Bivy out tempts me but fears keep me at bay

[V2Pnutrition]

You’re not irrational. It will be a very long and sleepless week, but going and finding out nothing happens is the only way through it. You can take a pistol if it comforts you, but then it just becomes a long sleepless week with a pistol

Each night gets better than the first. Year two will be even better. By year three, you’ll be encouraging someone else with stories of a grouse blowing out of the brush as you hike before day break being the most terrifying thing you’ve had to deal with.

 

[Arcola]

First things first, just go for it. That said, prepare yourself for an encounter and be ready to react. I’ve had years in Colorado that I’ve come face to face with bears several times a day. Also had years where I didn’t see any. Having a tag in your pockets helps with the latter .

I hunt bears every year around home and frequently have them on my property at home. I am very comfortable around black bears, in general. But I understand the fear when you’re in the middle of nowhere with no support system. I’ve been bluff charged a few times out west. Had a bear destroy a downed log right next to my tent one night. Still not sure why, but it was definitely a bear (and he didn’t give a sh!t about me in my tent). The only real scare I’ve ever had was when a very large bear and myself stumbled onto an elk carcass at the same time. His jaw clacking and stomping bluff charge earned him a face full of bear spray. Worked very well. Glassing that area from a distance later though, he went right back after he’d recovered.

Long story short, be prepared whether it is spray or a sidearm, and be aware of your surroundings. There’s not an insignificant number of hippy dippy hikers in Colorado each year that fair just fine.

 

[Lelder]

I used to feel the same way being from Ohio, it was new to me knowing there were predators “around” me. But daily it got better and I don’t even think about it anymore.Maybe hang the tshirt you wore hiking that day outside your tent to deter them. Seems to work on elk quarters

 

[Elkfitness]

I was in your shoes at one time. Coming from the Midwest, and only having one previous trip to the mountains. I started by camping out one extra night from the truck, and then eventually grew that to 3 to 4 days, and then to my max of however long I need. I have yet to have a real bear encounter in 25 years. I think the key is having a clean camp, not eating in your tent, and keeping your food away from your tent. It’s more mental than anything, so just like with anything else in life, start small and use the little successes to grow your confidence.


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[robertpaulsen]

My first solo back country trip like a dumbass I hung up my pack and food in a tree. Middle of night a grizzly bear got it. Bent the frame pack and destroyed the pack. Ever since that experience I keep my pack and food in my tent. 25 years later haven’t had a problem since. I spend almost a 1/3 of the year sleeping in grizz country.

Some areas it doesn’t make sense to stay in the backcountry. Just as big of bucks and bulls live by roads. Especially in CO. But best to get that monkey off your back. Good luck!

 

[cnelk]

Embrace your inner fears.
Good chance you probably won’t even see a bear.
And so what if you do - you’re there to hunt deer.

 

[rogerdoger]

Time to conquer your fear! If you need a safety blanket get an electric fence. Not super heavy and easy to set up. I started using one in Montana when I go with my kids, so easy I now use it a lot more.