Idaho Bear Hunting rules

[Brushbuster]

Can a nonresident buy two otc idaho spring bear tags?

Yes but the 2nd tag is only good for specific units.

... Nonresidents may purchase two (2) reduced-price black bear tags for Units 4, 4A, 6, 7, 9, 10, 12, 16A, 17, 19, 20, 20A, 26, 27, that portion of Unit 16 north of the Selway River, and those portions of Units 21 and 28 within designated wilderness at the discounted price of $41.75; or may purchase one (1) full priced bear tag ($186.00) to hunt black bear anywhere outside the areas listed above and one (1) reduced priced bear tag valid in areas listed above. Nonresident Deer or Elk tags: A nonresident deer or elk tag, excluding Nonresident Junior Mentored/DAV deer and elk tags, may be used to tag a black bear, mountain lion or gray wolf. See page 110 for details.

[Eric M]

tagging along

[Machias]

You don't need electronic calls for bears in the spring.  In fact when I have the option I almost always use the hand call for several reasons.  In my opinion it carries farther, I can impart way more emotion into my calling,  it's much lighter to carry, the batteries never die in the back country and I believe it is more effective!!

[Machias]

P.S.  I would be happy to share a few good spots.  Some of them have a lot of bears in there, but you would hate yourself for killing one in there.    Most of the units that don't allow baiting are due to the presence of grizz.

[Huntin Hounds]

Have you considered unit 1? It probably has the highest bear density in Idaho and can be very good spring spot and stalk hunting. There is no bait allowed and the only hound hunting is in the fall in specific areas of the unit. If you are going to hunt an area open to bait I would not worry about anyone baiting near you. It can actually help bring bears into yours if people get lazy on their baits. As far as hounds I would look for drainage's that have little to no road access. Houndsmen like myself usually avoid hunting areas with little access to stay on top of our dogs. I prefer areas with at least one road down low and one up high but you can't always pick where the dogs will strike one. One piece of advice is if hunting in the early spring look for green grass on a south slope. They like to sit in open clear cuts in the mornings and get some sun. Let us know where you decide to go.

[millerwheeler]

Tagging along

[Romulous]

Spent a lot of time scouting in 12-2 during my moose hunt. Lots of good bears in the area. I have lots of inside information from other bear hunters/baiters that i met in the unit who gave me advice on moose hunting. I had a bear push his nose up against the side of my truck during my first scouting trip. Another one on camera behind the lake. I have two trail cameras out on the moose i put down on vererans day. Really nice thing about 12-2 is the ease of finding a pull off the rock road campsite, gated rock roads for walking, and proximity to supplies via lolo hot springs to the north or the lochsa lodge to the south. Open wifi available at lolo pass visitors center. 8hr 15min from Oly to campsite. PM for other details.


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