Looking for a bear.

[trocklin]

This is my first year hunting in washington (military) and im looking to fill my bear tag. I am living in yelm, so i have spent several days wandering around in the vail tree farm off of johnson creek road not seeing a lick of sign. Was wondering where in my area might give me the highest success in finding a bear. Im not afraid to work or hike to find me a bear, any pointers will help. Thanks

[madmack76]

aren't we all

[Tacomahunter]

I've spotted a couple in Fort Lewis. Try some of the training areas.

[trocklin]

There may be many looking as well, but there are people out there that aren't after bears who may have spotted some while scouting for other game. I have been stationed in this state for 2 years, this is my first hunting season stateside. Therefore I lack the time in which I could put into finding decent hunting grounds. Just seeking a little hint is all.

[Eli346]

Capitol Forest- There's bear damage in almost every drainage you find up there. Look for the brown and gray trees in the reprod (10-15 year old trees). The trees that are damaged this year haven't turned color yet so they are harder to spot but they're all over. They ought to be fattening up pretty good right now and the coats should start getting better.

[grizzlyadams]

Had several opprotunities at a bear this year. Saw alot of them for some reason this season but couldn't close the deal for one reason or the other. Went up to the same area today and found nothing. Not even fresh sign. Everything was a week old or more. Most all of the berries were gone now except for a few scattered here and there in some protected areas that get afernoon sun. The bears have obviously moved on to a different food source. What that is, I have no idea but it was clear that an area that had loads of bear in August and September, now had a huge sign hanging that read...."Vacancy".   

[BOWHUNTER45]

yeah me too  I do not think the bear god likes me this year 

[ydeardorff]

Im hearing a lot of hunters around my parts complaining about being skunked this year too.

[seansfire]

Bit of a drive for ya but maybe look into the Kitsap or Mason units maybe out by Tiger Lake? Just an option for ya. LOTS of gates out there with dark , damp , smelly , ravines and creek bottoms full of skunk cabbage.

[huntaddictsteve]

I saw a lot of fresh scat on Fort Lewis this weekend in TA 10.  Didn't see any bears, but looked like they were eating a lot of apples and blackberries, and there is a lot there still.