Bear aware

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program. Double SNAP is offered at markets in Polson, Ronan and Mission Falls. Seniors in the community can also get access to senior farmers market coupons through Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services.

The Ronan market has developed an online market so customers can order their groceries and pay through a website. The market will pack items up and deliver them to the customer’s car for contactfree pickup.

“It’s always good to support

our local folks and make sure we’re thriving together,” Neskey said. “Keeping our dollars local is important.”

The Arlee Farmers Market postponed its start for the season. The Mission Falls Market in St. Ignatius is held every Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the pavilion in the Good Old Days park. The Ronan Farmers Market is held every Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. behind the Visitor’s Center. The Polson Farmers Market happens each Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on 3rd Avenue West.

Story by Mary Auld for the Valley

POLSON FARMERS MARKET

Though the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee, created in 1983 to lead the recovery of grizzly bears in the lower 48 states, does not endorse any particular commercial bear spray, it points out in its literature that proper use of bear spray can: reduce the number of grizzly bears killed in self-defense, reduce human injuries caused by bears, and help promote the recovery and survival of the grizzly bear.

In a study in the April 2008 edition of the Journal of Wildlife Management, Tom Smith examines “The Efficacy of Bear Deterrent Spray in Alaska.” The study shows that in 72 cases where people used bear spray to defend themselves from brown, black and polar bear, the spray stopped brown bears 92 percent of the time and 98 percent of the people involved were uninjured.

Which bear spray to use

In the rare case of a conflict, bear spray, a high-pressure extract of about two percent capsaicin, the chemical that makes peppers hot, and other related capsaicinoids, can get the job done. Recent incidents show bear spray to be more effective than a bullet in diverting or stopping a charging bear, according to the Center For Wildlife Information in Missoula.

One way to begin is to check out the different brands available on the internet or at your local sporting goods store. Many manufacturers offer helpful product comparisons and detailed user instructions on their websites. Be especially careful to confirm that you are looking at products registered with the EPA that are intended specifically for use on bears.

Features to assess when selecting a manufacturer

The percent of active ingredients is important to consider: 1.3-2 percent is

recommended. Spray time: bear experts say six to nine seconds. Weight of the canister: at least 7.9 ounces. Spray range: bear experts recommend a range of 25 feet in order to give the bear time to experience the effects of the spray.

Practicing with bear spray

Manufacturers generally recommend practicing the steps necessary to use bear spray including arming the container, spraying, and then restoring the safety clip to disarm the container. First-time users will also want to perform a test spray or two. Because the spray is so forceful, it may require some practice to control it, especially if there is any wind. The down side is that every test spray reduces the canister’s effective spray time. It is important to track the time

GRIZZLY BEAR

remaining on a canister carefully.

Carrying bear spray

Each person should carry a can of bear spray when working or recreating in bear habitat.

Bear pepper spray should be carried in a quick, accessible fashion, such as in a hip or chest holster. Keep bear spray readily available in your cooking area. and next to your flashlight in your tent. Some experts recommend carrying more than one can of bear spray to ensure you always have the additional spray time you might need if it takes more than one burst to stop a bear, or if you encounter more than one bear.

When to use bear spray

Bear pepper spray should be used as a deterrent only in an aggressive or

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attacking confrontation with a bear. Bear pepper spray is only effective when used as an airborne deterrent sprayed as a cloud at an aggressive animal. It should not be applied to people, tents, packs, other equipment, or surrounding area as a repellent. Do not apply the bear spray to camping gear, tents and backpacks. It does not repel bears when sprayed on such items. News from FWP

Popular outdoor recreational activities on the Flathead Reservation include hiking, picnicking, swimming, photography, camping, fishing and boating, and these activities require various permits and licenses.

Non-tribal members are not allowed to pick berries and mushrooms on tribal lands unless they are children or the spouse of a tribal member who accompany and assist their tribal member parent or spouse.

Reservation permits are also available on the internet at http://app.mt.gov/ Als/Index. A reservation permit must be purchased initially from a permit vendor, and subsequent permits can be purchased online.

For complete details on fishing and recreation regulations, the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks have developed a handbook, available at any of the following locations where licenses and permits are sold:

Polson

CSKT Division of Fish, Wildlife, Recreation and Conservation at 406 Sixth Ave. E. in Polson (behind the Linderman Elementary School) open Monday-Thursday from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 406-883-2888 ext.7200 or 7237 Walmart in Polson at 36318 Memory Lane 406-883-9211

Pablo

Zimmer Tackle at 32 Carlyle Lane. 406-675-0068

Ronan

Westland Seed at 36272 Round Butte Rd. 406-676-4100

St. Ignatius

Allard’s Stage Stop located at 77579 U.S. Highway 93. 406-745-2951

Hot Springs

Cornerstone Convenience located at 1893 U.S. Highway 28. 406-741-3200

Woods Bay

Papa’s Woods Bay Market at 14535 U.S. Highway 35. 406-837-4884