DAYTON UNIT SPRING BEAR

[BIGINNER]

I DREW SPRING BEAR TAG FOR DAYTON UNIT THIS YEAR.

I'M FAMILIAR WITH THE AREA JULY-OCTOBER.  AND AS MUCH TIME AS I SPEND OUT THERE I NEVER HAVE BEEN UP THERE IN THE SPRING.  I KNOW SNOW WILL DICTATE ACCESS QUITE A BIT.   I HEAR THAT ONIONS ARE WHAT I SHULD BE LOOKING FOR.      WHERE CAN I FIND THESE ONIONS? UP HIGH? DOWN LOW?   WOULD APPRECIATE ANY POINTER I CAN GET.  I WONT BE ABLE TO HEAD OUT THERE UNTIL NEAR THE END OF APRIL, BUT PLAN ON BEING UT THERE EVERY CHANCE I GET UNTILL I FIND A BEAR.

THANKS IN ADVANCE

[92xj]

You've listed everything you need to know.
Where snow is gone is where you will find green and onions, later in the season, higher the elevation.
Good luck.

[go4steelhd]

Access really depends on the year. Glass the open green hillsides during the afternoon and evenings, they seem to be best. I would set up to where you can glass two canyons at the same time, three is even better. Take rain gear, and be out as soon as the storms break. I have seen a lot of bears in the dayton in May. I have not gotten that tag, it is probably the best in the blues. I have harvested serval bears in the adjoining units when I was lucky enough to draw.

Check this site out and look at the cams. keep in mind this is the highest or one of the highest points in the dayton unit. But it will give you a good idea what is going on.

https://bluewood.com/



Good luck

Please post pics and the story regardless of the outcome

[Wolfdog2314]

HI I HAVE THE TAG TOO!


Maybe I’ll see ya around there. Unfortunately I think it will take multiple trips to read the current snow levels and hope to get some intel from those who are closer.

[trophyhunt]

I was told there is 9' of snow on top, good luck, enjoy the hunt.  Remember to look closely at the bear for small cubs, they hide easily.  Take your time watching the bear.

[Limhangerslayer]

I’ve had the tag three times, hardest part about the hunt is picking the bear you want to shoot.  Early is great for finding a big bear and they usually stay in the same area a lot longer.  Mid May they start to rut and the big boars can cover some ground but you’ll see a lot more bears in general.

[Jimmy33]

I wish I had that tag...its a gimme


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[BIGINNER]

So i'm finally back in the country.
Am thinking to head up there this weekend.  Has anyone been out there in the past week? Am i wasting my time with current snow levels?

Thanks in advance.  I'll probably head out there either way just to get some fresh air.

[Duckhunter14]

Tagging. I was also curious about the road conditions and access availability.

[Wolfdog2314]

I’ll know after this weekend!

[Sutherland]

Keep us posted Im Excited to see what you find.

[Duckhunter14]

I’ll know after this weekend!

Heck yeah! Good luck. 

[BIGINNER]

was out there this weekend. Just strictly to check on snow levels. couldn't get past bluewood and the wildlife area gates were closed. we walked around a but not much because we didn't come prepared to do any serious walking.  The east gate at the wildlife area says it opens on June 1st. i didn't notice any sight stating when the west gate would open. Does anyone know if it would be opening at the same time?

[Wolfdog2314]

I had the same experience. Still early too. Juuuust starting to green up!

[Timberstalker]

Give it 3 weeks. May 15th is a magical time to be in the Blues for Spring bears.