Hey guys,
I just moved from the west side over to Oroville up here in the North Central part of the state. I've been after 'em pretty hard up here in the Okanogan National Forest and Loomis State Forest. Mostly up north between Chopaka and Irongate. The berries are starting to ripen up and I've seen one small sow, but I'm not seeing any fresh bear sign. Everything I'm seeing is weeks or months old.
I've tried gaining as much elevation as possible, but there are cattle in and near every patch of grass I find. Plus the mountains just not get much taller. Everything I read says 'hunt the chokecherries,' but they all seem to be really low in elevation.
The berries and grasses are quite a bit different than hunting the west side.
Anyone out there familiar with where I am hunting? Anyone have any pointers as to what the bears might be eating right now, or where they're at? Am I just too early?
Old timers around town tell me I should be in thick with 'em.
Should I travel farther south and travel west on Highway 20 and get even higher up into the mountains.
Any advise would help,
New to the eastside.