Your opinion wanted

[DoubleJ]

How hard is bear hunting with a bow in Western Washington since we can't bait?  Is it even worth the time or, since I've never put a bear down, should I concentrate on just getting one in the dirt by any means necessary?

[Sliverslinger]

This is just me and I know that others have different opinions, as much time as I spend in the woods and as few bear as I see as compared with everything else, sometimes I feel like it's a waste of time to even go out looking for them. I usually only go out and hunt hard specifically for them about 3 days each year, more as an excuse to get out and scout for elk and deer and see some new country, and I also keep an eye out for them all throughout deer and elk season, but I've never managed to shoot one. I've happened upon more big cats than I have bears. I'm sure if I put more time and effort in to specifically hunting bears I'd have better sucess.

[Turner89]

Thats what i'm trying to do this year. I sat in the tree stand for about 3hrs last night. We could hear one in the timber, but he never came out. I don't think you are wasting your time.
 

[rebal69972]

Ive seen 4 so far this year and for some reason the only 2 that would get close enough to get a shot at where a sow and cub. i love my bow but if i could use my rifle where i hunt a damn sure would.

[Turner89]

I take my 12yr old son out rifle hunting. We saw one saturday morning. He shot and missed. We  also saw one this morning, but it was out of range. We have been seeing quite a few bears in our area.
 I think it would be cool to get one with the bow.

[saylean]

I missed one at 25 yards about 3 years ago with my bow... (thought it was 35 yards, had bear fever and used the 40 pin....right over the shoulder)

My brother still teases me on it, since he was right behind me watching the whole thing. I was in my socks too, as we just took our boots off cause it was so hot.

Not a waste of time, just a challenge. \
Best of luck to you.