Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Bear Hunting => Topic started by: LittleHunter on August 24, 2014, 03:41:49 PM

Title: STUMPED BEARS-8 ME-0
Post by: LittleHunter on August 24, 2014, 03:41:49 PM: Since bears season has opened this year i have been up in the woods every chance i get searching to fill my tag. I spent a total of 8 day hunting for one this year with very little sign and the little sign i do come across looks old to me. I have looked high and low and walked in farther then i would think any one else would and sitting for hours on end glassing hill side with berry's and grassy patches at first light and before dark. I seems like we have much cooler weather this year and more rain fall then years past but still can find a bear. To the bear gurus out there that know way more then me my question is do you think the weather has something do with it? Creating more vegetation so there not on the search for food? What advise could you guys give me that works for you any would help.

So after spending a lot of time searching for a bear or any bear sign. Today i finally came across my fist pile of bear scat. It looked like it was a week old or so not sure but so you think that it would still be in the area ?

That is a size 11 1/2 boot beside the pile of scat. Can you tell if it is a big bear by the pile of scat? What do you guy and maybee gals think?
Title: Re: STUMPED BEARS-8 ME-0
Post by: Ripper on August 24, 2014, 04:11:13 PM: Those are some good sized plugs! It does look old but they usually dont move off to far if there is food in the area. Keep at it and your persisitance with eventually pay off.
Title: Re: STUMPED BEARS-8 ME-0
Post by: LittleHunter on August 24, 2014, 04:27:43 PM: I put one of my trail cams on the nearest game trail hoping to get some pics at least. I did take a look around in the area and found a few stumps and logs that were worked over but it was hard to tell if anything was fresh with the rain. I noticed some berry bushes around that still had berry's that didn't look quite ripe yet. Im hoping that will be the key once they ripen he will be back and hopefully im there waiting.
Title: Re: STUMPED BEARS-8 ME-0
Post by: RadSav on August 24, 2014, 04:46:51 PM: Quote from: LittleHunter on August 24, 2014, 04:27:43 PM
I noticed some berry bushes around that still had berry's that didn't look quite ripe yet. Im hoping that will be the key once they ripen he will be back and hopefully im there waiting.

I think you are on the right track. This time of year it is all about sugar! If the berries you are seeing are not ripe they are going to be where they are ripe. They have a short time to put on their fat and they won't be wasting much effort on seeds and grubs if ripe berries are within reach.

That pile doesn't look to have any berries in it. And it does look to be old. So I'd expect you are at least on their travel route and they should come back around as things ripen up. Patience!!

My top two producing spots were nearly void of ripe berries this last Monday. I made a short walk through and without the berries I quickly moved on to spot #3. Spot 3 had a ton of ripe berries! And we kicked three bear. If we had been able to see further than 100' through the fog I expect there would have been fresh bear in the freezer!

I have no doubt that come mid-September those primary spots will be producing once again and the bear in spot #3 will be working there way up the canyon to those spots following the sugar! And the best part is they will be gaining weight all along the way. Those late September and early October bear are tanks...well worth the weight and patience!
Title: Re: STUMPED BEARS-8 ME-0
Post by: Turner89 on August 24, 2014, 04:51:26 PM: I think it's just a matter of time before you get on a bear. Especially if your putting in the time you say you are. Good luck
Title: Re: STUMPED BEARS-8 ME-0
Post by: Watimberghost on August 24, 2014, 06:12:38 PM: Totally agree with rad. The bears follow food. Ripe berries are your best bet right now. Even then, putting in the time will be your difference maker. Good luck!
Title: Re: STUMPED BEARS-8 ME-0
Post by: LittleHunter on August 24, 2014, 09:23:29 PM: Thanks for all the advice hoping that ill have pics of a bear down later on to post.