color phase bear, spot & stalk-where?

[Mike Bolin]

Thinking a bit into the future here. I've killed a couple bear in Quebec via bait and it was a blast. I would like to take a bear, preferably a color phase bear via spot and stalk and would like to go unguided (which rules out Canada). For those of you that have hunted bear in the western states, I am looking for recommendations as far as states/areas. It's not like I am planning to go this year so I have time to do some research and look forward to your suggestions and experiences. Over the counter tags would be a big plus and I would prefer to hunt out of a base camp rather than back pack in, but I want to hear anything you have to share! Thanks in advance-Mike

[Prairie Drifter]

I hunted in NW Montana up around Libby. Lots of bears and quite a few color phases. Montana is spot and stalk only, no baiting allowed.

[Shedrock]

Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho.

[TURKEYFOOTGIRL]

Idaho has a great selection of color phase bears.  The key is to hunt in areas with lots of clear cuttings and such.  Up around kalispell and NW Montana has good amounts of clear cuts.  Down in the bitteroot where I live is not good for spot and stalking since no clear cuts.

[JimB]

Colorado,California

[vintage archer]

I have hunted the Carrot River Area of Sask. Canada over 20 years and have taken 10 bears from that area  3 were color phase. So they have a reasonable percentage of color phase bears.

Bears in the fall can be spotted in the oat fields feeding and can be stalked, It is a real rush.I highly recommended it.

The bears lay down in the oats and swath the oats with their front legs and paws in to their mouth .Where ever they feed it looks like sonw angles in the wheat.

The last I had heard Rock Ridge outfitting of Carrot River still conducted this type of hunt along with bait hunts. It is worth a inquiry/ This only works in fall when oats are ready for harvest.

  http://www.rockridgeoutfitting.com/

[Mike Bolin]

Thanks for the feedback so far! Mike

[Outwest]

North eastern Oregon.
Hells Canyon of the Snake river.
Lots of bears and lots of color phase bears.
Rugged country though, deepest canyon in North America deeper than the Grand canyon.

John

[Mike Bolin]

ttt