Wyoming Spring Bear Quotas

[battles]

First post from a long-time lurker here on Rokslide.

Planning a spring black bear hunt with my wife. This will not be a backpacking hunt, just hiking into glassing knobs and staying mobile with the truck. Looking at units 7,8 or 9 and was curious if anyone knew how fast the quotas are normally met? Our spring schedule will only allow for a late May trip but I'd like to explore some different options if the quota is normally met this late into the season.

 

[PathFinder]

It varies wildly, but those units are usually close to quota in late May. My guess is that it will fill earlier this year with the low snowpack. People will get started earlier, and bears will probably move farther earlier in the season.

 

[BowBaboon]

I'll second PathFinder.

Just keep an eye on the quotas and be ready to move units pretty quick.

 

[battles]

That’s incredibly helpful. I’ll plead with the wife to try and make the trip in early May in that case. Will be our first time hunting WY, the trip will be more about the experience but the tags are expensive so I don’t want to blow $700 on tags just to get up there and have to relocate.

 

[Coveyleader]

I sound like a broken record, but there is know way would I count on those units being open. Drive to western WY, or keep driving to ID. You need time, and those units give you nothing.

 

[battles]

Really appreciate the responses everyone. I may scrap the original plan to get an Airbnb and just try to camp out of the truck. I’d prefer to save the cost but I’m not the boss on this adventure!

 

[Okie84]

As others have said these units close quickly. Usually before the snow melt allows you to access a lot of areas in these units. Outfitters have much of the lower areas blocked off for baiting and the harvest quotas usually get met quickly. You can drive a few more hours to some good areas that are usually open during the dates you’ll be able to hunt.

 

[battles]

Talked to fish and game and they said the same. These units should close in late May. Our dates have changed to even further into June. Just going to drive into SE Idaho and plan to hunt there. Applied for 2nd draw tags for mule deer and elk in the units that we plan to bear hunt so if anything we’ll get a lay of the land for future hunts. Not expecting much harvest success but success in seeking some adventure. Just can’t wait to have the wind in my face and critters on the brain. There isn’t a better feeling.