Post by: lurikeen on July 25, 2015, 10:40:34 AM
I have found that there isn't really a ton of information on spot and stalk online, like we need to do here in WA ("No Bait….Just Bears" is what I'll be reading after scouting this weekend, I just downloaded it).
I've done a lot of backpacking, and will hike in as far as I need to to get myself a bear, but my scouting hasn't been going too well. I just went to Mt. Dickerman last weekend, which had tons of berries past about 4,200 feet, but it is almost an all day hike up there, so I know the meat would spoil before I could get it all out. I'm not sure how to get to the high elevation areas without running into this problem.
For scouting this weekend, I was thinking of checking out the area north of Sultan, where there are some logged areas. My hope is that there will be berries in them, despite being lower elevation. What do you guys think? Am I on the right track there? I don't mind driving anywhere to get the best chance for myself -- I could use ALL the advantages I can get. I'd like to stick to the westside though, simply since the eastside is so dang hot.
I'll be able to go out almost every weekend in the season. Once I find a nice spot, does that mean I should stay there all day and just wait? Or should I get a few spots to move around between during the day?
Anything else you want to add would be appreciated too!
Post by: Smoke on July 25, 2015, 10:58:45 AM
Post by: tgomez on July 25, 2015, 12:07:04 PM
Post by: Netminder01 on July 25, 2015, 12:11:59 PM
Not knowing your financial situation, I would strongly recommend doing a hunt with a guide or semi-guided hunt or two. Like you, I didn't have too many people in my close group of friends who hunted and I needed inputs from those that did in order to connect the dots and to apply things in the field I had learned via media or books - semi-guided hunts allowed me to do this.
The likelihood of you continuing to hunt will be rooted in some early successes and unless you have access to private land, or a friend who knows certain areas, you may not be successful early on - get frustrated and not remain committed to hunting. For the cost of a semi-guided hunt you have a much higher chance of success of a shot and will likely see game.
There are plenty of folks on here that could provide recommendations or look through the site sponsor list of those organizations that provide these experiences. I can tell you, I've onboarded more than a few people into hunting in my own life that I never really thought would enjoy it but through wildlife interactions and shot opportunities you learn far more than hiking in the woods while your experience base builds.
PM me if you'd like any other info.
Post by: dune on July 28, 2015, 08:25:45 AM
Post by: boneaddict on July 28, 2015, 08:29:02 AM
Post by: full strutting on July 28, 2015, 04:06:54 PM
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Post by: Timberstalker on July 28, 2015, 04:27:54 PM
Find the food, find a bear.
This is the soundest advice you will receive. If you build it they will come, so to speak.