Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Bear Hunting => Topic started by: SFD2015 on September 16, 2013, 04:54:23 PM

Title: Berry shrub after a bear has eaten the berries
Post by: SFD2015 on September 16, 2013, 04:54:23 PM: So went out today in the Kitsap area for a long walk with a high powered rifle looking for a bear (Actually there were 2 of us, so we were looking for 2). We saw ALLOT of sign and found a couple of hillsides littered with blackberries and huckleberries. We were definitely in the area (Fresh sign near our tracks on the way back to the truck). But I got to thinking, do bears strip the berry shrubs and bushes, or just get the berries? Aside from seeing a bunch of bear scat and no berries on a bush next to one that is full, what does a bush look like when a bear has finished or at least stopped for an afternoon snack.

Also, ran into a guy on a mountain bike with 2 dogs who gave us some GREAT directions where to look. He was a great help! Since we are still new to Bear hunting, and to the general area we were in, we certainly appreciated his help. He even rode back a different way when we saw him a second time. He was a Standup dude. Wish I would have gotten his name.

Oh well, another day in the woods and it was GREAT!
Title: Re: Berry shrub after a bear has eaten the berries
Post by: quadrafire on September 16, 2013, 05:41:41 PM: I have heard that with there prehensile like lips that they are very dexterous at removing berries without getting much if any of the roughage.
Title: Re: Berry shrub after a bear has eaten the berries
Post by: jjaba on September 16, 2013, 08:54:22 PM: From what I've seen the bears do less damage to the berry bushes then the berry pickers. especially the ones that used the tools that strip the berries off. seen people using metal cans with forks in them for huckleberries that strips the leaves as well.
Title: Re: Berry shrub after a bear has eaten the berries
Post by: bigtex on September 16, 2013, 08:57:46 PM: Quote from: jjaba on September 16, 2013, 08:54:22 PM
especially the ones that used the tools that strip the berries off. seen people using metal cans with forks in them for huckleberries that strips the leaves as well.

And those are actually illegal under state law
Title: Re: Berry shrub after a bear has eaten the berries
Post by: huntingcl on September 16, 2013, 09:07:18 PM: Not trying to be a jerk, but can you post a link to the law?
I have seen a rake ban referenced in the G.P.N.F. huckleberry regs. I've never seen them referenced in another forest
I also was not aware that the state of WA had any regulations regarding huckleberrys.. Thought the volume limit/commercial permits were regulated by the forest service.
Title: Re: Berry shrub after a bear has eaten the berries
Post by: KFhunter on September 16, 2013, 09:08:55 PM: on berries that are low the bears do a good job, on the berries up higher they'll pull the branches down and tend to break some.

They are hell on fruit trees.
Title: Re: Berry shrub after a bear has eaten the berries
Post by: bigtex on September 16, 2013, 09:10:02 PM: Quote from: huntingcl on September 16, 2013, 09:07:18 PM
Not trying to be a jerk, but can you post a link to the law?
I have seen a rake ban referenced in the G.P.N.F. huckleberry regs. I've never seen them referenced in another forest
I also was not aware that the state of WA had any regulations regarding huckleberrys.. Thought the volume limit/commercial permits were regulated by the forest service.

Not a problem
RCW 76.48.131(4)

It is unlawful for any person to:

(1) Sell or attempt to sell huckleberries, or harvest, possess, or transport specialized forest products in violation of RCW 76.48.031;

(2) Engage in activities or phases of harvesting specialized forest products not authorized by a permit under this chapter;

(3) Harvest specialized forest products in any lesser quantities than those specified in RCW 76.48.031 without first obtaining permission from the landowner or the landowner's authorized agent or representative; or

(4) Harvest huckleberries in any amount using a rake, mechanical device, or any other method that damages the huckleberry bush.

A violation is a gross misdemeanor.
Title: Re: Berry shrub after a bear has eaten the berries
Post by: snowpack on September 16, 2013, 09:11:53 PM: does that apply to federal lands or private lands?
Title: Re: Berry shrub after a bear has eaten the berries
Post by: huntingcl on September 16, 2013, 09:12:41 PM: Thanks
I've seen the aftermath of rakes... tribal pickers are exempt?? :bash:
Title: Re: Berry shrub after a bear has eaten the berries
Post by: bigtex on September 16, 2013, 09:13:10 PM: Quote from: snowpack on September 16, 2013, 09:11:53 PM
does that apply to federal lands or private lands?

All lands, with the exception of your own
Title: Re: Berry shrub after a bear has eaten the berries
Post by: jjaba on September 16, 2013, 09:14:55 PM: Didn't want to start anything ....wasn't this state that I saw the rakes.... :sry:
Title: Re: Berry shrub after a bear has eaten the berries
Post by: SFD2015 on September 17, 2013, 11:19:37 AM: thanks, I will definitely keep an eye out for Bear with rakes!

:IBCOOL:
Title: Re: Berry shrub after a bear has eaten the berries
Post by: TheHunt on September 17, 2013, 12:40:44 PM: Bears with metal rakes could really be dangerous. But on the other head one plastic rakes a bear would just give you a good whooping. :chuckle:
Title: Re: Berry shrub after a bear has eaten the berries
Post by: kaw-liga on September 23, 2013, 04:22:23 PM: That's a coincidence, I ran into a guy on a mountain bike with his two dogs just north of kitsap county in jefferson. I had the same experience; he was a good dude and pointed me in the direction of bears.
Title: Re: Berry shrub after a bear has eaten the berries
Post by: boneaddict on September 23, 2013, 04:31:55 PM: Huckleberries, they wrap their tongue on it and slide it up the plant pulling berries and leaves off. Depending on the plant, dryness, time of year, pre or post frost, x amount of leaves come off. They don't sit there and pick the berries.