Spring vs fall

[nimrod67]

Which is better. Never hunted either but I was gonna put in for the spring hunt and a buddy said the bears are usually skinnier and the fur isn't as nice, is this true.

[Timberstalker]

I've seen very few "bad" hides on spring bears, especially if they are killed early and the temps stay cool.

I've seen plenty of rubbed out fall bears.

As far as the bears being skinnier in the fall, yes they will be lighter than a fall bear.

If I were you, I wouldn't apply for a spring tag.  You don't want a skinny bear.

[JimmyHoffa]

Spring time they're skinnier but that is mostly due to burning fat not necessarily muscle atrophy.  In Spring, the coats are usually softer, thicker but some of the bears will have rubbed on something in their dens leaving torn up patches so that sucks.  Bears in spring usually have mellower taste from eating more grass and peeling trees. 

[huntnnw]

Best hides will come in the spring. Bears will have no fat and are like field dressing a rutted out buck which is quite the opposite with a fall bear where your hands are coated in oil as if you dumped olive oil on your hands 

[Ripper]

In my experience spring bears have longer, thicker coats on them. They both are great to eat. I've never eaten bad bear meat but I guess if the eat fish they they taste like crap.

[trophyhunt]

Spring bear hides are super thick, can be rubbed later on as it gets warmer but I've only seen 1sightly rubbed out of 4 bears that I've killed in the spring.  Great meat and much less greasy fat to deal with.  The best part about spring bear, you get to see them actually walking around, they are looking for love and travel a lot.  If you see a bear during your hunt, watch it as long as you can, it may have small Cubs with it or a big boar right on her butt. The last bear I killed in spring about 3 years ago was following a huge female, she must had just kicked loose her 2 year old cub because he was also on the same hillside.   

[Machias]

It don't matter, once you go you'll be hooked and end up going in the Spring and Fall.    I love chasing bears both times.  The spring hides are beautiful and thick.  Another bonus with the spring is the claws are nice and long.  Fall bears are huge fat rolly polly things.  The time in the woods, spring or fall is just fantastic.