Huckleberry spring bear hunt!

[CoyoteCowboy]

[updated 3/31/13]

hey WHF,

I drew a spring bear tag in GMU 121 (Huckleberry) after 3x years and am really excited about this hunt. I'll be coming from the westside and due to the 300 miles that separates me from this GMU I am trying to do as much online scouting as possible. I am in the preliminary stages of planning this hunt and right now just trying to figure out what weekends I can make it over, who can join me and and GENERAL areas that I should be looking into (NOTE: not looking for your honey holes unless you want to share!). I have hunted deer in this area before but that was in the fall and in different types of terrain.

Any help, advise or words of wisdom would be appreciated. I have reached out to a few members who have graciously provided some insight already; so thank you. 

Here is what I am looking for specifically:
1. best maps for this area?
2. timing? given the mild winter and snow melting on the south slopes already do you think that bears will be out early?
3. bear patterns and activities in early spring?
4. snow level in the area in April and may?
5. names of private land owners who might be open to someone eradicating bears on their land?
6. road closures i should be aware of?
7. affordable lodging options? right now i am planning on just camping out...

Thank you!

[bear hunter]

I was going to setup the outfitter tent,but I might just drag the trailer up. So I can watch hunting videos at night. LOL I don't know the area but I will bring the motorcycle to do a lot of scouting a couple of days before the season starts. Good Luck.

[huntnnw]

There is some high country within this unit close to 7,000ft and the snow on the fs roads takes awhile to melt. I d hunt in May if I were you as the days get warmer and longer the bears metabolism increases making them more visible...I have a spot up there that I have had alot of bears on trail cam in the summer and I can pm it to you if you would like...lots and lots of glassable country up there and no shortage of places to camp along the road.

[CoyoteCowboy]

thanks guys!

Huntnnw PM sent...

[CoyoteCowboy]

can someone in 121 let me know if there is snow on STRANGER (STENSGAR) MOUNTAIN?

heard snow level is high and snow is melting...

thanks!

[coyotecrazy]

Took the Springdale hunters highway on Sunday and still lots of snow on the summit. Found a big ,, borderline huge,,fresh pile of grass filled scat at my parents cabin that borders the 1310. Some bears are already out.

[KFhunter]

yup - lots

don't let it deter you though, hunt lower down

[CoyoteCowboy]

great! not deterring this guy.

i got a DNR map for the unit and have been looking hard at it. if land is not DNR, state or federal is it to be assumed that it is private? it sure looks like a a lot of "private" land if that is the case.

[Gutpile]

Took the Springdale hunters highway on Sunday and still lots of snow on the summit. Found a big ,, borderline huge,,fresh pile of grass filled scat at my parents cabin that borders the 1310. Some bears are already out.

 

I was wondering if they'll be out early this year. I need to get up there and check things out asap

[BuckHunter23]

PM sent.  Good luck on your hunt.  I drew for 49 Degrees North this year, so I'll be on the other side of 395!

[iusmc2002]

great! not deterring this guy.

i got a DNR map for the unit and have been looking hard at it. if land is not DNR, state or federal is it to be assumed that it is private? it sure looks like a a lot of "private" land if that is the case.

http://www.huntinggpsmaps.com/

This is an AWESOME aid to finding private and gov. land!.  It's $40 for WA, but has been the best $40 I've spent in a long time!  It can be sent to you on an SD card or straight downloaded to your computer and use Giggle Earth like an overlay.  This will help you a lot! 

If I knew for sure when you were going to be here, you could put your trailer or wall tent or whatever in my front field.  I don't have sewer hookups, so you'd have to dig a slit trench    Could probably even put you up for a night if you come over to do some scouting.  I would be more than happy to let you check out the gpsmaps thingy on my computer before you decide to buy it, just to see if it would help you.  PM me if there is anything I can do.  I live west of 395, and I have friends that live on the west side of these hills near Fruitland.  I've seen several bear on their acreage.  They might be willing to point you in the right direction

[bear hunter]

great! not deterring this guy.

i got a DNR map for the unit and have been looking hard at it. if land is not DNR, state or federal is it to be assumed that it is private? it sure looks like a a lot of "private" land if that is the case.

http://www.huntinggpsmaps.com/

This is an AWESOME aid to finding private and gov. land!.  It's $40 for WA, but has been the best $40 I've spent in a long time!  It can be sent to you on an SD card or straight downloaded to your computer and use Giggle Earth like an overlay.  This will help you a lot! 

If I knew for sure when you were going to be here, you could put your trailer or wall tent or whatever in my front field.  I don't have sewer hookups, so you'd have to dig a slit trench    Could probably even put you up for a night if you come over to do some scouting.  I would be more than happy to let you check out the gpsmaps thingy on my computer before you decide to buy it, just to see if it would help you.  PM me if there is anything I can do.  I live west of 395, and I have friends that live on the west side of these hills near Fruitland.  I've seen several bear on their acreage.  They might be willing to point you in the right direction

I was thinking of pulling my trailer over, but I don't know where to camp in the woods. I have to spring permit for huckleberry. I just didn't want to drive the trailer all over the woods trying to find a good camping spot. Doe's the offer good for me to? Do you have water I can fill two 15 gal. barrels.  I can pay you for the water. I can bring you some elk meat for letting me camp.

[dscubame]

This is Bearpaw's back yard.  I believe he has maps and diy hunts.  He will have some of the best advice you could possibly get!!

[CoyoteCowboy]

Thanks for the help everyone; things are coming together with the hunt.

Everyone on this site has been great and given be a ton of help and generous offers.

Looking forward to posting pics of the hunt; and of a big boar down. 

Now let's keep this weather warm so the bears are out and snow keeps melting!

[CoyoteCowboy]

had a great time over there. 4 days in the woods behind my glass with a buddy i hadn't seen in years.

no bear (yet) and no sign. it snowed on us Saturday PM.

got into a few moose and turkey.

looking forward to getting back out with the bossman let's me!