Bear Season 2026 is coming

[stayzeroed]

We are less than 2 months out from the start of Bear season in some Western states. With that said, here are some questions for the group:


1) Do you think the unseasonable winter (so far) in Western states will have an impact on bear hunting? The caveat is that Snowtel seems to indicate higher elevation snow fall is near average. I also know that some areas can get hammered with snow in April.

2) What new piece of gear did you acquire over the fall/winter specifically for spring bear? Why?

3) Were you able to maintain your mountain-ready level of fitness over the last few months? If not, are you getting back into it?

 

[WoodlandCritter]

1. This will only be my second bear season, but it has been incredibly mild in my area and I'm anticipating bears up and moving a lot earlier.

2. Nothin' just for bears. Got a new general purpose hunting rifle because I like guns.

3. Nope. Been focused on bulking all winter with all my exercise being heavy lifting, no cardio. Giving myself 'till the end of February then I'm throttling back to ~2600kcal a day and re-introducing cardio to my routine. Hopefully that'll be in time to make getting up the mountain a little easier.

 

[Cal67]

1. I’m hoping so, but not expecting a lot of movement away from the den until green up. Sometimes an early spring can be more challenging in that green up is not as gradual, causing bears to disperse rather than be concentrated on green patches (in the areas I hunt in Alberta anyway).

2. Nothing yet. May pick up a solid coloured mid layer for spotting ticks easier…

3. Been hitting the spin bike and leg strength exercises (lunges, split-squats, etc.) a few days a week but I’m sure I’ll still be wheezing my way up the first hill in April

 

[stayzeroed]

@Cal67 The "Spring Wheeze" is always fun. I never thought of the dispersion aspect, that's a good point.

 

[Fireflyfishing]

1. There may be increased access on some higher elevation roads.
2. I’m waiting on parts for a 25 CM build. I should have it setup prior to bear season. I didn’t buy this gun for bear specifically, but it would be a great way to break it in!
3. I PT all year.

 

[Can’tDraw4Shiz94]

1. I believe more people will be out now and not just bear hunters so I think the pressure will be terrible this season. But, I think we will see a lot more movement

2. Nothing lol maybe new binos in the future

3. In the gym all year long usually. Doing better this season

 

[Pilsner]

Planning on doing my first Wyoming spring bear hunt this year with a veterans' group that I am part of.
Picked up some Sig RF binos mostly for NRL-H comps but will be using them for every hunt this year.
I stay in whitetail shape year-round and just suffer when my fat a$$ goes to the mountains. Thankfully we have pack goats to do the heavy carrying for us.

 

[MD97756]

1.i hope the snow is not a huge factor for the May vacations I have.

2. New 6creed for all my hunts this year.

3. In the gym 3-5 days a week, should load the pack up and start hitting the hills

 

[CMcCormick1805]

We are less than 2 months out from the start of Bear season in some Western states. With that said, here are some questions for the group:


1) Do you think the unseasonable winter (so far) in Western states will have an impact on bear hunting? The caveat is that Snowtel seems to indicate higher elevation snow fall is near average. I also know that some areas can get hammered with snow in April.

2) What new piece of gear did you acquire over the fall/winter specifically for spring bear? Why?

3) Were you able to maintain your mountain-ready level of fitness over the last few months? If not, are you getting back into it?

1. I think the the lower snow levels will mean lower elevation bears will be out earlier. Early season may be the best yet for my area but the big boars will probably be coming out late May or early June as usual.

2. I acquired some scope caps from a company called Hammy3D. The price was just right for them and fit was awesome. I usually use rubber bikini caps but those are basically disposable after one season. That small gear upgrade is tied with my Tricer BC Tripod. I got the old gen option which can be found for just over $200 with some searching. I don’t think Tricer is doing some revolutionary thing with upside down legs but when my Sirui tripod is held together with JB Weld and electrical tape maybe spending the little extra for what feels like a more rugged tripod is worth it. I also dropped some weight off over my old tripod.

3. I would say I’ve done ok on fitness side. I’ve been slacking the past two weeks due to a nasty cold. I did a short hike pull a winter range trail cam and felt decent. I think come bear season I’ll be ready to go.

 

[limpet]

1. Considering I was getting snowed on at 400’ on the coast today I’m worried that snow will stack on in march and April.
2. No new gear yet. I’d like a new pad but other than that I’m pretty happy where I’m at. I’m trying to spend less on gear and more on ammo and gas.
3. I put on a few pounds over the holidays and taking a heavy course load plus work but I’m trying to get back on the wagon. The super steep yarder units I’ve been in have been helping get my woods legs back.

 

[stayzeroed]

1.i hope the snow is not a huge factor for the May vacations I have.

2. New 6creed for all my hunts this year.

3. In the gym 3-5 days a week, should load the pack up and start hitting the hills

Word...to the vacation schedule. One year I planned on April, then it dumped 3 feet of snow...

 

[Trial153]

On thing I am bringing to BC this year that don’t normally big is a spotting scope, usually just go with 10 or 12 x on a tripod.
This year I am going with 8x32 and an ATC.
I am doing a western canada baited hunt as well. I usually do two bear hunts a spring on spot and stalk and the other over bait in eastern Canada.
But I booked three hunts over bait the next three years in Manitoba and Alberta instead.

 

[StuckoYota99]

1. I'm concerned with the lack of snow pack that the berry season will be early and then get scorched by September.
2. I'm looking at a Durston xdome 2 tent and a warmer sleeping bag.
3. I picked up a rowing machine and a kid hauling backpack.
My thought is the closer to season it gets the heavier she will be so I'll gradually be adding more weight each time we hike.

 

[IDVortex]

1, only thing im worried about is the terrible year for ticks.
2, Picked up a Maven RS1.2 for my 6arc I built last year which is going to become my primary rifle for species' this year.
3, I've cut back on eating McDonalds'.

 

[Geewhiz]

3, I've cut back on eating McDonalds'.

That's dedication if I've ever seen it.

 

[Kodiak06]

Snows never a factor for us on the coast, it rains lol

No new gear for bear, nothing I need but, I buy whitetail gear like crazy lol

Kettlebells since 23DEC. So far in 2026 I've done 18,630 reps. Yes I'm counting. No workouts for hunting specifically, getting old and don't want the young guys dusting me lol

 

[MHWASH]

We are planning to go in a week earlier than usual this year. 2 years ago was a low snow year and the entire area we hunt was green.

I purchased a Sig Cross, just for spring bear. I'm tired climbing out of thick creek bottoms with my suppressed rifle hanging up on all the brush. This is my biggest complaint with the K4 rifle holder. The rifle just sits too high.

I've been hitting the gym regularly since December. Not really losing weight, but I'll at least be in better mountain shape. It's tough when the next oldest in your group in 20 years younger.

 

[Coveyleader]

A hot cup holder for the boat. Sitting in the rain, glassing, it will be nice to have my cup within arms reach and not on the bottom of the boat.

 

[stayzeroed]

A hot cup holder for the boat. Sitting in the rain, glassing, it will be nice to have my cup within arms reach and not on the bottom of the boat.

Coasties!

 

[stayzeroed]

We are planning to go in a week earlier than usual this year. 2 years ago was a low snow year and the entire area we hunt was green.

I purchased a Sig Cross, just for spring bear. I'm tired climbing out of thick creek bottoms with my suppressed rifle hanging up on all the brush. This is my biggest complaint with the K4 rifle holder. The rifle just sits too high.

I've been hitting the gym regularly since December. Not really losing weight, but I'll at least be in better mountain shape. It's tough when the next oldest in your group in 20 years younger.

Long rifles suck when you have them attached to the pack. I have yet to find a pack attachment that holds the rifle to my liking, since my rifle is pretty long (7PRC w/suppressor). I end up just putting in the meat shelf. Hopefully I don't have a hunt where I regret that.