Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Bear Hunting => Topic started by: BigVinn on February 05, 2019, 08:54:48 AM

Title: Spring bear hunt NE section
Post by: BigVinn on February 05, 2019, 08:54:48 AM: So I want to put in for spring bear probably 117 and 111. I want to know are there areas to backpack in set up camp or is this a drive in and set up camp? I would like to hike in and get away from people but since I have never hunted the area I don’t know if there is a road everywhere you go. We would most likely be going in Mid May. Thanks in advance
Title: Re: Spring bear hunt NE section
Post by: Elkslayer on February 05, 2019, 09:00:10 AM: I'm not real familiar with Unit 111 but 117 has lots of areas that you can pack in and get away from other hunters.
Title: Re: Spring bear hunt NE section
Post by: BigVinn on February 05, 2019, 04:03:09 PM: Thanks for the reply. Unit 121 is also the other unit we are looking at. Does anyone have any input on that. Are there lots of roads or lots of room to backpack in. Thanks for replying to a newbie. If we get drawn I don't want to waste the tag.
Title: Re: Spring bear hunt NE section
Post by: Jonathan_S on February 05, 2019, 04:55:45 PM: If I were looking for a backpacking Spring bear location in Washington it definitely would not be in 121 or 117. I would look to the blues
Title: Re: Spring bear hunt NE section
Post by: BigVinn on February 05, 2019, 05:05:10 PM: Quote from: Jonathan_S on February 05, 2019, 04:55:45 PM
If I were looking for a backpacking Spring bear location in Washington it definitely would not be in 121 or 117. I would look to the blues

How come? To many roads or to many people?
Title: Re: Spring bear hunt NE section
Post by: Jonathan_S on February 05, 2019, 05:09:49 PM: Terrain and lack of good trail systems in areas that hold good bear numbers in spring. Tons of bears but backpacking in 5 miles only helps you walk through 5 miles of bear country. Meaning bear country starts where you park
Title: Re: Spring bear hunt NE section
Post by: BULLBLASTER on February 05, 2019, 08:52:48 PM: Quote from: Jonathan_S on February 05, 2019, 05:09:49 PM
Terrain and lack of good trail systems in areas that hold good bear numbers in spring. Tons of bears but backpacking in 5 miles only helps you walk through 5 miles of bear country. Meaning bear country starts where you park
:yeah:
Spot on
Title: Re: Spring bear hunt NE section
Post by: huntnnw on February 05, 2019, 10:02:05 PM: exactly :chuckle: no way I am backpacking in for a bear when you are into them starting at the road
Title: Re: Spring bear hunt NE section
Post by: BigVinn on February 07, 2019, 07:51:47 AM: Thanks for the replies after looking at the permits available and points we have I think the best odds are the NE. That being said do you guys camp locally and drive the roads until you find a clear cut? Sorry for the newbie questions I am just trying to be better prepared.
Title: Re: Spring bear hunt NE section
Post by: Jonathan_S on February 07, 2019, 08:10:33 AM: I think most bears are killed driving in areas that are visible or walking roads in the evening.

Chances are low that you'll draw. Maybe make a trip either way and see what you're dealing with. Seems like most people I know who get to the NE do not see the type of terrain they expected.
Title: Re: Spring bear hunt NE section
Post by: dmoua on February 08, 2019, 06:01:15 PM: Most of 117 consist of gated roads. Basically road hunt on feet all day long.
Title: Re: Spring bear hunt NE section
Post by: hunter399 on February 08, 2019, 07:56:30 PM: I'm just gonna throw this out there .But if your not very committed.Or if you only plan on hunting one weekend ,then I'm gonna say put in for a different unit closer to you.
In 117 on average from harvest reports about ten tags are filled out of the 100 tags given out .So yes your chances are better to draw ,but if your not gonna use the opportunity your not gonna harvest.

Yes 117 has lots of public land ,walk in ,road systems,clear cuts ,steep mountains ,etc.Good luck in the draw!