Do you wait for daylight in grizzly country?

[The_Coloradoboy]

At risk of this devolving into a Gun vs. spray argument I would encourage anyone who is counting on firearm protection in the event of a bear attack to do some dark training prior to determine the effect of muzzle flash on subsequent follow up action and ability. I have not myself and it is a concern of mine.

I do remember riding up on horseback behind an out of state elk hunter in the dark as he was trying to get his headlamp to work. His scream and whimper when we "surprised him" is something I remember to this day. Thinking back, I'm glad he didn't shoot first and ask questions later.

Pepper spray works really good when you have that Wyoming or Montana wind in your face is all I gotta say…

 

[nrpate05]

Depends. If I'm trying to make it to a certain spot by first light I'll go in the dark, but I'll make noise and chat to myself hiking in knowing that I'm not planning on hunting that area.

 

[406dn]

I did it with some trepidation, back in the day. After getting horses, I do not worry about it very much. My horses have alerted me to bears, wolves, and game. So, we leave to get to a spot, in time for legal light.

 

[PRO MO]

i also say having a good headlamp is the key. We made the mistake of forgetting/not charging headlamps once last fall. that was not a very fun hike - especially in a place we call Grizzly Alley.
I think one of the big things people don't mention alot is that you can smell them if they're near. it's a pretty unmistakable smell. raises your hackles.
and to me, it's more spooky on the way in than the way out, for whatever reason. too tired, don't care at that point...

 

[El Jason]

Hike through Soda Butte Creek, Tom Miner, Beaver Creek, Sunlight Basin, or plenty of other grizzly hot spots in the dark and the daylight and tell me with a straight face there’s no difference…

There’s no difference.

Signed, Tim Treadwell

 

[El Jason]

Most Western backcountry hunters elk, mule deer, etc. from base camp start up the trail in the dark headlamp on low red mode, 1–2 hours before first light to beat other hunters, get into prime glassing spots quietly, and catch animals moving at dawn without bumping them later.

Waiting for daylight means missing the best window elk often bed up high by shooting light, plus you risk spooking game while hiking in visible. Headlamp pros: hands free, safe navigation on sketchy trails, maximizes hunt time. Cons potential to alert animals if bright white light sweeps wrong use red to preserve night vision, dim it, and grizzly country adds caution many still hike dark but stay alert noise making.

Bot

 

[El Jason]

The head lamp does not need to be bright, in fact, it's better as dim as you can your eyes will adjust, and you will be able to see BETTER.

Actually, if you are using light it does not benefit you to use less. You can see more in the dark with more light.

 

[kwyeewyk]

Bot

Was waiting for someone else to notice!

 

[Johnny Bravo]

Never hunt in grizzly country, problem solved !

 

[mtmuley]

Never hunt in grizzly country, problem solved !

Getting tough as the years go by. Whatever. mtmuley

 

[Baerman]

went guided in griz country and we always left and tried to be back with some light. could be because we were already in huntable country, could be because they didn't want any surprises.

 

[Hem]

I swear this is a TomTerrific thread.

 

[Johnny Bravo]

Getting tough as the years go by. Whatever. mtmuley

It’s all good, we carry the 1CM guns with 17 rounds !!! Lol

 

[Sheltowee]

Just make sure you got a flash light attachment on your 10mm and you’re golden

I keep a Streamlight on my G20 but have often wondered if that couldn't get you crossways with a game warden in a bad mood.

 

[El Jason]

I keep a Streamlight on my G20 but have often wondered if that couldn't get you crossways with a game warden in a bad mood.

Why?

 

[Sheltowee]

At risk of this devolving into a Gun vs. spray argument I would encourage anyone who is counting on firearm protection in the event of a bear attack to do some dark training prior to determine the effect of muzzle flash on subsequent follow up action and ability. I have not myself and it is a concern of mine.

I do remember riding up on horseback behind an out of state elk hunter in the dark as he was trying to get his headlamp to work. His scream and whimper when we "surprised him" is something I remember to this day. Thinking back, I'm glad he didn't shoot first and ask questions later.

I can tell you with absolute certainty that my BlueDot 10mil handloads will light up the night sky. Once had a guy wander over to me at the range accusing me of shooting a shorty AR in a pistol-only pit. I reserve the BlueDots for plinking instead of carry now but I have to think flash-banging a grizz would have some benefit.

 

[Sheltowee]

Why?

Just the chance one could accuse a hunter of spotlighting. Think some states prohibit the attachment of any battery-powered device on a hunting weapon. Obviously the argument is your handgun is personal protection rather than hunting.

 

[Bigjay73]

Absofrickenloutley

 

[MTLabrador]

Unless you’re driving down the road at night pointing your Glock with a light at deer, I think the odds of getting in trouble over it are exactly zero.

 

[Tmbrgost]

Do what you need to do. Carry and stay alert. Doesn’t change my tactics it just heightens my awareness and systems.