Spring bear in the northeast techniques and times

[Wanttohuntmore]

Figured it would be cool to start a simple thread for past successful hunters,   on how they got their spring bear (spot and stalk in fresh grass, calling,  etc), and what date (late may,  early June,  etc).

My son will be hunting most of the season,  but concentrating near the later part.

[MooseZ25]

This is my opinion on the NE spring bear hunt units.  Biggest mistake I think unsuccessful spring bear hunters make hunting too early in the season.  Everybody is so excited to come over here and get stuck in the snow and mud I guess.  Best is to wait till mid may and June.  Some years differ but the grass is growing, roads are dried up and all the bears are out and about.  Second is they don't give them self enough time to hunt.  I hear it all the time about we hunted two days and didn't see anything.  Give yourself time.  Plan for multiple weekends and and put the tag to use.  As a resident of NE Washington it really is upsetting knowing one of our spring bear tags went unfilled.  We are overrun with predators and  bear are just another apex predator that needs to be managed.  Every time I ask WDFW why we don't have more spring tags allowed I am told it's because of the lack of harvest on the issued tags.  KILL A BEAR if you draw a spring tag.  This year I drew a Aladdin unit tag and I will be killing a bear I saw last spring.  It a dandy bear.     

[hunter399]

Wanttohuntmore replied to your PM .

I have never harvested a spring bear ,so my knowledge is some what mute.
With that said have lived and hunted the NE corner my whole life.
I've only shot three bears my whole life.
All three I was out "Hunting bears" .
First bear was driving around at first lite ,just happened to see one and shot it.
Second bear about the same been driving around and stoped to take a leak,looked across the drainage bear there ,shot that one.
The third I was out hiking at Sun up ,shot it late mourning,packed it out ,took most of the day.

The point I'm getting at is I'm no expert guys.
Remember that when you PM me .
I do know some areas this and that.But I'm no bear expert.

With all that said.
Goodluck to all Turkey and bear hunters coming this way.
Turkey opening might be a good idea to have a shovel,tire chains,and a tow strap.For the mud.

[KFhunter]

This is my opinion on the NE spring bear hunt units.  Biggest mistake I think unsuccessful spring bear hunters make hunting too early in the season.  Everybody is so excited to come over here and get stuck in the snow and mud I guess.  Best is to wait till mid may and June.  Some years differ but the grass is growing, roads are dried up and all the bears are out and about.  Second is they don't give them self enough time to hunt.  I hear it all the time about we hunted two days and didn't see anything.  Give yourself time.  Plan for multiple weekends and and put the tag to use.  As a resident of NE Washington it really is upsetting knowing one of our spring bear tags went unfilled.  We are overrun with predators and  bear are just another apex predator that needs to be managed.  Every time I ask WDFW why we don't have more spring tags allowed I am told it's because of the lack of harvest on the issued tags.  KILL A BEAR if you draw a spring tag.  This year I drew a Aladdin unit tag and I will be killing a bear I saw last spring.  It a dandy bear.     

1000%


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[Ghost Hunter]

3 years ago I spent 17 days hunting and learning the area.  Seen 4 bear, 2 together.  One shot opportunity that I calculated angle drop wrong.  I'll be spending more than 17 days if that's what it takes this year.  I don't think anyone should plan on a 3 day success story. 
I plan on conserving fuel and hunting a lot of hours.  Maybe I have an edge this year. 

[Ghost Hunter]

Maybe that was 5, but do you count a grizzly on the wrong side?

[ThurstonCokid]

I have never shot a spring bear before. But i plan to this year. Mid may-June i plan to take 3 day weekends and get after it. Lots of glassing and lots of time working a new area. I’ve hunted the unit before but never for bear. I’ve also harvested a bear but not spring. I’m thrilled to get the chance and feel super blessed to draw! If anyone has any tricks I am eager to hear them. I appreciate the mass of information many of you drop regularly and I’d love to reduce the NE bear pop. By 1 this spring. 


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[Ridgeratt]

Maybe I have an edge this year. 

If you leave the kitchen window open they should be able to smell the bacon.
And what ever anyone says that is not baiting.  ☺☺☺

Just don't stroll to the outhouse wearing the bacon necklace.

[Ghost Hunter]

Just got the tripod Deathgrip head for the 'bow today.   

[Rob]

Tagging along.  I accept all the advise offered!

Will be in Kelly Hill this spring.


Totally agree on the timing comment from moosez25. I hit Sherman hard a couple years back and May is when it turned on.

[Wanttohuntmore]

To clarify my OP, I was looking more for responses from past successful hunters in the spring.   Trying to correlate a trend in what technique was used and about what date.   Trying to determine if one method and timing is most successful.   All my bear have been spot and stalk except one which was called.   To be fair I've rarely called in the past.

[boneaddict]

People hunt too early, get frustrated and move on with their spring.   

[Wanttohuntmore]

People hunt too early, get frustrated and move on with their spring.

I think you nailed it.  I'm guessing the few springers taken are random spot and stalk too.

[Ghost Hunter]

I have never shot a spring bear before. But i plan to this year. Mid may-June i plan to take 3 day weekends and get after it. Lots of glassing and lots of time working a new area. I’ve hunted the unit before but never for bear. I’ve also harvested a bear but not spring. I’m thrilled to get the chance and feel super blessed to draw! If anyone has any tricks I am eager to hear them. I appreciate the mass of information many of you drop regularly and I’d love to reduce the NE bear pop. By 1 this spring. 


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Solid plan.   

[trophyhunt]

I spent 17 days hunting spring bear last season, saw 20 bears. Spend as much time out there as you can, even if it’s quick weekend trips.  You will eventually find a bear with enough time. Glass you butt off, watch that damn wind, they can smell like crazy.  Really take the time if you see a bear to check for small Cubs, the new Cubs can be pretty small and hard to see. If you see two bears together and about the same age, the one in the rear should be the male, he should be pushing her.  Be prepared, rutting boars are like rutting deer, always on the move, they just don’t stop much. I’m jealous, even though I drew the past two years, I miss it already. Good luck all!!