spring bear hunting outlook 2026

[NARDhunterRP]

How does everyone think the Spring bear season will look and be affected this year with little snow reported in the west? I’ve gone out 5 times and have been successful twice. I’m curious as to what predictions on bear movement are? I come out from SD, so wanting to to try and prep and plan as best I can.

 

[Ridgerunner]

I'm curious to, I'll be hunting the first week of June.

 

[NARDhunterRP]

Planning around late May for me.

 

[SouthernCharm]

In the Willamette valley in Oregon, bears are starting to be out. Saw a mom and yearling cub chowing down on grass on Thursday. Already have shrunk cabbage out and dandelions are blooming. Opening day should be great.

 

[HouseCL]

Will be hunting in central Montana the last week of April. Will report back

 

[Muledeerfanatic]

The bears will be out just like they always are
Eating and shitting

 

[GoatPackr]

Looks like NW MT is going to get a good shot of snow this week.

 

[NRA4LIFE]

Sad. That privilege was removed from us a few years ago for no reason except the anti-hunting board of the WDFW.

 

[MTHunt’r]

Good portion of MT is going to get 1-2’ this weekend. Will set things back a bit, but warm weather moving in next week with rain will hopefully burn it off. Bears have already been moving in lower elevations, but anything that’s started budding will take a hit.


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[Lateonsethntr]

If bears are out and about earlier due to lack of hard winter/snow, does everyone expect them to be more dispersed that typical by mid-season or is the thought that movement and density will continue to follow "typical" patterns?