USFWS Clarifies Rules on Bear Deterrents

by
posted on March 12, 2020
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
grizzly-growling.jpg
Ranchers and landowners in Montana will now have more options at their disposal to deter the state's growing number of grizzlies. Protected in Montana under the Endangered Species Act, grizzlies have been prohibited from harm or harassment unless the move is in direct self-defense. As the bears expand out of the mountains and back into the wide-open prairie, however, it becomes more likely they will come into regular contact with the state's ranchers and rural-dwellers. In recognition of this new reality, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has released a secretarial order defining how state residents and wildlife-management agencies may interact with bears, to deter any harmful interaction. Acceptable hazing techniques now include: paintballs; shotgun "banger" and "cracker" shells; up to golf-ball-sized projectiles shot from a slingshot; air horns; flashing lights; and motor vehicles, among a few other things. Some ordinance, such as rubber bullets and batons, and shotgun shells loaded with bean bags, are still off limits. In a final note, the USFWS reminds Montanans that grizzlies may be attracted to paint-ball residue, so any misses should be thoroughly cleaned. For more information, check out the announcement on the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Park Prarie Bear Monitor Facebook page.

Latest

BTB 7Mm RUM Lead
BTB 7Mm RUM Lead

Behind the Bullet: 7mm Remington Ultra Magnum

Launching a 160-grain bullet in excess of 3200 fps, the 7mm RUM is among the fastest commercially loaded 7mm cartridges available.

USFWS Debuts 2025-2026 Federal and Junior Duck Stamps

The 2025-2026 Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp—commonly known as the Duck Stamp—became available for purchase on June 27, 2025.

Tested: Work Sharp Professional Precision Adjust Elite Knife Sharpener

Digital Associate Editor walks viewers through the features of the Work Sharp Professional Precision Adjust Elite Knife Sharpener, the perfect tool for a hunter looking to keep all his knives factory sharp season after season.

Recipe: Green Curried Black Bear

Green curry sauce is an excellent base for simmering bear meat, making it flavorful, tender, and safe to consume. Read on for another instant classic recipe from Brad Fenson.

Coyotes to Competitions: An AR-Build for Accuracy

ARs make great coyote guns. But what would the absolute best coyote rifle look like? Digital Associate Editor David Herman builds his take on the best AR for shooters who like to plug coyotes in the winter, and ring steel all summer long.

Pennsylvania Governor Signs Sunday Hunting Bill

Legislation that will fully repeal Pennsylvania’s Sunday hunting ban was signed into law on July 9.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.