According to Idaho's Fish & Game Department, a big-game hunter was recently forced to shoot and kill a grizzly bear in self-defense. On the morning of Oct. 18, the hunter was hiking through the North Antelope flats area of Island Park on the Caribou-Targhee National Forest. As he traversed thick timber, he was surprised by a grizzly emerging from the brush. It was just a short distance from him when it charged him. The man used the hunting rifle he was carrying to shoot the bear, killing it before contact was made.
As soon as he was able to get a cell signal, the hunter called the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office to report the incident. They in turn notified Idaho Fish and Game, which immediately responded to the report. After conducting a thorough investigation, it was determined that the hunter acted in self-defense as he was being charged by a bear from a close distance.
This is as good a time as any to offer some reminders for hunting in grizzly country:
- Carry bear spray and keep it accessible.
- Hunt with partners and make each other aware of plans.
- Look for grizzly bear sign, including fresh tracks. Let partners know if you do see sign.
- Retrieve meat as quickly as possible.
- Hang meat, food, and garbage at least 200 yards from camp and at least 10 feet off the ground.
- When not actively hunting, make noise, especially around creeks and thick vegetation. Most attacks occur by inadvertently surprising a bear at close range.
Most Popular
