Hunting seasons have opened for bow hunters in much of Mountain View County with rifle seasons opening soon. Many techniques used by hunters make it more hazardous for them in bear country – they silently stalk the woods in the early morning or at dusk trying to find that elusive deer, elk or moose. Hunters need to make a compromise between hunting success and safety in bear country and should consider the following precautions:
Carry bear spray and/or a noisemaker, keep it easily accessible, and know how to use it.
Avoid hunting alone and make an emergency plan with your hunting partners. If you are hunting alone, let others know where you are going and when you expect to return.
Watch for signs of bear activity – fresh scat, clawed trees, tracks. Know bear habitat and be extra cautious in areas where bears might feed – berry patches, grain fields, beehives, etc. If you see a bear, leave the area – don't risk an encounter.
Watch for scavengers such as magpies and ravens – they may be feeding at a carcass or a hunter kill site that may also attract a bear. If you do see a carcass or gut pile left by another hunter, do not approach.
Be extra alert at dawn and dusk when bear are most active. When hiking to a favourite hunting spot in darkness, use a flashlight.
Be aware that wind, rain or flowing water can mask the sound of your approach which increases the risk of a surprise encounter with a bear.
Mating calls, animal distress calls, decoys and cover scents may also attract bears.
Use horses to decrease the chance of a bear encounter.
Source: Mountain View BearSmart Society
