Idaho Spring Bear

Depending how old they are. I'd say if your seeing bear tracks in a meadow that are less that a week old and you follow the tracks and find scat and grass/plants that has been chewed up. That's a solid location to visit and watch
 
Currently in 29 trying to seal the deal with a friend and my son. From Nebraska so this is definitely different. Obviously the snow is still up around 9-10 k. If a person finds a nice green meadow that has tracks that lead into it what are the odds those bears return? Seen a ton of elk which is cool but no bear sightings yet.
29 is going to be a challenge due to the outfitters running a lot of dogs in that country, and a lot of recreational forest use (dirtbike trails etc). When I had asked the IDFG biologist out of salmon, he had recommended a few spots in 21a and 30 instead that he said had good numbers if one was not wanting to go all the way into the north idaho or wilderness units.
 
Congrats, nice boar!

Just came back from my 3rd weekend trip. Glassed a lot of area, walked a total of about 15mi of logging roads/single track. Found one single pile of scat, no tracks. Did finally see a bear, at about 90yds too. Unfortunately it was about the size of a big loaf of bread so I passed lol. Beautiful scenery, lots of deer and elk, grouse, a tiny bear, and no ticks. About as good as it could be without filling a tag. Learned a lot in my first year so hoping for success in fall or next year.
 

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Heading out this Friday for 8 days. First time hunting bears this late. I’ll start at 6-7k ft, it’s spotty snow 50/50 at that elevation where I’m hunting. Hopefully I can find a few boars cruisin. Looking forward to the 3 day weekend reports!
 
I connected with my first bear on Saturday morning! I spent a week in the same unit with a buddy earlier this month. We saw a few but weren’t able to get one killed. Went back on a last minute solo trip because of the long Memorial Day weekend. Was a hell of hike in on Friday only to come out heavy on Saturday, but I couldn’t be happier!

400 yard shot
Howa Mini 6 ARC 103 ELDX
 

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I connected with my first bear on Saturday morning! I spent a week in the same unit with a buddy earlier this month. We saw a few but weren’t able to get one killed. Went back on a last minute solo trip because of the long Memorial Day weekend. Was a hell of hike in on Friday only to come out heavy on Saturday, but I couldn’t be happier!

400 yard shot
Howa Mini 6 ARC 103 ELDX
Beautiful color!
 
3k-5k was pretty accurate for me between 7 days of hunting a couple weeks ago and this past weekend. Actually saw them at that upper range earlier in May and at the lower end this weekend. West central-ish ID.
 
Just got done with a 7 day hunt in central ID. Saw 6 bears and tagged out on a really nice red/brown. All the bears we saw were from 6300-7200 ft elevation. The snow was melting FAST. Gorgeous time of year to be out there.
 
FYI, Idaho Fish and Game is looking to ban the use of advanced technology and has some new rule language that they are seeking public comments on (until June 20th).

Docket No. 13-0108-2401: Zero-based Regulation Rulemaking: Rules Governing Taking of Big Game Animals
idfg.idaho.gov idfg.idaho.gov


 
No questions. Just wanted to say thanks for all the information and advice. 3 Midwest guys heading to Idaho in May with black bear and wolf tags in our pockets. Boots broken in and hungry to help the calving elk. I’ll follow up with a full report when we return.
Follow up. It’s been over a year but I figured I owed a response. Unfortunately, we did not kill any bears. Overall, Fantastic trip and learned a lot. We met some amazing other hunters. The country was steep and gorgeous.

My advice for other others headed to IDAHO for spring bear. Go to areas you can glass. Find the elk- there will be more predator sign. We went to late (late may) go earlier depending on snow. Take this advice with a gain of salt, because I didn’t kill one.

Congratulations to other hunters love to see the photos roll in!
 
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