New guy, drew Monroe

[Molon5labe]

Hello! I'll start with a little about myself. I grew up in Lake Stevens and have lived in the area since. I did 6 years in the Guard and I currently work at Boeing. I got a late start with hunting as I'm 29 and I started last fall. I was able to harvest, almost exclusively with only the help of this forum, a little blacktail spike, with my own handloads, which was extremely rewarding. I was hooked. I've drawn the Monroe unit for this spring. I've read a wealth of knowledge on here in the black bear section over the last 6 months or so. What happens next? Do I get something in the mail? Where in 448 am I allowed to hunt? I've got some 150gr Hornady Interlocks loaded up from deer season but I see 165 and 180 grain pills recommended for black bear. Will these 150gr rounds be sufficient? I have a fox pro predator call I picked up for coyotes. Will this work alright or is a manual call better?

Besides asking for do's and don'ts and general info on this year's spring bear hunt, I'm curious to see if there are any experienced bear hunters who might be willing to help me out with this tag. I definitely do not want to waste it. Thanks!


Eta, I should also note that I'm looking for a partner to do other hunting with as well. I intend on doing the high buck hunt this fall and would really like to find some one who is willing and able to partner up with

[h20hunter]

We ate getting together at Skookum Brewery tomorrow night....6 pm....come on up and let's talk bears.

[gallion_t]

I was drawn for this tag last year. In the next couple of weeks you will receive in the mail information about a meeting to attend at the mill creek fish and game office for early April. They will go over basic information and give you the combo to the gates as well as a general map and the purpose of the hunt. If you are unable to make the meeting you will have to meet with the biologist briefly to go over the same info. Once you have that you are free to go out and start hunting.

Last year was my first year really hunting bears and I was unable to seal the deal. Its a real tough hunt. A couple of the properties have bait locations right along roads that they don't want you hunting near so be mindful of where those are located.

[TheSkyBuster]

What cartridge are you shooting?  150s should be fine for bear.   Get out and do some coyote calling in the unit as the season approaches and keep your eyes open for bear sign.

[Molon5labe]

We ate getting together at Skookum Brewery tomorrow night....6 pm....come on up and let's talk bears.

Awesome! I won't be able to stay long but I'll be there and hopefully be able to exchange numbers with someone. Thanks!

[Molon5labe]

What cartridge are you shooting?  150s should be fine for bear.   Get out and do some coyote calling in the unit as the season approaches and keep your eyes open for bear sign.

Whoops, forgot to put that, 30-06

[Buckmark]

What cartridge are you shooting?  150s should be fine for bear.   Get out and do some coyote calling in the unit as the season approaches and keep your eyes open for bear sign.

Whoops, forgot to put that, 30-06

Oh boy that is way too small for bears, 300rum at the minimum...

[h20hunter]

I'll see what I can find from my 2013 tag packet. See you there.

[Carl]

Can envious "did not draw" folks come, too?   

 

[h20hunter]

I hope so...I'm going.

[D-Rock425]

Hmmm also from lake stevens slightly older than you.  Willing to help.

[ridgefire]

Lots of bears up off kellogg lake road out of Startup.

[h20hunter]

Nope....none there......never seen any! 

[Jharristealth]

Lots of bears up off kellogg lake road out of Startup.

They all moved out last year after the fire danger closure, a real bummer....

[h20hunter]

Yep. For sure. Those that are new and rew monroe do a search on here for "flamingo". I use them as decoys in that general area and have a few bears on cam.