Bear hunting out west.

[trsmith1818]

Hey Guys,

I got to thinking about doing a spot and stalk ber hunt out west (I live in IL). I have never hunted bear before so I would probably have to go through an outfitter.

Any recommendations on good states for spot and stalk bear and any experiences with outfitters? Is this something people go out west specifically to do or is it an add-on type tag to a scheduled mule deer/elf hunt.

Thanks for any additional info or experinces you can provide. The only hunts I can seem to find are over bait (not that anything is wrong with it I just want to walk some gorgeous terrain)

 

[IdahoCTD]

You could also do both on your own. Set out a bait and then spot and stalk while you wait for action on the bait. It usually takes about 4-7 days to get a bear on bait unless your spot is right in his/her back door. Idaho has a ton of bears.

 

[wildgene]

...generally an "add-on", but Unit 1, N Idaho, Priest Lk. or the Moyie R. would be a very good starting point, damnbears everywheres, pretty good access for a non-guided hunt, spot & stalk old burns, clearcuts, meadows...

 

[akhunter]

All-time high for bears in Alaska and that is where I'd go.

 

[IdahoCTD]

There are a bunch in southern Idaho too. We got 11 off of 1 bait in about a month this spring. Granted many of them were small and the kids shooting them didn't care but we got a few big ones too.

 

[Guy Miner]

Washington is all spot & stalk bear hunting except on the Indian Reservations. No baiting or hounds allowed. I think Washington still has the highest population of black bears in the lower 48 states, but couldn't tell you for sure. There are a mess of 'em. Most don't get huge, 200 - 300 pounds is common, a 400 pound bear is a real monster here. We have had them up in the 600 pound range, but those are very, very few.

As in Idaho, there are a good number of "color phase" bears here; chocolate, cinnamon, blonde, and even a lot of the black bears have bold white marks on the chest, so they're pretty good looking. There is a limited draw for spring bear hunts here, but fall bear hunts (01 August - 15 November) are over-the-counter tags. Washington tag prices are pretty steep for non-resident hunters, but there's no draw involved and a lot of bears.

I can get you the name of a reputable outfitter who is real good about getting hunters on bear.

Guy

 

[gerry]

There are lots of bears here in B.C. too, if you want to do a spring hunt May is a good time to come. The bears will be out eating fresh new grass and it is also a great time to be in the bush that time of year.

 

[rjm158]

"or is it an add-on type tag to a scheduled mule deer/elf hunt."

Morbid curiosity prompts me to ask: do you actually eat elves or.....? Do they require a special tag? :lol:


Ron

 

[DrMike]

"or is it an add-on type tag to a scheduled mule deer/elf hunt."

Morbid curiosity prompts me to ask: do you actually eat elves or.....? Do they require a special tag? :lol:


Ron

We've mostly cleaned out all the elves here in BC. There are a few still secreted in secluded valleys. The locals know where they are, but they seldom speak of the locations. Some of the good ol' boys tell wild tales of dancing with the elves following a wild weekend after coming in off the rigs. However, no one really knows...

 

[Elkman]

Tr
If you go to Idaho, you may also have a chance at a Wolf. For $37 it's a bargin. You wouldhave to make sure of the season with your guide however as they limit the Wolf hunting in the spring

 

[tecumseh]

I've bear hunted in Montana a few times, it's spot and stalk only. I've carried a bear tag the three times while Elk hunting and hunted bear only last year because I didn't draw any tags. I plan on bear hunting in Montana next year plus I'm going to carry a wolf tag also if I dont draw any tags.

 

[Guy Miner]

"or is it an add-on type tag to a scheduled mule deer/elf hunt."

Morbid curiosity prompts me to ask: do you actually eat elves or.....? Do they require a special tag? :lol:


Ron

We've mostly cleaned out all the elves here in BC. There are a few still secreted in secluded valleys. The locals know where they are, but they seldom speak of the locations. Some of the good ol' boys tell wild tales of dancing with the elves following a wild weekend after coming in off the rigs. However, no one really knows...

Dr. Mike - have you guys been into the liquor cabinet already? :grin:

 

[DrMike]

Dr. Mike - have you guys been into the liquor cabinet already? :grin:

No. But that coffee I drank last weekend was a tad stout! :grin:

 

[Guy Miner]

A few spot & stalk bear hunt photos from recent years. Filling a tag is not a sure thing. One heck of a hunt is very possible!

Watching:

Steep, open country broken by deep ravines, cliffs and berry bushes. The clumps of berry bushes attract the bears in the fall, as do the old homesteads with abandoned orchards.

Bear camp:

Happy young hunter with his first bear and his grandfather's .30-06 rifle:

The results of two days of mighty fine bear hunting!

Yes, the young man spotted a bear not far from there... It was quite the stalk, closing from 900 yards to 100 yards, and rewarded by no shot. Ah well, it was indeed a very good hunt!

I do a lot of this on spot & stalk hunts, bear or otherwise:

Bear, mule deer & mountain goats inhabit this area of the Cascades. Incredible country. Do some hiking ahead of time. It helps.

Some gentler terrain from this past season, not far from home here in Washington. No luck, but good hunting!

Man, am I ever looking forward to seeing your hunt report. Our season opens in August, and I'm already looking forward to it! Spot & stalk bear hunting is outstanding!

Regards, Guy

 

[DrMike]

Great pictures of some fine hunts, Guy. That brown phase bear your son collected is a beautiful example of the bruins in Washington. I need to scan in some of my pictures from years past and post them.

 

[Guy Miner]

Thanks Mike. I've sure done a lot more glassing & walking than shooting on my bear hunts!

Sometimes, like the three bears in two days, it's pretty easy. More often I find it tough to locate those rascals and get a shot at them! Keeps it challenging for sure. I hope our OP, TRSmith1818, makes his western spot & stalk hunt and thoroughly enjoys it. I sure have.

Maybe I should put in for spring tags this year... Limited draw, but who knows? Might get lucky!

Will be hunting them in the fall again for sure. It's a great way to spend some time in the hills.

Guy

 

[DrMike]

I've certainly had my share of "accidental bears," coming upon them when driving into a hunting area. The more common method for me is spot and stalk. Find a high point, get a steady rest and glass until you see the bruin. Then, put a stalk on the critter. They are undoubtedly my favourite hunt, lending an air of satisfaction when you manage to take one. I've also worked my way close to a goodly number of bruins and then backed out because they weren't as big as I estimated. Many years ago, I discovered there can be a lot of ground shrinkage on a bear. Now, if he isn't at least a six foot bear, I'll likely pass.

 

[trsmith1818]

awesome pics...that what im talking about for a spot/stalk bear hunt

 

[.280 Remington]

Awesome photos, now you have my wheels turning! Man you guys are bad, if it's not rifles, it's hunting with said rifles!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[SJB358]

Awesome photos, now you have my wheels turning! Man you guys are bad, if it's not rifles, it's hunting with said rifles!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mike, see, you think I am bad.. The Evil Doctor is the real man pulling the strings around here! :lol: