bivy elk hunting and bear issues?

[Dchuber1]

Haven't had much problems with bears bivying out in Washington, but I always hang my food or use a bear container. I've hunted in Montana where it's thick with bears. They aren't park bears but they sure acted like it, no fear of humans at all and very curious. These were grizzly and black bears. I'd rather not take the chance, fighting off a bear in a bivy sack never sounded like much fun to me! If you don't have many places to hang your food the bear cans work well. They will also take care of the mice problem too. Just load everything you want protected in the can, set it somewhere away from your bivy and you're good to go. I attached a picture of a curious bruin who came to check out my camp while I was backpacking. BTW, this was in Western Washington.

[high country]

did you dump her?

[PacificNWhunter]

Haven't had much problems with bears bivying out in Washington, but I always hang my food or use a bear container. I've hunted in Montana where it's thick with bears. They aren't park bears but they sure acted like it, no fear of humans at all and very curious. These were grizzly and black bears. I'd rather not take the chance, fighting off a bear in a bivy sack never sounded like much fun to me! If you don't have many places to hang your food the bear cans work well. They will also take care of the mice problem too. Just load everything you want protected in the can, set it somewhere away from your bivy and you're good to go. I attached a picture of a curious bruin who came to check out my camp while I was backpacking. BTW, this was in Western Washington.

Last time I camped up in the valley I saw 8 bears, my buddy just went about a month ago and they saw 13 in less then 24 hours. Said they had a hard time finding a camp spot because of all of them.

[Yeti]

I never had any issues either.  When I can I use the stuff sack from my sleeping bag and parachute cord and hang my food.  Otherwise I stash my food away from the tent. 

[et1702]

We were doing some scouting in Rim Rock area last weekend.  Had some dinner and then left camp to do some spotting of elk.  Only gone a little more than an hour and a bear got into one of our coolers and ate most of the food.  First time this has happened to us in this area.  I think they are getting a little BOLDER! 

I'd definitely hoist, especially if you are in the back country and don't want to hike out again to reprovision.

[dreamingbig]

That and the snow has most of the food up high very much behind.  The berries were still blooming when I was up there last weekend.  A few were just starting to grow but they were pretty small.

[actionshooter]

The last time I hiked up the valley, I saw 5 bears, 1st one stepped out in the trail at 20 yards and walked a full circle around me while munching on salmon berries, he couldn't care less.
 A small one maybe 75# was really pissed with us crossing the valley and was false charging, snapping his jaws and the whole bit. 
 I'm backing up real slow (while taking pics) and I turn to say something to my buddy and his dad..........well they are 50+ yards away on the porch of the chalet.
 Cool area, I was thinking maybe this weekend.

[kalamasasquatch]

well damn.....i guess i may have to re-think my food plans. Thanks for the opinions!

[sebek556]

i need to go bear hunting where you guys are camping! 

[actionshooter]

i need to go bear hunting where you guys are camping! 

Its in the Park, these are yogi,picnic basket stealing kinda bears

[Jake T]

what about bear spray?  could you spray around your camp as a sort of barrier to keep things away?  like one of those candles that keeps mosquitoes at bay?

would bear spray last long enough?

[high country]

what about bear spray?  could you spray around your camp as a sort of barrier to keep things away?  like one of those candles that keeps mosquitoes at bay?

would bear spray last long enough?

Piss would be better. If you are totally freaked out by bears, keep in mind they absolutely do not like people. I have seen a bunch an many up close, all of them, aside from park bears, have run from me like I was the devil himself. Just don't leave food laying around your camp....you will be fine.

[JimmyHoffa]

agree with high country, the only bears that don't seem to vanish at the thought of a human are the park bears.  I can go bear hunting within 10 miles of a part of a park nearby my town and totally different bear behavior.  What seems to work best for bear deterrent is smoke.  However, it will get in gear and on clothes and warn of your presence.  Other human scent, like piss seems to be the next best option.

[one-eyed Ross]

I need to find this guy's elk spot so I can drop a bear...if there are that many, I want one!

[Ironhead]

If they are hungry enough they will get into your food and gear. Be smart and pro-active, Bear proof your camp.