Well having taken 21 bear out of this unit and not one from a bait or the use of hounds I would say there is a few bear around and 2 years in a row now I HAVE DRIVEN THE SAME ROAD IN MAY and have seen 2 huge bear and I keep saying I will put in for a tag in the spring and never due.. All the bear I have shot have been in late august thru october all up high eating blue berries and oregon grapes.. It is not that hard if you know what to look for.. In may they are eating fresh grass on the side of the roads so if you can find bear peels on trees along the side of the road your chances are good.. check early morning late evening and keep going back for a few days straight....

good luck!!!