Archery Bear

[amp713]

So I have been putting in for Utah archery bear but havent drawn yet, this year i really want to start to venture out of state for anything I can. Ive heard a lot of guys talk about black bears being some fun hunts! I like to DIY everything with archery equipment, and I'd like to try and find high population numbers. A trophy would be nice but just getting my first bear would be a huge plus! I dont want to use dogs, spot and stalk or baiting if the population is low enough to make spot and stalk unreasonable. Ive looked at the NM Gila forest area, $325 for a tag for non res and they have high bear numbers. The problem is its an objective area so if they fill the quota your hunt is over....... What are some other areas for a good price that kinda fit my bill? Ive heard people mention Arizona has some OTC tags and was going to look there next.

 

[Nick Muche]

Go to Idaho, OTC tags and in the right areas you can get two tags at a reduced rate. No brainer

Nothing wrong with the two states you mentioned, if you wanted to just try something new but neither are rarely talked about when someone wants to go bear hunting. I think you would have your work cut out for you in either of those places, maybe not.

 

[sneek-ee]

How many points do you have?
Its pretty easy to draw a tag in Utah in some units.
Especially right where you live.
My wife killed hers in vernal this past year. Saw bears every day we hunted.

If your wanting San Juan or book cliffs you'll have to wait a while to build points. But if you want to bait and shoot one with your bow. There's lots of bears out in the basin units and it will make it so much easier to bait and keep it stocked and fresh.

 

[amp713]

Ya i put in here in the basin.... But I cant draw anything ever... My friends drew with 0 points as a group for an archery deer unit that was supposed to be a given at 4. I had 6 points still havent drawn, plus utah took 2 points away from me. So as far as drawing a tag goes i dont count on it ever....

 

[amp713]

Idaho seems like it has alot of bear numbers and that is one my friend keeps mentioning also... Just havent looked into it closely yet. ha

 

[bigeasygator]

Idaho is great but some areas lend themselves to spot and stalk much more than others. I've hunted the northern part of the state a few times (for elk and bear) and some of those conifer forests are so thick it's pretty much impossible to spot and stalk anything. Baiting is the way to go. Lots of bears, easy tags, and lots of color phase bears too. I hunted along the Lochsa river...lots of public land there too.

 

[kickemall]

Virtually the only thing I would recommend California for is bear hunting but baiting isn't allowed so its all spot and stalk. Non-resident license is $284.00 and tag is $160.00. Season varies a little but most of the north state opens late Aug. for archery and rifle generally late Sept. then runs through Christmas. Ca. has a large bear population that continues to rise. There are numerous wilderness areas and plenty of forest service to hunt.

 

[sojourner]

I agree withkickemall, I don't think you would be disappointed with a trip to northern california for bears. Beautiful wilderness areas, easy to find areas with few people and there are tons of bears. Archery starts around August 20, rifle a month later and goes to the end of the year or until the quota is filled which is usually at least mid December.