Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Bear Hunting => Topic started by: Mekstar on May 09, 2014, 08:54:42 PM

Title: Inexperienced Bear Questions
Post by: Mekstar on May 09, 2014, 08:54:42 PM: I have some Questions for experienced Hunters. I have been out Bear hunting in Walla Walla and not only have I not seen a Bear but I haven't seen any sign of a Bear yet. I have only been hunting for a few years and I have never got a Bear.I have only ever seen a couple while out hunting. I sure would appreciate the opportunity to bend someones ear and learn from their experience.

1) When Bears Hibernate do they travel higher into the Mountains to do so? It seems that people have seen/taken Bears in higher elevations.

2) Is it still a little Early to see Bears? I thought with the descent weather we have had lately they would be active.

3) To call Bears in, Do you wait till you can see one? Or Do you sit down glass a bit then let'er rip?

4) I heard that Bears are attracted to Gun shot. If I shot a coyote would a Bear come to or shy away?
Title: Re: Inexperienced Bear Questions
Post by: jason stevens on May 10, 2014, 03:34:38 PM: If your not finding sign check a different area. Calling can be done either when you have or haven't seen bears.as for gun shots attracting bears I only know of grizzlies doing that but I coyld be wrong . Keep looking if there in the area you'll find one. Good luck
Title: Re: Inexperienced Bear Questions
Post by: woodman on May 10, 2014, 04:22:53 PM: I have had to shoot to keep bears off of me in the past. They took off like a race horse.

If shots drew them in here in Washington, Rick at RR Game Calls needs to make a new sounding call.
Title: Re: Inexperienced Bear Questions
Post by: billythekidrock on May 11, 2014, 08:41:36 AM: 1) When Bears Hibernate do they travel higher into the Mountains to do so? It seems that people have seen/taken Bears in higher elevations.

Regardless of where they hibernate, bears are going to be where the food is. Depending on location that could be wild onion, flowers, grasses, berries, etc. Find the food sources and look for sign.

2) Is it still a little Early to see Bears? I thought with the descent weather we have had lately they would be active.

Active is subjective. Early in the spring they are less likely to travel very far as they are often still lethargic. Find the food source and you will find sign.

3) To call Bears in, Do you wait till you can see one? Or Do you sit down glass a bit then let'er rip?

On the westside nearly all of my calling is cold calling over or near food sources. On the eastside I would cold call if there were parts of the terrain that I could not completely see or if there was a lot of cover for a bear to hide in.

4) I heard that Bears are attracted to Gun shot. If I shot a coyote would a Bear come to or shy away?

I have only seen a couple black bears not leave at the sound of a rifle shot and they were a couple hundred yards away. I won't shoot a coyote on a bear stand unless I plan on ending the bear stand.
Title: Re: Inexperienced Bear Questions
Post by: Fl0und3rz on October 18, 2020, 08:20:39 AM: Interesting study of denning behavior.

https://dfw.state.or.us/wildlife/research/docs/Denning_publication_Immell_etal.pdf