Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Bear Hunting => Topic started by: clindsayrun on August 11, 2008, 01:06:53 PM

Title: North Central Washington
Post by: clindsayrun on August 11, 2008, 01:06:53 PM: Hey guys,

I just moved from the west side over to Oroville up here in the North Central part of the state. I've been after 'em pretty hard up here in the Okanogan National Forest and Loomis State Forest. Mostly up north between Chopaka and Irongate. The berries are starting to ripen up and I've seen one small sow, but I'm not seeing any fresh bear sign. Everything I'm seeing is weeks or months old.
I've tried gaining as much elevation as possible, but there are cattle in and near every patch of grass I find. Plus the mountains just not get much taller. Everything I read says 'hunt the chokecherries,' but they all seem to be really low in elevation.
The berries and grasses are quite a bit different than hunting the west side.

Anyone out there familiar with where I am hunting? Anyone have any pointers as to what the bears might be eating right now, or where they're at? Am I just too early?
Old timers around town tell me I should be in thick with 'em.

Should I travel farther south and travel west on Highway 20 and get even higher up into the mountains.

Any advise would help,

New to the eastside.
Title: Re: North Central Washington
Post by: BC CHASER on August 11, 2008, 01:48:48 PM: I know the area very well pm me and I will give you some info.
Title: Re: North Central Washington
Post by: boneaddict on August 11, 2008, 01:55:27 PM: The bears will be low elevation right now up there. You might be too high.
Title: Re: North Central Washington
Post by: tlbradford on August 11, 2008, 03:07:24 PM: They seem to start in the high country, but by August are lower in elevation. Find the shady, secluded draws and canyons with berries and water and you are usually set. When I first started hunting there I did the same thing and went too high. I will be out next weekend, but haven't even had a chance to scout this year, so I can't tell you if the weather has delayed their patterns this year.
Title: Re: North Central Washington
Post by: Huckleberry on August 11, 2008, 05:26:31 PM: I'd suggest you drive 5 hours to the west in about 10 days and come to work with me. You might not get a bear but at least I'll have someone to take a picture of that little 450 pounder I'm going after :) as for hunting the high country who gave you that advice??? Are you really going to listen to somebody who only hunts the eastside for turkeys and can't even do that right???
Title: Re: North Central Washington
Post by: xxlx7 on August 13, 2008, 09:33:25 AM: well if that aint a sight for sore eyes. Not only huckleberry, my middle brother on here, now my oldest brother clindsayrun.. Wow.. I agree with Ryan, you just need to come over here, but make sure you hunt with him, cause all I get to see is sows with cubs... Stuff happens right.. BUT I DID GET MY ELK TAG SO HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

Kyle
Title: Re: North Central Washington
Post by: clindsayrun on September 02, 2008, 09:47:45 AM: I just wanted to say thanks to all those who sent me information. My first hunt after getting the new info put me in on a bear. I saw a great blond color phase.
I ended up taking a smaller sow on the west side, but I've now seen a half dozen bears over here.

Thanks for your help guys,

-Corey