re: How to carry a handgun while hunting in Montana?

Seems like a pistol in a chest holster wouldn't be a whole lot better than a short rifle or shotgun across your back.

I'd rather have an 18" shotgun full of slugs or a marlin guide gun than any handgun

The other reason you want it on your chest and not your side as it will suck falling on it a bunch when side hilling. Try side hilling in about a foot of fresh powder through some fallen timber. Not fun, especially when pulling a slipping tripping horse behind/above you. It would suck worse if you kept falling on that hand cannon strapped to your side. Another reason for your chest, when you get down in the fetal position crying like a baby while that brown bear is going to town on your back, at least you can still try and get your gun out.

Unless you absolutely sneak up on a bear in some heavy timber, either you or the bear is going to know the other one is in the area and go in a different direction, or you'll see it from a mile off and avoid it. Mule deer hunting isn't that hard, elk is a different story. There are way more other things to worry about than bears or needing a pistol. Worry about running that first 100yds faster than your buddy, then turn around and shoot it with your rifle while he's mauling your friend.

You definitely want to ditch the coveralls dress in layers of lighter weight gear so you can adjust depending on how hard you're hiking/sweating.

Does he own land up there or do y’all hunt public.

I want to buy 40 acres in Montana so I’m just curious.

Regardless of what he carries... rifle, pistol, spray, etc... the key is to damn near have it in your hand or be able to get to it super fast. Rifle slung with a backpack can be messy depending on size of pack.

Best thing to do in bear country is talk loudly and make noise as you are talking. This is bear avoidance 101. If hunting you can’t usually make noise so a handgun you can get to immediately without setting anything down is a better option than a rifle.

What emotion dude? I asked a simple question. I realize chances of being mauled by a bear are low. Totally get it. I just asked about how others who have done this carried if they did. Thanks

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Annual deaths in North America and their cause, Cardiovascular disease …….. 856,030 Transportation accidents …. 48,441 Drowning ……………………….. 3,582 Hypothermia ……………………699 West Nile virus ……………….. 119 Hornet/bee/wasp stings ….. 48.5 Snake bites …………………….. 5.2 Bear attacks …………….. 2

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You obviously don’t know my luck....lol

Horse back or on foot?

We were only at 3500-5000 feet last year and that was quite an acclimation process. The worst part though for a bunch of guys accustomed to flat ground at sea level was the constant hiking up steep inclines at those elevations.