Be bear aware when recreating this fall

Hunters can follow these tips to help minimize the chance of a bear conflict:

Always try to hunt and call game with a partner and stay within sight of each other.

Remain alert and watchful for bear activity. Avoid tunnel vision while pursuing game.

Learn to recognize bear sign such as scat, tracks and diggings.

Retrieve game animals as quickly as possible and watch for approaching bears when field dressing and quartering. The longer game is in the field, at camp or in the back of a vehicle the more likely it is to be discovered by a bear.

Quarter and hang the carcass in a tree at least 10 to 15 feet from the ground and 4 feet from the tree trunk. Separate the carcass from the entrails and place the carcass in an area that can be safely viewed from a distance if game must be left on the ground overnight.

Make noise when retrieving game. Use binoculars to search the area for bears and to determine if the game has been distrubed by bears prior to walking up to the carcass.

Be aware that bears often set up a daybed near food sources.

If a bear has claimed your carcass, leave the scene and report the incident to Game and Fish. Do not attempt to scare the bear away.

Bears actively defend their food, their young and their personal space. During the fall all bears are on the lookout for food before going into hibernation for the winter.