Bear rug ?

[Jeremiah P]

This year I really want to get a bear so I can have a rug made. So my question is when is the best time of year to (a) shoot a bear in the high country say 5-6 thousand feet and (b) when to shoot a bear in the blue creek unit? Thanks for any advice.

[SHANE(WA)]

september and on, later in OCT better

[Ray]

The one I got early last September had a great coat. It was in the Alpine GMU at around 5600 ft elevation. I believe August would be a fine time to shoot one as well. Even in the heat. As long as you are willing to get it out of there before the meat is bad.

[Michelle_Nelson]

For up in the high sountry it is hard to say.  Rays Bear had a great coat for as early as it was shot.  For the best coats I would say October - Nov.  Some September hides will be alright but not all bears are the same.   Some may have a good coat and some may not.   

I think Spring hides are some of the best.

[billythekidrock]

It depends on the weather and your definition of "good". The best hides will be from the colder climates and later in the season.

[rasbo]

I see rubbing on some in this area as early as july.oct on is when I would prefer a bear for the hide in the late season.spring is supposed to be the best

[bucklucky]

Dude, that very last week in November that you cant hunt will give you the best chance at a good thick hide, Draw that spring bear tag and you got it made......well at leadt a good chance.

[billythekidrock]

Draw that spring bear tag and you got it made......well at leadt a good chance.

Yea, but you still have to get it early enough in the spring.

I shot this one about 7 days into the spring season and it was already rubbed too bad for a rug. It would have made a great shoulder mount.

[bucklucky]

Seen them late in the season also, got one in a couple years ago that was a late october bear that looked like that. Guess you need to be a little picky if youre looking for a good hide??