Several hundred hunters, hikers and landowners will receive a can of free bear spray this fall, thanks to local partnerships aimed at reducing bear conflicts in the Blackfoot and Upper Clark Fork Valleys.
During hunting season, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks and Blackfoot Challenge employees are distributing cans and offering on-the-spot training in areas known for frequent bear activity. Along with a can of spray, wardens, block management employees, wildlife biologists and others are also offering tips on hunting and camping safely in bear country.
The free bear spray is made possible by donations from the Montana Chapter of the Sierra Club and Defenders of Wildlife, along with discounted bear spray prices offered by Counter Assault and a grant from the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee.
For the past seven years, hunters headed to the Blackfoot Valley’s Shanley and Dick Creek Block Management Areas (BMAs) received a free can of spray because of the same partnerships. This year’s approach expands the reach to more hunters, recreationists and residents.
“Over the years, thanks to these donations of bear spray and training, so many more people have and know how to use bear spray,” said FWP Bear Management Specialist Jamie Jonkel. “We’ve noticed that most of local Blackfoot Valley hunters are now routinely carrying bear spray.”
As part of the larger bear aware effort in the Blackfoot, hunters must also store food and all other potential bear attractants (such as garbage and pet and livestock food) in a bear resistant container on BMAs that allow overnight camping.
Jonkel points to the key role that Blackfoot landowners, hikers, hunters and others continue to play in sharing bear updates and safety messages.
“We’ve got local volunteers helping distribute bear spray and mentoring others in how to use it,” Jonkel said. “That, combined with sharing information on recent bear activity, is really helping to reduce the number of conflicts that we’re seeing out there.”
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