Wyoming Spring Bear

[Npike4040]

Looking to do a shed hunt/bear hunt in southern Wyoming this spring. Trying to find info of when the bear season usually gets closed due to harvest goals/female quotas. Is that info available or does anyone know approximately how long the season lasts? Will probably go regardless but hate to prepare for a hunt only to have it closed before i make the trip! Thanks all!

 

[Elkhntr08]

Call the biologist, he can give you the best and honest answer.

 

[cnelk]

Here is the 2023 quota sheet

Spring Black Bear

Sheet1 BLACK BEAR SUMMARY SPRING 2023,6/20/2023,9:00 AM Note:,Hunt Areas highlighted in yellow indicate total is one away from quota. MANAGEMENT UNIT,HUNT AREA(S),SEASON DATES,FEMALE MORTALITY LIMIT FROM REGULATIONS,FEMALE HARVEST COUNTED TOWARD MORTALITY LIMIT,MALE/ OTHER MORTALITY NOT COUNTED ...

docs.google.com

 

[cnelk]

^^^^ More on that

The WGF will keep that Google doc 'live' during the season. You'll need to check it daily to see if quota has been met in the area you're hunting.

 

[Elkhntr08]

Or call 1-800-264-1280

 

[cnelk]

Below is a link to the registered bait sites in Wyoming.

You can hunt where there are registered sites, just be mindful that others will be baiting in the general area.

ArcGIS Web Application

wgfd.maps.arcgis.com

 

[Dos Perros]

I must be retarded because I looked all over and couldn't quite ascertain that the bear tags were (generally) over the counter. I assume that to be the case, I just can't find it in writing on the Wyoming Game and Fish Department website.

 

[Dos Perros]

I must be retarded because I looked all over and couldn't quite ascertain that the bear tags were (generally) over the counter. I assume that to be the case, I just can't find it in writing on the Wyoming Game and Fish Department website.

Maybe this is the verbiage that indicates it's OTC?

"Black bear licenses are available at the Cheyenne Headquarters, DepartmentRegional Offices, most license selling agents throughout the state and on theDepartment Website. https://wgfd.wyo.gov"

 

[cnelk]

Bear Licenses are OTC

 

[Elkhntr08]

I buy mine at Sportsman’s Warehouse in Cheyenne.

 

[WyoBowhunter21]

I check daily via the phone number when I have a bait site or have plans to head to the mountain. I may be overly cautious but I call right before I lose service and make sure the quota hasn’t been met. Then I take a screen shot of the time I called. My last bear I killed, quota closed when I was in the mountain out of service. Thankfully I had the picture. Otherwise, back to your area question, you can pm me for more area specifics but yes, those areas close quick. Archery and baiters get to go in a lot earlier so they get to see the bears coming to the baits and know they will get one.

 

[Wyco307]

Looking to do a shed hunt/bear hunt in southern Wyoming this spring. Trying to find info of when the bear season usually gets closed due to harvest goals/female quotas. Is that info available or does anyone know approximately how long the season lasts? Will probably go regardless but hate to prepare for a hunt only to have it closed before i make the trip! Thanks all!

The season generally closes the last few days of May through the first week of June. A lot of this correlates with snowpack and when guys are able to get on the mountain to bait. However, it is very unit specific with some units never meeting the quota.

 

[CBar]

Most of the southern units open May 1 for rifle (April 15 for bow) and run until June 15, but keep in mind that non residents are not allowed to pick up sheds until May 8th this year and must have a conservation stamp to do so:

Wyoming Game and Fish Department - Several new laws will have an impact on wildlife and hunting

wgfd.wyo.gov