Place to hunt, i need help

[HunterJake]

I just started bear hunting at 17 i am 18 now, I really need some help, i scouted but I'm out of luck, and i cant afford the gas to keep driving everywhere to look for bear. I understand nobody likes to give out there sweet spot, but please, i need help on where to go. If you don't want to post it can you please message me? I wont give it out, i just need the help. And i am a ethical hunter, i only take smart shots, i always pick up my trash and my shells, I even clean up trash when i see it laying in the woods sometimes.

[grizzlyadams]

Hunter.......where do you live? I may be able to help. I know how frustrating it can be trying to learn the areas. Give me a shout back with your location and I'll see what I can do for ya.   

[Archeryoutfitters]

 

Hunter.......where do you live? I may be able to help. I know how frustrating it can be trying to learn the areas. Give me a shout back with your location and I'll see what I can do for ya.   

[dreamunelk]

HunterJake, don't give up.  It takes time.  Some people go years or a life time.  All the lessons learned along the way plus all the other bonuses will add up to a success.

[grizzlyadams]

HunterJake, don't give up.  It takes time.  Some people go years or a life time.  All the lessons learned along the way plus all the other bonuses will add up to a success.

Dream is absolutely right. There is a gratification that only comes from doing your own scouting and getting the animal on your own. The years I have spent scouting and exploring encompass so many good memories. Its not just all about the kill. You will find that each adventure will produce memories sometimes better than tagging the actual animal.

I will still try and point you in the right direction but I strongly encourage getting out there and exploring.

[HunterJake]

I live in Tacoma, Thank you for all your help. I am so grateful.

[grizzlyadams]

Hmmm down south from me.  I dont hunt down that way much. I have loads of info on everything North of I-90 on both sides of the mountains. Wish I could help.

I do know that anything around Mt. Rainier holds great numbers of everything. Head that way then up some logging roads. Find closed gates and do some walking. I also love to hike the trails into the back country. Thats were you will find the greatest numbers.

[CAMPMEAT]

When I started hunting when I was 27, the first thing I wanted was a bear and a coyote. I worked 14 days a month and hunted all the time. I never, ever saw a bear, never. I'd see a fleeting coyote, but never got a shot. It took me 20 years to get a bear. Back then nobody called bears and I didn't know you could bait. So what I'm getting at is it will happen, you might have to split the gas with someone, sleep in the back of your pickup etc. Just put in the time. If you live near Tacoma, buy a Hancock Pass and go there as much as possible and search, you'll get one.

[greenhead_killer]

go high and find the berries. they are a few weeks out but they will be there. be patient when out, have good optics. ive never shot one either, been there when my group has taken  them, early in the morning, mid day when it was 85 out, and late in the evening. just about being around their food source. good luck.

[ribka]

I shot my first bear when I was 30. Have to pay your dues. Anything worthwhile in life does not come easy. Save money up this year. Do your research so you're ready for next year.

[JimmyHoffa]

How far are you willing to travel?  Kitsap/Mason counties aren't too far from Tacoma.  The Tahuya state forest has a few animals roaming around.  If you head out a little farther you can be in the south eastern part of the Olympic national forest.  Some good areas with plenty of water/berries.  Hamma Hamma and Duckabush drainages have plenty of shade and berries.  Right now I've been seeing lots of salmon berries, and yesterday found a few blueberries (most were eaten by bears).  Also, that eastern part of the olympics has a lot of wild strawberries.

[HunterJake]

I really appriciate the advice everyone thank you so much. also i am willing to drive about 1 1/2 hours from tacoma. thanks so much again everyone

[Alan K]

I went hard for bear the summer between my junior and senior year of high school.  Probably 4-5 days a week in the evenings, but just up in capitol forest.  I never saw one, though I was finding sign in places.  Unless you're going up high in/near the mountains I think it takes a lot of luck to bump into one.  Anymore I just head up the hill in the evenings when I don't have to get up all that early the next morning and look around. So far it's just been a scouting trip for deer and elk each time, but I still cross my fingers that I'll bump into one.  Good luck!

[ribka]

Don't mean to sound harsh but sounds like you have a positive attitude. Keep working hard and it will pay-off. Hike in off those remote forest service roads. Get up at a few hours before daybreak  get out and in your area by daylight  now when the weather is still hot and you will see bears

Good luck