Spring, Snows, Montana 2010 Calendar and Bears!

Spring
It is spring, but it still is snowing and the lakes around here still are frozen. Plowing started on tuesday, and plans are for the Two Medicine Road to be open to the falls very soon, weather permitting. . .

Snows
The snow geese are migrating up the front but with little open water I think some are taking their time or flying out closer to the prairie where there's open water.

Montana Calendar
Here's the cover of the 2010 Montana Magazine Cover, I managed to "win" it again for the second year in a row. I also have a shot on the inside. . . You can buy it on amazon or shoot me an email and i'll get one for you in youre interested.

It wont be long now before things warm a bit, although the forecast is for more snow, it cant snow forever, can it? LOL

Bears
I've heard a few bear reports, so if youre planing a trip, it's time put that bear spray back on the pack and review your bear safety, but be sure, before you go out too tell someone where youre going and when you should be back. . . Here's some basic bear safety tips.

Don't hike alone.
Consider going along on a ranger-guided hike if you have no hiking companions. Leave your pets at home because dogs and bears are natural enemies.

Make loud noises.
Bears don't like surprises and will usually move out of the way if they hear people coming. A loud shout combined with sharp clapping is effective. Shout more frequently around a noisy stream, on a blind curve, on a windy day or when near heavy brush (vegetation).

Hike During "Business" Hours.
Bears tend to be more active at dawn and dusk.

Never enter a closed trail.
It is closed for a good reason - usually recent bear sightings.

Observe bears only from a distance. Never approach bears for a better look or a photograph. Consider carrying pepper spray. Some backcountry hikers carry pepper spray as a possible nonlethal, nontoxic deterrent against aggressive bears. Note: There are accounts where pepper spray has not worked as well as expected. If you decide to carry pepper spray, use it wisely and only in situations where aggressive wildlife behavior justifies its use. Check at a visitor center for pepper spray regulations.

Always leave a clean camp. Store odorous items such as food, coolers, utensils and toiletries in a hard-sided vehicle or food locker. Toss garbage in bear proof garbage cans, not in your fire grate. Dump water used to rinse dishes and hands in a rest room utility sink, not on the ground. These are park regulations, not simply recommendations!

In the backcountry, never leave any odorous items unattended. Every backcountry campsite has a special cable or pole from which you can hang food and garbage. Cook and eat only in the designated food-preparation area, and hang the clothes you cooked in if they might have absorbed food odors. Camp only in the designated sites, which are situated well away from the food-hanging and cooking areas. Be sure to pack out all garbage.

If You See a Bear
All bears are dangerous. Never approach or feed any bear, even a seemingly "tame" one. Bears will fiercely defend cubs and food. If you encounter a bear at close range, stay calm and slowly leave the area by backing away. Don't run or scream; this may provoke a chase. Climbing a tree is not always an option because there may be a lack of time and trees, and bears can climb! Bear attacks are exceptionally rare. When they do occur, it's usually because the bear perceives a person as a threat. If an attack should occur, act submissive and protect yourself by rolling up on the ground with your fingers interlocked behind your neck and your knees pulled to your chest. Leaving your pack on may provide extra protection for your back and neck. When the bear no longer feels threatened, it will usually leave the area. Do not move or make noise until you are sure the bear is gone.