Spring Bear Hunting Idaho or Montana

[dan11011]

I've hunted black bear in the fall in eastern Washington for the past two years. I enjoy it so much that I want to give spring bear a shot. I will apply for Washington but since I likely won't draw the first time, I was wondering about Spring hunting in Idaho or Montana. I've hunted antelope in Montana but that was way over near Forsyth. And I've never hunted in Idaho. Does anyone have any advice on these two states? I know its a ways out but I want to start planning. How many otc bear tags can you get in either state?

Thanks,
Daniel

[whacker1]

Montana is significantly more expensive.

outside of cost..... I would look to see what the seasons look like for the time frame you want to hunt or want to be able to hunt and the areas you want to hunt.

[dan11011]

I basically have all of May starting around the 7th all the way through closing in June. So I have a good bit of time. Can't really hunt in April though. I live just a bit north of Spokane and was thinking about hunting Unit 1 (the northernmost unit). I will hunt with a rifle. Mainly just need to scout out some good public land up there.

[whacker1]

Lots of bears in unit 1.  Closer to you, which means greater frequency of hunting. 

I would hunt unit 1 for sure based on cost, access.  with the potential of winters in Unit 1, it might be difficult to access until mid-may.  that part is a crap shoot.

[cbond3318]

I hunted the spring season outside of Bozeman a few years back. Lots of Bears and amazing country in all directions. I hunted during the first 2 weeks of June and even then , where I was hunting, it would go from blue skies to a blizzard quick. Weather kept me from killing a bear. I was working a Project there at the time so travel/stay wasn't an issue.

PM me if you'd like more specifics.

[dan11011]

Thanks whacker and cbond! I think ill probably stick to Idaho this spring as it is a lot closer. What kind of land do most people hunt in Idaho. Mainly just national forest land, or is there a block management system like Montana? I plan to just spot and stalk with maybe a little calling.

Sounds like the main difficulties will be finding food sources and road access that doesn't still have a lot of snow. Sounds like going in May/June will be better for that. I can buy two spring bear tags and a wolf tag otc? I assume cougar will not be in season at that time?

[whacker1]

Thanks whacker and cbond! I think ill probably stick to Idaho this spring as it is a lot closer. What kind of land do most people hunt in Idaho. Mainly just national forest land, or is there a block management system like Montana? I plan to just spot and stalk with maybe a little calling.

Sounds like the main difficulties will be finding food sources and road access that doesn't still have a lot of snow. Sounds like going in May/June will be better for that. I can buy two spring bear tags and a wolf tag otc? I assume cougar will not be in season at that time?

Yes, National forest and state land predominantly.  There are some timber company properties in those North Idaho units as well.  No block management that I am aware of.

I can't recall all the details on how many tags and which are available and which are in season, but IDFG puts out a pretty easy to digest hunting regulation book.

[dan11011]

Yea I've been trying to navigate the regulations online but might try to get a paper copy. Yea, I always buy the Inland Empire pass to hunt the Washington side, but I know there is a bit of their land in Idaho. I just want to get into a good area without many hunters. But don't we all.

[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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