Are grizzlies a concern in the bitterroot?

[BigJake225]

Hi all, I am planning a DIY black bear hunt in Montana this spring. I'm looking at the area near Lolo in the bitterroot national forest. I didn't know if I should expect to see grizzlies during the trip or if it would be rare to see one. Thanks.

 

[mtwarden]

rare; one was shot in 2007 mistakenly by a black bear hunter (just across on the Idaho side)- so it's definitely within the realm of possibilities, but highly unlikely

it is an area that is very much on the mind of FWP and the USFWS for potential recovery efforts though

 

[MTguy0341]

What mtwarden said. Good area to see bears though.

 

[Live Montana]

There was a griz that took a cow elk away from a bow hunter this year down in the big hole area just south of the root. They have not seen griz there in a very long time, but it seems they have arrived. You just have to be on your game, honestly blacks can get pretty darn nasty sometimes to. I called my bear in this year and he came running in straight at me shot him at 15 yards frontal...

 

[BigJake225]

Thanks for the replies. I just didn't know if I would be under-gunned with my 30-06 if things went south. I'll also most likely be going solo, so that was my concern as well. I guess as long as I stay on top of my game I'll be fine.

That sounds pretty intense Live Montana. I would probably need new drawers after something like that.

 

[airlocksniffer]

Extremely unlikely to see one in the Bitterroot. I hunt a lot near YNP and still haven't seen one. Hope to some day though. Just knowing they are around makes the country much more wild for me. I always carry pepper spray, even when rifle hunting. I'd rather not wound or kill a griz unless absolutely necessary. I'm planning on spring bear in the Seeley-Swan which does have some griz around.

 

[belly-deep]

Thanks for the replies. I just didn't know if I would be under-gunned with my 30-06 if things went south. I'll also most likely be going solo, so that was my concern as well. I guess as long as I stay on top of my game I'll be fine.

That sounds pretty intense Live Montana. I would probably need new drawers after something like that.

I don't think you have anything to worry about. I'd be more concerned with accidentally shooting one with if there are a few around.

 

[mtwarden]

^ good point- while unlikely in the Bitteroot, it is worth boning up carefully on the differences between the two bears- with the wild color phases of both species- color means next to nothing

 

[BigJake225]

What is the weather like in late May-early June in that region of Montana? I'm an eastern hunter who is wanting to have an affordable first western-hunting experience. I appreciate you all being so helpful

 

[mtwarden]

Late May can be a little of everything - not unusual to still have a fair amount of snow up high (and not uncommon even at lower elevations)- temperatures have normally moderated considerably by late May- but in the mountains not unusual at all to have temps below freezing (but usually not too much below freezing), high temperatures can range from upper 40's to upper 70's. Late May and early June is often when we get a fair amount of precip- typically rain, but sometimes wet snow

I would have some decently warm clothing- good base layers top/bottom, mid-weight softshell pant, fleece upper midlayer, a good down or syn insulating layer (for glassing) and a good rain jacket, along with fleece gloves/hat

 

[6.5x284]

Agree with others. Rare, but possible. I wouldn't be concerned with a 30-06 at all. They die just as easy as any other bear. I'd be more concerned with weather than griz. I have seen 80 degree days that time of year, snow that time of year, and anything in between. You really need to be prepared for anything. Weather changes fast and can turn bad quick. Generally, it's not bad with mild temps and sun peeking out behind clouds. But have rain gear and some compressible cold weather liners if possible. Easier when truck camping obviously. Lastly, I've seen more than one truck stuck in spring snow bear hunting! Nothing worse than coming around the corner on a dry gravel road to a 100 yard patch of snow left on the road thinking you can power through it! That spring snow is a real bitch when it's warm. Almost like a slush on top of ice. Be careful if trying to blast through any short stretches of snow left in shady spots! Bring a shovel!

 

[slick]

And chains!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[belly-deep]

Like the others have said. Be sure to pack the rain gear. Prepare for snow. Don't be surprised if you're hunting in a t shirt.

And don't forget the bug spray. Both skeeters and ticks. The Root is famous for its ticks.

 

[mtwarden]

^ yes- spring bear hunting = ticks

 

[BigJake225]

Okay, I have a pretty decent layering system. I was wondering about bugs though, I wasn't sure if they would be out by then or not. I guess I'll have to pack a thermacell, and some bug dope. Thanks for all your help everyone.