Western states spot and stalk bear hunt....anyone done it ?

[Nathan Killen]

One of my bucket list hunts I'm dreaming about is a spot and stalk bear hunt in one of the western States. Anyone done that hunt ? I'd like some info if anyone has any to share !

[sam barrett]

I'm interested in this too!

[Prairie Drifter]

Yep, a lot of fun! In the fall, look for huckleberry patches and glass. In the spring, drive the logging roads to find them eating the fresh, green grass. That's the basics for Montana.

[Tater]

Berry patches, also predator calls can work pretty well.

   Wayne Carlton has a pretty good video on calling bears.

[Jesse Minish]

Spring or Fall? Idaho has good bear hunting, a spring season and some units have reduced bear tags.

[Daz]

If possible, try for an area that has a hunt during bear rut(usually last week in May/first ten days of June).

That is when a lot of the biggest boars are out crusing during the day, and like whitetails, are a little more focused on girls than their surroundings.Downside is that depending on the early spring weather the hides may be rubbed.

Predator calls are great, just be sure you aren't hunting an area with Grizzly bears, as they will respond as well. During rut, a cub in distress call works really well too, but bears come in super aggressive, looking for a fight.

[Jesse Minish]

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[Nathan Killen]

I'm interested in hunting during the spring so it doesn't interfere with my fall whitetail hunting. Are most tags available over the counter ?

[Michael Arnette]

Ooh I'll be keeping an eye on this thread

[longbowman]

It is fun and really satisfying when you manage to score.  In Montana around Kalispell we always had great spring bear hunting.

[Biathlonman]

I tried Montana a few years back.  It was unusually warm and we only say 1 bear in 10 days of hard hunting.

[Jesse Minish]

If you choose Idaho you will need a non res.  hunting license $154.75(includes 3 day fishing license), an archery permit $20 and a bear tag $186 unless hunting a reduced bear tag area then the tag is $41.75. Most the spring seasons run mid April to end of May or June and tags are over the counter. Turkey will also be open and tags are $80 non res. There are many good units to hunt. I would plan my hunt the end of May first of June.

[Kid's Pastor]

I grew up along the Oregon coast and we had great spring bear hunting (My work took me to Georgia two years ago). Glass large clear-cuts and make sure and bring a predator, fawn, and calf elk call, oh and a pack board.
I had multiple opportunities every spring to put my tag on a bear. It was a blast trying to stalk close with my recurve or having a big boar crashing into your calf or fawn bleats.

[kenneth butler]

Lots of looking no spotting. Turned to a hound man. Now that was exciting. Nice bear.      Ken

[Stixbowdrew]

Nathan, give Chester at RER bows a call he's done it successfully in Montana. He may be able to point you in the right direction. Best of luck!

[Ulysseys]

I've done Montana several times and will likely again this spring.  My first year I was hammered by snow but went a little early....I now go as late as I can in the season and in the northwest region.  Keep in mind the last week may be around Memorial Day and campgrounds are usually full if you're trying to walk in to one so reserve a spot early if you're going that route.  The spots I've done well don't have many hotels around plus I enjoy camping for the week so I usually take a list of campgrounds and their location in case I want to bounce around.  Camping in the backcountry so to speak is an option too if you hunt a wilderness but I've never seen a point to limit myself...flexibility is key.  I can give you more specifics just shoot me a PM if you're interested.

[Pete]

Hunt the SE hillsides , early Spring. How do you see lots of bears like I have? My words to bear hunters that want to see "feeding" bears, not running bears. Pinch forefinger and thumb together. Between those fingers you pull the keys out of ignition.....Hike in 2 miles minimum. No ATV, no rigs, total quiet. You will see bears. Bears will hole up in the cool wet draws, be in position before the thermals change from uphill to downhill. Once the sun goes behind mountain( SE slope gets shade first) the thermals drop and once that bear "smells" nothing is above him, he will move up to feed.I've been lucky to have been less than 20' from a dozen bears in my hunting and crawling to there feeding lanes. But I lived for crawling after bears and have seen hundreds, best day 10 , 2 of them 6'+, and one Grizz. North of Priest Lake Idaho was my stomping grounds. The ATV's sure wrecked alot of quality hunting areas with the noise pollution.....