Post by: furiouzgeorge on July 21, 2012, 07:29:09 PM
I wanted first to introduce myself a little. I haven't posted much around here mostly because I've felt that the majority of what I can do here is learn. I'm a brand spankin' new hunter (still have that new hunter smell...working on that), and have no hunting tradition in my family. My exposure to hunting comes from a friend and his Dad (Ghosthunter) and what I've been able to glean from this forum.
I've slowly been piecing my gear together over the last six - eight months and reading everything I can about my target species (Deer, Elk, Cougar, and Bear). I've spent as much time as I'm able to scouting the areas I'm planning to hunt this year. I live on Whidbey and will likely hunt around Skagit for both Bear and Deer and hopefully the East side for Elk. If not the east side I'll head to Rainier.
Because Bear opens so soon (even the kids are counting down for me now) I took of to the foothills this afternoon to see if I could check the berries and and hopefully find some good bear sign. The place I'm most interested in hunting can be reached from a gated gravel road that branches off from the HWY and sprawls through some clear-cuts and up a pretty gentle slope toward the ridge of a small mountain range. It's a pretty easy hike (something I'm trying to stick to for my first hunt) and should be a reasonable pack-out if I'm successful in bringing down a bear. Once on the ridge you can glass down either side of the mountain through some extensive clear-cuts. They were logged about four or five years ago (by my dad) and are growing plenty of blackberries (still in the flowering stage). I found plenty of Salmon berries and some tiny red berries that grow in clusters which I haven't had time to identify at the same elevation as the road. About 100-200 feet higher in elevation (when you hit the clear-cuts) there are blackberries everywhere with salmon-berries lining the road. The 'ascent' is from the south side of the mountain and the berries will likely be ripe in a few weeks. There's also a very nice creek criss-crossing through this range providing plenty of opportunity for them to get water access.
I found a ton of scat, looks like they are eating the small red berries and some of it was super fresh (not an expert but if I took a dump in the middle of the road this morning, I'd expect it to look like the scat I found this afternoon...a little lighter on the berry seeds of course :chuckle:). Each pile I cracked open (which were on the road) seemed super fresh. I'm assuming some of the bears use the logging roads as highways. I say some because there are spots where they just bypass the switchbacks and plow through the grass to the next clearing. I didn't have a good opportunity to get off the road because I had the kids and my pregnant wife with me and had enough to worry about without getting off the beaten path. I also had a goal for us to get up to the mountain top early to hopefully glass some bears on the northern side. Didn't happen because about half way up the slope we came across some really fresh cougar scat and some really overgrown switchbacks that made me nervous for the little ones. We decided to call it a day.
I titled this Bear advice because I seem to have found a good place to find bear, but am still pretty unsure about their habits and the best way to hunt them given the terrain. Any advice would be awesome. Below are some thoughts I've had about this area.
- There's another road which is also gated and restricted to motor vehicles of any kind that according to my map will take me right up to that ridge without having to take all of the switchbacks. Depending on the wind, hunting pressure, etc. I think if I can get to that ridge early in the morning and or reach it by the previous evening and camp I'd have a good chance of hunting down on them on either slope. I'd like to hunt down the Southern slope because I could pack the meat down the mountain and to the roadside where I could have a friend pick me up.
- There are game trails EVERYWHERE around here. I'm not sure how much of it is bear but on the ground the trails are about a 6-12" wide and at about two to three feet off the ground the brush is spread out nearly two feet. Doesn't look like the game trail of a deer (too short) and probably not a coyote (too wide) What you think? I believe there's a chance these critters are pooping when they cross the road and not traveling along them. It always seems the scat on the road is in line with a game trail. Any thoughts?
- I'm a new hunter as I've said before. I have two friends who are willing to hunt with me but I don't think either are as committed as I am. I know my way around the woods and a camp-site really well and I'm not too nervous about going it alone if I had to. Does this sound like an area that has a pretty high bear population and should I be more nervous about going out there by myself? I have no experience with black bears but from what I've read they're pretty easily spooked. I've also read a few threads on this forum that describe some close calls, but I believe most of those were in the spring (new cub time).
- I've heard bears have a pretty good sense of smell. I can at times be a VERY stinky guy. I've got non-scented deodorant and some synthetic's that should probably help keep the stink off but do you guys have any advice for a scent cover for bears? I've heard that Deer and Elk aren't bothered by the smell of smoke, but I have the feeling Bears might know better (maybe it's Smokey's fault I feel this way). Any tips? I should say now that I'm REALLY uncomfortable covering myself with the scent of a prey animal with all this talk of wolf re-introduction.
- Lastly, related to hunting areas. We have too many agencies and departments managing too many small patches of public land. I'm unsure at times as to whether or not I can hunt this piece or that piece. Do you guys have an easier reference that I can use to find public land that's open for hunting? I know some DNR land is closed to shooting (like Walker Valley ORV) and other maintained recreation areas they manage. I'm sure some WDFW land is closed but they advertise that there's a bunch of available hunting ground which they manage. Anyway, something a little simpler than getting my feet on the ground and reading their poorly maintained signs would be AWESOME!!!!
Thanks a lot folks!!!
James
UPDATE: I grabbed these berries out of my pack and apparently they got crushed by my rifle clip (forgot the berries were in there). Strangely enough the berry juice ate the finish of of the clip COMPLETELY wherever it touched. Wouldn't want that stuff in my stomach!
Post by: dogtuk on July 21, 2012, 08:13:09 PM
Post by: KFhunter on July 21, 2012, 08:33:47 PM
The latest Sitka gear, and packs, and guns, and "junk" isn't going to make you a hunter.
the junk will come over time, most of us been collecting junk for years and years, so if you try to outfit yourself you'll go broke.
(disregard if you got deep pockets and don't give a crap)
:chuckle:
Post by: ghosthunter on July 21, 2012, 09:01:28 PM
Have you been to the range? Need to know where that gun is hitting before you wound blackie.
Post by: furiouzgeorge on July 21, 2012, 09:08:32 PM
Ghosthunter, no but I've been to the clear-cut!!! Greene's Gun shop is member only and takes about a month to get in. I had my hopes up that because they're so close I'd have a lot more range time but I'll have to keep it to the back-woods and gravel-pits to keep in shape. No wounded Black Bears aloud! Thanks for the offer to help haul it out, I hope I need the help!
Post by: windygorge on July 21, 2012, 09:38:45 PM
Post by: Kola16 on July 21, 2012, 10:09:57 PM
Post by: NW-GSP on July 21, 2012, 11:47:59 PM
I have not shot a bear yet but I still had allot of fun trying to find one last season
Post by: saylean on July 23, 2012, 08:52:55 PM
Sounds like you have a good area. Sounds like one to keep an eye on. I wish you the best of luck in your search...and its true, you dont need a ton of new gear.
Bring water/snacks, watch your wind, know your weapon and how to shoot it, and when/where to shoot a bear....you should do fine. Remember to always be 100% sure of your target.
As far as the game trails you found...they are probably just that...game trails...for game, not just bear, deer, etc...take a look along them and find thorns...check the thorns for hair, you can tell alot by snagged hair on thorns.
As far as you stinking, we all stink super bad to animals. The second you start sweating (even before that) any anti scent product doesnt do anything in my very humble opinion. Just watch your wind as best as you can, that will be your best strategy.
WDFW has a "Gohunt" tab you can click on, on their website, you might find that helpful as far as finding land to hunt.
Best of luck, looking forward to the stories.
Post by: bearpaw on July 23, 2012, 09:21:27 PM
Do not use scented deodorant, aftershave, laundry detergent, etc. I do think the no scent and scent away products help, as long as they are unscented. I prefer the no scent laundry detergent and bathroom soaps when hunting. If you are a smoker or chewer, try to not do that in your hunting area. Tobacco stinks even to a non-smoking human. But you still need to keep the wind in your favor whenever possible. :twocents:
welcome and good luck, hope we see some bear pics....
Post by: furiouzgeorge on July 24, 2012, 05:49:39 PM
Speaking of pictures, here is a Google Earth image of where I'm hunting. The farthest slopes you see are about 1.5 miles out. The slope in the lower left is about 500 yds. out. Just curious what kind of optics you'd recommend to glass the longer range clear-cuts. I think this vantage would let me 'cover' the most ground.
Post by: saylean on July 24, 2012, 09:52:00 PM
Post by: furiouzgeorge on July 25, 2012, 05:48:47 AM
Post by: jackmaster on July 25, 2012, 06:47:59 AM
Post by: saylean on July 25, 2012, 09:09:45 PM
I just use my old leupold Mesa 10x40's (i believe).
Post by: furiouzgeorge on July 25, 2012, 09:34:02 PM
Post by: saylean on July 25, 2012, 09:36:11 PM
Best of luck to you my friend. :tup:
Post by: furiouzgeorge on July 25, 2012, 10:49:00 PM
Post by: windygorge on July 26, 2012, 05:58:50 AM
I guess I forgot to ask, where are all the honey holes anyway?!? :chuckle:
you can't go wrong with washington, oregon, or idaho. all three are honey holes :chuckle:
Post by: headshot5 on July 26, 2012, 06:33:09 AM
See Example linked below.
<http://www.dundeesportsmansclub.com/Dundee%20Pic/bearshotplacement.pdf (http://www.dundeesportsmansclub.com/Dundee%20Pic/bearshotplacement.pdf)>
Post by: furiouzgeorge on July 26, 2012, 08:30:07 PM
Post by: Kola16 on July 29, 2012, 12:12:13 PM
This is reason #1 I won't be hunting alone this year (and maybe ever). I don't wanna be on the dinner plate.
It is a lot more fun to hunt with a friend anyway. Putting safety aside, I would still hunt with a buddy :tup:
Post by: furiouzgeorge on July 29, 2012, 06:48:32 PM
Post by: furiouzgeorge on July 30, 2012, 06:01:20 PM
Post by: jackmaster on July 31, 2012, 06:53:31 AM
Post by: magnanimous_j on July 31, 2012, 03:15:48 PM
Yah I'm pretty sure I'd have more fun with a hunting partner. No one I know has the time to hunt as much as I'd like to this year (unless I'm lucky and get bear early...which I don't expect!) so I've had to find two or three friends who want to go at different times.
Seattle isn't too far from Whidbey. I've only got an apartment, so I don't have the freezer space for a deer or anything, but I could definitely be interested in meeting up for some grouse and rabbit later on this year.
Post by: furiouzgeorge on July 31, 2012, 05:59:03 PM
Yah I'm pretty sure I'd have more fun with a hunting partner. No one I know has the time to hunt as much as I'd like to this year (unless I'm lucky and get bear early...which I don't expect!) so I've had to find two or three friends who want to go at different times.
Seattle isn't too far from Whidbey. I've only got an apartment, so I don't have the freezer space for a deer or anything, but I could definitely be interested in meeting up for some grouse and rabbit later on this year.
That sounds great! I have no idea where to look for Grouse!
Post by: furiouzgeorge on July 31, 2012, 06:00:39 PM
dude sorry but that is funny as heck, only cause you didnt suffer serious damage, yeah i am thinkn i would take that gun to a gun smith when you get your new mounts and just make damn sure there isnt any other possible reason your mounts fly off and cause you un consciosness (SP) sorry still laughing, and if you need a range to shoot at the offer is still open, but beware if your scope mounts fly off again i might have to run away for a little bit so i dont chuckle in front of you, after you wake up of course and there is no major bleedin :chuckle: :chuckle:
I gotta say it was pretty darn funny. The range-master seemed pretty entertained. He was impressed that I had the mental capacity after the second impact to hit my target consistently without a scope. I was a bit dizzy driving home.
Post by: fisheral87 on July 31, 2012, 11:07:59 PM
Quote
That sounds great! I have no idea where to look for Grouse!
Gravel roads lined with brush near water.
I spend the most money on optics. A good pair of binos is a must have.
Compare brands, I converted my friend to leupold after comparing them to his nikons.
The difference in brightness was night and day.
You seem to be in a good direction in general.
Best of luck. Glad you aren't in my county. ;)
Post by: magnanimous_j on August 01, 2012, 08:08:32 AM
Yah I'm pretty sure I'd have more fun with a hunting partner. No one I know has the time to hunt as much as I'd like to this year (unless I'm lucky and get bear early...which I don't expect!) so I've had to find two or three friends who want to go at different times.
Seattle isn't too far from Whidbey. I've only got an apartment, so I don't have the freezer space for a deer or anything, but I could definitely be interested in meeting up for some grouse and rabbit later on this year.
That sounds great! I have no idea where to look for Grouse!
Meh. Me neither, but I'm sure we can figure it out. I'm still confused as to where its legal to hunt. Once we get that out of the way, the rest will fall into place :chuckle:
Post by: Jordanskylery on August 01, 2012, 11:25:42 AM
I'm in the same boat as you in that I don't have many hunting partners who have the time I do and are actually dedicated to make things happen and not just walk through the woods talking loud enough to scare everything off.
I got all the gear needed and a few promising spots, went out opening morning today bright and early and almost got a shot off on a pretty nice mid sized before I bumped a branch and he spooked.
Figure it looks like you got a good area, as do I, interested in meeting up and possibly switching off on locals if your nearby?
Post by: furiouzgeorge on August 01, 2012, 09:57:39 PM
Jordan, that doesn't sound bad at all. PM me and we can talk about it. Also, thanks to all you guys and your encouraging responses and PM's, definitely feeling pumped about this season.