Goin to Republic.....

[finnman]

The wife and are heading to the Republic area September 2nd to the 7th to find a bear or two. Has anyone evr had any success calling in that area? Is it the right time of year to call or are they on another food source? I know what an Elderberry looks like and I have seen them demolished that time of year.
I have never called bears so I want to give it a shot if it is the right timing.

Thanks!

[Pathfinder101]

The Huckleberries are about 2 weeks behind everywhere from what I have seen here in the blues.  That means that there will still be a good crop at the higher elevations come September.  I would find a big, open hillside with berries, a good vantage point with the wind in your favor, and just watch...
Good luck.

[Machias]

Calling works year round.  Just don't call pre-season, bears are very smart and if you call before the season and they bust you, which they most likely will you have just educated one of the smartest critters in the woods.

[MtnMuley]

Absolutely Machias.  Whatever berries are ripe during your hunt should hold the bears.  Type shouldn't matter as long as they're a ripe, sweet berry.  There definately isn't a shortage of nice bruins in Ferry County.  Finding their food stash along with some calling should equal a successful trip.  Good Luck.

[finnman]

Thanks for the info fellas!
I know of a drainage with a gob of elderberry trees that were just wasted a few years ago, I might give it a try.
Found some bear crap the size of a doe backstrap in there too!
Anyone know how high you need to go to get to the blue berrys in Ferry County? I have climbed high on some of those peaks and I can't remember seeing any. Maybe because they are a smaller bush, the ones where we elk hunt are 4-5' tall.

[Pathfinder101]

Thanks for the info fellas!
I know of a drainage with a gob of elderberry trees that were just wasted a few years ago, I might give it a try.
Found some bear crap the size of a doe backstrap in there too!
Anyone know how high you need to go to get to the blue berrys in Ferry County? I have climbed high on some of those peaks and I can't remember seeing any. Maybe because they are a smaller bush, the ones where we elk hunt are 4-5' tall.

If you mean huckelberries, you should start finding them anywhere above 3,000 feet.  Look for old clearcuts that have had a few years to recover.  The ones at the lowest elevations should start to come ripe within the next week or so.  The higher elevations will take longer.

[jeepasaurusrex]

I seen quite a bit of Bear sign, food etc SSW of Republic around Swan Lake. 

[high country]

there is a bunch of bears that stay close to the san poil....I have taken them in the deadman drainage and a couple of its intersects. the berries are surely 2-3 weeks late.

[littletoes]

Just be careful what you shoot at in that area, and be sure its a black bear and not grizz. The wardens are thick in that area, and have no sense of humor about folks shooting the wrong kind of bears!

LOTS of Border Patrol in them areas too! 

[one-eyed Ross]

And if you get in some of them areas, the "leafy green plant" farmers can get real upset about people trampling their crops....

[Earshot]

Are you talk'n about the wacky tabacci farmers, they aren't still around up there are they?

[one-eyed Ross]

Not sure, haven't talked with family about it for a while.  Been living as a moss-back lately...

[MuleySniper]

The DEA did huge sweeps in those areas a few years back. I hear its not as bad as it used to be. Still doesn't hurt to be a little cautious. Shoot first!
MS

[Earshot]

I'm heading over to scout 204 for the late whitetail tag and figure my as well try and find a bear at the same time.

[yakimarcher]

i've seen a couple around empire lake up there.