My significant other and I will be hiking in Glacier Park next week. I plan to carry a rifle in the event of an (unlikely)confrontation with a grizzly bear. I assume that this is legal under recent law changes. Do I need to wear orange as required when hunting in MT ? Thanks.

Phil

No orange required.
Handgun would be better, Rangers are going to
raz you about packing a "Long gun"

You can open carry in Glacier, or carry concealed. The governing laws are those of the state of Montana. The Montana DOJ website has a good FAQ on firearms laws in MT.

Per Montana law, concealed carry and open carry are allowed while you are participating in any outdoor activity (hiking, camping, hunting, etc) where a firearms would normally be carried.

You would not need hunters orange since you are not hunting and would be in an area that prohibits hunting.

A rifle may bring some odd looks. Handguns are not uncommon these days.

If you are worried about bears, wear the bells, talk loudly (particularly in berry patches), sing while hiking, etc. Be loud, let the bears know you are there well in advance. These are all cliches, but they do work.

The elk will be rutting, worry more about them, especially if they are in a picnic area or campground. Fighting bulls will tear it up and they don't care where they are.

Jeremy

After a few days in Glacier, we're heading over to Libby, MT for a week of black bear hunting. I figured my Marlin .45-70 w/ a ghost ring peep could do double duty....and I'm a better shot with this rifle than with my S&W 3" .44 mag. However, if the libs are going to harass me......maybe I should bring the handgun?

Phil

Don't worry about libtards in NW MT. You are not going to run across a lib in the big woods. Too scary for them and no Starbucks near. MTG

My son carried his 5.5 inch red hawk there this summer no problems.

Phil pm sent, please read it.

Phil, I would just pack the .44 and a can of bear spray. Life will be more fun if you can avoid the potential hassles of attracting attention and being questioned (by both tourists and rangers) about the rifle.
Lots of bear activity down low due to drought and NO berries. Police and wardens have already shot a few in town and it seems to be getting worse. I am working on filling a moose tag but have Dennis bring you by the office, would like to talk. Good luck!

I'm in Glacier now and kinda discouraged by the high number of hikers. The bears have probably moved over to Libby to avoid the crowds. No way would I carry a rifle around this crowd....concealed is the only way. However, the Park is magnificent!!!!

Phil

carry handgun only-better in the pack so you don't get the weird looks.
But it's a catch 22, you can carry one but you cannot fire it in the park, even if the bear has your head in its mouth.
They nailed a hiker last season for shooting at a black bear that attacked him and he received a BIG fine. Was in all the papers.
True fact

Jay, I assume that your comments about bear activity are referring to the Libby area. I'll try to stop and say hey while in town.

Phil

quote:

Originally posted by PhilR:
I'm in Glacier now and kinda discouraged by the high number of hikers. The bears have probably moved over to Libby to avoid the crowds. No way would I carry a rifle around this crowd....concealed is the only way. However, the Park is magnificent!!!!

Phil

If you want to see grizzlies go over to Kintla Lake (or not) that's where they used to drop off the problem bears...