First time bow hunting for elk in Southwest MT

[Coop]

Thanks for getting back. I've always been told a few things to avoid bears and I was wondering if I could get your take on them. I was always told that if you smell foul smells of anything close to a gut pile or rotting carcass to avoid that area. The other thing was a bad or terrible smell of body odor is also linked to bears being close by. Other than seeing obvious signs of bear droppings and fresh tracks, is there anything else I should avoid.

I would pretty much just echo what everyone else is saying. I carry a side arm and bear spray both. If you are carrying a side arm, it will do you no good if it is in your pack...keep that thing on your side. Otherwise, if you're staying overnight be sure to be hanging your food and anything with a scent far from camp. I personally try to keep my time in the dark both hiking in and out to a minimum. I tend to get in my own head in Griz country when I'm solo, but that is just me.