View Full Version : Hiking the GA section of the AT in October
What is the best place to check on bear activity around that time.
jburgasser
08-04-2011, 13:47
Would you not go if you read somewhere that bears wander through those woods? Because bears wander through those woods. The shelter on Blood Mountain has been closed from time to time because of bear activity. But that part of the trail always remains open to hiking. So you just plan on not spending the night where closings like that occur (I've never known of other Georgia shelters to be closed due to bear activity). Hang your food, your toothpaste, bug spray, dish soad, sunblack, mint floss, candy, chocolates, gum, gatorade powder (or liquid), coffee, or anything other liquid in a bag in a tree 10 feet off the ground, 6 feet lower than the branch your rope is hanging from, and 6 feet away from the trunk and you'll be fine. If you stay in the shelters, then just use the bear cables. Georgia Appalchian Trail Club website would have information on any abnormal bear activity.
JB
Rain Man
08-04-2011, 14:54
What is the best place to check on bear activity around that time.
Check with the Georgia AT Club. They are friendly, helpful, and informed as anyone.
GATC (http://www.georgia-atclub.org/)
Rain:sunMan
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What is the best place to check on bear activity around that time.
About an hour before dark, anywhere on the trail. :)
Skidsteer
08-04-2011, 16:50
About an hour before dark, anywhere on the trail. :)
Hahahahaha! Great answer.
ChinMusic
08-04-2011, 17:08
What is the best place to check on bear activity around that time.
Not sure what you mean by that.
If you are asking about any recent troubling activity the GATC would be a good call.
If you are asking if bears are active in October, the answer is "yes".
Archery season begins Sept 10, primitive weapons begins on Oct 15, and the big season begins on the 22nd. I can assure you that if bear activity is reported that bear won't be around very long. I wouldn't worry to much about bears in October. Oh BTW, be sure to wear plenty of blaze orange.
Maybe I am being dumb...............the risks of living in Philly and driving on the highways is a lot more dangerous that what we face on the trail. Personal injury is by far the biggest risk, and most of that won't kill you.....................just sore for 3-6 months before your next hike.
I was SO excited when I saw my 1st bear..........what an awesome outdoor experience.
Agreed.............hang all food and smellies properly, sleep tight.
Yell, scream, kick, fight, throw rocks (always keep one by my tent(, whistle ..........if/when a bear comes calling.
Speer Carrier
08-04-2011, 20:01
What is the best place to check on bear activity around that time.
The bear exhibit in Helen. And, a cold one will be available right down the road.
You bear hunters should do some scouting on your own and not expect us hikers to help you find a good place to hunt for bears.
generoll
08-14-2011, 09:20
You bear hunters should do some scouting on your own and not expect us hikers to help you find a good place to hunt for bears.
why? seems a waste of time to ignore easily obtainable information, no matter how hysterical or inaccurate it might be.
RhusRadicans
08-23-2011, 09:06
I hiked the South end of the trail last fall in early October and saw NO bears (but I tried not to attract them).
You can assume there is bear activity in the GA Section. Follow the usual precautions with your food; try to keep a clean camp and hang you're food and eating/cooking gear somewhere well away from your camp. The Georgia Shelters have excellent bear cables. In my experience bears are not a big problem, you probably won't even see one, but they are definitely out there. As mentioned, the Georgia AT Club is a good resource.
birdygal
09-01-2011, 11:26
so what are the dates in georgia for hunting anything, I would like to avoid any the forest at that time
so what are the dates in georgia for hunting anything, I would like to avoid any the forest at that time
archery starts soon for deer and bear. then primitive weapons (muzzleloaders) in the middle of october, followed by firearms a week later. that goes until the first of the new year.
so what are the dates in georgia for hunting anything, I would like to avoid any the forest at that timeI posted the dates earlier in this thread. See post #7.
Wear Orange!!!!!!
Bears can't see orange and you will be invisible....
Well......maybe not........