Advice, and maybe guide services requested

[Bob33]

I'm not going to wait until I get drawn to start. 

I've applied for a spring bear permit for many years.  I got drawn once for Copalis, along with my friend.  We hunted multiple times.  We never saw a bear.  He got drawn the next two years for Copalis, and he hunted multiple times and never saw a bear.  We had a great time, but no bear.

I'm not a bear hunting expert.  I can't call them.  I can recognize their poop and that's about it.

I doubt that I can afford a week off to hunt a Blue Mountains unit.  Therefore I plan to apply for a westside unit.  Based on the research I've done to date, Skagit and Monroe appear to be the best units to apply for.

If I draw, I would be willing to enlist the help of someone to help me find a bear.  Even someone who could do some scouting and give me likely spots would be helpful.

Does anyone have a suggestion?

[Machias]

I would offer to take you on a dog hunt in Idaho, but you wouldn't be allowed to kill a bear, so that wouldn't work.  I am thinking of running a bait over there this spring, near St. Maries, if you get desperate and I have good action at the bait your more than welcome to hunt it.  Just a thought

[MtnMuley]

Sounds like you're thinking about a spring-only hunt....?  Are you interested in a fall hunt also?

[Bob33]

I would offer to take you on a dog hunt in Idaho, but you wouldn't be allowed to kill a bear, so that wouldn't work.  I am thinking of running a bait over there this spring, near St. Maries, if you get desperate and I have good action at the bait your more than welcome to hunt it.  Just a thought

Thank you for the offer. I've hunted elk in the St. Joe area so I'm a bit familiar with that area.  I'll keep this in mind and see what the spring draw in WA brings.

[Bob33]

Sounds like you're thinking about a spring-only hunt....?  Are you interested in a fall hunt also?

Certainly.

[Gutpile]

Hire bear paw. Prices are reasonable. Good success rates.

[Coastal_native]

Well it's too bad I didn't connect with you when you were hunting the copalis...I'm very familiar with the area and spent 3 years trapping and tracking radio marked bears in and adjacent to the copalis GMU.  If you ever make it back, I'd love to give you some insight and maybe even help you out.

[saylean]

Hey Bear,

If you draw west side, and I am available (depends on my work etc), I would be happy to go out and about with you just show you what little I know. That is, if you dont hire a guide.

Good luck!

Cheers~

[Ray]

I have not killed too many bears, and never a spring bear. However I would never have a problem looking for bears. If you need another partner send a message and I'll check my schedule and see if it can be lined up. I don't plan on putting in for the spring bear hunt in 2011.

[Bob33]

To all: I am overwhelmed by the generosity of my fellow forum members.  In one day I've received more offers of assistance than I expected I would get in total.

I don't know what to say other than thank you.  I often read posts on this forum where members are calling each other names, belittling them, attacking them, and basically giving hunters a bad name.  It saddens me, and makes me wonder about the future of hunting.

Then I see the replies I've got to this post, and it renews my faith in hunters.  You guys (and gals) are awesome.  Thank you.

I checked and the spring bear application deadline is March 10, so I have some time to sort this out.  I'm quite excited about the possibilities for spring. I've hunted since I was about eight and killed lots of deer, elk, antelope, and even a moose but never a bear.   I will do my homework, and I will work hard.   I hope to have some good bear hunts in 2011.  I may not kill a bear, but I'll have a good time and good memories.

I'll try to contact everyone that has offered assistance.  Thanks again.

[Gutpile]

I would offer to take you on a dog hunt in Idaho, but you wouldn't be allowed to kill a bear, so that wouldn't work.  I am thinking of running a bait over there this spring, near St. Maries, if you get desperate and I have good action at the bait your more than welcome to hunt it.  Just a thought

Why is that? Do you need a special tag or something?

[h20hunter]

I to plan on putting in for a spring tag in the Monroe area. Sorry Bob but since I'm putting in you may want to choose a different area since I obviously will be drawn. I plan to do some hiking/scouting/hunting (if drawn). I'm hoping to get drawn and get some help from others. Also, if I'm not drawn I'll be glad to share scouting info from being out and about. Living in Lake Stevens I'm also up for being a back up gun if somebody wants to have me during the spring hunt. Have 12 guage, will hike.

Lets bag some spring bears!

[Machias]

I would offer to take you on a dog hunt in Idaho, but you wouldn't be allowed to kill a bear, so that wouldn't work.  I am thinking of running a bait over there this spring, near St. Maries, if you get desperate and I have good action at the bait your more than welcome to hunt it.  Just a thought

Why is that? Do you need a special tag or something?

Yes, in ID you cannot shoot bear, lions, bobcats or coons over dogs unless you have a non-resident hound permit.  They only give out 70 statewide permits and have something like 3000+ applicants.  However if you go with a guide you are not included in the 70 permits and actually you don't need the permit, the guide is covered.  If someone tagged along to see a bear or cat treed they could not touch or handle the dogs or shoot anything treed over them.

[Gutpile]

Never heard of that but it sure would be cool. I'd like to watch hounds work someday.

[Machias]

Your more than welcome to tag along anytime you want to go next spring and summer.

[Gutpile]

I may take you up on that. Beware what you offer.  Still trying to figure out how to go on the Beagle/Bunny hunt I was invited on too. That would be a blast. Too many hunts, too little time...................... and money.