Archived Story

Bear activity prompts hunting closure near Ovando
Posted on Nov. 5

OVANDO - The Dick Creek Block Management Area just north of Ovando will close to hunting at the end of legal shooting hours today due to recent, concentrated grizzly bear activity in the area.

Permission to hunt on the BMA is issued through a weekly drawing administered by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks every Friday during hunting season. This Friday night’s drawing has been cancelled and FWP will continue to monitor bear activity and evaluate whether hunting can resume on the Dick Creek BMA later in the season.

The neighboring Shanley Creek BMA also has experienced recent grizzly activity, but the area is larger and bears are not as concentrated. It will remain open to hunters that are issued permission to hunt, but FWP will monitor bear activity closely.

Hunters should be prepared by thinking ahead about what they would do in the case of an encounter and should carry and know how to use bear pepper spray.
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Karen V. Stefanini wrote on Nov 6, 2008 12:49 AM:

" People shouldnt be allowed to camp out in the open in grizzly bear territory other than in fenced in areas (grizzly-proofed). To a hungry grizzly a pet dog or cat or person looks like a filet mignon would look to us in a grocery store in my opinion. Campers and hikers should sign releases exonerating grizzlies if they are mauled. I am of well above average intelligence and wouldn't be caught in bear territory outside of a locked vehicle with the windows shut, especially during their fall feeding frenzy. "

howard chrest wrote on Nov 6, 2008 6:31 AM:

" Whats next? "

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