in 07. It can happen...

I'd carry at least a 44 mag and spray, and always be alert. Being alert and paying attention all the time is most important thing.

 

[huntnfool13]

I think he is archery hunting... that's why he is so concerned. But you are 100% right, statistically he is more likey to die from the car ride or his camp fire etc. I used to use that logic when abalone diving in the "blood triangle" but I still couldn't help but think about sharks! :skeered:

You just gotta be prepared but keep it out of your head. You may want to do a little quick research as to what to do in the event of an attack or encounter... might help?
If nothing else, shoot some pics of it with your camera for your relatives to post up for us! :mooning:

:rotflmao: Now that's funny suavegato! It sure would make for an interesting post. The outfitter/guide I went with in 2005 in Montana had a 348 Win. in his scabbard all the time and a 44 side arm within reach at all times. We were about 10 miles from the BC border. There were Grizz tracks everywhere,:track::track::track: some fresh and some old. After I shot my bull the guide insisted on quartering my elk out and made me and my buddy stand look out for any grizzleys. They had seen a couple during archery season. Pretty scary when you can only see maybe 20 to 30 yards through the lodgepoles.:skeered: Yes the odds are very slim. But you never know. Be careful. Better safe than sorry.:smiley_resurrect_gr But then again, like suavegato says, take plenty of pictures. You will be a star on Jesse's for years to come. :bounce-aqua:

 

[SoJo]

I think I'd be more concern about wolves...had both (but no encounters) to be worried about in Wyoming last year. As I drove into the base camp area, big sign that read "You Are Now Enetring Grizzly Country" --- (gulp!) :skeered:-- spoke with the guides and they had a sow grizzly up behind base camp, but she never came down to bother them.