Spring Bear Hunting on Lackluster Snow Fall Years

[OnGlass]

With reports already coming out of bears moving in Yellowstone, it’s got us talking a lot here at the shop about how low snow years really change things.

In heavier snow years, it feels like bears are more predictable — they’re pinned to lower elevations and limited feed. But in low snow years, they can disperse faster.

How much does a low snow year actually change your approach?

 

[WoodlandCritter]

Following

 

[BAKPAKR]

When I lived where I could spring bear hunt, I would be out after bears as soon as the season opened, regardless of the snow. Assuming there is snow at some level, I would still follow the snow line up in a low snow year.

 

[JohnnyB]

Bears move all year, regardless of snow. It still ultimately comes down to finding the food source.

 

[Sharpspur]

If it is low snow, should a guy look at moving his trip up on the calender? I was looking at being in Idaho or montana, still need to finalize, around May 8th. This is my first trip hunting spring bear.

 

[Oregonhuntrboi]

I’ve gone in the past and had success the last week of April/first week of may. But I’m debating going earlier this year due to the low snow as well…

 

[Fireflyfishing]

Bears move all year, regardless of snow. It still ultimately comes down to finding the food source.

Maybe in CA. I can assure you they do not in MT.

 

[longrangelead]

I seem to find bears in the same places, it's just a matter of when.
year to year, snow and weather determine when green up happens on a given hillside. Elevation is a big part of that in part with temp.

When the frost line hovers around the same elevation for a week or two, a couple hundred feet in elevation can be the difference in 6" grass and nothing green anywhere.
Bottom line is food, find food, find bears.