Stay Safe While Hunting
Hunting in bear country requires additional precautions to reduce the chances of a dangerous encounter with a bear. Each year hunters are mauled by bears, this usually occurs when hunters surprise a bear, but it can also occur when bears try to obtain hunter harvested animals. By implementing proper hunting techniques, practicing bear safety, and handling carcasses responsibly, you can have a successful and safe hunting experience in Wyoming’s bear country. Here are some tips that will help you and your hunting partners safe:
- Carry bear spray and know how to use it.
- Always hunt or call with a partner and stay within sight of each other.
- Remain alert and watchful for bear activity; avoid “tunnel vision” while pursuing game.
- Learn to recognize bear sign such as scat, tracks, and diggings.
- Avoid areas where your vision and hearing are impaired (e.g. dense vegetation near streams).
- Know where seasonal food sources are present and either avoid or be especially cautious in those areas.
- Be aware that the presence of ravens and other scavengers is a good indication that carcasses or gut piles are nearby and a bear may be in the area.
- Never linger longer than necessary at the site of the kill.
- If you need to leave a portion of meat in the field:
- Hang it 10-15 feet from the ground and at least 150 yards from the gut pile.
- Leave it in a location that can be observed from a safe distance.
Camp Proximity to Kill
Once you’ve harvested an animal, it’s important to handle the carcass appropriately to minimize the risk of attracting bears. Field dress the animal away from your campsite and other high-use areas like trails. This helps prevent bears from associating human activity with food sources.
Once at camp, store the carcass at least 100 yards away from sleeping and cooking areas. If possible, hang the carcass at a height of at least 10–15 feet off the ground and 4 –6 feet from the trunk of a tree.
Bear Spray Facts
Bear spray is a specifically formulated aerosol deterrent designed to deter aggressive bears. It typically contains a concentrated form of capsicum (red pepper) extract, which causes temporary discomfort and discourages bears from approaching further. Here are some facts about bear spray:
- Bear spray typically has a range of 20–30 feet, enabling users to create a protective barrier between themselves and an approaching bear.
- Research suggests that, when properly used, bear spray has successfully deterred bears in approximately 90% of encounters.
- Comparisons between bear spray and firearms have demonstrated that bear spray is often more effective in preventing bear attacks. In incidents where firearms were used, the success rate in deterring a bear attack was lower (around 67%) compared to bear spray.