Backpacking with Grizzlies

[AK-30-.06]

I grew up backpack hunting sitka blacktail on Kodiak island and camping out all the time and I never had any problems with bears. I recently moved to NW Wyo. and am looking to start some back pack hunting for mulies and elk next fall when I will be a resident. The view on bears down here is way different than in AK. I am wondering if the bears are as big of an issue in the backcountry as all of the non hunters I talk with make them out to be? Does any one on here have much experience backpacking in the Greater Yellowstone area or is it really as bad as everyone says it is.

I have seen 8 griz since I moved here in the spring but haven't had any interactions with them. Are the as aggressive as people make them out to be?

Thanks

 

[dog812]

I live in bc Canada, we have a ton of grizzly here. I have had very close encounters with mom and cubs, boars, and all different size bears. I imagine the grizzlies there are the same as everywhere. You need to protect yourself and take precautions. But I doubt it would be any different then normal.
I hear about more attacks here in bc then in Yellowstone.
What kind if info are you looking for?

 

[COlineman78]

Best grizzly advice ever: https://youtu.be/1Db6moaCuk8?t=2m27s

Grab a cub!

 

[Mad Mountain Mike]

I don't see how you could go wrong following that advice. If you are lucky enough to have bear spray, spray yourself in the face. It will take your attention away from the pain of being ripped apart by a mother grizzly.
In all seriousness, it seams like we hear of a few attacks in the Yellowstone area every year. I would definitely use a little caution, follow suggested bear smart guide lines and carry bear spray where you can access it quickly.

 

[tater]

My experience with Grizzlies tells me that bears that have been habituated to humans (parks etc.) are the ones to fear.

I live in a grizzly compartment ( i have seen them less than 10KM from my house), and they do everything they can to avoid humans. When i have hunted remote areas up north, it's been the same thing. The few times i have been on high alert has been when hunting an area two drainages over from a large National Park, where grizzy/human contact is a lot more regular.

By and large all predators focus on most opportunity with least risk. Park bears have that, and that can make them a risk to humans. Herrero and other researchers have backed that up over the years with both Grizzlies and Black Bears.

Unless you push them off of a kill or surprise them, a true wilderness bear wants nothing to do with you a high percentage of the time.

 

[WyoHnt300]

Have camped, packed, and hunted NW WY for over 20 years. Common sense is your best advocate. Keep a clean camp, hang your food away from where you sleep, I prefer bear spray to a side arm when bow hunting (it's a weight thing), be aware of your surroundings. I've had a few close encounters to speak of and have come away unscathed in all of them. There are a lot of bears and depending on the area you plan to hunt, their (the bears) tendency to be trouble can vary. Keep up to date on where the G&F relocates the problems and get to know where the seasonal campers like to frequent. Avoiding those two variables can greatly limit your negative experiences with the griz population. Welcome to wonderful WY.

 

[AK-30-.06]

Thnaks for all the info guys. Wyohnt300 thanks for the info that is mainly what I was wondering. I have heard from a lot of people to not even try and to just head to the big horns or down low.

 

[Eagle]

Don't let it deter you at all. As stated, use common sense, keep a clean camp, cook at least 100 yards away from your tent and hang your food in that same area. If you happen to have steady wind in the area, try and keep the food/cooking area downwind of you.

I worked in Yellowstone and spent over 20 nights backpacking while in the park and have sense backpacked and hunted in the GYE area and don't feel concerned when I'm there. I had two somewhat close calls while working in the park, but both times, the bears turned around and took off once they got a nose full of human scent.