3 Montana Wilderness Safety Tips From ‘Mountain Men’ Stars Tom Oar and Paul Antczak
Tourist season in Montana is in full swing. So far this season, there have been two goring incidents at Yellowstone National Park.
READ MORE: Montana New Roundup: Yellowstone Off to a Bad Start For Bison Attacks
For those that are visiting Montana for the first time it can be overwhelming. Just the size of the state alone is something that is hard to comprehend until you have been here.
We asked our listeners if they had any tips for tourists visiting Montana. After we got past all the people who don't want tourists to visit our state, there were some people who gave some good advice.
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I was lucky to have the opportunity to interview two individuals who know a thing or two about Montana's outdoors. Tom Oar and Paul Antczak, from the History Channel's program "Mountain Men", stopped by the studios to talk about the Idaho Trappers Association Convention being held in Salmon, Idaho.
Both men live in Montana and are among the most knowledgeable about living in Montana's wilderness as anyone. We talked about tourists visiting our state, and Antczak told the story about a family that was staying in a Forest Service cabin near his home recently.
'Mountain Men' Give Montana Safety Tips
The family was down by the creek when two wolves came down, and weren't leaving. The family didn't have anything to protect themselves, not even bear spray. The family left shortly thereafter.
So I asked Antczak and Oar what things are essential for tourists visiting Montana who are going to spend time out in the woods. Here is what they suggest.
Bear Spray: They suggest that you have something to protect yourselves from wild animals either bear spray or a gun or both.
Lighter or Matches: Being able to start a fire can be incredibly important for those that are planning on spending time out in the woods.
Flashlight: Montana wilderness can get very dark. That is one of the reasons it's such a good place to check out our solar system.
READ MORE: This Montana Park Is One of the Best Spots in America for Stargazing
Another tip that Antczak has is if you are riding a snowmobile in the backcountry, "only ride in as far as you want to walk out".
Only ride in as far as you want to walk out. -Paul Antczak
The tips and suggestions aren't just good for tourists; they are good for anyone who spends time out in Montana's wilderness. Enjoy this place and be safe.
Montanans Tourist Tips From the Locals
Gallery Credit: Chris Wolfe