Monroe tag

[Ripper]

Welcome G5 and thanks for the info. I agree D-Rock, with the paper work and key, I will take my chances. As has been stated,,  every gate is marked no motorized. I had  Dr appt this morning but I'm heading out now and hunting till dark. Looks like the sun wants to make a showing. I think it's going to be a good day.

[D-Rock425]

When I had mt permit in 2010 I was stopped several times by dnr and asked for my paperwork.  Once I showed them or told them I was bear hunting never had any problems.   
Ripper if you need any help packing one out tonight I don't have any plans.  You got my # right?

[Button Nubbs]

Kill one ripper!

[Skyvalhunter]

Well I will tell you they might say no motorized but I do evening hikes up there and there are plenty of bikes riding up there illeagally.

[G5]

2 tanks of gas in 2 days without seeing an animal???  This I find a little puzzling.  I did start running into fresh sign hiking along grassy spurs in the designated problem areas.  The poop was 50/50 mix of animal and vegetations.  small clumps but frequent and fresh.  I'm used to seeing cabbage and grass dung in good amounts littering the trails.  I also noticed that a few of last years tree damage was being revisted by bears also.  Nothing new.  Didn't hear any activity either.  might be out tomorrow but I doubt it.  I really don't want to draw down on the first one I find,  I need selection so I'm going to wait at least a week maybe 2 before.  I got this tag for a good winter coat on a decent size Blackie for a rug I hope the fur is still good come 1st of May.  I really think its just to early.  I buy a hancock permit every year and come spring time its impossible to drive back there around the 1st of may and not see a bears walking the roads.  From what I've seen from tree damage there's just as much or even more bears in this area.  Time will tell.  I do have a ? maybe someone can answer. The Campbell tree farm owns a majority of the land S of monroe to index that butts up to Hancock.  In the proposed hunting area it looks like Cambell (sp) only owns a couple townships.  Can I hunt Spring bear on the S. Side of Monroe and Index?  Its on the map that was given to me.  I know it has proposed hunting areas but when I called the Campbell group the gentleman mentioned that most of there land was on the S. side of Highway 2 and it also says I can hunt this tree farm.  I don't think this is the same gmu also.  I know its a slim chance but if theres a slight possiblity it would definatly be worth checking out.   

[Jeremy S]

There's a few out and about but it's pretty early. Early to mid may they'll be everywhere.

[CP]

3 days and many miles and I’ve seen nothing, no bears, no tracks, no fresh peels, and no scat.    It’s getting frustrating.  I think I’ll wait a week or so before starting out again.

[Ripper]

I'm not seeing anything either, but keep a good attitude and things will happen. Like everyone is saying, another week or two and there should be a lot more sign around.

[steeleywhopper]

Last year we started seeing the majority of the bear sign the last week of the hunt. They need to keep it open into June if they want their harvest numbers up on this hunt. My buddy and I only saw a fleeting glimpse of a bear on the Monroe hunt last year. Ate our tags and not for lack of trying.
  My opinion and it won't change.....

[bowman]

I have never understood the majority of this boards mentality pertaining to this hunt.  This isn't a slam dunk hunt by any means.  It's a tough one! Yes, some of the special permit hunts are slam dunks, but not this one.  Don't become frustrated with the lack of seeing animals.  Be happy to have the opportunity to be out in the woods with a "chance" in your pocket.  The fall hunt offers a better chance at getting a bear in my opinion.  My dad drew this tag two years ago and we hunted our tails off. We were out every day of the season except 3 and we didn't see a thing.  We had a blast out there though.

Good luck and safe hunting!   

[JBar]

Lonearcher just texted me a pic of a bear he passed on. I'll get him to post the pic in the morning. They're out movin boys!

[D-Rock425]

When I had the tag I saw 4 bears missed one clean the last week of the season.  Its not a slam dunk tag but it can be done.

[LoneArcher]

About 120 pound bear, Seen him around two hundred yards. Got picture about 150 yds. Cant shoot a big one if i shoot a small one first. Its early still. So passed him. But he did have a nice white chest.

[deerslyr]

Wtg LoneArcher! Hope this gives you spring bear hunters some more confidence!

[Skyvalhunter]

Well atleast you know they are around. I been seeing some sign out there on my hikes.