AI everything. At this point, Its likely inevitable that mapping software will integrate learning models for hunting. I just uploaded a screenshot of an area and asked where to find a bear in late Sept:
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Based on the topographical map and typical bear behavior in late September, here is an analysis of the most likely area to find a bear.
In late September, bears are in a state of
hyperphagia, a period of intense, frantic eating to build up fat reserves for winter hibernation. Their location will be almost entirely dictated by the most abundant, high-calorie food sources available. This means you should be looking for a combination of three things:
Food, Water, and Cover.
Most Likely Area: The Southwest Waypoint
The waypoint located in the
southwestern basin/drainage (far left of the map) is the most promising location.
Here’s the breakdown of why this spot is superior:
- Prime Food Location: This waypoint is situated directly in a significant drainage or basin. These areas are typically wetter and collect nutrients, making them ideal for berry bushes (like chokecherries or serviceberries) which are a critical food source for bears in the fall. The surrounding slopes likely offer a mix of vegetation, potentially including patches of scrub oak (for acorns) on the sunnier, south-facing aspects.
- Excellent Water Source: The marker is placed directly on a blue line, indicating a creek or stream. Bears need consistent water, especially when consuming large quantities of dry foods like acorns. This creek provides a reliable water source.
- Ideal Combination of Cover and Feeding Zones: The basin itself is a likely feeding area. It is surrounded by steep, timbered slopes. Bears will often bed down during the day in the thick, dark timber on the cooler, north-facing slopes (like those to the north of this waypoint) and then move down into these basins and drainages to feed in the early morning and late evening. This spot is a natural funnel between bedding and feeding zones.
Analysis of the Other Locations:
- The Two Northern Waypoints (Top of Map): These are located high up on what appears to be a steep, north or northeast-facing slope. This is classic bedding cover. The area is likely dark, thick timber where a bear would feel secure and stay cool during the day. While a bear is likely living in this area, you are less likely to find one actively feeding here. The best strategy would be to watch the more open feeding areas below this location at dawn and dusk, hoping to catch a bear traveling out of this cover.
- The Eastern Waypoints (Right Side of Map): These are on very steep terrain. The one closer to the road has the disadvantage of being near potential human pressure (Highway 550). The higher one is in a steep chute. While bears do use chutes for travel and feeding, the single basin on the southwest corner presents a more concentrated and classic combination of resources.
Recommended Strategy:
Focus your efforts on the
southwest basin. Instead of walking directly into it, find a vantage point on an opposing ridge where you can sit and "glass" (scan with binoculars or a spotting scope) the entire area. Pay close attention to the edges of the timber and any open, brushy patches within the basin. Do this during the first and last hours of daylight, as this is when bears will be most active.
