Not True about the early bear hunting and scouting. You are allowed to take One bear and a cougar during your special deer hunt time but there will be no scouting. You and one person are only allowed in the watershed during the special permit deer season. You can't shoot anything else either such as a grouse or bobcat.....only the deer, one bear and a cougar....that is the rules you go by. Been on the hunt several times with the permit or as the one person allowed to go with the permit holder. Hope that helps......Les