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?

 

[Gooden123]

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

I don't mean to hijack this man's thread, but is there any chance of you guys getting your spring season back or do you think it's gone for good? I'm in NJ and we have a lot of the same political BS, but never have and never will have a spring season. We can barely hang onto our fall season

Side note, I'll be in Central ID 5/15 -5/23 if anyone wants to meet up. Solo and well equipped. I'll be driving down from Spokane.

 

[NRA4LIFE]

I don't mean to hijack this man's thread, but is there any chance of you guys getting your spring season back or do you think it's gone for good? I'm in NJ and we have a lot of the same political BS, but never have and never will have a spring season. We can barely hang onto our fall season

Side note, I'll be in Central ID 5/15 -5/23 if anyone wants to meet up. Solo and well equipped. I'll be driving down from Spokane.

Not anytime soon.

 

[Coveyleader]

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?

Without question

 

[MTHunt’r]

Went out Saturday in Montana. Snow line is stoically at 7,000-7,500 this time of year - was in wait deep snow this time last year at 6,000.

Snow line was at 9,000+… may be a tough one this year.


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[Pilsner]

Headed to central Wyoming in mid-May. Some members of our group are up there now doing some scouting.