With the mild winter, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks reports that some bears are starting to come out of hibernation early. Click here to watch Wake Up Montana featuring UDAP’s Back Attack Pack
Category: Bear Spray
Wildlife on The Road
Looking for wildlife on the road can be fun and exciting. Different areas of the United States have an array of wildlife that can be seen from the open road. Unfortunately, wildlife will occasionally get onto the road. Knowing when to swerve your car can not only help you to save the life of an animal, it can help you prevent damage to your vehicle.
Look for Crossing Signs
Crossing signs are not always for ducks and deer. Because wildlife is different throughout the United States, you may come across crossing signs with different symbols. Even if you cannot identify the animals on the sign, you should still pay attention to your surroundings. Other animals may cross frequently at that point, even if they aren’t on the sign. Look for small animals like turtles, armadillos and cats that could get in the way.
Pay Attention to the Shoulders of the Road
Animals don’t always travel across the road. Many walk alongside it, but are rarely seen. Turtles are a great example and they can cause a lot of damage to your vehicle if you run one over. When driving, stay in your lane and be alert, especially in wooded areas.
Spot the Herd
Whether you are looking for wildlife for fun or to be safe, it is important to remember that deer and elk wander in groups. If one is spotted, more are probably in the immediate area. Slow the vehicle down and make sure none are crossing the road. Don’t rely on deer whistles or salt to keep the animals away from your car.
Should You Swerve Out of the Way?
In most cases, drivers should make an effort to swerve out of the way. If this is impossible due to oncoming traffic or other road hazards, lock the brakes and use the horn. If the animal is large, such as a moose, it may be more practical to swerve away from the animal. A moose can weigh up to 1,600 pounds and collisions often cause serious damage to the vehicle and passengers.
Whether you are looking for wildlife as you travel or are looking to be a safer driver, understanding how roads affect wildlife is important. Study tips for specific species that live in your area to gain a better understanding of what to do. This will not only help to make your journey a safer one, but a more enjoyable one. And carry UDAP Bear Spray in your vehicle at all times!
Bear Smart Communities
Building a bear-smart community refers to the act of effectively overseeing and limiting the things that attract bears into the community, managing human activities, and establishing policies and practices for non-lethal bear control techniques. While building a bear-smart community is a multifaceted task that requires strategy and hard work, here are some tips that can help you along the way to making your community bear-smart:
Conduct a Bear Hazard Assessment
Your first step in building a bear-smart community should be conducting a bear hazard assessment that will provide you with the information you need regarding where the bear problem is and what (species of bear) you’re dealing with. During your bear hazard assessment, you should identify potential human-bear conflicts and conflict zones, and start to think about bear control recommendations.
Put in Place a Plan
After a hazard assessment has been completed, you should use the information gathered from the assessment to formulate and implement a bear management plan. Putting together a plan can be hard work and will require the cooperation of multiple agencies. For instance, you can contact the forest rangers’ authorities who can assign regular patrols near your community. Similarly, the neighborhood can hire a reliable contractor (such as this contractor here) who can undertake the responsibility of fencing the whole community. In that regard, installing aluminum fencing can be considered. This is because metal barriers can prevent bears from breaking in. That said, the plan should highlight the roles of different organizations and agencies, and how bears will be managed if they do wander into town.
Education – Be Smart, Be Safe
One of the biggest aspects of building a bear-smart community is to educate community members about the hazards of bears and how to avoid attracting bears. Part of being bear-smart includes:
• Properly throwing away garbage (especially food). Garbage will attract bears or the prey of bears to your community and it is important to dispose of it correctly.
• Avoiding using bird feeders during bear season. Bears are not very effective at hunting birds however they may try to eat the feeders. Birds may also attract the prey of bears to your community.
• Deter small mammals from the property. If using pest control measures such as https://www.pestcontrolexperts.com/local/rhode-island/; ensure any carcasses are properly disposed of as bears will feed on carrion.
• Keeping lawns and yards in tip-top shape. Bears love to eat dandelions and clover and these can grow in abundance on unmown lawns.
• Keeping your car clean and free from food or anything else that might smell tempting to a bear. A bear can break into a car quite easily.
• Securing your home by keeping windows and doors closed to prevent the smell of food from wafting outdoors.
• Using a bear-proof composter can allow you to dispose of food waste properly and prevent bears from eating the scraps within.
• Not using citronella (the scent attracts bears).
• Washing your barbeque grill after use to ensure no food or fat is left on it.
• Feeding pets, and keeping pet food, indoors. This ensures the safety of the pet and reduces food access for bears or animals likely to attract bears.
• Harvesting veggies as they ripen, as vegetables like carrots in a garden will attract bears.
• Think about using electric fencing to keep bears off the property if you have a garden, chicken coops, or fruit-bearing trees or bushes. You can look for an Edmonton fencing company (or in your close vicinity) to learn more about fencing options.
In addition to managing properties, part of community education should include what to do while on trails and in campsites. Community members should watch out for bears while hiking, keep dogs on leaches, hike in groups rather than solo, never leave food in campgrounds, and pay attention to posted signs about bear activity.
By following the tips listed above, you’ll be well on your way to establishing a bear-safe community.
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Surviving in the Wilderness Without Food
As much as you may love the outdoors, being lost in the wilderness with no food is a scary thought. Contrary to what some people believe, it is still possible even for a seasoned hunter to be lost for days in the wilderness. It is also very possible to survive such a scenario, but only if you keep a cool head and remember that there are always ways of surviving until you can make it back to civilization or be rescued. Here are some tips that will help if you ever find yourself lost on a hunting trip.
Plan Ahead
The biggest mistake people can make when going on a hunting or camping trip is not planning ahead. They overestimate their own survival skills or underestimate the importance of staying healthy and the potential dangers of the wilderness. As a result, they may pay for their mistake with their lives. Before you head out into the wilderness for any reason, make sure you know what to expect. Read up on the area, and make sure you include a map and compass with your survival gear. Even if you run out of food, a good map can at least help you get someplace safe before you die of starvation. Just be careful about traveling at night; you could get disoriented if you attempt to find your way out in total darkness, even if you have a flashlight.
If you plan on carrying a hunting firearm, then give serious thought to having the right accessories on you. Whether it be extra ammunition, optics or red dot sight (https://gunlawsuits.org/top-picks/best-mini-red-dot-sight/ could a be a good starting point for the uninitiated), it is important to think of your own protection.
As for the rest of your survival gear, it should include a simple water purification kit, a first aid kit, matches in a waterproof container, a knife, a signaling mirror and a space blanket made from reflective Mylar.
Finally, make sure you tell at least one person where you are going. If you don’t come back by a specific time, they can alert the authorities and send someone to find you. It is always important to consider your safety and it could make all the difference when someone knows where you are and when you might need assistance.
Make Sure You Have Plenty of Water
People have been known to survive for days without food as long as they have enough fresh water to drink. Find a source of water as soon as possible, preferably before you are lost. This will not only keep you hydrated, but it can serve as a convenient landmark. Don’t forget to use your water purification kit on any water you find.
Know What You Can Eat in the Wild
There are plenty of things you can eat in the wilderness if you know where to look. You can go hunting if interested, to catch and skin a rabbit or other small animal if you have the means of cooking it. Moreover, if you take frequent hunting trips, you can also look for companions or a guide by joining a hunting network such as Team AHN. You can get necessary hunting supplies as well which can help you get better at it. Otherwise, if you have knowledge of botanic, you can also look for edible plants. You may not be in love with the thought of living off of handfuls of nuts and berries in the wild, but they just might be what keeps you alive until you can be rescued. Spend some time reading up on edible plants before your trip so you know what you can and cannot eat.
Don’t Panic
It’s easy to panic when you find yourself lost in the wilderness, but that only wastes precious energy and causes you to make stupid mistakes. Keep a cool head and conserve your energy. All you need to do is survive, and you might find that’s a lot easier than you might believe. And don’t forget your UDAP Bear Spray!
Elk Hunting In Montana
If you are looking to enjoy a good elk hunt, then you may want to consider going to Montana for a hunting trip. It can be a great experience to hunt elks in the Big Sky country state. Montana is state renowned for the majestic elks that it fosters. You can go on a hunting trip solo, or you can hire an outfitter to help you increase your chances of harvesting a big bull!
State laws
No matter where you hunt, you need to follow the rules! If you have an outfitter to guide you then you don’t need to worry, but if you’re planning on hunting unguided then you need to educate yourself thoroughly about the Montana state’s hunting laws.
According to the Montana state laws, if you want to hunt elks in Montana then you must purchase a hunting license, and an elk permit. Those who are caught hunting without the license or permit are fined heavily by the Manhattan authorities.
You can only hunt elks on specifics dates set by the Montana wildlife department; this is for the protection of the elks. So before you embark on your hunting trip, be sure to check the date to see if hunting will be permissible on that day or not.
Apart from that, you need to make sure you have the proper hunting gear (for which sites similar to Project Gunner can be of great help) with you and all safety accessories. You can use a firearm of your choice; it is up to your expertise to choose what fits your hunting style, but make sure you have the right permits for your weapons too. Besides that, get any necessary accessories like safety grips, sights, mounts, and more (found on https://serp.co/best/mossberg-shockwave/ and similar sites) before you set out.
Outfitters
If you’re a novice hunter, then its best to hire an outfitter to help you catch your first elk. There are many outfitters all over Montana, but not all of them are worth their price. Just like when it comes to shooting you do the necessary research and invest in the right resources (click here for an example), here also, do your homework before selecting your outfitter; select a company that will truly give you a good hunting experience!
Contact multiple outfitters and get quotes from them, compare their service quality and price. Sometimes the hiring fees does not include your travel and boarding expenses so ask your company to clarify what expenses are included in their fees and what are not. You might need guidance on a first hunting trip, and carefully selecting your outfitter could make the hunting trip a memorable one, all things considered. For instance, hunter guides such as Find A Hunt tend to cover many areas in and out of the USA, so you could have the chance to select the region you go to for your first hunt. With the help of a guide, you could learn the tips and tricks for successful hunting trips and how to find game, whether big or small.
A good outfitter will not only take you to good hunting spots, but he will also guide you in every possible way on your hunt. Since outfitters are expert hunters, you can learn a great deal from them. While hunting alone can take weeks, maybe even months, to hunt your first Elk, you can kill your first elk in two or three days with a good outfitter!
Hunting elk is an exhilarating experience, and I think everyone should try it at least once in their life!
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Duck Hunting In Wyoming
Duck hunting is a popular sport in Wyoming since there are many ducks in Wyoming. Duck hunting offers world-class scenes which cannot only be matched anywhere in the world. Rice fields which are awesome for duck hunting, can also be matched with prime duck places, especially in the winter season.
The activity of duck hunting may come across as a simple and easy activity, but it could require you to be efficient to catch one successfully, especially if you’re a first-timer. Wild ducks may come across as unassuming, but you would need to be patient, precise, and stealthy to make a successful hunt. A guide could be an awesome aide especially for first-time duck hunters unless you are familiar with the duck hunting area. If you prefer not to have a guide, you can simply ask them questions on your way to the duck hunting expedition. You should use their valuable input as what you don’t know can make things harder, and you might have to head back empty-handed.
Wondering around aimlessly is a waste of time and therefore finding a guide is the easiest way. Many hunters usually waste their time going to places where the ducks are not there. Guides help hunters avoid the wrong target areas and direct them to where the fun really is. In Wyoming, camouflage is a must-have in duck hunting expeditions so that the ducks cannot recognize you. Most are waterproof and hunters should not worry about any clogging that might happen. Finding the right boat is another top move for any hunter. Those planning to try their hands at hunting ducks can comb through the various duck boats for sale to find one suitable for their needs. Apparently, the boats help in navigating the swampy rivers and streams which the ducks throng.
The boats come in different choices with regard to choices and style. They come in different styles as well which definitely suit any duck hunter in Wyoming. Finding the right boat is not difficult as some are well painted and others custom made to suit the hunter’s need. For those who are not out door sport hunters, they should try online duck hunting games. When one comes to play these online games, they develop and stimulate a life duck hunting experience and so hunters can sharpen their skills at home before playing with the real ducks. No kidding!!
Another tip about the boat that should be noted is the fact that hunters need to choose a boat that blends with the Wyoming scenery. Bright colors always alert the ducks and so could be a game changer if one decides to go duck hunting. These Wyoming duck hunting tips will definitely help any duck hunter visiting.
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Bow Hunting Basics
Bow hunting is a historic activity that has been crucial to the development and survival of the human species. It has endured being a well-respected sport in our society. If you are interested in becoming a bow hunter and unsure of where to start, this article will offer you beginner’s tips on equipment, licensure, and hunting procedures.
Legal Procedures: The most important part of hunting is doing so legally. Hunting licenses are issued on a state-by-state basis, so you will most likely need to contact your state’s Department of Game. Once you have your hunting license, you need to look up when and where you are allowed to hunt, and how much you are allowed to kill, all of which are strictly regulated.
Choosing Your Equipment: Once you’ve taken care of your legalities, you can move on to actually hunting, which may begin with gaining enough knowledge about arrow and bow accessories. Apparently, there are two basic types of bow: the compound bow and the long or recurve bow. Long and recurve bows are more primitive, while compound bows are more modern and utilize pulleys to minimize the strength you need to draw back the string. To lure your prey to you, you may also need a broadcast feeder as you can see on this website, or similar other equipment. Ensure you do your research and make the appropriate investments in quality equipment.
Compound bows are better for beginners since it’s easier to pull and hold the string on a compound. All bows are rated with draw weight, so you need a good idea of your own strength and what you can handle when purchasing a bow. Naturally, you might get confused about choosing the correct hunting gear despite having done it before. Some basic tips might guide you for the hunting expenditure, to know more about this you can check here to get a detailed description.
Scouting a Location: Deer is the primary target for most bow hunters. Many hunters scope out the area they plan to hunt for weeks in advance in order to find spots that are highly trafficked by deer. Once you have decided on a spot, you may want to invest in a tree stand. Tree stands give you a better vantage point of your surroundings, camouflage you from potential games, and make long periods of stillness more comfortable.
Safety and Field Dressing: You’ll also need to bring materials to navigate the forest and clean and transport the deer. A flashlight and a map or compass are absolutely necessary when hunting in forested areas, solely for your own personal safety. You’ll also need materials to field dress your deer. Without field dressing, it’s possible that the deer meat will spoil due to its body temperature remains high. Field dressing involves making a long incision down the deer’s belly, from the sternum to the pelvic area. You want to cut through the flesh but not harm the internal organs, which you will need to remove before transporting the deer. Once the carcass is dressed, use a long rope to haul it back.
This is a very basic overview of bow hunting. If you are serious about becoming a bow hunter, visit your local sporting goods or outdoor store and talk to an expert about your specific needs. For all of your Bear Spray needs please visit UDAP.com today!
Backpacking For Recreation and Enjoyment
Backpacking is something that millions of people all over the world enjoy. Some go backpacking for the enjoyment of nature and the ability to get out and hike on a beautiful trail. Others go backpacking for the sport of it and the ability to get in great shape. Whatever the reason, backpacking is a popular and healthy recreational activity that promotes health and encourages a respect for nature. Enjoying a hike can be done in various types of terrains and areas. It is important to have the proper backpacking equipment as well as the knowledge to navigate the area.
Things Needed For Safe Backpacking
In order to backpack safely, it’s important to have the right equipment and even the right people surrounding you. If you are new to backpacking, it is recommended to have a partner to go along with you. Sometimes, there are group hiking trips so that it can be safer for everyone involved. Having a partner that is trusted or a group of hikers to go with can ensure a safer backpacking adventure. People going backpacking for the first time often find there are some things they weren’t expecting and having someone with knowledge along for the trip can be a huge help.
Once a partner or group is picked, the next step is to pick a destination. Choosing a destination can be based on factors that are important to everyone hiking. For those that are interested in certain types of terrains, there are guidebooks and magazines that can suggest various trails and give a description of the terrain. For those that are more experienced, it may be possible to choose a more challenging terrain to hike. For beginners, it is important to choose a terrain that is forgiving enough yet still carries the ability to give a challenging and fun experience. Guidebooks and magazines often have detailed reviews of hiking trails and even have maps of the entire trail. It is recommended to have a map of the hiking trail to take on a backpacking trip just in case.
When choosing a destination, it is imperative to choose one that can be hiked safely in a certain amount of time. Inexperienced backpackers may want to go on a shorter trip, typically less than ten miles. More experienced backpackers may choose to hike for several days, and there should be a plan to stop and relax along the way. It’s important to have all of the necessary supplies regardless of how long you plan on staying.
If you are expecting bad weather on the way, pack accordingly. Carry raincoats, rain boots, warm clothes, and other essentials to remain protected in the harsh climate. Regular backpackers and hikers also have the option of investing in a quality portable weather station (get more information about such devices here), especially when you are going on a longer hike. Being prepared for any kind of situation you may encounter could be a way to survive in the woods and get the complete experience of hiking. Furthermore, planning ahead is the key to having a successful backpacking trip.
Supplies needed for the trip should be chosen carefully. It is important to pack enough water for the trip and calculate how much water will be needed for the planned amount of time. A map should be brought along of the hiking trail and kept in a protective cover in case of bad weather. A compass is always a handy tool to have as well. Other supplies to bring are: sun protection, flashlights, matches, first aid kits, lighters, a tent, and food. It is recommended to pack all the supplies into the backpack and practice hiking around with the weight of the full pack. This will ensure that you will have enough strength to hike with the backpack and have a successful trip.
Mistakes Made in The Great Outdoors
Hiking, camping and backpacking are all excellent ways to experience the wonder of the Great Outdoors. However, it can also be a dangerous way to witness Mother Nature in all her fury. Simple common mistakes made hastily can have inconvenient and even disastrous consequences. Here we explore some common mistakes average people make when enjoying nature.
Failure to Prepare
Whether you forget to bring a map and determine your route beforehand or you make a rookie mistake like not bringing enough water, or checking the weather forecast using equipment like the ones you can find here, you could add hours or even days to your trip if you get lost — no to mention lose expensive equipment along the way. That’s why it’s crucial to sit down beforehand — even with a hike that you’ve done many times before — and map out your route, procure rations and make sure you have the proper gear.
Ignoring Signs
You may think you can handle a bigger workout than you’re actually trained for because at the bottom of a mountain, anything seems possible. Halfway up and you may reconsider. By then it could be too late and you’re already committed to the summit run. Pay attention to marked trails and their ratings. Don’t go for an intense trail with lots of climbing and scaling if you’re just out for a casual scenic hike. Instead, pick a trail for your fitness level and gradually work your way up in ratings over time. Also, don’t go off the marked trail. Doing so could send you on a route that could get you lost in no time.
Failing to Test out New Equipment
One of the biggest mistakes in camping in particular is not testing out equipment such as grills, tents and even sleeping bags beforehand. Before you head out on your trip, make sure the grill works and that you have enough propane (which, by the way, can be sourced from firms similar to Nelson Propane Gas Incorporated) to fuel it. Nothing kills a good camping buzz faster than hungry kids huddled around the grill mad at Dad who can’t get the darn thing to work. Set up the tent in the backyard before going, too. Make sure you know exactly how to put it together to save yourself the hassle of wrestling with directions at the camp site. Pack all components of the tent with you, including rain covers and stakes, so you’re well prepared.
Leaving out Food and Toiletries
Most people know not to leave out food at a campsite, especially at night when asleep, so that bears and other large animals don’t come a-hunting. But most people don’t realize that many critters, such as raccoons and squirrels, are attracted by the smells of toiletries like toothpaste, soap and bug repellant. Keep these securely packed away as well to avoid unwelcome visitors.
Be careful on your next hiking or camping trip by preparing beforehand so you can have the most enjoyable time possible.
Top 3 Places to Kayak in the US
Summer is finally here and what better way to enjoy it than by spending time in the outdoors. Kayaking is a fun activity that involves moving across water using paddles. People take up the sport because it is fun, it is a great way to exercise and also allows one or a group of people to be close to nature. There are many ideal water bodies across the country for kayaking but some are top notch and have the best reviews.
The Top Best Places to Kayak in the US
Glacier Bay in Alaska is adored as a great kayaking location. It features a protected 3.28 million-acre national park that has countless fjords and bays for large scale kayaking. In 1794, the Glacier Bay was filled with ice 100 miles long and 20 miles wide. The ice was about 4,000 feet thick. The glacier has since retreated by 65 miles providing a large area for kayaking. Sea kayaking is a great way to enjoy this bay with trips starting at Bartlett Cover. Reservations should be made early and in advance because of the large influx of people wanting to visit the bay. Before attending, kayakers are required to attend an orientation class. It is intended to answer questions that the person may have, inform the kayakers of the wildlife in the area, and closures that are not accessible during the trip.
Baja in California has been praised as a must place to visit for kayaking. The sunsets in this region are beautiful and the air is warm in most months of the year. When kayaking, visitors are given the opportunity to try Stand up paddle boards. The location is beautiful with reefs and is full of sea wildlife. The water is also warm which makes kayaking fun and comfortable. There is a whale migration that happens every January and starts from the Bering Sea and head out 5,000 miles out.
The Acadia National Park in Maine is another top spot for kayaking in the US. The park features a water trail that was created in 1993. It offers visitors a chance to explore areas on the over 3,000 miles of coastlines and islands. There are campsites so people can relive their kayaking moments even the next day.
