Black Bear Hunt in Trinity Nov-Dec 2025 / East Bay Area Men's Hunting Group

[Spence1]

Not to be contrarian, but this is what Google AI just spit out when I searched "are problem bears relocated to Arnold CA":

No, problem bears are not typically relocated to Arnold, CA; relocation is generally not considered an effective solution because the bears often return to their original location. While Arnold is in bear country and has its own local bear activity, there are no reports or official policies indicating that it is a destination for relocated bears.

• Relocation is not a common solution: California wildlife officials state that relocating a problem bear is often ineffective, as the bears frequently return to the area where they were removed.
• Relocation is often a temporary fix: Moving a bear to a different area is usually a temporary solution that doesn't address the root problem and may just relocate the conflict to a different community.
• Arnold is bear country: Arnold has its own bear population and issues with problem bears getting into garbage and homes.
• Bear safety is a local issue: Residents and visitors in Arnold are advised to take measures to prevent conflicts with bears, such as securing food and garbage, and keeping doors and windows closed.

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No wonder... thank you persian.

 

[persianrug]

Heard back from a DFW biologist. Bears living at low elevations minimally hibernate at the end of December. This motivates me to get back out there in December.

 

[Spence1]

Nice, thanks for the report. Who did you call and what number? I did a google search of bear biologists per Braaps message but didn't call any or see listed numbers.

 

[kickemall]

Theres plenty around now. Find where the white oaks hit and you’ll find bear.

 

[go_deep]

The big bears at this time of year will still be out, but will stay very close to where they'll hibernate for the winter. Hope that helps a little, and good luck!

 

[Braaap]

Nice, thanks for the report. Who did you call and what number? I did a google search of bear biologists per Braaps message but didn't call any or see listed numbers.

I had to call an office or two before somebody directed me to someone. The biologist I spoke with is Shelly Blair. I was asking specifically about D 3-5 so if you’re going further north I don’t know if she’s the right person or not.

 

[persianrug]

I emailed the general address for the region I hunt. Got an email back a few weeks later from a CA DFW biologist that has performed collar studies on bears in that region. Don't want to post their name or contact info because people do weird shit.

CDFW Regions

The Department of Fish and Wildlife manages California's diverse fish, wildlife, and plant resources, and the habitats upon which they depend, for their ecological values and for their use and enjoyment by the public.

wildlife.ca.gov

 

[persianrug]

Theres plenty around now. Find where the white oaks hit and you’ll find bear.

Scrub oak did not look very acorny while I was deer hunting. Any insight into predicting acorn crops?

 

[kickemall]

Scrub oak did not look very acorny while I was deer hunting. Any insight into predicting acorn crops?

Not really. Just have to look around and see where they hit. I've talked to quite a few people over the years about where and why they make or don't and it seems that the biggest factor is pollination. I get out before season and start driving areas with oaks to see which ones and where there are going to be acorns. Bear in Ca. like live oaks and white oaks the best. They readily eat tan oak acorns if the others are not available and will rarely eat black oak acorns. I haven't been around Weaverville this year but have been around Hayfork and Hyampom which is south of Weaverville and the white oaks hit well there. Didn't see any live oaks. I've said this numerous times before, find the feed and you'll find the bears. In Trinity county bears are around in November/December but if they have located feed they are staying close to those areas. The ones I have seen lately already are pretty heavy. Good luck.

 

[Southpaw1331]

I’m just outside Redding and didn’t think we were going to have many acorns this year and the wind event the last several days has proved me wrong my property is covered in them now.

 

[limpet]

They’re still moving up north. Ran into a guy from the Bay Area at the gas station this morning heading home with a bear. I got one this afternoon and my dad almost got one as well. Any decent weather has them in the move.

 

[Spence1]

They’re still moving up north. Ran into a guy from the Bay Area at the gas station this morning heading home with a bear. I got one this afternoon and my dad almost got one as well. Any decent weather has them in the move.

When you say, "up north", what do you mean exactly? Towards Oregon or ...

 

[sierrastalker]

I live in Santa Cruz and I've got a 3 year old, busy work schedule, same story. I'd really like to meet up with some more hunters, and specifically bear hunters. I always hunt alone and it would be great to have some partners, especially for backpack hunts. I had to fly my nephew out from the east coast to have a partner on my backpack bear hunt this year.

We did kill one in the Trinities area in October and it was a really great experience having my nephew with me. I've hunted the same spot once a couple years ago, so I knew the area held bears as we saw a ton that year but weren't able to bring one home. Anyway, if you get that group together or if you want to meet up either down in SC or up your way sometime, I'd be game. I won't be giving up my bear honey hole on the first date though!

 

[Spence1]

Thanks for writing. Congrats on the harvest this year.

I love the Cruz. Private message me if you want to chat on the phone. Trying to find a partner for early Dec.

 

[persianrug]

Tentative Thanksgiving weekend bear trip is off due to a Saturday family obligation.