Montana Woods N Water March 2017 Print Edition | Page 8

BEAR COUNTRY CONTINUED
When he saw us he crossed to the other side into the timber and vanished . I am sure that it was the night time raider that the other people had told us about . When we got to the motor home it had paw prints on the sides that are still there to this day . We decided we would skin the deer when we got home . The kids were eager to get home and share their stories with their families .
Hannah Potter with her sixth deer !
Over the years , I have been on a lot of adventures but I am sure that this is one the kids and I will always remember . These events would be hard to ever top in any hunters ’ lifetime . A charging grizzly sow with cubs within twenty yards of you and only a can of bear spray between you and her , makes for a memorable day .
How To Use Bear Spray : 1 . When a bear has reached a distance of 30 to 35 feet in front of you ; spray at the ground . Spraying at 60 feet puts you at risk for the bear going around the spray ; or , the wind blowing it back at you .
2 . Do not spray the entire canister at one time ; spay for only a second . If the bear continues through the first blast , spray it again directly into the face . The bear may change directions and you may need additional shots later . When sprayed it produces a rust colored cloud and a loud whoosh sound .
3 . A bear standing on hind legs is not a charging bear . When all fours are on the ground is when it will charge ; hence the reason why you spray at the ground at the bear ’ s head .
4 . Once you have sprayed you want to get out of the area as quickly as you can to prevent yourself from inhaling the pepper .
5 . Once you have used your spray you can reinsert the safety back into the canister to make it safe to carry again . If you are not sure how much spray you have left you would be wise to replace it . Each fall , check the expiration date , and test your spray once by giving a very short blast in an area far from others or your camp . Always read the instructions on your bear spray can .
Instructions by Tom Fieber .
April 15th !
Spring Turkey Season is almost here !
Spring Black Bear Season is just around the corner !
Check regulations for the area you hunt .
April 8th !
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