GMU 460 Hancock advice for Bear

[adutton]

I have my Hancock permit and was thinking of going up there for some bear.  The spring hunt is starting.  Problem is, I have never bear hunted and only been up there a few times checking it out for deer next year. 

I assume my 30-06 will handle a black bear with 180gr hunting rounds upto 150 yds.

I also assume I would have to skin it and butcher it in the field based on how big it was.

I also assume it is hard to hunt one and I would just be happy to be outside during the spring and not expect much.

It sure would be nice enjoy some bear meat, I could care less about trophies.

Any thoughts?

[bigtex]

Well unless you want to end up in court, I wouldn't go spring bear hunting in 460. There is no spring bear hunt in 460, 460 doesn't open to bear until Aug 1...

[Eli346]

 The spring bear hunts are by special draw only and that's already been done so you have to wait until Aug 1 in most cases or wait and try to draw a spring bear tag next year. Aren't you glad you posted this? A game warden wouldn't cut any slack for not knowing the laws; nor should he. Keep asking questions and good luck!

[Thehowler]

Or, if you don't care about ending up in court, take a small one and just throw it over your shoulder

[Bmcox86]

Well unless you want to end up in court, I wouldn't go spring bear hunting in 460. There is no spring bear hunt in 460, 460 doesn't open to bear until Aug 1...

Instead take some time getting to know the regs and asking questions so you understand them

[jason stevens]

Leave your guns at home take your camera and find the bears for august

[6haase6]

Don't know if I read it right but doesn't it say he has a permit?

[Bmcox86]

That would be a hanncock access permit not a bear permit I believe

[grundy53]

Don't know if I read it right but doesn't it say he has a permit?

There is no spring bear permit for 460.

sent from my typewriter

[6haase6]

Oh ok. My bad.

[adutton]

Well shucks, guess I look like an idiot.  I hadn't even read through the regs yet or got my license. I guess if I would have, I would have figured out the spring hunt regs. 

I will still get outside, but instead, Ill be looking for info for next year bear and deer season then.  Thanks for the replies.

[h20hunter]

Well shucks, guess I look like an idiot.  I hadn't even read through the regs yet or got my license. I guess if I would have, I would have figured out the spring hunt regs. 

I will still get outside, but instead, Ill be looking for info for next year bear and deer season then.  Thanks for the replies.

Meh....you are going to get flack for even asking but hey. Better to look like an idiot (your terms) than be talking to BigTex in the field instead of the forum.

Regs should be out soon, get to reading, by all means get out and enjoy the outdoors and shoot a few bears if you see them with the camera. Then, come general season you will be posting pics of a good day with a dead bear and we will all say well done.

[pd]

Well shucks, guess I look like an idiot.  I hadn't even read through the regs yet or got my license. I guess if I would have, I would have figured out the spring hunt regs. 

I will still get outside, but instead, Ill be looking for info for next year bear and deer season then.  Thanks for the replies.

Don't sweat it!  That is the beauty of this forum, you can really learn a lot (and stay anonymous).  No harm, no foul, now strap on your boots and get out there.  Only 4 months to bear season, partner.

[pd]

Better to look like an idiot (your terms) than be talking to BigTex in the field instead of the forum.

 

[adutton]

Yes totally agreed... Ill wear a dunce cap all day before I try to break regs.  To me, I want to make sure I always follow the rules and be safe and show my son how to be good in life.  I dont' care so much ever getting anything as long as I have a good time hanging out in the woods. Thanks much all!