Beginning bear hunt

[wcasey755]

Hey everyone, I’ve hunted bear before but never anything serious. I’m in southwest Washington and want to do a 4-5 day bear hunt. Either spring In Idaho or next august here. I’m not looking for honey holes or anything. Just looking for beginner friendly areas to scout and hunt. I’d be willing to go to Idaho as well. I’m not looking for any monster bear. Just want my first one. Any tips or advice I can get I’ll take. I already bought the ultimate guide to black bear hunting book. But I’ll take any advice I can get!

 

[wcasey755]

Rifle hunt by the way. Don’t need to get close

 

[Blind Squirrel]

My only advice is to hire a guide for your first hunt. It will make the hunt more enjoyable and you’ll learn a lot and learn it faster than hunting on your own.

 

[ledflight]

This guy's book - he hunts in WA -

Amazon.com: The Ultimate Guide to Black Bear Hunting (9781510709799): Douglas Boze: Books

Amazon.com: The Ultimate Guide to Black Bear Hunting (9781510709799): Douglas Boze: Books

www.amazon.com

 

[JollyRoger]

Follow the advice in the book, and put some miles on your boots.

 

[bpeay4]

The majority of Idaho's units have bears. Probably stay away from the deserty units and you'll be fine. Spring hunts are fun.

 

[Jskaanland]

Start by thinking about their needs. Food is a big priority for them. Spring new grass coming up post snow melt. August - berries. For the spring bear spot and stalk, bears in my experience are out on the tops of the hills.

 

[wcasey755]

Thank you all for the responses! I may give Idaho spring bear a try and focus more local come august. Following everyone advice

 

[ledflight]

Also this book - really good read, lots of general bear info - become a true student of the animal, and plenty of hunting info, too:

Tracking the American Black Bear

Check out the deal on Tracking the American Black Bear at 3Rivers Archery Supply

www.3riversarchery.com

 

[SteveAndTheCrigBoys]

A good rule of thumb is huckleberries 60 days after snow melt. So in June, go out and see what elevations are melting off and target those in August.

 

[JJCascade]

i have thought about spring bear in idaho as well, trying to get employment figured out as it was questionable this past summer/fall so i did not hunt at all. i have been looking at the discounted tag units.

 

[Lori C.]

Hey everyone, I’ve hunted bear before but never anything serious. I’m in southwest Washington and want to do a 4-5 day bear hunt. Either spring In Idaho or next august here. I’m not looking for honey holes or anything. Just looking for beginner friendly areas to scout and hunt. I’d be willing to go to Idaho as well. I’m not looking for any monster bear. Just want my first one. Any tips or advice I can get I’ll take. I already bought the ultimate guide to black bear hunting book. But I’ll take any advice I can get!

I’m doing my 1st hunt May 2024. A guided Spring black bear over bait in SE Alaska. I wasn’t keen on baited hunt at first. But since it’s my 1st time harvesting a big game animal, I figured that’s a good place to start. And I still must make the shot. Good luck to you!

 

[poboy2214]

This guy's book - he hunts in WA -

Amazon.com: The Ultimate Guide to Black Bear Hunting (9781510709799): Douglas Boze: Books

Amazon.com: The Ultimate Guide to Black Bear Hunting (9781510709799): Douglas Boze: Books

www.amazon.com

I would second this. Lots of good stuff there and plenty that I haven’t seen on other internet sites

 

[escadia]

Thanks for sharing it was really helpful. Starting out hunting this year and am trying to soak up as much info as possible as I have not found anyone in person who was willing to take a newbie out.

 

[MoeFaux]

I'm in a similar situation. Already booked a guide, but I'm going after my first bear and want to learn as much as possible. I've had a good time poking around the Bear Hunting Magazine website for pointers and inspiration.

 

[escadia]

I'm in a similar situation. Already booked a guide, but I'm going after my first bear and want to learn as much as possible. I've had a good time poking around the Bear Hunting Magazine website for pointers and inspiration.

Well good luck. How much was the guide just for my reference?

 

[MoeFaux]

Well good luck. How much was the guide just for my reference?

Here's everything I know about the guy I hired:

Black Bear | Freak Horn Outfitter

Spot and stalk black bear hunts. Spring and fall hunts available!

www.freakhornguideservice.com