Hi Cameron,
One question I have for you is what do you do about bivouacking in grizzly country? The area I hunt in Montana is starting to get more and more grizzlies, let alone the wolves. I have been fortunate so far but I know eventually I will run into one. I saw one last year at long distance and also have been seeing a lot more sign than I have in the past. I know all the rules when it comes to keeping a clean camp but I was just curious as to what you do when you look for a place to sleep for the night?

Leo Bott
Hunter from PA

Leo,

I haven’t taken many special precautions when hunting in grizzly country other than try to keep a fairly clean camp as you mentioned, which in and of itself can be tough to do in the backcountry. Other than that, truthfully, I have done nothing, even when hunting Kodiak Island with my partner Roy Roth every year.

That being said, I am leaning toward packing a can of bear spray. In fact, I have one in a package sitting here by my desk. I’ll just have to accept the fact that I will have to add the extra weight of the can, which I’ve been hesitant to do because it won’t help me in the least to become a better more deadly bowhunter.

That has been the biggest dilemma for me. Until now, if it doesn’t help me in the woods it doesn’t make it into my pack. The product I have here is called Frontiersman Bear Attack Deterrent and looks to be pretty good stuff, but I am green on the subject.

Sincerely, Cameron

Response from Leo

Hi Cameron,
Just to let you know I do carry bear spray with me but the stuff doesn’t work under 32 degrees and, as you know, it can go from the seventies in the morning to below freezing by night in the course of a days hunt. So the stuff probably wouldn’t work anyway. I guess I carry it to ease my mind a little. It’s not like I think about them, but they are always in the back of my mind when I get an elk down late in the evening.

I also wanted to enclose a picture of the elk I shot last year in Montana. I know it’s not the biggest thing but to me, especially coming from Pennsylvania and doing it on my own, it’s a trophy.

Thanks again Cameron and keep up the good work and good luck hunting this Fall.

Sincerely,
Leo Bott

Leo,
Yes, you’re right on the money. I checked the back of the bear spray I referenced and it said do not store in temps below 32F. I did a little homework, as obviously I needed to do on the subject and found out that this
is standard for all the brands I checked. Also, here are a few more recommendations from the experts: 1.34-2% capsaicin and related capsacinoids, 7.9 oz of net weight, sprays in a shotgun or cloud pattern
for 6 seconds minimum, minimum range of at least 25 feet and EPA registered.

Incidentally, the Frontiersman brand I have here says the can empties in about 5 seconds but it exceeds all the other suggested recommendations. Guess I will keep looking.

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