Montana’s Hunting Seasons Kick Off with Bear Safety in Mind

As summer fades and fall rolls in, hunters in Montana are gearing up for two big events: the opening of the upland game bird season on September 1st and the start of archery season on September 6th.

These dates also mark the beginning of Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ Bear Aware Month, a timely reminder for anyone heading into the wilderness to stay bear-savvy.

With both upland bird hunters and archery enthusiasts spending time in areas where grizzly bears are active, it’s important to stay alert. Bears usually tend to be more active in September, as they bulk up for hibernation. This means they’re more likely to be found in areas like creek bottoms, where chokecherries grow, or in the mountains, where late-summer berries are still hanging on. With more bears roaming across Montana than in years past, the risk of encountering one while hunting is higher than ever.

Experts encourage anyone who ventures into bear country to make sure that bear spray is functional as well as easily accessible. When you are in bear country, bears may be hard to spot hidden in brush, so be sure to stay vigilant and keep an eye out for fresh bear signs, like tracks or scat.

Hunters who plan to venture into thick brush or along waterways should take extra care, as the area is a known favorite of grizzly bears, who often use these areas for daybeds.

Always take proper food storage precautions to keep your food, your gear, and yourselves out of the path of a bear's keen sense of smell.

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For more tips and to check out hunting forecasts, hunters can visit Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ Bear Aware website.