Thorough trip planning ensures you are fully prepared for any scenario.
- easily accessible bear spray
- stay aware
- pack out meat as soon as possible
Fifty years ago, few grizzly bears lived outside of the recovery zones, but conservation measures have allowed the populations to grow and expand. It is advisable to be prepared to encounter bears throughout western Montana, especially in mountainous areas and along wooded rivers and streams.
KNOW THE DIFFERENCE BEFORE YOU GO
Black bear hunters in Montana will be required to pass a bear identification test in order to obtain a Montana black bear license. You can request a mail-in test from FWP by calling 406-444-2535 or click the link below to take it online.
Learn more about the differences between black bears and grizzly bears here.
BEAR SIGN
Be extra careful while walking in and along areas of brush, especially along waterways. Grizzly bears use thick cover for day beds. Walk with the wind and carry bear spray. If there is an abundant fresh sign of grizzly bears in the area, consider hunting somewhere else. Most grizzly attacks are prompted by inadvertently running into a female with young or surprising a bear at close range.
Hear one hunter's grizzly encounter on our YouTube channel.
BEARS ARE OPPORTUNISTS
They change their behavior in order to take advantage of new food sources. So if you are hunting or living in grizzly country, always assume that grizzlies are in the area and make sure your camps, cabins and homes are bear proof, and that bear attractants are unavailable or contained.
PROPERLY HANG MEAT
Until you can retrieve your downed game make sure to properly hang the meat. If you must leave your animal, return to the site carefully. Hang meat from a "bear pole" 10' from the ground and 4' from the sides. Leave it in an area that is easily observable from a distance.
AVOID CUTTING UP A CARCASS AT DUSK OR 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.
IF A BEAR HAS CLAIMED YOUR ANIMAL
Do not attempt to haze or frighten a bear away. Report any lost game to FWP.
