Are grizzlies affecting peoples decisions?
- Thread starter mallardsx2
- Start date
Hilltop
Veteran member
I think a big part of the problem with Wyoming Griz is that they don't have much fear of people because we haven't been allowed to hunt them. If we can start hunting them again, the ones without people fear will die.
highplainsdrifter
Very Active Member
The griz population in Wyoming is growing by leaps and bounds. Last year on a sheep hunt west of Meeteesee, we saw 16 grizzlies in one day.
Just got an email from Game and Fish...a Wyoming warden was forced to shoot a sow this morning (or yesterday) when she charged him near Cody.
Just got an email from Game and Fish...a Wyoming warden was forced to shoot a sow this morning (or yesterday) when she charged him near Cody.
Bonecollector
Veteran member
JEandAsGuide
Active Member
I have hunted around them once and while we didn't actually have an encounter, we found fresh tracks daily around our camps and on trails. You never get them off your mind and they are constantly affecting the hunting decisions you make. At least they did ours. That being said, I would hunt the area again if I didn't have another option.
Yell Co AR Hunter
Very Active Member
Yes is the simple answer to the question. I prefer being on the top of the food chain. I feel like I can do everything right and still get in a bad situation. I don't like thinking about that.
JimP
Administrator
There is no doubt that folks are shying away from units with grizzlies. I personally haven't had a problem and only had one encounter that ended well for both the bear and me. I normally hunt solo, even in grizz country because nobody wants to hunt with me in those units. I will continue to say, "Fear? No. Respect? Absofrickin'lutely!"
They do change the way you hunt; sticking to more open country, limiting after dark travel, leaving animals gutted overnight instead of butchering alone and in the dark (did that once... once!)
At this time I am not willing to give up my hard won knowledge on my favorite elk unit due to bears but I suspect most folks will say that until they get chewed on.
They do change the way you hunt; sticking to more open country, limiting after dark travel, leaving animals gutted overnight instead of butchering alone and in the dark (did that once... once!)
At this time I am not willing to give up my hard won knowledge on my favorite elk unit due to bears but I suspect most folks will say that until they get chewed on.
It's most likely black bear. Grizzly would have a straighter line along the toes and the claws would be further away from the print and larger.
Colorado T
Active Member
nunt'butmuleys
Member
- Nov 29, 2016
- 77
- 0
Grizz was a big reason I ended up going guided for my Bighorn cause I didn’t feel comfortable enough to go solo in rugged grizzly invested unfamiliar mountains!! I was thinking about trying some elk hunting up that way but with all the reports of attacks I’m working on changing my mind!! See G&F is having meetings all through nov about grizz management through out the state (wyo) hopefully something good comes of it. Hunting!!!! Try and put a little fear in those damn things from human presence!!!
nunt'butmuleys
Member
- Nov 29, 2016
- 77
- 0
I would never hunt without a guiding party in a unit with Grizz.
Like others have said, I don't like the idea of doing everything right and still getting into trouble.
The Meateater crew nearly got mauled a few weeks ago, but they made a multitude of mistakes that they talked about on their podcast.
Like others have said, I don't like the idea of doing everything right and still getting into trouble.
The Meateater crew nearly got mauled a few weeks ago, but they made a multitude of mistakes that they talked about on their podcast.
BrettKoenecke
Member
- Jun 28, 2013
- 137
- 5
I don't really know what to make of it. We went to the Snowcrests last year. Stayed in a lodge and hiked every day, so we didn't sleep out. I frankly can't imagine sleeping out in Montana in November anyway. We hunted in pairs, had RINO's for communication, and had a horse packer lined up. Bought a Glock 10mm and carried it the first day, decided that was three pounds I didn't need to hump over the hills. Talked to a few others who'd seen bears, we saw some scat ourselves.
For us, on that trip, knowing they were out there made me feel like we were more invested, more alive. Looking at it now, we had prepared differently for it. I would definitely take the word of people who have had experience more than mine. I'm just saying what we did that was different. Would I go back? Hell yes.
As an aside, one day I came around a bend and found the biggest meanest looking hereford bull I've seen, and I have seen a few. Drop horns, ear tag, 2000 lbs if he was an ounce. I figured they left him til last, and planned to maybe get some cake and go back and load him up on his own terms. But then again, he might just be a bull that stays out all year. I've often wondered his story and how it ends.
For us, on that trip, knowing they were out there made me feel like we were more invested, more alive. Looking at it now, we had prepared differently for it. I would definitely take the word of people who have had experience more than mine. I'm just saying what we did that was different. Would I go back? Hell yes.
As an aside, one day I came around a bend and found the biggest meanest looking hereford bull I've seen, and I have seen a few. Drop horns, ear tag, 2000 lbs if he was an ounce. I figured they left him til last, and planned to maybe get some cake and go back and load him up on his own terms. But then again, he might just be a bull that stays out all year. I've often wondered his story and how it ends.
I hate to admit this, but it is kind of a rush. Being smart, being prepared and of course just doing a good job of keeping a REALLY clean camp makes it fun.