Hunters urged to be extra cautious this season as bear activity increases

Because of ongoing drought conditions that have reduced natural food supplies for bears, Idaho Fish and Game is urging hunters to be especially vigilant while hunting in bear country this season. Wildlife managers have documented increased bear activity across the state, and hunters may encounter bears more frequently as they search for alternative food sources.

Hunters can reduce the likelihood of a dangerous encounter by following a few key precautions:

Hunting in Bear Country
• Pack harvested meat out as quickly as possible to avoid attracting bears. Making a single trip with a group of people to help with your pack-out is ideal.
• Avoid cutting up a carcass at dusk or after dark when visibility is limited and bears are most active.
• If you harvest an animal late in the day, carry strong headlamps and be prepared to process the carcass quickly. Stay alert, watch for bears, and make noise to avoid surprising a bear.

If You Must Leave a Carcass
• Return to the site cautiously and remain aware of your surroundings.
• Whenever possible, leave the carcass in an area that can be observed from a distance before approaching.
• Separate the carcass and gut pile by at least 100 yards as soon as possible. Bears are most likely to be attracted to the kill site by the smell of the gut pile.

Fish and Game reminds hunters that awareness and preparedness remain the best tools for staying safe. Bear encounters can escalate quickly, especially when food is scarce, so taking preventive steps is essential.

For additional information on hunting safely in bear country, visit the Idaho Fish and Game website or contact your local Fish and Game office.