Lady in search of bear

[julzzz]

I live on the west side and am new to bear hunting. Ive heard you have to go up high to find these guys.  Where should I start.  Please PM me with any info, trying to find one for my 11 year old son.

[Huntbear]

Do some searching in this thread and you will find a wealth of knowledge.  I am sure some of the guys with more knowledge will help ya out.

[PWN Kurt]

Try clear cuts that are about 3 to 5 years old that have lots of rotting stumps and berry patches.  Glass them in the morning and evening hours.  You shouldn't have to go up high.

You should go on some scouting trips prior to the season to look for tracks and scat.


Good luck, be careful, have fun!

Kurt

[alecvg]

I have a different opinion, Personally I think hunting clear cuts is BORING, I think it is funner to hunt the high country, plus there is better  hunting, and less people.  Get up in the Alpine.   

[Skyvalhunter]

Depends on how far you want to pack the hide out along with any meat you want. You can go up high or stick to clear cuts. Day temps will affect feeding times and where they are at. Where are you located?

[JackOfAllTrades]

I have a different opinion, Personally I think hunting clear cuts is BORING, I think it is funner to hunt the high country, plus there is better  hunting, and less people.  Get up in the Alpine.   

I'm with Alec! I much prefer the high hunt. Even if you don't see Bear, there are huge chances of seeing Goats or Marmots. Views from the high country are often breath taking. I just sit down and take it all in.

Other than that, find areas of open timber and clear cuts with transitions to dense timber with water near. Look for Salmon, Black and Huckleberries. Grasses and flowers. Mornings and evenings are best, but they do feed during the cooler days.

Be prepared! 10 essentials! Know the anotomy of a Bear before you shoot. Know yours and your son's limitations and the capabilities of your rifle.

-Steve

[MountainWalk]

For her and her 11 year old boy, I would rule out high country. Simply no need to. Folks not properly prepared or equipped have no biz in the high. But thats not all bad. I have seen more bruin in foothills and low country. And you don't even have to sit clear cuts. Take a nice quiet leisurely stroll thru some woods with a trail. Most timber country has this linking up cuts. Always berries and cured grass along this log roads.
Where abouts in the west are you? Your boy pretty excited about going hunting? I bet!

[strutnrut1984]

i agree with jack of all trades on the high country. but if your not prepared to pack out. i would stick to the foothills.

[Branden]

I personally would hunt the high country also. That doesn't mean you have to hike in cause there are forest service roads that are up there that you can spot bears from. The high country usually has better scenery and I see more bears out during the middle of the day up high then I do down low.

[pjb3]

At what foot level would you consider "high altitude"?

[stumprat]

My vote is for a high country hunt also.
High country hunts for bear do not have to be remote. The forest service has alot of ungated roads up high. These roads are pretty heavily traveled in case the need for help arises.
Most importantly there is more open terrain to glass. Also less brush to track a bear especially if wounded.
Lots of berries to watch. And in my opinion more daytime bear activity in these berry patches.

And the views are great especially for a young hunter.