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Fisherman walking along the shore with two bears in the distance.

Conservation > Bear > Bear Aware Hunting and Angling

Stay safe while hunting and fishing in bear country. Be prepared and be aware. Always carry bear spray and have it accessible.

ANGLERS - Avoid a conflict

  • Do not clean fish in camp.

  • Pop air bladder and dispose of fish entrails in the stream or lake. Do not clean fish on picnic tables.

HUNTERS - Stay safe afield

  • Pack meat out as soon as possible.

  • Avoid cutting up 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.

  • Properly hang meat until you can retrieve your downed game.

  • If you must leave your animal, return to the site carefully. Leave it in an area that is easily observable from a distance.

  • Drag gut piles into open areas, if possible, and at least 100 yards from your carcass as soon as possible.

  • If a bear has claimed your animal, do not attempt to haze or frighten the bear away. Report any lost game to FWP.

  • Bird hunters should 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, carry bear spray, and keep a close eye on hunting dogs. If there is abundant fresh sign of grizzly bears in the area, consider bird hunting somewhere else.

  • Download: How to Hunt Safely in Grizzly Bear Country (PDF)

 

Montana Hunter Safety in Bear Country

Montana FWP prioritizes public safety when recreating outside. For hunters who take to the woods, it's important for them to be prepared in areas occupied by bears. Join bear specialist, Chad White and bear tech Ali Marschner as they provide essential tools and share their knowledge when it comes to hunting in bear country.

Bear Safety for Hunters

Learn about hunting in bear country. This presentation covers grizzly bears and black bears, distribution, natural history, sign of bear activity, bear attractants and carcass management, bear-resistant container, preventing and handling bear encounters and how to use bear spray.