Montana Spring Bear

[R.K.]

I'm looking at a few areas for my first bear hunt (resident) this spring. The closest choice is probably in the Crazies, highest population is probably out in Region 1. But I've got a bad idea to try hunting unit 341, specifically Tom Miner Basin.

I'm looking for people to talk me out of this known grizzly area. Plan is a group of 2-4 people hunting, no predator calls. I have other options if this area is strongly recommended to avoid, but I think it might be some cool country to explore with a decent shot at filling a tag.

 

[Southern Elk]

I'm looking at a few areas for my first bear hunt (resident) this spring. The closest choice is probably in the Crazies, highest population is probably out in Region 1. But I've got a bad idea to try hunting unit 341, specifically Tom Miner Basin.

I'm looking for people to talk me out of this known grizzly area. Plan is a group of 2-4 people hunting, no predator calls. I have other options if this area is strongly recommended to avoid, but I think it might be some cool country to explore with a decent shot at filling a tag.

I would expect to see more grizzlies than black bears there.

 

[rustneversleeps]

2015 - https://www.bozemandailychronicle.c...cle_cf99a04e-7591-5712-95c6-8ba11ce47cb2.html

2016 - http://www.spokesman.com/blogs/outd...tana-bowhunters-injured-grizzly-bear-attacks/

2017 - https://www.kulr8.com/news/montana-...cle_cbc48a8a-9d64-5f4f-8587-88464e62ca5f.html

2017 - https://billingsgazette.com/outdoor...cle_94f8a5ce-93ee-5d6f-8c6d-0982d7b41a75.html

https://www.livingstonenterprise.com/content/‘landscape-conflict’

"Basin resident Trina Smith said that, around 2008, large numbers of grizzlies began visiting the area to feed on caraway roots in the fields, particularly in the late summer and early fall. In fact, grizzlies feeding in the fields of the basin have become such a phenomenon that some ranches in the area have installed signs along their fences to explain to the gathered bear-watchers why the bruins are there and what they’re eating.

On Tuesday evening, Tom Miner Creek Road was jammed with cars and tourists from at least 12 states watching three grizzlies foraging for roots — one of them just off the side of the road."


You might find a black bear?

 

[----]

I wish some guys would get chewed on by griz in my favorite hunting spots.

 

[R.K.]

The problem with a grizzly chewing on somebody in your favorite spot, is that it's probably going to be somebody who spends a lot of time there- like somebody who calls it their "favorite spot".

I'm well aware of the high density of grizzlies in the fall, but I didn't know if that was a seasonal population, or more of a year round risk.

But it seems like the common theme here is "there are better places to hunt". I'll start looking for one of those.

 

[midwesterncrosshair]

I started a post about spring bear also. I didnt mention I wanted to hunt Tom Minor Basin because it looked like a good area on google earth in my eyes. Many Montana Natives kindly sent me PMs saying steer clear of that area. 10/4 fellas