Grizzly population east of Butte MT

[Neckbone]

Curious what the grizzly population is in the mountains east of Butte, around Haystack mountain. I'm sure there is a possibility, but is it an area where grizzly encounters are common and expected?

 

[Firestone]

I have seen grizzly tracks on the trail that goes to the top of haystack. So they are definitely around

 

[Neckbone]

I have seen grizzly tracks on the trail that goes to the top of haystack. So they are definitely around

That area of the state I’m sure there are some. I’m just not interested in hunting in an area where grizzlies are conditioned to run towards a gunshot.

 

[tkhuntsman]

There are bears there we had a bumper berry crop in that area this fall and I cut 3 different bear tracks (all griz) and saw 2 of the bears in a 3 day archery elk trip in one canyon. No they aren't behind every bush but it's always a possibility to run into one in a bad spot anywhere they reside.

 

[Flatgo]

I’m not sure there’s a mountain range in Montana without grizzlies anymore. Just some ranges with a lot more than others, but it’s always a possibility to run into g bears

 

[Neckbone]

Another question to add on…is being in griz country a different thing in mid November compared to late spring or early fall? I imagine they are on their way into the den, especially if it’s getting snow.

Again, I don’t mind being in an area where grizzlies are known to be, I’ve just heard horror stories of places where grizzlies are everywhere and likely to come in contact with you, especially if you get an animal down

 

[IDVortex]

Another question to add on…is being in griz country a different thing in mid November compared to late spring or early fall? I imagine they are on their way into the den, especially if it’s getting snow.

Again, I don’t mind being in an area where grizzlies are known to be, I’ve just heard horror stories of places where grizzlies are everywhere and likely to come in contact with you, especially if you get an animal down

I hunt in N Idaho, I swear grizzlies are like big foot, just a fairytale. Been on a multi-day backpacking trip in Glacier NP, never saw. Been in heavily g-bear area by Island Park Idaho, never seen one.

Now, even though I believe they dont exist doesnt mean im going to be sloppy or lazy. Just be wise, keep food from tents, and look into a lot of the attacks and what caused them. Most of the time its due to human error, aka startling a bear. If you get something down, gut it and try to move the meat from the carcus. If youre having to pack in and out to get the meat out, try to set it up in a way you can see it ahead of time. Or shine a light on it before going to it. Be bear aware, but dont allow them to control your hunt.

 

[MTtrout]

If you hunt the mountains in MT there’s a good chance griz are there. Some ranges have more than others.

To answer your last question, our weather has been mild and there’s no reason for grizzlies to not be still searching for food.

 

[insanelupus]

I imagine they are on their way into the den, especially if it’s getting snow.

Guess again. It isn't impossible in DEC & JAN that one can still find fresh grizz tracks in the snow. Not everyday. Not every year. But it can happen.

Grizz are in the MT outdoors. One must accept that or switch destinations.

 

[kingfisher]

Another question to add on…is being in griz country a different thing in mid November compared to late spring or early fall? I imagine they are on their way into the den, especially if it’s getting snow.

Again, I don’t mind being in an area where grizzlies are known to be, I’ve just heard horror stories of places where grizzlies are everywhere and likely to come in contact with you, especially if you get an animal down

Bears wintering up in a den is about food availability. One can assume to some degree this decreases with weather. This picture was taken in Montana in mid December with a decent amount of snow on the ground in an area populated with people.

 

[Flatgo]

Just saw a sow and cub g bear last weekend. I’ve seen lots of tracks the last week of rifle season over the years. I don’t think many grizzlies den up till mid December or so

 

[Grassymike]

I hunt in N Idaho, I swear grizzlies are like big foot, just a fairytale. Been on a multi-day backpacking trip in Glacier NP, never saw. Been in heavily g-bear area by Island Park Idaho, never seen one.

Now, even though I believe they dont exist doesnt mean im going to be sloppy or lazy. Just be wise, keep food from tents, and look into a lot of the attacks and what caused them. Most of the time its due to human error, aka startling a bear. If you get something down, gut it and try to move the meat from the carcus. If youre having to pack in and out to get the meat out, try to set it up in a way you can see it ahead of time. Or shine a light on it before going to it. Be bear aware, but dont allow them to control your hunt.

Went to Glacier park twice this year once in June, saw 4 grizzlies at logan pass. (2-3 year old boar right off the boardwalk and a sow with 2 cubs at the end of hidden Lake.) Went again with my wife and kids the long weekend in September saw another mature boar at 40 yards on the highline trail.

 

[repins05]

I visit Glacier every year. I see multiple grizzlies there every year. I glass for them. I have had several close encounters with a grizzly there as well. A few years ago, I had a sow and two cubs come within 30 yards of my family picnicking. We evacuated to our vehicle calmly but as quickly as possible. I think the grizzly population in the park is mostly acclimated to tourists....but still......

 

[aks]

Bumped into two grizzlies within the last week. I'm closer to Missoula than Butte. Both situations could have ended badly. First one, my hunting partner and I was hiking in to our spot right before first light and bumped one about 30 yards ahead of us.
Just bumped one yesterday mid morning alone. I'm working a timber line down the mountain and heard the growl. 20 yards to the left of me was a big grizzly in the timber. I'm guessing I walked right into his bed without even knowing it and he was telling me to leave, I listened. By the grace of God it didn't charge, I would not have had time to pull bear spray or my side arm at that distance. I would have MAYBE had time to lift my rifle up and pray that I hit it.

With that being said, they usually want nothing to do with humans. Don't worry about them to much, but be prepared and alert.

 

[Floated_down]

I'm still pretty new to hunting but I think the urban legend of bears being "conditioned to run towards a gunshot" is a crock of shit

 

[mt terry d]

I'm still pretty new to hunting but I think the urban legend of bears being "conditioned to run towards a gunshot" is a crock of shit

In the lower 48 I’d say unlikely
Parts of AK wouldn’t surprise me

 

[Neckbone]

I'm still pretty new to hunting but I think the urban legend of bears being "conditioned to run towards a gunshot" is a crock of shit

I could see it being an exaggeration.

From what I gather there are hot spots in grizzly areas where they are far more abundant and a daily issue, and 10 miles over that way you may see one every now and then

 

[Pony Soldier]

Interesting question. Especially since I I live there. In 37 years I have cut bear tracks twice. I have seen one grizz track in that time and it was heading for the Elkhorns and was within 1 mile of a sub-division.

There is very little bear habitat, no berries and the most available food source is elk calves and beef calves.

I think the source of any grizz is the government since I know of an instance where they were caught dropping one off near boulder. Another known cub had elk quarters show up during the summer after it was dicovered. Later it was killed by a truck on the highway.

Lately I have seen tracks of a really big blackbear but that is the first seen in nearly 40 years.