Likely Grizzly Bear areas

[MNElkNut]

I was listening to one of Randy's latest podcasts and he mentioned that he avoids likely grizzly bear areas to the extent he can. However, he stopped before describing what those type of areas look like. We moved spots, so I will be in the Gravellys archery elk hunting this year for the first time and I thought it might be nice to at least be able to recognize those areas. So can anyone give me tips on areas that are favored by Mama and Papa Griz? Any other tips on elk hunting in griz country would be appreciated. Oh, and we will be camping at a trailhead but have an enclosed trailer for all of our food, etc., so that shouldn't be a problem.

Thanks!

 

[mdunc8]

They're everywhere up there. Just be smart and keep your head on a swivel and you'll probably make it back home. Have a great hunt.

 

[MNElkNut]

probably? those re pretty good odds. I'll take 'em!

 

[406LIFE]

There will be Griz there.

1. Carry bear spray and gun, loaded. Know how to use both.
2. Keep campsite clean.
3. Be extra head-on-swivel if you shoot or dress something out.
4. If possible steer clear of daybed areas, tall grass or brush stuff in draws.

 

[Southern Elk]

Expect to see many, many more hunters than grizzlies. The last few years the Gravellys have been more crowded than OTC units that I've hunted in Colorado.

 

[MNElkNut]

what is a daybed area?

Also, brush in the draws....that is where the elk are gonna be! We are used to slipping through the dark timber all day long!

 

[Epfd217]

I'm not trying to speak for Randy, so maybe he'll chime in, but based on his hunts and the general location of those hunts, what Randy was saying is he doesn't hunt in zones that have grizzly bears.

There isn't really "grizzly habitat" in a general area you should avoid because griz will live and hunt anywhere the food is. Typically I would say griz will tend to be in the creek bottoms, willows etc, but they are just as common in the high country.

Many people choose to avoid hunting in griz areas altogether, but they are avoiding some of the best elk country out there. There are plenty of elk to go around so if you don't want to hunt in griz territory then pick a different zone.

As a fellow MN hunter, I can tell you I've had more griz encounters in WY in the last 3 years than I have had black bear encounters in my entire life in MN. The outcomes of both have been the same. Anytime I've seen a bear I was walking up on them. Keep a clean camp, take precautions when butchering animals or approaching downed animals and keep bear spray and a gun handy.

 

[MNElkNut]

I think Randy hunts in plenty of grizzly bear areas. The way he was talking it was specific habitat type of stuff he avoids. I know the basics but was just wondering if anybody has any tips on the specifics that he mentioned. Thanks for the ideas!

 

[belly-deep]

I think it depends on the local habitat. I live on the eastern front. The preferred bear habitat has now become the private land creek bottoms and pheasant hunters have had more bear encounters than big game hunters in the last few years.

When in doubt, try to avoid places you can't see very far in and move cautiously.

 

[Highground]

When in doubt, try to avoid places you can't see very far in and move cautiously.

For me, this is almost as important as having bear spray and a gun...ALMOST. Just dont wander right into an area you cant see very well, and if you do, be prepared to see a bear. Actually expect it so you will be planned ahead and will be "less likely" to panic and make a mistake. I always expect to see bears and have but its not common.

 

[belly-deep]

For me, this is almost as important as having bear spray and a gun...ALMOST. Just dont wander right into an area you cant see very well, and if you do, be prepared to see a bear. Actually expect it so you will be planned ahead and will be "less likely" to panic and make a mistake. I always expect to see bears and have but its not common.

I try to expect it too, but I bet if and when the time for a charge comes, it'll probably be very unexpected.

 

[TheJason]

I have spent a lot of time in the Gravellies. You can expect to find grizzly sign from the river bottoms to the top of the range and everywhere in between. Food conditions will affect what elevation you find them at, but they will range tremendously in the fall.

Last time I hunted there we bumped a griz from it's daybed near a carcass about a mile from the Three Forks Cow Camp.

Carry bear spray and be smart.

 

[mikemulligan32]

I have heard from a few people that the griz population goes down the further north you go the majority are in main drainages to the South