Violation of food storage order can result in a ticket

With backcountry deer and elk rifle season opening last weekend and general deer and elk rifle season opening on Oct. 20, hunters and other recreationists using Flathead National Forest lands should be aware that they must store game meat, food, livestock feed, garbage, and all other attractants in a bear-resistant manner.

Soda, beer, juice, and other beverages are also bear attractants, even when left in unopened containers.

Forest Service personnel will visit developed campgrounds, boat launches, trailheads, and other dispersed sites to check for compliance. Storage of food, garbage, and other attractants is restricted during occupancy and use on all national forests within the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem and all of the Flathead, Kootenai, and Lolo National Forests.

These requirements are intended to help recreationalists avoid attracting bears while enjoying forest activities like hunting or camping. Cooperation and compliance are necessary for recreationalist’s safety and for the recovery of the grizzly bear.

Here are the basics. When you are not present, all food and attractants must be stored in either a hard-sided camper, vehicle trunk or cab, enclosed horse trailer, approved bear resistant container, or suspended at least 10 feet above the ground and four feet from the vertical support.

In addition, wildlife carcasses that are within one-half mile of a camp or sleeping area must be stored in a bear resistant manner during nighttime hours.

Violation of the Food Storage Order can result in a fine. Details about food storage requirements and other bear information can be found on the FNF website, http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/flathead/recre ation in the“Bear Country Safety” section on the right side of the screen.

For more information, or to have a homemade or modified storage container inspected by the Forest Service, contact the following Flathead National Forest personnel:

• Spotted Bear Ranger District: Deb Mucklow or Tad Wehunt at 758-5376

• Hungry Horse Ranger District: Chris Prew, Angela Daenzer, or Terence McClelland at 387-3800

• Swan Lake Ranger District: Mark Ruby at 837-7500

• Tally Lake Ranger District: Hans Castren at 758-5204