Numerous hunters are seeing bears while hunting in Mississippi. The picture above of a video was taken by Anthony Ballard, Jr., in Issaquena County, which is north of us in Warren County, Vicksburg, MS, on the Mississippi River. Hunting in bear country? The thick of deer season in MS. There are lots of hunters seeing bears while hunting. Bears do not seek out conflict with humans, but there are some things you can do to minimize interactions with bears:
1. If you see a bear, stay calm and watch from a distance. If you have one approach, too close, loud noises, and significant movements will encourage it to leave.
2. If you shoot a deer with bears nearby, try to dispatch and recover your deer in as short a time and distance as possible. (Bears can sometimes learn to associate gunshots with free meals.)
3. If you think a bear has found your deer, recover your deer with a partner and/or vehicle.
4. Carry bear spray. It is legal to use lethal force to defend yourself against a bear (although it’s scarce), but bear spray is more effective. It’s harder to miss with bear spray and can be used more safely.
5. Taking your food, drinks, and scents out of your stand or blind after each hunt can help keep a curious bear from investigating and possibly causing damage.
6. Remove foam-padded seats when possible. The foam used in many seat cushions smells like the scent given off by insect larvae. Bears will target foam seats for this reason.
7. If possible, bury your deer carcasses instead of leaving them for scavengers. The smell can draw bears for an easy meal.
Good luck and goodhunting this season!
