Grizziys in Idaho
- Thread starter gkempf
- Start date
Bitterroot Recovery Area
The Bitterroot Recovery Area (AKA Selway-Bitterroot) is about 3.6 million acres mainly in Idaho, but also along the Montana border.
This is a very politicized area as far as grizzly bears are concerned. It has been proposed that 25 grizzly bears be transplanted to create another population, but the proposal has been on hold since 2000. Grizzly bears have been documented there, but currently, the USFWS claims there are no grizzly bears (population = 0), so any bears found there must just be moving around and are not considered to be residents.
I copied this from an article, not sure when written.
The Bitterroot Recovery Area (AKA Selway-Bitterroot) is about 3.6 million acres mainly in Idaho, but also along the Montana border.
This is a very politicized area as far as grizzly bears are concerned. It has been proposed that 25 grizzly bears be transplanted to create another population, but the proposal has been on hold since 2000. Grizzly bears have been documented there, but currently, the USFWS claims there are no grizzly bears (population = 0), so any bears found there must just be moving around and are not considered to be residents.
I copied this from an article, not sure when written.
tim
Veteran member
for whatever reason, central idaho doesn't have the griz, that north idaho or southeast idaho have.
RICMIC
Veteran member
Just don't be the first guy to personally verify that there is in fact at least one griz in the area. You should practice good "bear aware" tactics anyway, to avoid problems with the black bears. Take it from a guy who has been raided, robbed, charged, and almost raped by black bears. I hope to avoid any similar experience with Ursus Horribilis.
tim
Veteran member
If the FS admits they are there they have to manage it differently. Which means litigation and we know how that battle goes
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Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
dan maule
Veteran member
Apparition
Active Member
Oh there are grizzlies there, but they are very few and far between. My buddy saw a fresh set of tracks up on Nez Perce pass about 2 weeks before I hunted that area, made for a few sleepless nights before I put ear plugs in 
I have hunted East-Central Idaho along the Montana border for 11 of the last 14 years and I can confirm there are plenty of black bears AND a few grizz. Grizz have showed up in the spotting scopes a few times over the years. Luckily, I have not had a direct close encounter, but I know I've been close. The grizz sign is definitely there. I believe IDFG had known this for many years, but were reluctant or unable to verify reports. IDFG finally had to admit they were there after the previously mentioned grizz was mistakenly shot by a black bear hunter in Lolo.
As you may know, you will see this on page 65 of the Idaho Regs...."Grizzly bears may be found in 3 areas of Idaho: the Panhandle in big game units 1, 2, 3, 4, 4A, 6, 7and 9; the Bitterroot Mountains along the Idaho/Montana border in big game units 10, 12 and 17;and Southeast Idaho in the Yellowstone Ecosystem in big game units 60, 61, 62,62A, 64, 65, 66 and 67." Hunters Be aware.
It is obsurd to think Grizz need to be transplanted into this area. Besides there's probably already a very small breeding population. After the whole wolf "introduction" debacle, I would think IDFG would be totally against any such action. AND with the dismal condition of the elk, moose, and deer populations in these areas, the last thing needed is a higher population of grizz.
From what I have seen with boots on the ground there are still too many predators on the landscape right now for any meaningful game population recovery to happen.
In my humble opinion/experience there are very few grizz in 10,12 or 17. Are you likely to cross paths with one there? Compared to the other places listed above, probably not. Is it possible? YES
I keep big can of bear spray on the main table in camp, and I also carry one in addition to a firearm, because LUCK FAVORS THE PREPARED
As you may know, you will see this on page 65 of the Idaho Regs...."Grizzly bears may be found in 3 areas of Idaho: the Panhandle in big game units 1, 2, 3, 4, 4A, 6, 7and 9; the Bitterroot Mountains along the Idaho/Montana border in big game units 10, 12 and 17;and Southeast Idaho in the Yellowstone Ecosystem in big game units 60, 61, 62,62A, 64, 65, 66 and 67." Hunters Be aware.
It is obsurd to think Grizz need to be transplanted into this area. Besides there's probably already a very small breeding population. After the whole wolf "introduction" debacle, I would think IDFG would be totally against any such action. AND with the dismal condition of the elk, moose, and deer populations in these areas, the last thing needed is a higher population of grizz.
From what I have seen with boots on the ground there are still too many predators on the landscape right now for any meaningful game population recovery to happen.
In my humble opinion/experience there are very few grizz in 10,12 or 17. Are you likely to cross paths with one there? Compared to the other places listed above, probably not. Is it possible? YES
I keep big can of bear spray on the main table in camp, and I also carry one in addition to a firearm, because LUCK FAVORS THE PREPARED
Apparition
Active Member
RICMIC
Veteran member
Thanks Apparition & RICMIC. I really like what I see here at the Eastmans forum. I guess I've been lurking around long enough, figured I might as well start contributing when I can. I should probably go over to the new members section and give an intro.
RICMIC, I'm in White Bear Lake area (NE side of Metro) I'd rather live up there by you in God's country. I've been fortunate to spend alot of time hunting and trapping in and around the BWCA and Superior NF.( It's like my second home and it helps me keep my sanity living this close to the rat race.)
RICMIC, I'm in White Bear Lake area (NE side of Metro) I'd rather live up there by you in God's country. I've been fortunate to spend alot of time hunting and trapping in and around the BWCA and Superior NF.( It's like my second home and it helps me keep my sanity living this close to the rat race.)
RICMIC
Veteran member
I actually live on a small lake 22 miles north of TH (by hwy. #2). I am a retired police officer and spend my summers as a wilderness canoeing guide for the Boy Scout High Adventure program. My property borders the Superior NF. We'll touch bases down the road, and tell tall tales about our great western hunts. Rick
Againstthewind
Very Active Member
That's awesome! Our local troop is going on one of those trips in Minnesota this summer.
RICMIC
Veteran member
Good to know. I'll be guiding some fly-in trips in Manitoba before taking one out of Ely. If they get the old guy, that would be me. What's this got to do with grizzlies?