IDAHO SPRING BEAR

[Falcon425]

Hey guys,

I was just wondering if anyone had tips/suggestions/advice on spring bear baiting in Unit 10/12 (I will be hunting with a bow  )? This will be my first spring bear hunt in Idaho, so I was curious as to how many WA guys have had experience baiting in the Nez Perce/Clearwater NF. I was also wondering if guys have had any encounters with grizzlies or wolves in that area?

Appreciate the insight in advance.

[6.8mmARHunter]

Tag.

I can't offer any insight, but am interested in any responses.

[Duckslayer89]

I've never baited bear down there but have seen incredible amounts of bear sign down along the north fork of the clear water over French Mountain Saddle outside of Pierce. Hit the river at the bungalow and take a right up river and find any decent spot with easy access. I believe its legal to shoot a wolf off of bear bait too in Idaho and you have a great shot at that down there. Good luck post pics!

[Machias]

Do you have a way to get around in snow?  I have hound hunted 10 and 12  as well as baited down there and if those areas get anything close to normal snow or more, you'll have one heck of a time getting around without a snowmobile and or atv.  You'll most likely have a heck of a time anyways with all the road slides that occur most springs. Do you have a boat?

[wazzu99]

I would love to get started in idaho for spring bears, just don't know where to get started.  The spring hunt has turned into one of my favorite hunts if not the best hunt of the year.  Problem is you only get to do it every 4 to 5 years when you draw a permit.

Any info would be appreciated

Wazzu

[Machias]

Wazzu, any questions, fire away, I'd be more than happy to help if I can.

[BULLBLASTER]

I would love to get started in idaho for spring bears, just don't know where to get started.  The spring hunt has turned into one of my favorite hunts if not the best hunt of the year.  Problem is you only get to do it every 4 to 5 years when you draw a permit.

Any info would be appreciated

Wazzu

Most of the panhandle has good bear numbers. And running baits is a absolute blast of a time!
Lots of good spot and stalk glassing hunting as well

Like machias said fire away with questions

[Timberstalker]

Is there a limit on tags in 10/12?

[Machias]

Is there a limit on tags in 10/12?

No, plus they are reduced prices.

[Timberstalker]

Thanks Machias.

[Machias]

Good luck down there, some really nice bears. 

[wazzu99]

sorry guys been wrapped up in work and haven't been on in awhile.

Appreciate the help.  Looking for areas with good spot and stalk potential.  Unfortunetly don't have time to bait as its just too far to drive to keep a bait consistent.  I also don't have a snowmobile or 4 wheeler to access difficult areas.  Our group has gone 8 for 8 on WA spring bears and looking for ways to extend that hunt!

Wazzu

[follow maggie]

If you buy a tag for the spring hunt and don't get one, is the same tag good in the fall?

[Machias]

Yes the tag is for the year, not for the spring or fall.

Once you can get into Area 10 I can point you to some areas with spot and stalk potential.  Particularly along the North Fork of the Clearwater River.  The aerial view show what looks like a finger when you zoom out a bit.  That finger has a lot of bears, just tough to get to.

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Smith+Ridge+Trailhead/@46.8863922,-115.6373406,12z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x0000000000000000:0xd9981e6b2401d50e!5m1!1e4

[wazzu99]

thank you sir, much appreciated.  I like the country in that area.  Would love to make it work this spring but may be tough with my work schedule.

Bear tags are sold over the counter and there is no deadline to purchase correct?

thanks again

Wazzu

[andrew_in_idaho]

Some very good spot and stalk bear hunting further south. Especially in the draw units. If you are already planning on bear hunting this spring may as well throw your name in the hat and if you don't draw you can go otc


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[Elkrunner]

What do the tags cost over there?

[andrew_in_idaho]

$41.75 for reduced price units and $186 for the rest. The reduced price units are also all 2 bear units. Mostly in the panhandle and central wilderness areas.


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[Elkrunner]

That's not bad


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[andrew_in_idaho]

$10.50 for residents. Just thought I'd rub that in a little


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[kglacken]

Anyone have any info in units 5 & 6? Im somewhat familiar with those areas but never hunted spring bear over there. Looking to give it a shot this year.

[idaho guy]

I have bear hunted both you said you are familiar with both areas if that's the case you will have no problem tagging a spring bear just do it!