MTGunner
Well-known member
Ya’ know, I have had a bear tag while living here in NW Montana for going on 17 years now. Live just south of Flathead Lake. Have seen more blasted bears in our yard than in the big woods. They are all over the big woods. But, I have yet to see one that I want to harvest. Yes, there are plenty of good sized black bears all over the NW Montana area. But, not gonna shoot Booboo. Want Yogi’s daddy.
There are plenty of camping spots all over the NW area. Generally find bears on south facing slopes eating grass after coming out of hibernation.....or if they can find winter kill animals. Yuck!
You posted that you are training with a 60# pack. But, have you trained at altitude? Going from lower elevations to the mountains can kick ones behind. Heed what has been said about bear spray. Make sure it is a new container and you know how to utilize it properly. There are griz all over the NW. Have had them just off our back deck. Damn pesky bunch but really dangerous if a sow with cubs. BTW, black bears account for more maulings, sow with cubs, than griz. But a sow griz with cubs can be a real handful. Can really peel your hide off quick.
Your 260 will be adequate if bullet is placed properly. The 300WSM or 300 Win. are both good choices. Have all and a Rem. 700, 7MM Mangelum’ too. My preference has been the 300WSM with handloaded 180 Accubonds. You choose.
Anyway, might see you in the NW woods in the spring. Never know where I will be in that country any time of the year. Good luck. MTG
There are plenty of camping spots all over the NW area. Generally find bears on south facing slopes eating grass after coming out of hibernation.....or if they can find winter kill animals. Yuck!
You posted that you are training with a 60# pack. But, have you trained at altitude? Going from lower elevations to the mountains can kick ones behind. Heed what has been said about bear spray. Make sure it is a new container and you know how to utilize it properly. There are griz all over the NW. Have had them just off our back deck. Damn pesky bunch but really dangerous if a sow with cubs. BTW, black bears account for more maulings, sow with cubs, than griz. But a sow griz with cubs can be a real handful. Can really peel your hide off quick.
Your 260 will be adequate if bullet is placed properly. The 300WSM or 300 Win. are both good choices. Have all and a Rem. 700, 7MM Mangelum’ too. My preference has been the 300WSM with handloaded 180 Accubonds. You choose.
Anyway, might see you in the NW woods in the spring. Never know where I will be in that country any time of the year. Good luck. MTG
. I'd prefer if I get notifications about my thread that they be something worth while and don't have to sort through the garbage you guys are posting.
