Hunting with Griz, how do you do it ?

280ackimp

Active Member
Jul 4, 2017
166
28
New Hampshire
All,
I am reaching out to you to discuss and gain knowledge on one of the most controversial subjects I have seen.
How to conduct ourselves while hunting in grizzly country.
As a hunter I wish to understand the best practices
1) conduct while hunting
2) handling the kill when the animal is down - the most exposure from what I can see....
and to a much lesser extent
3)storage of the meat

So after a few books and a few youtube sessions and numerous web articles from idiots and experts alike, I see no real signs of agreement between the pro-bear movement who insist that bear-sprays and learning how to be a bear toy effectively when contact is made, is the best defense??? I am a fight not flight kind of guy. but like all things timing is everything and fighting too soon is not a good thing but covering ones neck and trying remain face down while a bear plays ping-pong with you is already a lost cause.

As a hunter, I am often confused with the carpenter who only has a hammer and everything looks like a nail . I do not think that everything must be shot with a gun as the only solution. However, I have used and deployed OC sprays on humans and seen that the wonder spray was not as predictably effective on humans and canines as hyped.

What I see as easier to handle are points 1 & 3

#1 Conduct while hunting; On my next trip I will be with a guide, so I wont be hunting alone. I will be in one of the most densely bear populated areas in the lower 48.

#3 Storage of the meat; The outfitter uses a platform on the edge of camp all to the spec of the ruling agencies.

My area of interest
#2 Handling the kill once the animal is down; This is the time of highest risk or vulnerability that I can see. Gutting an elk or deer is a busy time even for two people. Zipping open an elk to cool before getting the pack stock was the norm in the past and this could be a 4-5 hour round-trip. This gives the opportunity for a free meal to the locals. I read that it is common for bears (multiple) to come in on a kill all at once? In this wilderness zone an out of stater must be accompanied so staying with the kill while stock is retrieved is not likely to happen.

How do you guys handle kill site security and guard against bears claiming the animal?

Thanks
 

dirtclod Az.

Veteran member
Jan 26, 2018
1,637
446
Arizona
Watch Jeremiah Johnson that pilgrim knows how...All meat as far away and as high up as you can get it.Wash everything,change out of bloody clothes and pack up and out ASAP.Always hunt as teams..one lookout and one worker.Outfitter will have a team approuch.
Plus Big gun ,lots of ammo.
 

kidoggy

Veteran member
Apr 23, 2016
9,847
10,860
58
idaho
Watch Jeremiah Johnson that pilgrim knows how...All meat as far away and as high up as you can get it.Wash everything,change out of bloody clothes and pack up and out ASAP.Always hunt as teams..one lookout and one worker.Outfitter will have a team approuch.
Plus Big gun ,lots of ammo.
and bring a friend with really short legs.
 

Ikeepitcold

Administrator
Staff member
Feb 22, 2011
10,028
1,615
Reno Nv
I just posted a Few videos on hunting in Grizz country. Dan Pickar did a elk hunt and had a ton of info about grizz country with a biologist.

I’ll look for the video and post a link for you
 

Joseph

Active Member
Jan 25, 2014
221
109
Creston BC Canada
Every time I go anywhere it's grizzly country, whether it be hunting, hiking, camping, fishing, literally everything we do and everywhere we go it's in grizzly/black bear country. I haven't had a problem yet, eighteen years of living and outdoor recreation in grizzly country. Plus I grew up in rural N. Alberta always lots of black bears. I always carry bear spray, am extremely mindful of bear attractants(not just the food but also soaps, toothpaste etc.) and never have them in the tent, don't cook or eat in the tent, in fact I don't set up my tent within 50m of my cooking area/campfire. If possible never leave an animal you've killed in the bush overnight and keep your gun loaded and handy while dressing the carcass. Try to pay attention and take a look around once in a while if you're taking care of your meat, I almost always hunt alone and have to remind myself to not get too focused on the job at hand.

Biggest thing though I think is to be really aware of your surroundings and always always keep a clean camp. Other than that just kind of put it out of your mind and enjoy the experience because grizzly country is the most beautiful, truly wild spectacular country left for us to explore. Also put it in perspective, think of how many thousands of backcountry enthusiasts spend countless thousands of hours/days in the wilderness and there are maybe a handful of incidents per year. Way more dangerous crossing the street in any city, or driving on any freeway anywhere.