So I corresponded with a local ranger station, several of the days will be outside the park in a national forest. The trail I found hasn't even been documented on Alltrails.com yet, I'll be the first one (either to do it, or survive, I don't know). But I asked a few questions, and here's the fun reply:
I asked if it was foolish to not come strapped, that last bit was their answer. I think I'll go strapped for the little things, and just say FUCKIT, BOY, YOU RUN and take on the angry grizzly.Hi Steve,
Thanks for reaching out to us. First off Mount Maurice had a very large fire two summers ago, so the north and east faces are one large burn scar now. As long as you stay on the trails you shouldn’t have any issues with landowners/ranchers.
Here are some great hikes close to us that you could check out as well:
(none of them were what I'm looking for.... I'm sticking to my original trail because we were coming in from the south and west. We'll be able to see the scar, but won't be in it)
This is grizzly country, so always smart to be aware of what’s going on around you in the forest as well as what season it is. Right now, all the bears are just starting to wake up so they’re a little moody and hungry. Versus in the fall, they’re pretty fat and happy getting ready for hibernation. When you get closer to the grasslands it is good practice to be wary of where you step as we do have rattle snakes out in the low grass lands (not a ton but they are there). This part of Montana is part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, so we have a very diverse animal population including: moose, deer, antelope, elk, big horn sheep, mountain goats, cougar, wolves (not many), coyotes, foxes, badgers, porcupines, black and grizzly bears, wolverines, and river otters.
There have been some recent studies done on bear spray vs. fire arm protection against bears (mainly grizzlies). It has shown that the use of just bear spray to defend yourself has around a 25% chance of a fatal encounter vs. use of just a firearm and that fatality rate goes up to about 65%. When a firearm is brought into the scenario most bears will take this as an attack and will want to defend themselves. But when it’s bear spray, the bear does not take it as an attack and just becomes disorientated and confused. This then will allow you to get out of the area to somewhere safe. It really is up to you how you decide to protect yourself, but I think the numbers speak for themselves. Also, most stores in Red Lodge sell bear spray so it’s easy to pick up.
We’re in the office most days and can answer any questions, feel free to give us a call.
I'm a shark whisperer. I swim toward them, and feel calm, and even got bit once and never stopped diving. But a fucking grizzly makes me real damned fucking nervous...... which is why I'm looking forward to this so much. It's good to face your fears now and then, make sure you don't get out of practice. Remind yourself how it feels to be alive.