Bears

[Curly]

Is bear season still open in Capital Forest for the special permit?    

[billythekidrock]

Nope the spring permit season ended last friday, BUT it was open today for arial capture via helicopter.

[Ghost Hunter]

And we didn't make it for the last day .  Almost drove up for an evening hunt.  3 years on the spring hunt and finally had 2 sightings this season.  Wouldn't want to guess the wieght and get 150# knocked off .  Lets just say I would have been happy to get a shot at either of them.  We'll see if we get drawn for a 4th year

[boneaddict]

150# knocked off

[billythekidrock]

Ghost - I don't know how well they did up there this spring, but the word is that they didn't/could't catch any in culvert traps. But yesterday (Wed) F&G went out with helicopters to catch some. This was sent out Tue.

The WDFW will be doing aerial bear captures via helicopter in Capitol Forest tomorrow (June 20th) from 5:30 am to 12:00 pm. Please contact Donny -Removed- with WDFW at 360-902- -Removed- if you have any questions or concerns.

The last few years they have really knocked the crap out of the bears in that unit. As you know, I only live down the road and though I have killed a couple bears there, I usually apply elsewhere.

[Ghost Hunter]

So is this another 'study' or are they relocating problem bears?   We really didn't see much damage till last couple of weeks.  A lot less than previous 2 years.  Either not many left or we're doing our job

[billythekidrock]

No one that has called or emailed has gotten a response yet. I am very curious about it. There is very little area there to actually capture from the air. I would also like to know why.

Yes, the damage to timber is alot less than in previous years and I think it is due to the high numbers of bears killed in the last 3 years. It will be interesting to see how many were killed this spring with only 50 permit vs. previous years with 100 permits.

[Ghost Hunter]

Just received a call from WDFW asking for success report for me and the wife.  Went ahead and returned call, to report our lack of success in the CF.  The lady said a total of 52 tags were issued.  Of the hunters contacted, so far only 2 reported being successful in harvesting a bear.  Asked about the aerial hunt.  She said they were putting tracking chips in the bears.  Oh, and better luck next year

[billythekidrock]

Thanks for the update. I am still waiting on F&G to return my email request about the aerial deal.

[Curly]

Maybe they can give out the tracking receivers next year.