Best dates to bear hunt?

[jbeaumont21]

I have some family wanting to come out bear hunting this fall.  I have a few places to take them but I need help figuring out the best week to hunt.  This would be in Southwest Washington. 

Originally I was thinking mid-late September when the berries are full and ripe and its not so damn hot.  On the other hand August might be better because there is no deer and elk archery season running at the same time.

Would it be best to hit the opening week or will it still be good late August/Early Sept?  What would you all suggest?

I appreciate any and all advice.

Thanks!

[saylean]

Last week of September is a golden time for me.

[trophyhunt]

When I hunted bears in green water, white river unit, I killed 3 bears in consecutive years. Each bear was within 200 yards of each other and two were killed oct 1st, the other was oct 2nd.  So you know what time I like!! More import I think was that the berries were in perfect shape. 

[jbeaumont21]

Last week of September is a golden time for me.

I was kinda thinking that.  I killed a bear 2 years ago opening day of elk season and the berries were ripe then and so was the purple bear scat.  That last week of September is probably prime, archery season is over by then too.  Thanks!

[saylean]

Anytime. Best of luck to you!

[skagitsteel]

depends what elevation your hunting. for 1500 to 3000 ft I like early to mid August, salmon berry and thimbleberry as well as a few hucks are ripe, late sept early oct is best overall but up high on blueberry fields (at least in my experience).  I saw my 1st bear last year on Aug 1st,  last bear last year on Oct 26th and a bunch in between