did I stumble on a good spot?

[steeliedrew]

While scouting for deer yesterday I was following some game trails through a clearcut. I found 6 piles of Bear poo all within a 200 yard radious of each other. There's probly more but that's just what I saw. the whole area is just crawling with Boysenberies too. The poo was full of berries except for one pile that was full of tree bark. I did not notice any trees that were ripped up in the area I was in. It looks like I could stand hunt it pretty easy with the bow. not knowing much at all about bear if assume a fawn in distress call could work good right about now? What are your thoughts? Did I find a good spot? How can I increase my chances of getting this bear(s)?

Thank you,

Drew

[Eli346]

 A tree stand would be ideal in that area from the sounds of your description. The distress call would probably work well but if you're not in a tree you should have somebody with you as bears can be awful sneaky. Cover your back trail with your partner or make sure your back is to a tree and watch the wind. They won't tolerate any human scent at all! Good luck.

[steeliedrew]

Thanks for the reply. I would for sure be in a stand if using a predator call alone out there. there's a creek bottom a 1/4 mile down hill from this clear cut as well so I'm betting this bear is pretty comfortable in this area. Speaking of that, what is the summer range of a black bear? I'd assume it wouldn't have a reason to leave all those berries and that water source? Also, is there a time of day where a bear is most active?

Thank you,

Drew

[Max the dog]

Set the wind up, and hunt last shootable light.  "He" will probably stroll out of dense creek bottom into clear cut right near dark.  Use you ears. Bears can be habitual, on good feed.  It may pay to stay back aways and pattern "him" for a night or two. Also, if there's that much food "he" may not throw caution to the wind for a predator call.  IMO calls work best late in the season when food sources dry up.

[steeliedrew]

Just because everyone likes a poop picture:

[7mmfan]

Thats quality poo 

[h20hunter]

Yep....you have some real quality poo pics....some of the better I've seen of late. Good spot indeed. I agree with most of the previous posts....I'd get set up, not worry about calling, and see what you can get done.

[steeliedrew]

Thanks everybody. I'll give it a go soon. I have a trail cam set up for deer in a timber stand a little ways a way but now after finding all this bear sign I may have to switch gears and move the camera.

Quick weapon question,

I have a few options. One would be to stand hunt with the bow, option two would be a mossberg 500 with slugs and a rifled barrel, and option 3 is that I have a buddy who will loan me .270 Win. I like the idea of the .270 but I'll be honest, I've never shot a rifle other than some AR-15's. I would surely practice a lot starting real soon if i went with the .270. The bow is a no brainer for me in terms of knowing my abilities with it and having confidence to make the shot. What are your thoughts on the 12 gauge with rifled barrel and slugs or the .270 Win?

[hntrspud]

12 gauge would do the trick and with a rifled barrel a 150yd shot you should be able to handle. It is really what you are comfortable with and feel that YOU can put the best shot possible on that animal with whatever weapon you choose. So, ask yourself, what do you feel the most confident with? That will be your answer

[h20hunter]

I really want my next bear to be via a bow. That said I've taken my two with a .270. I say go with either and keep your options open based on conditions and hunting style....tree stand, etc. I'd pass on the 12 considering it sounds like you are much more adept with the bow.

[steeliedrew]

The 12 gauge is probly lowest on the totem pole based on the idea that I don't like the idea of taking a shot at a bear from any distance really with open sights. I'm deadly out to 50 yards with the bow. Having the ability to sit tight with a scope and shoot the bear from a distance with the .270 on shooting sticks would be real nice though.

[h20hunter]

Agreed 100%

[Max the dog]

If you shoot well with the bow use that

[WSU]

The best way to kill fall bears, imo, is find a food source that has a lot of bears using it and wait them out.  If the bears are still in the area August 1, I'd get somewhere I could see and wait for a bear to appear.  It should be easy to tell if they are around.  Like you saw, there will be plenty of bear poo if the area really is getting used a lot.

Having watched your posts, I gather that you haven't hunted long and haven't killed big game.  Use the 270.  Being able to kill something with a 270 is about 10,000 times easier than the other 2 weapons you mention. 

[skagitsteel]

I would be sitting on that spot early and late, although you never know, saw  bear out today in a meadow  at 11 AM when it was 75 degrees! 

[deaner]

I would be sitting on that spot early and late, although you never know, saw  bear out today in a meadow  at 11 AM when it was 75 degrees!

i ran into 3 in 24 hours all in 90 degree temp mid dayish.  see em movin around all hours of the day.  had one following me down a draw yesterday in the middle of the day, stalking me i guess.  it took a dump right in my foot prints as it was following me

[steeliedrew]

Haha. Crazy story. he's lucky it isn't August 1st yet. hopefully the bears will make an appearance for me. Just out of curiosity what elevation were you seeing these bears at?

[deaner]

Haha. Crazy story. he's lucky it isn't August 1st yet. hopefully the bears will make an appearance for me. Just out of curiosity what elevation were you seeing these bears at?

that was in an area with a sept 1st opener, not aug 1st.  elevation between 3500 - 5000 feet.  also i should probably clarify, every one of them in that heat was right by a stream

[steeliedrew]

thank you for the info. I'll have to poke around the creek bottom soon for sign.

[BOWHUNTER45]

not long to wait now ...any creeks close by ? salmon berries are ripe now ...I like to find salmon berries this early in the season and if you find water and salmon berries in the same area your in ..

[steeliedrew]

I've got a creek about a 1/4 mile below the clearcut where I've found the sign.

[duckman40]

this happen to me and my dad two year ago. I would use a tree stand and wait it out. it sounds like a good spot.

[kevinlisa06]

Looks like a good spot the black berries around Monroe are  starting to turn red and purple won't be long now.

[skagitsteel]

not long to wait now ...any creeks close by ? salmon berries are ripe now ...I like to find salmon berries this early in the season and if you find water and salmon berries in the same area your in ..

very true! jumped one last week munchin salmon berries next to a creek

[addicted2hunting]

don't worry, I will let you use the .270 and if you don't feel comfortable I will shoot it for ya...

[steeliedrew]

don't worry, I will let you use the .270 and if you don't feel comfortable I will shoot it for ya...

ha! I'll feel just fine shooting the bear Brandon.