Montana Grizzlys

[WBouldin]

I am planning to Elk hunt in MT and would really like to avoid grizzlys as most of us here would. I have checked sites to get a general idea of the Grizzly population maps and have concluded that north of Bozeman to Missoula is "grizzly free" (according to the montana field guide site). I used this to narrow my range on google earth and have found that the area is very open range-like and i am concerned at the potential of finding a decent bull in such open country. Does anyone have experience in that range or know if the mountains south of Bozeman are as grizzly rich as everyone says. Any leads/advice would be greatly appreciated.

Here is the map i found...is this accurate?

 

[drahthaar]

I would say the map is pretty accurate. There is always an outlier here or there, someone that sees griz somewhere, but all in all, I would say its pretty close. As far as the hunting where your asking, can't help ya, no idea.

 

[thecrittergitter]

I can tell you that the mountains south of Bozeman, are far more enriched with Grizzlies than you have even been told

First hand experience there

 

[mdunc8]

Ditto Critter's remark. I wouldn't stress about it too much though. There's only a handful of guys that get mauled each fall.

 

[Breaks Runner]

This pic was taken through my spotter last spring....SW Montana.

Missouri Breaks is grizz free...............

 

[Dinkshooter]

I can tell you that the mountains south of Bozeman, are far more enriched with Grizzlies than you have even been told

First hand experience there

Isn't there one less now?

Keeping up with the theme of the day, if you are scared of Grizzlys take one of these and really blow on it several times a day. They can't stand the noise.

 

[IrishRover]

Map looks pretty good except in the northern purple zone the map should extend a fair
bit further south and east. I have seen numerous photos, video and have knowledge of
griz much closer to Helena and to the south and east of town. These are frequent observations not random wanderings.

 

[Ben Lamb]

They're collecting hair samples on Grizz south of Helena now. Between here and Butte, there's a couple of grizz. Doubtfully as many as NW or SW MT, but they're here. It's not that far from Avon to the Big Blackfoot. FWP took a grizz in Elk Park this year that was rummaging a guys chicken coop. There's also been recorded instances of collared bears trekking through Spotted Dog WMA over by Garrison as well. The map is close as far as core populations, but like always, your grizzly mileage may vary.

 

[WBouldin]

Thanks for the input guys, i really appreciate it. Do the Bridgers hold lots of bears because nearby Belgrade looks as though it would serve as a decent outpost and/or recovery center

 

[DreaminofMT6X6s]

What kind of hunting your planning will really be the best way to avoid grizzlies. Honestly, there out there and if you're not careless you should be ok. Are you going in on foot each day? Are you going to bivy or spike out? Plenty of outfitters go in the "Bob" every year with little trouble. It's a different situation I realize, but if you go where there are grizzlies you're not going to get ripped to pieces. Someone mentioned the Breaks. I've only had to look at the pictures every year of the MONSTER BULLS that come out of there every year to know, it's the bees knees. Drawing a tag for archery will be far easier then rifle season (don't even try). Like I said it comes down to how you want to hunt then pick an area that matches that. Guys like Mark Seacat go in South of Bozeman every year and tag out and he is doing a combination of day trips and spiking out. It's up to you, but don't let the bears be your reason for not hunting because you can rule out a lot of great hunting spots if you do.

 

[thecrittergitter]

Ditto Critter's remark. I wouldn't stress about it too much though. There's only a handful of guys that get mauled each fall.

At least i know there is one less that will be doing any more mauling Course the boar i'm sure went and injected swimmers into some other sow and made a couple more fuzzy maneatersLOL

 

[Drake4]

Here's another SW MT g-bear...taken through my spotter last spring.
There are starting to be a more and more spotted in the Crazies area as well.

 

[WBouldin]

Someone mentioned the Breaks. QUOTE]

Im not familiar with this term. Is it a nickname for the Bridgers or some other mountains?

And thanks Mt6x6 the info was very helpful. I know I limit myself by being overconcerned about the bears but I just dont know how frequent the attacks are and just really dont know what to look for as far as heavy grizz sign or warnings to get the hell outta their stomping grounds. Im not looking for a trophy bull, just somewhere that has good elk numbers and decent chance at getting a tag.

 

[belly-deep]

Quite honestly, fear of griz should not keep you out of the woods.

That said, there are places I don't go alone, however I do most of my hunting in prime griz country nonetheless.

If you're really worried about it, then realize that something like that could ruin your hunt (not the attack but the constant worry) and you should look elsewhere if it is a concern.

 

[mdunc8]

He's referring to the Missouri River Breaks up near Fort Peck. Lots of nice bulls, but it's definitely not a secret spot. You're going to have bears anywhere you go. Either blacks or black and grizzlies. Not many bear out in the eastern part of the state, but there are a couple black bears running around out there. Not trying to scare you, but no matter how you hunt, there's always a chance of running into something. I wasn't joking before. There's a couple folks who get mauled each fall. But keep in mind how many folks are sneaking around the woods that time of year surrounded by gut piles. I don't mind them myself, but it's a personal call you have to make for yourself.

 

[DreaminofMT6X6s]

You betcha BigBuck and thanks belly-deep and mdunc8. I couldn't agree more. Now...who's got the countdown till the 2011 bow season opens?

 

[WBouldin]

Thanks guys. I guess its just one of those things you have to deal with and make sure you arent hunting alone....i guess late season may not be so bad because they will all be sleeping but It shouldn't matter. Just follow the basics of giving them their space and try not to come off as a challenger/threat i guess is all i can do right?

I do hear the most run ins are when you return to your kill the next day to pack out the rest of the meat so maybe i just avoid that scenario and get it out quick! haha thanks again guys

 

[mdunc8]

I actually do most of my hunting alone. Just make sure someone knows where I am and when I'm supposed to be back. Don't know for sure, but I'd guess more attacks are while hunting than dealing with your meat. If you're smart, you'll leave your quarters hanging in a tree out in the open, so you can check them out from a few hundred yards if you have to make multiple trips.