Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Bear Hunting => Topic started by: longrangekiller on July 08, 2012, 08:51:04 PM

Title: how do u bear hunt?
Post by: longrangekiller on July 08, 2012, 08:51:04 PM: just kinda always seems like everyone road hunts for them so i was wondering what method u guys use
Title: Re: how do u bear hunt?
Post by: ShaneTyTrey on July 08, 2012, 08:53:10 PM: Spot and stalk!!!
Title: Re: how do u bear hunt?
Post by: D-Rock425 on July 08, 2012, 08:55:58 PM: For the most part i sit and watch or walk slow and glass clear cuts.
Title: Re: how do u bear hunt?
Post by: rasbo on July 08, 2012, 08:59:03 PM: calling and stalking....sitting and watching a well traveled trail
Title: Re: how do u bear hunt?
Post by: 3nails on July 08, 2012, 09:13:09 PM: None of the above. Wait until berries in the high open slopes are ripe, hike in and shoot a bear. Almost too easy that way. (until the pack out :chuckle:)
Title: Re: how do u bear hunt?
Post by: carpsniperg2 on July 08, 2012, 09:17:39 PM: calling and spot and stalk :tup: :tup:
Title: Re: how do u bear hunt?
Post by: h2ofowlr on July 08, 2012, 09:21:19 PM: Spring hunting is way harder, so I didn't use my standard method of finding a good 3 year old clearcut with lots of berries and sitting on it. That method seems to work well given there is bear sign!
Title: Re: how do u bear hunt?
Post by: BullMagnet76 on July 09, 2012, 01:32:59 AM: Quote from: 3nails on July 08, 2012, 09:13:09 PM
None of the above. Wait until berries in the high open slopes are ripe, hike in and shoot a bear. Almost too easy that way. (until the pack out :chuckle:)

:yeah:
Title: Re: how do u bear hunt?
Post by: BOWHUNTER45 on July 09, 2012, 06:05:01 AM: well lets see... I wait until September and hike around up high and find a good advantage point where I can see good ..Usually high MT. Meadows full of Blueberries....Most important thing is to find lots of sign...like bear poop ...if there is alot of poop in one particular meadow then thats where I set up camp ...I have not been serious about bear in last 10 years but I think this year I need to get off my lazy butt and do some hiking :chuckle: :tup:
Title: Re: how do u bear hunt?
Post by: jackmaster on July 09, 2012, 06:53:08 AM: use to hunt bear every year, once we lost baitn i havent hunted since, baitn was the best cause you never had to shoot the first bear or the second oe the third, most of the time it was more fun just watchn the cubs drive mama bear nuts..... i miss it alot...
Title: Re: how do u bear hunt?
Post by: CAMPMEAT on July 09, 2012, 07:08:52 AM: I see more bears road hunting than any other way. At least where I live, we have a lot of them around here. I saw 13 last year.
Title: Re: how do u bear hunt?
Post by: lokidog on July 09, 2012, 07:37:20 AM: I usually just buy a tag and then go elk and deer hunting.... :o :chuckle:
Title: Re: how do u bear hunt?
Post by: D-Rock425 on July 09, 2012, 07:39:40 AM: I normally always have a place in mind to go and sit but usually shoot a bear before i even get to where i wanted to hunt.
Title: Re: how do u bear hunt?
Post by: lokidog on July 09, 2012, 07:50:04 AM: Quote from: D-Rock425 on July 09, 2012, 07:39:40 AM
I normally always have a place in mind to go and sit but usually shoot a bear before i even get to where i wanted to hunt.

Maybe I'll change my methods this year and follow D-Rock.... :tup:
Title: Re: how do u bear hunt?
Post by: saylean on July 09, 2012, 11:04:14 AM: You forgot "predator call" as an option. :tup:
Title: Re: how do u bear hunt?
Post by: D-Rock425 on July 09, 2012, 11:10:15 AM: Quote from: lokidog on July 09, 2012, 07:50:04 AM
Quote from: D-Rock425 on July 09, 2012, 07:39:40 AM
I normally always have a place in mind to go and sit but usually shoot a bear before i even get to where i wanted to hunt.

Maybe I'll change my methods this year and follow D-Rock.... :tup:
wont do any good to follow I'll kill them alk before you get there.
Title: Re: how do u bear hunt?
Post by: fillthefreezer on July 09, 2012, 11:11:49 AM: UNSUCCESSFULLY needs to be an option.. :'(
cant wait til august, 1st bear will be hitting the dirt
Title: Re: how do u bear hunt?
Post by: snowshoes22 on July 09, 2012, 11:12:54 AM: I try to spot and stalk but my last 3 were killed before i got to my spot. Logging roads on timber land always have bears on them. I find them digging up hornets nests in the roads or bee nests what ever the one is that burrows into the ground.
Title: Re: how do u bear hunt?
Post by: Ripper on July 09, 2012, 02:25:46 PM: I have a few clearcuts that I alway's like to watch in the mornings and eve's. During the day I like to get out and beat the brush looking for other area's to sit and watch.
Title: Re: how do u bear hunt?
Post by: gallion_t on July 09, 2012, 03:08:27 PM: Everyone thats saying its too easy needs to give me some pointers or something. The only wild bear ive ever seen was in yellowstone. I've spent a good amount of time in the woods and still havent just happened across one to even look at let alone shoot. I must be looking the wrong areas.
Title: Re: how do u bear hunt?
Post by: washelkhunter on July 09, 2012, 03:26:02 PM: Ive just been looking for them deer and elk hunting as well as having a rifle on my back while huckleberry picking. Im going to try the prey calls this year combined with burning some honey and spritzing liquid smoke in the breeze.
Title: Re: how do u bear hunt?
Post by: ellensburgpo on July 09, 2012, 03:29:03 PM: Quote from: lokidog on July 09, 2012, 07:37:20 AM
I usually just buy a tag and then go elk and deer hunting.... :o :chuckle:

Ok, so it's not just me...
Title: Re: how do u bear hunt?
Post by: shanevg on July 09, 2012, 03:37:49 PM: I'm almost never beating brush as I'm always in the alpine! I like the blueberry bushes that are about ankle to knee high on me. Then I just hike from basin to basin and glass for about an hour a basin to see if anything is moving. Works great for us!

Daniel's Mt. Baker Wilderness (Washington state) black bear hunt 2011 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8NEbjUDNqzU#ws)

Alec VG's Mt. Baker Wilderness (Washington state) black bear hunt 2011 (Bear down!) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlIDehwwiX8#)
Title: Re: how do u bear hunt?
Post by: woodman on July 09, 2012, 05:31:50 PM: I open up my freezer and reach in! :chuckle:
Title: Re: how do u bear hunt?
Post by: hrd2fnd on July 09, 2012, 05:46:05 PM: Quote from: lokidog on July 09, 2012, 07:37:20 AM
I usually just buy a tag and then go elk and deer hunting.... :o :chuckle:

:yeah:
Title: Re: how do u bear hunt?
Post by: longrangekiller on July 09, 2012, 05:52:47 PM: Quote from: washelkhunter on July 09, 2012, 03:26:02 PM
Ive just been looking for them deer and elk hunting as well as having a rifle on my back while huckleberry picking. Im going to try the prey calls this year combined with burning some honey and spritzing liquid smoke in the breeze.

burning honey is illegal unless your next to it. if your sitting next to it its considered scenting if your sitting back 200 yards watching it its considered baiting. correct me if im wrong but thats just what ive been told by a gamie. just for future ref. so you dont get in trouble :tup:
Title: Re: how do u bear hunt?
Post by: oldcamper on July 09, 2012, 06:20:24 PM: never heard of burning honey, may have to give it a try on the last day. I do have a bee hive in the middle of my huckleberry and blackberry field. :dunno:
Title: Re: how do u bear hunt?
Post by: saylean on July 09, 2012, 07:27:14 PM: Quote from: longrangekiller on July 09, 2012, 05:52:47 PM
Quote from: washelkhunter on July 09, 2012, 03:26:02 PM
Ive just been looking for them deer and elk hunting as well as having a rifle on my back while huckleberry picking. Im going to try the prey calls this year combined with burning some honey and spritzing liquid smoke in the breeze.

burning honey is illegal unless your next to it. if your sitting next to it its considered scenting if your sitting back 200 yards watching it its considered baiting. correct me if im wrong but thats just what ive been told by a gamie. just for future ref. so you dont get in trouble :tup:

Its my understanding, any substance used to attract bears, even scents, is considered baiting. No need for a honey burn anyway,, just find some black berries and minimal people.
Title: Re: how do u bear hunt?
Post by: Austinsmm on July 09, 2012, 07:45:12 PM: Everyone I know glasses the side of a mountain. I know where a few are and where the berries are around my place so in going to try a treestand with my bow.
Title: Re: how do u bear hunt?
Post by: lagnar on July 09, 2012, 08:04:01 PM: get a californian, slather on bacon grease, have them walk around naked hugging trees, follow at a safe shooting distance.
Title: Re: how do u bear hunt?
Post by: 3nails on July 09, 2012, 09:21:56 PM: Quote from: lagnar on July 09, 2012, 08:04:01 PM
get a californian, slather on bacon grease, have them walk around naked hugging trees, follow at a safe shooting distance.
Great idea! I have also heard bears like trash. :chuckle:
Title: Re: how do u bear hunt?
Post by: Watimberghost on July 10, 2012, 08:47:49 PM: Im with the alpine spot and stalkers. Up high come august through early october is just too much fun.
Title: Re: how do u bear hunt?
Post by: washelkhunter on July 11, 2012, 01:04:51 AM: Quote from: longrangekiller on July 09, 2012, 05:52:47 PM
Quote from: washelkhunter on July 09, 2012, 03:26:02 PM
Ive just been looking for them deer and elk hunting as well as having a rifle on my back while huckleberry picking. Im going to try the prey calls this year combined with burning some honey and spritzing liquid smoke in the breeze.

burning honey is illegal unless your next to it. if your sitting next to it its considered scenting if your sitting back 200 yards watching it its considered baiting. correct me if im wrong but thats just what ive been told by a gamie. just for future ref. so you dont get in trouble :tup:

Thx for the headsup. I searched the regs of course thoroughly and find no particular mention of that practice and what the particulars might be. I am next to the pan when its cooking off; wouldnt want an accident. I do it when im above those thick deep draws and the wind is blowing just right down them. Its cool to see this cloud of smoke go wafting down to the bottom. I couldnt figure how it was baiting because theres no honey left when your done. It burns up pretty fast. If you could point me in the right direction for these rules i would apprecitate it. Thx.
Title: Re: how do u bear hunt?
Post by: lokidog on July 11, 2012, 01:22:27 AM: I thought the regs used to say scents were included in prohibited methods, but I do not see anything in this years' regs that mention scent at all. :dunno:
Title: Re: how do u bear hunt?
Post by: buglebuster on July 11, 2012, 02:44:50 AM: whatever method i use must be wrong :dunno: never seen a bear out hunting especially when im hunting them, anyone have some pointers?
Title: Re: how do u bear hunt?
Post by: snowshoes22 on July 11, 2012, 06:16:12 AM: Go somewhere with a lot of bears. I have to drive at least 2 hours to my closest bear spot. If you want to hunt bears and not just run into them hunting something else go to the hot spots. Check WA hunting magazines or go with someone that has experience. I found my spots by putting on a ton of miles. But hear-say or tips from locals doesn't hurt either. Game wardens are some of best sources for good spots. If you know any surveyors that work in the backcountry they know where everything is. Welders that have forest service jobs building gates are a good place for info. This is what has worked for me.
Title: Re: how do u bear hunt?
Post by: grundy53 on July 11, 2012, 07:56:51 AM: Predator calling or glassing clear cuts.
Title: Re: how do u bear hunt?
Post by: CplRaines on July 11, 2012, 06:09:38 PM: I "still hunt" in the thick stuff.
I like to get up close and personal with them. :tup:
Title: Re: how do u bear hunt?
Post by: D-Rock425 on July 11, 2012, 06:11:46 PM: A lot of slow slow walking and glassing has worked well for me.
Title: Re: how do u bear hunt?
Post by: oldcamper on July 16, 2012, 05:50:23 PM: A lot of watching and waiting, but I do hate it when I forget my box of doughnuts near the jeep. :yike:
Title: Re: how do u bear hunt?
Post by: benhuntin on July 16, 2012, 06:27:15 PM: I dont hunt them, but see a ton while huckleberry pickin
Title: Re: how do u bear hunt?
Post by: D-Rock425 on July 16, 2012, 06:58:44 PM: Quote from: benhuntin on July 16, 2012, 06:27:15 PM
I dont hunt them, but see a ton while huckleberry pickin
you need a huckleberry picking partner with a gun. Ill volunteer.
Title: Re: how do u bear hunt?
Post by: h20hunter on July 16, 2012, 07:11:06 PM: Ill bring an extra bucket.
Title: Re: how do u bear hunt?
Post by: Goldeneye on July 16, 2012, 07:12:53 PM: The last few years I've seen some while going to Garage Sales. D-Rock knows the general area I'm talking about...
Title: Re: how do u bear hunt?
Post by: D-Rock425 on July 16, 2012, 07:26:02 PM: Oh yes i do and my lips are sealed. C-POST he goes garage sailing at C-POST.
Title: Re: how do u bear hunt?
Post by: bankwalker on July 16, 2012, 07:48:10 PM: Quote from: D-Rock425 on July 16, 2012, 07:26:02 PM
Oh yes i do and my lips are sealed. C-POST he goes garage sailing at C-POST.

Well there goes the neighborhood :bash:

Guess everyone's gonna be hunting c post now! Darn internet ruining spots :chuckle:
Title: Re: how do u bear hunt?
Post by: BOWHUNTER45 on July 16, 2012, 07:52:07 PM: C-post has been the hot spot on here for years .... Must be alot of bear to support this site for all these years .... :dunno: :rolleyes: :chuckle: :chuckle:
Title: Re: how do u bear hunt?
Post by: D-Rock425 on July 16, 2012, 08:00:19 PM: So the real question should be where do you hunt bears not how.
Title: Re: how do u bear hunt?
Post by: runamuk on July 16, 2012, 08:01:15 PM: Very very soon will be time to try calling...see what that does for me :dunno:
Title: Re: how do u bear hunt?
Post by: CplRaines on July 16, 2012, 08:08:15 PM: Quote from: D-Rock425 on July 16, 2012, 08:00:19 PM
So the real question should be where do you hunt bears not how.

Same place they $h!t, in the woods. :P
Title: Re: how do u bear hunt?
Post by: ShaneTyTrey on July 16, 2012, 09:12:22 PM: Quote from: Naches Sportsman on July 09, 2012, 12:24:32 PM
I always shoot mine huckleberry picking in the little naches. It is way too damn easy.
That is awesome if it is that easy and u can do it every year
Title: Re: how do u bear hunt?
Post by: AKBowman on July 18, 2012, 05:52:39 PM: Quote from: Austinsmm on July 09, 2012, 07:45:12 PM
Everyone I know glasses the side of a mountain. I know where a few are and where the berries are around my place so in going to try a treestand with my bow.

Same thing here. I wont be able to sit the stand until the middle of August but I know the bear dont get much, if any pressure at all in this area. Never really wanted to hunt bear before but there are a ton of berries near and a nice strip of timber seperating the two. I set my cam up in there two years ago in hopes of finding deer and kept getting picts of stupid bears. Now that I hear they are good to eat and the wife wants a bear rug for the wall I figure its a good spot.

Cant wait til I can hunt it. Cam goes up next weekend.
Title: Re: how do u bear hunt?
Post by: DoubleJ on July 18, 2012, 06:10:09 PM: I'd really like to hit one with a bow this year but I think it's going to be the rifle if I get a shot at one at all