Springer or fall bear, which is better?

[Tbar]

I sure like to handle spring bears better, less fat to deal with.

I avoid fall bears because I'm not a fan of all the grease/ fat.

[SilkOnTheDrySide]

I don't have any experience with spring bears, or many fall bears for that matter. I was told years ago by an avid bear hunter that the spring bears meat was full of toxins after hibernating, that the meat was tainted. That it took a while of good eating to flush their systems and get their muscles (meat) back to prime condition. One of the reasons I have never targeted spring bears. Was he wrong ?

Total BS.


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[fillthefreezer]

You guys commenting, have you eaten many spring bears? How bout handled their hides? 🙄


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Yes,  if it was directed at me. Only western Washington though.

not you tbar, we are of the same thinking here.

i have never seen 5in long hair on a fall bear

[Machias]

My spring bears have had some fantastic coats as well as much longer claws, if you get them shortly after they come out of the den.  Fall bears particularly up high in late Sep or early Oct have some beautiful hides, but not nearly as thick.  I did shoot one spring bear that was rubbed pretty good behind the front shoulder, but I was making a shoulder mount and he had fantastic hair for that.  I think they taste similar no matter spring or fall.  I think what matters more is what they were doing prior to and shortly after the shot.  Relaxed bears and bear meat that is cooled quickly taste great.