Idaho Spring Bear

[Schoolhousegrizz]

It just snowed a bunch above about 6500', and a bunch more snow coming through Thursday.

At what level are the balsam roots blossoming? How high is the green up? You think that first week in May 6500 is going to be too high?

 

[Customweld]

At what level are the balsam roots blossoming? How high is the green up? You think that first week in May 6500 is going to be too high?

It depends on what part of the state. 6500’ north of the Clearwater is much different than 6500’ in southern and central Idaho.

 

[Schoolhousegrizz]

It depends on what part of the state. 6500’ north of the Clearwater is much different than 6500’ in southern and central Idaho.

Central. I am thinking it will be too high.

 

[Ntuttle15]

Central. I am thinking it will be too high.

Currently the snow line is generally at that 6200-6500 elevation. But new moisture put a couple inches down this week. So you'll be fine.

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[Schoolhousegrizz]

Currently the snow line is generally at that 6200-6500 elevation. But new moisture put a couple inches down this week. So you'll be fine.

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It seems like the snow line is pretty high but the green up is still going pretty slow. So even if the snow's up at 7,000 in a couple weeks just seems like the green up is not catching up. Do you think that is accurate?

 

[Ntuttle15]

It seems like the snow line is pretty high but the green up is still going pretty slow. So even if the snow's up at 7,000 in a couple weeks just seems like the green up is not catching up. Do you think that is accurate?

I have always found that im shooting bears in the snow line, or a couple hundred feet below. So I would imagine you would be in the 6200-6400 range. I would think first week of May in a year like this, that won't be too high. Just right.

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[.204smokechaser]

Congrats! Excellent job! How was hunting unit 10? I’ve been prowling south of there for quite a few years. I hear unit 10 is thick and wooly.

I’m used to it. Many new residents and non residents get discouraged after hunting out there and I kind of like it that way.

 

[Schoolhousegrizz]

I have always found that im shooting bears in the snow line, or a couple hundred feet below. So I would imagine you would be in the 6200-6400 range. I would think first week of May in a year like this, that won't be too high. Just right.

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Thanks!

 

[Eldoradotim]

My guess is first week of May is a good choice. Usually we go out 3rd week.

There's another ~12" of snow in the forecast for today/tomorrow at Brundage, for reference.

 

[Idaho4x4Bronco]

Probably a dumb question, but I have not had a chance to shoot 1 yet as I kept passing on the small bears, (which I wont ever do again now that I tried bear meat) but how bad are the ticks on the hide after you shoot 1? Are you guys wrapping the hides in a garbage bag after it cools down or what? Do the ticks jump off pretty quickly after it's dead?

 

[Matt5266]

Probably a dumb question, but I have not had a chance to shoot 1 yet as I kept passing on the small bears, (which I wont ever do again now that I tried bear meat) but how bad are the ticks on the hide after you shoot 1? Are you guys wrapping the hides in a garbage bag after it cools down or what? Do the ticks jump off pretty quickly after it's dead?

They are usually pretty dang bad depending on the area of course. Usually you will see them crawling all over after removing the hide. Once you remove it and there is no longer blood flow most will start to crawl off but some will stay. I've had to pick them off after freezing capes before.

 

[Idaho4x4Bronco]

They are usually pretty dang bad depending on the area of course. Usually you will see them crawling all over after removing the hide. Once you remove it and there is no longer blood flow most will start to crawl off but some will stay. I've had to pick them off after freezing capes before.

Are you wrapping the hide in a garbage bag or anything once its cool? If so, how long can you keep it there before the hair starts to pull? My understanding is the fat will start to rot the hide fairly quick?

 

[Matt5266]

I put it in a game bag and then unroll it when i can and let it cool. once its cool ill put it in a trash bag and in the freezer. I've never had hair pull.

 

[Idaho4x4Bronco]

Thanks for the help, good luck out there. Stay safe

 

[Matt5266]

No problem. You too!

 

[packgoatguy]

Got the kids on a couple little Idaho boars last week. Spot and stalk style. Both made perfect 1 shot kills, 480 and 365 yards respectively. Two legs on the smoker right now, so hoping it tastes as delicious as it smells!

 

[Nine Banger]

Got the kids on a couple little Idaho boars last week. Spot and stalk style. Both made perfect 1 shot kills, 480 and 365 yards respectively. Two legs on the smoker right now, so hoping it tastes as delicious as it smells!

Nice work.

I'm showing this to my boys when they get home from school.

 

[Mtbhikernv]

I’m thinking of heading to the Stanley area next weekend to try my hand at my first ever bear hunt for a few days. Any idea what the roads might look like as far as snow, deadfall, passability in a 1 ton with a camper?

 

[Matt5266]

Got the kids on a couple little Idaho boars last week. Spot and stalk style. Both made perfect 1 shot kills, 480 and 365 yards respectively. Two legs on the smoker right now, so hoping it tastes as delicious as it smells!

Nice! Which gun dod they end up using?

 

[packgoatguy]

Nice! Which gun dod they end up using?

My daughter used my 4lb 6creed, 109eld at 365yards. My son used the 5lb 16in tikka 6.5cm, 140eld (2625fps) at 480yds.