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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

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Bear aware: Tips for hunting-fishing in bear country

Biologists say black bears can usually be scared off a carcass. (Associated Press)
Biologists say black bears can usually be scared off a carcass. (Associated Press)

WILDLIFE -- More anglers are heading into the mountains and hunters soon will follow, putting more people out among wildlife, including bears.

The Grizzly Bear Outreach Project offers basic tips to help hunters and anglers avoid attracting bears, which can be dangerous people if not just destructive to their camping gear.

Worse, a bear that finds value -- notably food -- in raiding camps or threatening humans almost surely will become a repeat offender that ultimately will have to be killed.

Click "continue reading" to refresh your memory on tips that come from years of case studies 

Hunting and fishing•

  • Follow the guidelines for campers, hikers, and horse packers. Be alert at all times.
  • If you kill a game animal, immediately field dress the animal and move the carcass at least 100 yards from the gut pile.
  • If you must leave the carcass, hang it (in pieces if necessary) at least 15 feet from the ground. Leave the carcass where you can see it from a distance. When you return to the carcass, observe it with binoculars from a distance and make noise as you approach.
  • If a bear has claimed the carcass, leave the area immediately and report the incident to the proper authorities.
  • Don’t leave fish entrails on shorelines of lakes and streams. Sink entrails deep in water. 


Rich Landers
Rich Landers joined The Spokesman-Review in 1977. He is the Outdoors editor for the Sports Department writing and photographing stories about hiking, hunting, fishing, boating, conservation, nature and wildlife and related topics.

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