Free Bear Identification Test - Black or Grizzly?

[bearpaw]

There are confirmed grizzly bear sightings from Deer Park (near Spokane) all the way north to the Canadian Border. I strongly suggest that anyone planning to carry a bear tag in their pocket in Eastern Washington should take the Montana Bear I.D. Test.

http://fwp.mt.gov/education/hunter/bearID/

I feel that it is irresponsible of the state to not provide a bear test to unsuspecting bear hunters. How many deer hunters buy a bear tag (just in case). How many of these hunters know that they could see a grizzly in Washington.

The first time I took the test several years ago I did not get 100%, that scared me, if I was in the wrong situation I could make a mistake and accidentally shoot a grizzly. So I took the test again to get 100%, and I take the test every year before going bear hunting, just to insure I make no mistake.

The penalty for accidentally shooting a griuzzly could cost you $10,000 or more and loss of hunting privelages for several years, why take a chance, click the link provided and take the test, it's free.

Hopefully a moderator will make this a sticky since spring bear season is approaching.

[Shootmoore]

Thanks Bearpaw, 100%.  Now if I ever go hunting in MT good to go.
Also just plain good info to have.
Shootmoore

[GoldTip]

Shootmoore you don't have to go to MT., if you hunt NE Washington you have a good chance of finding or stumbling on one of the Big Boys, I spent essentially 15 days scouting and hunting for my moose this past summer and fall, and not only saw one, he was plenty close, but thats was my own fault.  Also found plenty of sign and a fresh grizzly boundary tree.  There are a lot more than people think or than I believe even the biologists know.

Bearpaw, I grew up in Montana and my Father outfitted for Grizzlies while we could still hunt them.  I've gotten a 100% on the test several different times, but some of them do make you take a pause.  I also think the reason the state of WA. does not have this test is because that would be tantamount to admitting that there is a real chance you could see one in the areas you've mentioned.

[Gobble Gobble]

I got an 87% it was great training as we are having more and more griz moving south into black territory. I have yet to shoot a bear but hope to in the near future. I wish there had been a question on paw print identification.

[NWBREW]

WOW....100% I actually thought it would be a little harder. Good info thanks bearpaw. I have hunted the NE corner a lot for a very long time.I have never seen a grizz out there I do know a few who have. Last sept. my buddy and I were hanging stands by my place in Northern Stevens county. We went to a tavern to have some refreshments and started talking to a local. He asked where my place was, I told him, and he said keep your eyes open. He said he had seen a grizz run across the road in front of his truck about 1 half mile up from my driveway 2 day earlier. My thought was "Yeah....right....whatever. Here's were it gets a little interesting.

The property next two me is for sale....it borders where my driveway comes in. We saw some people looking at it when we were there so I called John (the local realestate guy) to see if it was sold. He told me No...what had happened was these two guys stopped and looked at it, saw a black bear, yelled at it and it ran away. No big deal.  So they called john and said we like it and want to purchase it. John got all the paper work together and the guys went back out to find survay markers. When they walked back into the brush and timber they walked up on a grizz. They yelled at it but they said all it did was stare them down as they were backing out. They went back...told John what had just happened and they didn't want the property. John told me they were shaking uncontrollably.

The tavern story and John story were 2 days apart. I told John what the guy in the tavern said and all John could say was WOW   be careful out there guys.  Like I say I have never seen a grizz out there but I have seen some huge(and I mean huge) color phase back bears.    OK it was a long story and I'll stop now....just an FYI

[Snowman]

Didn't get a 100% but passed anyways. 

[Shootmoore]

Shootmoore you don't have to go to MT., if you hunt NE Washington you have a good chance of finding or stumbling on one of the Big Boys, I spent essentially 15 days scouting and hunting for my moose this past summer and fall, and not only saw one, he was plenty close, but thats was my own fault.  Also found plenty of sign and a fresh grizzly boundary tree.  There are a lot more than people think or than I believe even the biologists know.

Bearpaw, I grew up in Montana and my Father outfitted for Grizzlies while we could still hunt them.  I've gotten a 100% on the test several different times, but some of them do make you take a pause.  I also think the reason the state of WA. does not have this test is because that would be tantamount to admitting that there is a real chance you could see one in the areas you've mentioned.

Oh yea I agree.  Thats why I said it was just plain good info to have.  I would suggest anyone that plans on bear hunting in the Northern half of the state to take the training. 

Shootmoore

[Bigshooter]

93%

[Bob33]

There is an easy test that CO issued several years ago:

The Colorado State Department of Fish and Wildlife is advising hikers, hunters, fishermen and golfers to take extra precautions and be on the alert for bears while in the Dillon, Breckenridge, and Keystone area.

They advise people to wear noise-producing devices such as little bells on their clothing to alert but not startle the bears unexpectedly.

They also advise you to carry pepper spray in case of an encounter with a bear. It is also a good idea to watch for signs of bear activity.

People should be able to recognize the difference between black bear and grizzly bear droppings.

Black bear droppings are smaller and contain berries and possibly squirrel fur.

Grizzly bear droppings have little bells in them and smell like pepper spray.
 

[kantill]

93 %

[StanwoodSpartan]

87%

[Skyvalhunter]

Not this again

[Snowman]

Not this again

 

[Michelle_Nelson]

100% on the first try.  Personally I was expecting it to be harder. 

I think the one photo that a lot of people missed was the Sow with cubs.

I think it should be a requirement to get 100% correct in order to pass.  If you accidentally miss a question no harm no foul.  You accidentally miss identify a grizzly and shoot it your in a world of trouble.  Real life isn't a test.  Your not going to get off the hook because of the the 10 bear you kill only 2 were griz.  There is no 80% correct in real life.

[BLR 243]

100% only 1 I questioned was the one by the pile of dirt.