Hunters Should Remember That They Could Also Encounter Grizzly Bears While In The Woods .

ISLAND PARK - It's that time againÉtime to stalk around the woods, staying quiet, staying camouflaged, and hopefully, staying safe. Idaho Fish and Game would like to remind you that while you are hunting in the Island Park, Teton Valley, or Idaho Panhandle areas you may encounter a grizzly bear. Hunting in grizzly country is just as fun as hunting anywhere else but special precautions should be taken. Hunting with partners is encouraged during all hunts. Frequent check ins and communication regarding grizzly bear sign is critical. Grizzly bear sign includes tracks, scats and digs. Grizzly bears find lots of food in rotten logs, so watch for torn up downed snags. Watch for bear sign around carcasses or gut piles left by successful hunters that got there before you. The golden rule of hunting in bear country is Ôget the meat out as soon as possible'. The longer a carcass lies on the ground the more likely a bear will find it. To lessen the chances of losing any of your meat when you do have to leave it separate the gut pile and the carcass. Use a tarp to cover the carcass to minimize scent. Hang or leave the meat in a clearing that you can observe from some distance. Scanning the area for a bear prior to walking in reduces your chances of a surprise encounter. Yell or whistle on your way into the meat to give the bear a chance to leave the area. If a bear has claimed the gut pile or carcass do not attempt to scare the bear off. Slowly back away from the area and report the incident to your local Fish and Game office as soon as possible. Carrying bear pepper spray is highly recommended. Pepper spray usually stops an attack when the bear is sprayed at close range. Wounding a bear with a gun or bow can actually increase the level of attack. When hanging meat back at camp be sure to hang it 10 feet off the ground and 4 feet from any supporting branches. Remember that while you are in the Caribou-Targhee Forest a food storage order is in place requiring you to store all food and garbage in a bear proof manner. Store attractants in a hard sided vehicle or camp trailer. Use bear boxes when provided. Make frequent trips to the landfill when possible. Hunting in grizzly bear country can be a fun and rewarding experience. But remember to stay vigilant about grizzly bear sign, carry pepper spray, and get meat out as soon as possible. A free brochure called "How to Hunt Safely in Grizzly Bear Country" is available at local IDFG offices.