Are grizzlies affecting peoples decisions?

[mallardsx2]

I noticed a trend of a few units that have had grizzly encounters appear to possibly have less people drawing for them year after year.

Do you guys thing that some people are giving up these areas or not applying to them simply because it is too dangerous to hunt them and or not worth the risk?

Just curious what you locals think.

 

[ScottR]

I know of many locals who have quit hunting in better quality unit because of bear encounters.

 

[Hilltop]

I know of several people that don't like to hunt in Grizzly areas... I'm one of them. On top of the danger, there is extra work and preparation when you hunt in a grizzly area that you don't have to do in other areas. That said, I have hunted NW Wyoming and will do so again in the future if the right tag is available.

 

[Ikeepitcold]

I think I would be more likely to hunt those areas with multiple people but no way solo.

 

[ScottR]

I think I would be more likely to hunt those areas with multiple people but no way solo.

Go solo, it makes sleeping so much fun...

I know of one guy who sleeps with a pistol in his hand while in grizzly country.

 

[mntnguide]

A lot of my friends think I'm nuts for the amount of hunting I do solo in grizzly country.. but I have more experience and encounters than most as well. I have had numerous times where I was more than uncomfortable in the dark..i prefer not to overnight camp in grizzly country alone but will in areas I don't think they are as prevalent. I firmly understand my choices might end in a bad situation someday, but I'm not letting bears stop me from hunting where I want to.. last week I saw more grizzlies than elk in 3 days.. we moved areas after that.

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[ScottR]

A lot of my friends think I'm nuts for the amount of hunting I do solo in grizzly country.. but I have more experience and encounters than most as well. I have had numerous times where I was more than uncomfortable in the dark..i prefer not to overnight camp in grizzly country alone but will in areas I don't think they are as prevalent. I firmly understand my choices might end in a bad situation someday, but I'm not letting bears stop me from hunting where I want to.. last week I saw more grizzlies than elk in 3 days.. we moved areas after that.

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How did your hunt end up? Shoot me a message, I want to talk more on article ideas.

 

[mntnguide]

How did your hunt end up? Shoot me a message, I want to talk more on article ideas.

Man, tough hunting.. we covered a ton of ground, 3 different camps and 2 mountain ranges.. definitely didn't get the weather I needed to hit the migration. But was able to get my buddy who came from out of state with his stock, a good 6x6, so I was at least glad he left with a good bull. This season has not been what I dreamed of for myself, despite nearing 50 days in the hills including scouting season... but that's how it goes some years.. thankfully I have a relatively easy late season cow tag for the freezer.. so I won't regret passing 3 younger 6 points earlier this season to much haha... I'll shoot you a message soon.

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[ScottR]

Man, tough hunting.. we covered a ton of ground, 3 different camps and 2 mountain ranges.. definitely didn't get the weather I needed to hit the migration. But was able to get my buddy who came from out of state with his stock, a good 6x6, so I was at least glad he left with a good bull. This season has not been what I dreamed of for myself, despite nearing 50 days in the hills including scouting season... but that's how it goes some years.. thankfully I have a relatively easy late season cow tag for the freezer.. so I won't regret passing 3 younger 6 points earlier this season to much haha... I'll shoot you a message soon.

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Sounds good. We had early migration over here, will tell you about when we talk.

 

[RANGER619]

They sway my decision. I wish I was comfortable dealing with them, but I am not.

 

[Ikeepitcold]

Go solo, it makes sleeping so much fun...

I know of one guy who sleeps with a pistol in his hand while in grizzly country.

No flippin Way will that ever happen.

 

[Fink]

I won't hunt or apply in a unit with a known grizzly population. Too Scary

 

[Hilltop]

Not even for a good moose tag? I think many of us will elk or deer hunt where they aren't but would be willing to go after moose, sheep, etc wherever we could get the tag. I would moose hunt solo in grizzly country if I could draw the tag.

 

[ivorytip]

I have a better pic that's on my camera but I crossed theses ones at first light right after a fresh snow. Grizz or black bear?

 

[Daubs]

My first ever backpack hunt was in 2005...caribou drop hunt north of Dillingham Alaska. In fact, I had never even slept in a tent outdoors before that.

Hunted with two guys from Anchorage and my buddy. All three had hunted on Kodiak island in the previous years. We hunted in pairs, one carrying a rifle, the other carrying a 45-mag pistol. Saw bear track, scat, but never encountered any Griz. Killed two caribou that trip. Great time, and I would do it again in a heartbeat.

My buddies knew to take all the anti-bear precautions. And they joked that the 45 magnum wasn't really for bears...it was to shoot me in the leg so the bear could get me, instead of them.

 

[Fink]

Not even for a good moose tag? I think many of us will elk or deer hunt where they aren't but would be willing to go after moose, sheep, etc wherever we could get the tag. I would moose hunt solo in grizzly country if I could draw the tag.

Not even for a moose. Ivorytip knows how skeered I am of them.

 

[ScottR]

I wouldn't moose hunt solo unless I had like 10 horses dedicated for camp and packing. Which would be an all out circus.

 

[Alaskabound2016]

My cojones are not near the size of mntnguide! Props to you buddy!

+1 for never hunting solo in grizz country. I am a very hard sleeper, I wouldn't even hear him coming for me (that's if I could fall asleep)!! Haha

 

[boiler]

I've had a few spooky encounters with grizzlies, and I've always been nervous in grizz country, but I never let it stop me. The more I hear how scared others are, the more scared I'm getting! Let's stop talking about it!!! LOL

 

[Hilltop]

I wouldn't moose hunt solo unless I had like 10 horses dedicated for camp and packing. Which would be an all out circus.

Of course it wouldn't be my preference... just making a point. I think a lot of guys would get brave if it were their only option to hunt their desired species.