Idaho Spring Bear

[cmatzek]

Looking to come out to units 21/28 (maybe 17) in May for spring bear. Wondering about grizzly population/concerns and if any griz food storage protocols should be followed?

 

[Matt5266]

Maybe a chance in 17. Other units no. Always take food precautions though, black bears can be the worst offenders. Just hang it away from camp

 

[nighthawkf-117]

Anyone near the Selway able to report on snow conditions? I know generally it’s been a low snow year but curious specifically about the selway near the Montana boarder.

 

[packgoatguy]

Anyone near the Selway able to report on snow conditions? I know generally it’s been a low snow year but curious specifically about the selway near the Montana boarder.

Your best bet is to call the forest service in Darby. But they are way under staffed and I doubt anyone from there will be trying to get up high before mid to late May. The snotel sites show less snow than average, but still considerably more than historical lows... and the mountains along the salmon and Bitterroot are supposed to get more snow these next few days/week.

 

[solostalker]

Way too early to be concerned about snow levels. A lot can happen (or not happen) in the next couple months. check back then and make a plan

 

[packgoatguy]

At least near Rexburg, we just got 4 inches of snow down in the valley... I'm sure winter is not over yet.

 

[GoatPackr]

At least near Rexburg, we just got 4 inches of snow down in the valley... I'm sure winter is not over yet.

Snowing pretty good down south in the Lower Clark Fork Valley.
Feeding the goats this morning it was stacking up on their backs.

 

[IDVortex]

PF got a whopping inch of snow...

 

[Matt5266]

Got a dusting in Nampa which has pretty much burned off now

 

[Pizzlegreet]

I have a question about avoiding bait sites and about bait sites in general. Is it a safe bet to assume that any bait site will be easily accessible by car or atv and that if I hike a mile or more off road or behind a gate I will be beyond them? My understanding is that a bear will camp out near the bait site and saunter in for food until they are shot and then another bear will take over the location.

 

[Nkhunter]

Headed to either SW Montana or SE Idaho this spring with son in law and several friends and family. I understand from SIL that we will be camping by trucks and hiking 1-2 miles to glassing points. May 8-15 time frame. What to take on a day trip like that besides optics and weapon?

 

[IDVortex]

Headed to either SW Montana or SE Idaho this spring with son in law and several friends and family. I understand from SIL that we will be camping by trucks and hiking 1-2 miles to glassing points. May 8-15 time frame. What to take on a day trip like that besides optics and weapon?

Id take water, snacks. A tarp due to spring showers, puffy jacket/pants, and a pack that can pack a bear out.

 

[Nkhunter]

Id take water, snacks. A tarp due to spring showers, puffy jacket/pants, and a pack that can pack a bear out.

Thanks for the quick response. I’m assuming my Mystery Ranch Popup will fit the bill nicely then. I’ll need to get some puffy pants or alternative. Already have a quick tarp

 

[Matt5266]

Add rain gear and tick repellent

 

[GoatPackr]

I'd not make puffy pants a high priority that timeof year. Zip off base layer would make more sense. The top is always something handy but a light set of rain gear and tarp is probably the most important.
Maybe some kind of chair or pad to sit on.
Permethrin sprayed on your clothes is very good for ticks. Highly recommend that. It can be found as a concentrate and mixed with water kept in spray bottle in camp. Spray it on legs, sleeves and around your collar.
I even put it on my base layer so if they crawl up under my legs they don't make it far.

 

[gtriple]

I'd not make puffy pants a high priority that timeof year. Zip off base layer would make more sense. The top is always something handy but a light set of rain gear and tarp is probably the most important.
Maybe some kind of chair or pad to sit on.
Permethrin sprayed on your clothes is very good for ticks. Highly recommend that. It can be found as a concentrate and mixed with water kept in spray bottle in camp. Spray it on legs, sleeves and around your collar.
I even put it on my base layer so if they crawl up under my legs they don't make it far.

Agreed on the puffy pants. If your legs are cold, just put them in your sleeping bag/quilt.

I never take rain gear unless it is going to rain consistently every day and be cold. If it's raining, the bears probably aren't out, so I'm under a tarp.

I've had zero success from Permethrin. If you are really concerned about ticks, the better treatment is to send your clothing to insectshield.

 

[Spoonbill]

I have a question about avoiding bait sites and about bait sites in general. Is it a safe bet to assume that any bait site will be easily accessible by car or atv and that if I hike a mile or more off road or behind a gate I will be beyond them? My understanding is that a bear will camp out near the bait site and saunter in for food until they are shot and then another bear will take over the location.

Look at the bear baiting regs on how far a bait sight needs to be off a road. I know for the units I am generally in, it is 200 yards from a road. I think it is different in other parts of the state. That should give you an idea of where you will find most of them.

 

[Undrgrndprdcts]

Idaho spring bear is on my bucket list.