Author Topic: Free Bear Identification Test - Black or Grizzly? (Read 18736 times)

bearpaw · « **on:** January 27, 2010, 10:14:30 AM »

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 · « **Reply #1 on:** January 27, 2010, 10:41:55 AM »

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

GoldTip · « **Reply #2 on:** January 27, 2010, 10:53:25 AM »

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 · « **Reply #3 on:** January 27, 2010, 10:55:30 AM »

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 · « **Reply #4 on:** January 27, 2010, 11:04:52 AM »

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 · « **Reply #5 on:** January 27, 2010, 11:12:05 AM »

Didn't get a 100% but passed anyways.

Shootmoore · « **Reply #6 on:** January 27, 2010, 11:17:36 AM »

Quote from: GoldTip on January 27, 2010, 10:53:25 AM

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 · « **Reply #7 on:** January 27, 2010, 12:27:59 PM »

Bob33 · « **Reply #8 on:** January 27, 2010, 12:32:16 PM »

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 · « **Reply #9 on:** January 28, 2010, 04:04:55 PM »

StanwoodSpartan · « **Reply #10 on:** February 03, 2010, 12:04:13 AM »

Skyvalhunter · « **Reply #11 on:** February 03, 2010, 05:29:02 AM »

Not this again

Snowman · « **Reply #12 on:** February 03, 2010, 09:20:59 AM »

Quote from: Skyvalhunter on February 03, 2010, 05:29:02 AM

Not this again

Michelle_Nelson · « **Reply #13 on:** February 03, 2010, 05:34:15 PM »

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 · « **Reply #14 on:** February 03, 2010, 06:14:52 PM »

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

bearpaw · « **Reply #15 on:** February 03, 2010, 10:33:52 PM »

Quote from: Michelle_Nelson on February 03, 2010, 05:34:15 PM

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.

I totally agree with you, there is no room for a mistake on bear identity in this day and age.

JackOfAllTrades · « **Reply #16 on:** February 03, 2010, 10:53:40 PM »

100%

But don't be surprised to see one of the inland Grizzleys on the wet side of the Cascades. I've seen some sign that'll make your blood curdle west of the PCT. Miles west of the PCT!

-Steve

bearpaw · « **Reply #17 on:** February 03, 2010, 11:29:29 PM »

I have heard that there are griz migrating into the north cascades from canada...

Kain · « **Reply #18 on:** February 04, 2010, 05:28:51 PM »

I missed the sow with cubs one when I first took this test. I really wish we had a better idea of how many we have here in WA. People have been seeing them for years but the population still seems to be low. With all the misidentification it is really hard to know.

bearpaw · « **Reply #19 on:** February 04, 2010, 05:42:11 PM »

Quote from: Kain on February 04, 2010, 05:28:51 PM

People have been seeing them for years but the population still seems to be low. With all the misidentification it is really hard to know.

Very true, I can tell you this, I have been hunting bear in WA for nearly 40 years for myself and many others and I have yet to see one, yet there are confirmed sightings, video taken of Griz, and an illegal kill that was prosecuted, all within 10 miles of where I live. I only live 3 miles from town.

KillerMiller · « **Reply #20 on:** February 04, 2010, 06:07:27 PM »

Bulldozer · « **Reply #21 on:** February 05, 2010, 12:28:08 AM »

100%

zackmioli · « **Reply #22 on:** February 05, 2010, 09:31:04 AM »

whacker1 · « **Reply #23 on:** February 05, 2010, 10:55:58 AM »

I took it several times before I got the 100%.

arees · « **Reply #24 on:** February 05, 2010, 04:51:12 PM »

100%

mattaylor81 · « **Reply #25 on:** February 06, 2010, 04:07:45 PM »

100%..... bear with cubs took a good look.

elkaholic123 · « **Reply #26 on:** February 06, 2010, 04:22:35 PM »

high country · « **Reply #27 on:** February 06, 2010, 08:16:50 PM »

another good test is the boar or sow test. I had to take it for fish and feathers.....I don't seem to have it handy for everyone though. anyone have a copy......post it.

toe-jam · « **Reply #28 on:** February 06, 2010, 08:44:23 PM »

93%

D-Rock425 · « **Reply #29 on:** February 07, 2010, 12:12:11 PM »

93% missed one.

patton1 · « **Reply #30 on:** February 09, 2010, 06:08:08 PM »

93%. Thought one was a grizzly that wasn't.

3dsheetmetal · « **Reply #31 on:** February 09, 2010, 09:23:52 PM »

Got 100% was easy for me worked for a taxidermist when in high school and skinned a lot of grizz.

washelkhntr · « **Reply #32 on:** February 09, 2010, 09:25:11 PM »

bearpaw · « **Reply #33 on:** February 09, 2010, 09:29:31 PM »

Great job guys...

I suggest you tell anyone you know that hunts bear in WA to take the test.

testar77 · « **Reply #34 on:** February 09, 2010, 09:46:58 PM »

100%

demontang · « **Reply #35 on:** February 14, 2010, 02:49:16 PM »

100% here to me its easy to tell. I never shot at something unless I know what it is.

goodtime · « **Reply #36 on:** February 15, 2010, 08:29:51 PM »

93%. Thanks for the info.

bearpaw · « **Reply #37 on:** February 16, 2010, 06:10:18 AM »

Very glad to see so many of you guys taking the test.

I think there are so many bear hunters that don't even think about grizzlies when hunting. I find it actually unfair that WDFW does not have this test or a similar one posted on their website and require passage as MT does before you can purchase a bear tag.

Every so often they do change some of the photos, it's good to take a refresher now and then.

high country · « **Reply #38 on:** February 16, 2010, 08:22:12 PM »

when I pulled the spring tag for the northeast the first year of the draw, they sent me a video that was a good one, it was boar vs sow and grizz vs blacks. I don't know why they do not have a link on their site.

Cleve · « **Reply #39 on:** February 23, 2010, 09:44:34 AM »

100% Bearpaw, you said that most people here don't even think about Grizzlies when they are hunting. I would agree with you on that. I can also tell you that I lived in Montana my whole life and hunted in Grizzly Country and being AWARE is something I didnt loose by moving here. I am still constantly looking over my shoulder all the time, which became habit for me. Hunting around Grizzlies is something that is hard to explain. I am sure you can agree that the experience makes you senses better in the woods. Your hearing seems better and you see everything more clear when you are in their home. Awsome!

bearpaw · « **Reply #40 on:** February 23, 2010, 10:00:54 AM »

Quote from: high country on February 16, 2010, 08:22:12 PM

when I pulled the spring tag for the northeast the first year of the draw, they sent me a video that was a good one, it was boar vs sow and grizz vs blacks. I don't know why they do not have a link on their site.

That's good, I wonder if anyone else recieved that video or if they are still sending it out.

Local warden told me about a group of grizzlies (I think he said 5) he had reports about but doubted until he saw them in an open pasture here in NE WA. This happened a couple years ago. I sometimes bear hunt the same area so we try to be very careful with identification.

AKBowman · « **Reply #41 on:** March 06, 2010, 07:19:55 PM »

100% 4 times in a row. Guess growing up in AK doesnt hurt

After you've seen enough bears its blatantly obvious.

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Author Topic: Free Bear Identification Test - Black or Grizzly? (Read 18736 times)

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