Should I worry about grizzlies?

[Huntinmechanic]

I'll be hunting elk east of YNP in October. I have many years of experience with black bears while hunting/camping. They've never been an issue. Chipmunks, mice and squirrels have been the biggest nuisances. I've hunted units in ID that have low densities of grizzly's and never really gave it much thought. I'm curious about the level of preparedness I should be striving for going into my first NW WY elk hunt. From what the biologist says and many people familiar with the unit, the grizz population is pretty high in our unit. Other than keeping a clean camp and locking food away, any other camp site precautions for grizzly's that I should consider? I've considered hanging our food, but it's a pain and I'll likely screw it up. I am dragging along a medium sized Knaack box to store our food in. Pretty sure a bear will give up before gaining entry into it.

 

[mike.adams.467]

You definitely want to be wary, particularly when hunting. I live and hunt west of YNP and run into them. Carry spray and a handgun - trust me on this one. Just be vigilant, especially if you kill something.

 

[Diamondback]

The Griz up in YNP know what hunting season is all about, a gunshot to them is ringing a dinner bell. I suggest wearing a Glock 20 or a 44 mag revolver at a minimum if you are field dressing an elk or sleeping in a spike camp.

 

[ThreeOhSeven]

Front country or back country camping?
If front country, leave everything in your truck you'll 99% be fine. If back country, definitely hang your food, sleep with your pistol and bear spray.
Short answer, yes, be worried about those brown fuckers.

 

[stalkingwolf]

Those bears in Wyoming are no joke most don't have any fear of humans whatsoever. Be vigilant and extra cautious of your dealing with a dead elk. I'll also add to hang your quarters away from the carcass and in an area you can see from quite a distance if you can't get it all out in one trip

 

[snipe10]

Yes you do! I always take my S&W Mountain Gun in 44mag with Garrett Cartridges 310 grain Hammerhead loads, and I'm still nervous!

 

[Huntinmechanic]

Thanks for the advice guys. I've got the spray and pistol covered. I will absolutely be wary in the backcountry and around kills. That's a no brainer for me. I'm particularly curious about tips and tricks for keeping a safe camp. I've spent years hunting with high densities of black bears in California and have never had an issue in my camps, back or front country. I spent 13 days in and around Glacier and Yellowstone this past June, hiking and fishing. I carried spray and my G20 everywhere. Fortunately, never had to pull either. We will be front country camping in Wyoming, likely near a developed campground unless we find a good spot away from everything. I have solar fence chargers I use for temporary fencing. I thought about bringing one and running a single ribbon around camp. However, it seems like overkill in the front country.