Bear attacks hunter south of Augusta
09/14/2026
A bear attacked an archery hunter on state-owned land near Elk Creek and Haystack Butte, south of Augusta, Monday morning.
The hunter sustained significant but non-life-threatening injuries.
Officials say the hunter drove himself home after the attack and was transported to Benefits Hospital for treatment.
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks officials are investigating the incident and are posting signs to notify the public of bear activity.
Officials don’t know what kind of bear was involved, and no other information is available at this time.
Montana FWP provided the following safety tips in a press release:
Montana is bear country, and hunters can help stay safe when afield by following these safety tips:
- Avoid cutting up carcass at dusk or night. If you kill an animal at dusk, be prepared to cut up the carcass in the dark by carrying strong headlamps. Be extra vigilant and watch for bears.
- Properly hang meat until you can retrieve your downed game.
- If you must leave your animal, return to the site carefully. Leave it in an area that is easily observable from a distance.
- Drag gut piles into open areas, if possible, and at least 100 yards from your carcass as soon as possible.
- If a bear has claimed your animal, do not attempt to haze or frighten the bear away. Report any lost game to FWP.
- Bird hunters should be extra careful while walking in and along areas of brush, especially along waterways. Grizzly bears use thick cover for day beds. Walk with the wind, carry bear spray, and keep a close eye on hunting dogs. If there is abundant fresh sign of grizzly bears in the area, consider bird hunting somewhere else.