Selway River Spring Bear Hunt

[ckal]

Currently planning a backcountry spring bear hunt in Idaho. It is my first time doing this hunt and plan on hiking in about 8-10 miles to our spot. We plan on going the first week of May but might be dealing with snow still, not sure. I have never done this hunt and am looking for some guidance on areas to potentially go to. Right now we have been looking at the seaway region near moose creek but aren't too sure. Any advice? Thanks in advance!

 

[Rob5589]

Your first backpack hunt will be 8-10 miles in? Ambitious. Welcome and good luck!

 

[BAKPAKR]

Welcome to Rokslide!

If you are planning on accessing the upper part of Moose Creek from Montana, I am betting you will have some serious snow to deal with on either side of the passes in early May. It will be a pretty cool trip though. I hope you post some photos and a story when you get back.

 

[Geewhiz]

How much experience do you have hiking and backpacking?

How you ever packed an animal 8-10 miles?

 

[ckal]

Your first backpack hunt will be 8-10 miles in? Ambitious. Welcome and good luck!

Yes it is a long ways! I am used to hiking 10+ miles per day with a 40-45 lbs pack while hunting. This trip is going to be a bit heavier of a load a require 5-6 days hunting along the way.

 

[Loo.wii]

I’m getting ready to do the same trip in May. I don’t think you’ll get any spots from the people here

 

[mtnbiker208]

where are you planning on starting from?
hike up the selway or come in from over the top?

 

[Loo.wii]

I’m planning on coming from unit 12

 

[Coveyleader]

I arrowed a crusher in there a few years back, haven't hunted it in a long time, we were only about 1 mile in, and I'm glad it wasn't more.

 

[.204smokechaser]

The Selway will eat even experienced hunters alive without horses or pack mules. Got 1700’ above the river on a south aspect this afternoon without hitting snow, seen a bear and been plucking many ticks off me.

 

[Ryan Avery]

You will be walking on lots of snow May 1.

 

[Loo.wii]

The Selway will eat even experienced hunters alive without horses or pack mules. Got 1700’ above the river on a south aspect this afternoon without hitting snow, seen a bear and been plucking many ticks off me.

What about young dummies with low cholesterol and time in the infantry

 

[Ryan Avery]

What about young dummies with low cholesterol and time in the infantry

I have taken a few fellow 11Bs and a few 0311 into the Selway. I am the only one still going. But I am a little slow

 

[.204smokechaser]

What about young dummies with low cholesterol and time in the infantry

You should be good if you have the baseline to know to be prepared for a fun ruck. Always fun when you’re walking in or out from race creek to the air strip not paying too much attention and stumble into a snake on the trail.

 

[MaraviaDave]

Quite a few years ago, a buddy and I did a float hunt on the Selway river (Paradise -to- Race Creek). The raft got us into great terrain for spot & stalk hunting. I killed a really nice bear. The biggest logistical hurdle was getting over Nez Perce pass to the river put-in, with all of our rafting gear. The road at that time was buried under about 6 feet of snow. We found a couple of guys with modified Bronco’s (low pressure tire beads, so they could drive on flat tires and secondary transmissions, so they could crawl at just a couple of MPH without spinning their wheels). They were guiding for bears over bait and used their Bronco’s to haul bait in. When we went in, we drove in at daylight on top of frozen spring snow. While on the river the water levels came up to over 7’ on the gauge and was absolutely ripping through the Moose Creek section. Definitely an awesome hunt. I’d only recommend running the river if you’re an experienced oarsman.

 

[Turkeyfreak12]

My buddy and I were in the exact area a few years ago. Have fun with the pack out. Only advice would be to realize how difficult the terrain is. Experienced or not keep it realistic.

 

[swe048]

Sounds like it will be one heck of an adventure whatever you choose to do ckal, just know your limitations and be prepared for everything, especially the mental aspect. If you have a military background in the infantry, I would say your more ready for this than the average guy.
While you're still young...GO! ...and have some fun.

 

[BAKPAKR]

You will be walking on lots of snow May 1.

^^This^^

@Loo.wii, Don’t be like this guy:

Deputies Successfully Locate, Rescue Boise Man Who Snowshoed into Idaho County Backcountry Before Becoming Stuck

IDAHO COUNTY - On Tuesday, November 15, 2022, around 5:20 PM, Idaho County Dispatch received an SOS from a Garmin Inreach device belonging to Jonathan Conti, a videographer/Youtuber, from Boise,

www.bigcountrynewsconnection.com

 

[swe048]

My mistake, that was Loo.wii with the infantry background, either way, know your limitations, use your head, keep your cool and have a great adventure.

 

[swe048]

^^This^^

@Loo.wii, Don’t be like this guy:

Deputies Successfully Locate, Rescue Boise Man Who Snowshoed into Idaho County Backcountry Before Becoming Stuck

IDAHO COUNTY - On Tuesday, November 15, 2022, around 5:20 PM, Idaho County Dispatch received an SOS from a Garmin Inreach device belonging to Jonathan Conti, a videographer/Youtuber, from Boise,

www.bigcountrynewsconnection.com

Good example of not knowing your limitations...
I'll give him credit for having the InReach and proper gear to survive a couple of nights in the cold.