Post by: X-Force on February 25, 2019, 11:49:03 AM
I've only hunted the west side spring bear permits and have found that with a deep snow pack many areas are inaccessible to vehicles until the last week or 2 of season and that bears seem to stay put a little longer than years with little snow pack.
Post by: 92xj on February 25, 2019, 11:59:07 AM
Post by: Machias on February 25, 2019, 01:40:11 PM
Post by: trophyhunt on February 25, 2019, 01:53:03 PM
Post by: cbond3318 on February 25, 2019, 02:00:43 PM
Up until 3 weeks ago we were having a really nice winter, snow a few inches, melt off. The mountains were getting plenty of snow. This is all in the Panhandle of Idaho. The last three weeks we have just been pounded with snow. Record snowfall for the month of Feb in Couer d'Alene and we are due to get several inches more tonight. I was thinking of an early spring over here this year, but unless we have one heck of a warmup and soon, there will be no rush to get any baits out this year! Monday, 4rd of March, the low is supposed to be 7 degrees here.
:'( I was a high fiving white guy in December/January, hiking around, scoping trees to hang some cameras on, scooping sheds then bam, 2 ft or more where I was on bare gorund a month ago!
Post by: Machias on February 25, 2019, 02:06:25 PM
Post by: nwhunter on February 25, 2019, 04:41:03 PM
Post by: idaho guy on February 25, 2019, 05:25:34 PM
Post by: dmoua on February 25, 2019, 06:21:52 PM
Post by: idaho guy on February 25, 2019, 07:18:25 PM
End of May to last few days of season in June are the best days to hunt. Just wait for the snow to melt.
:yeah: unless your baiting (Idaho)then most guys want to get them at least placed early.
Post by: Machias on February 25, 2019, 07:56:08 PM
Too bad on the wolf!! :)
Post by: idaho guy on February 25, 2019, 08:20:31 PM
I like to get my baits out at least by the end of April, but most of the time I do not get much action for the first few days of May.
Too bad on the wolf!! :)
Me either rarely see action till first of May. One time I got hit opening day placed it in the morning and went back next day with another load and the bear was already on it! So it can happen! I must have put it right next to his bedroom :chuckle: On wolf It was the dream scenario right on old road I just needed 10 more seconds before he jumped in the thick nasty. Moving way slower than normal in the deep snow. Has me rethinking my gun rack system
Post by: X-Force on February 26, 2019, 09:21:41 AM
End of May to last few days of season in June are the best days to hunt. Just wait for the snow to melt.
Thats true for seeing bears but hides are better in late April and earl may.
Post by: Buzz2401 on February 26, 2019, 10:16:33 AM
Post by: bearpaw on February 26, 2019, 11:08:26 AM
On the plus side there hasn't been a lot of talk about global warming lately! :chuckle:
Post by: KFhunter on February 26, 2019, 11:09:46 AM
Post by: Rob on February 26, 2019, 11:33:24 AM
Also, do you need a "street legal" ATV to go down a FS road that is blocked by snow?
Post by: bearpaw on February 26, 2019, 11:42:47 AM
If a road is technically open, but blocked by snow, is there any reason you cannot take an ATV down that road?
Also, do you need a "street legal" ATV to go down a FS road that is blocked by snow?
Depends if where you want to use the atv is open to atv use. Most of Idaho is wide open, Washington not so much.
I don't think so, but I think specific road designation will determine that. There are FS paved highways?
Someone else might have more specific details.
Post by: andersonjk4 on February 26, 2019, 11:54:42 AM
Link: http://tinyurl.com/y24qndtw (http://tinyurl.com/y24qndtw)
Post by: X-Force on February 26, 2019, 12:04:57 PM
Post by: KopperBuck on February 26, 2019, 12:24:39 PM
The mountains around here are doing extremely well as far as pack. Gonna be a late spring. There’s over 11ft at Tollgate. But no one drew tags either. Buddy with 5 pts didn’t draw. Creep is starting to catch up.
If you’re concerned about access make sure to take time off late and you’ll be fine. We still saw as many bears with more people, just a better experience.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: bearpaw on February 26, 2019, 12:36:18 PM
I think it could be somewhat deceiving for determining spring access because most of the snow is new snow, we had almost no snow and almost all rain in December and January, I had to cancel cougar hunts, but this new snow is all on the ground now, none of it has melted or headed downstream. I was in 5 feet and got stuck turning around, uuugggghhhh, I don't know how much snow is up high, we can't get that far on the snowmobiles.
Post by: andersonjk4 on February 26, 2019, 12:39:59 PM
Post by: boneaddict on February 26, 2019, 12:41:57 PM
Post by: bearpaw on February 26, 2019, 01:12:09 PM
From what I can tell the map is the current snow water equivalent as compared to the 1981-2010 average.
Gotcha, if it includes rainfall a lot of that has already gone downstream.
February Averages: https://www.currentresults.com/Weather/Washington/snowfall-february.php
Normally we get most snow in Dec and Jan, we don't get much snow in Feb and I usually expect snow to start melting off in late Feb. This year most of our snow has come in Feb and the forecast is calling for more snow off and on until March 7, then a mix of snow and rain for another 5 days after that. In spite of the total snowfall being about average, this late winter trend this year is what's going to make a difference in spring access into the mountains around here unless there are a lot of Mar/Apr rains.
Post by: Bango skank on February 26, 2019, 01:16:52 PM
Post by: bearpaw on February 26, 2019, 01:27:40 PM
Post by: D-Rock425 on February 26, 2019, 02:19:16 PM
The bears won't be out until late June with so this snow. Everyone should go in and change their submission to points only for this year.
Post by: KFhunter on February 26, 2019, 02:21:41 PM
Even with a lot of spring rains melting off the snow, access can be rough. Spent 3 days here in early may last year.
Quite the adventure!
Post by: Bango skank on February 26, 2019, 03:59:11 PM
Even with a lot of spring rains melting off the snow, access can be rough. Spent 3 days here in early may last year.
Quite the adventure!
Oh come on, it was only 4 rigs that got stuck. Im sure i can do better than that this year if i put my mind to it.
Post by: idaho guy on February 26, 2019, 04:09:24 PM
If a road is technically open, but blocked by snow, is there any reason you cannot take an ATV down that road?
Also, do you need a "street legal" ATV to go down a FS road that is blocked by snow?
You don’t need to be street legal to go down any forest service roads regardless of snow. That’s Idaho but forest service in Washington should be the same?
Post by: bobcat on February 26, 2019, 04:18:32 PM
If a road is technically open, but blocked by snow, is there any reason you cannot take an ATV down that road?
Also, do you need a "street legal" ATV to go down a FS road that is blocked by snow?
You don’t need to be street legal to go down any forest service roads regardless of snow. That’s Idaho but forest service in Washington should be the same?
You would think, but no, Washington is not the same as Idaho. The majority of the roads in National Forest lands are not open to ATV's.
Post by: bearpaw on February 26, 2019, 04:20:13 PM
In Washington's Colville Forest you can only take ORV's on small designated segments of road. It's very restricted, I've heard other forests are as well. State lands and open private forest lands are ORV friendly. Some counties have opened county roads to ORV use.
Post by: KFhunter on February 26, 2019, 04:39:15 PM
***I think*** I can ride an on road ATV that's got mirrors,horn, turn signals, brake light and been inspected and has the on road tabs. Good for any road 35 mph and under?
I need to really dig into that, I was going to get a motorcycle with regular plates I can ride on a highway and use that. I've got all the stuff to convert my grizz, just need to get it installed and inspected and get those on road tabs.
Post by: bearpaw on February 26, 2019, 04:43:28 PM
Post by: KFhunter on February 26, 2019, 04:52:19 PM
I was wondering what would happen if I brought one of my licensed ORV's to Washington and road on Colville Forest? @bigtex
Licensed in Idaho yes? just for clarification.
https://www.dol.wa.gov/vehicleregistration/watv.html
WATV Registration Exemption for Nonresidents
Note: Idaho is the only state currently meeting the requirements of this section.
On-road: To be eligible for a nonresident exemption from registration of an on-road wheeled all-terrain vehicle, all of the following must apply:
The vehicle must meet the definition of WATV in RCW 46.09.310(19).
The vehicle must have a valid registration and metal tag from another state for on-road use.
A similar exemption must be granted in the other state for WATVs from Washington (reciprocity).
The other state's requirements for on-road use must be equal to or exceed Washington's requirements (RCW 46.09.457).
Post by: KFhunter on February 26, 2019, 05:00:40 PM
on road atv vs off road atv...doesn't matter :'(
https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/colville/landmanagement/resourcemanagement/?cid=fsbdev3_035243
Quote
The Motor Vehicle Use Map shows National Forest System roads, trails, and areas that are designated as open to motor vehicle travel. These roads, trails and areas are designated by type of motor vehicle allowed and the allowable season of use.
For example, on National Forest System Roads that allow motor vehicle use, the two primary designations are Roads Open to Highway Legal Vehicles Only and Roads Open to All Vehicles.
Some examples of the vehicle types that are highway legal are: passenger cars, pickup trucks, SUVs and motorcycles that by state law are licensed for general operation on all public roads within the state.
Some examples of vehicles that are not highway legal include: ATVs, UTVs (side by sides), off road motorcycles, golf carts and any other motor vehicle that by state law is not licensed for general operation on all public roads in the state.
A road that is designated as open to all motor vehicles allows any motor vehicle both licensed and unlicensed for general operation on all public roads in the state which would include all Off Highway Vehicles.
Refer to the appropriate Motor Vehicle Use Map to determine the allowed motor vehicle use for a specific National Forest System road, trail or area. These free maps are available at any of the offices listed below or on-line by clicking on the following links.
and
Quote
Washington State Law defines a Wheeled All-Terrain Vehicle (WATV) as any motorized non-highway vehicle that meets the requirements to be licensed with a metal tag. WATVs are not considered highway-legal vehicles by Federal standards; therefore, they cannot be operated on roads designated as open to highway legal vehicles only.
Counties have rules, regulations, and restrictions for motor vehicle use (including OHVs) of County roads. Please contact the appropriate County for more information.
talked me right out of a new 2019 Grizz SE
Post by: idaho guy on February 26, 2019, 08:11:01 PM
If a road is technically open, but blocked by snow, is there any reason you cannot take an ATV down that road?
Also, do you need a "street legal" ATV to go down a FS road that is blocked by snow?
You don’t need to be street legal to go down any forest service roads regardless of snow. That’s Idaho but forest service in Washington should be the same?
You would think, but no, Washington is not the same as Idaho. The majority of the roads in National Forest lands are not open to ATV's.
Wow that sucks.
Post by: Naches Sportsman on February 26, 2019, 08:20:25 PM
Hopefully the spring stays cool or summer may turn out to be interesting.
Post by: Ghost Hunter on February 27, 2019, 03:18:40 PM
found my answer
on road atv vs off road atv...doesn't matter :'(
https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/colville/landmanagement/resourcemanagement/?cid=fsbdev3_035243QuoteThe Motor Vehicle Use Map shows National Forest System roads, trails, and areas that are designated as open to motor vehicle travel. These roads, trails and areas are designated by type of motor vehicle allowed and the allowable season of use.
For example, on National Forest System Roads that allow motor vehicle use, the two primary designations are Roads Open to Highway Legal Vehicles Only and Roads Open to All Vehicles.
Some examples of the vehicle types that are highway legal are: passenger cars, pickup trucks, SUVs and motorcycles that by state law are licensed for general operation on all public roads within the state.
Some examples of vehicles that are not highway legal include: ATVs, UTVs (side by sides), off road motorcycles, golf carts and any other motor vehicle that by state law is not licensed for general operation on all public roads in the state.
A road that is designated as open to all motor vehicles allows any motor vehicle both licensed and unlicensed for general operation on all public roads in the state which would include all Off Highway Vehicles.
Refer to the appropriate Motor Vehicle Use Map to determine the allowed motor vehicle use for a specific National Forest System road, trail or area. These free maps are available at any of the offices listed below or on-line by clicking on the following links.
andQuoteWashington State Law defines a Wheeled All-Terrain Vehicle (WATV) as any motorized non-highway vehicle that meets the requirements to be licensed with a metal tag. WATVs are not considered highway-legal vehicles by Federal standards; therefore, they cannot be operated on roads designated as open to highway legal vehicles only.
Counties have rules, regulations, and restrictions for motor vehicle use (including OHVs) of County roads. Please contact the appropriate County for more information.
talked me right out of a new 2019 Grizz SE
:yeah: My biggest hang up getting an ATV in WA. Stuck in the middle of CNF. :bash: Get a capstan winch and be done with it. :dunno:
Post by: KFhunter on February 27, 2019, 03:56:57 PM
Post by: Ghost Hunter on February 27, 2019, 04:46:19 PM
I got a motorcycle today, wanted a new Grizz but USFS sucks with their ATV/UTV rules :bash:
Pics?
Post by: KFhunter on February 27, 2019, 05:24:51 PM
Post by: bearpaw on February 28, 2019, 05:53:56 PM
Post by: Pac_NW on April 01, 2019, 02:13:56 PM
Looking at how much snow is on the hills this year I was wondering what your experiences have been with snow pack and spring bear season?
I've only hunted the west side spring bear permits and have found that with a deep snow pack many areas are inaccessible to vehicles until the last week or 2 of season and that bears seem to stay put a little longer than years with little snow pack.
I wanted to share a tool I came across while comparing snow pack in the winter for bird migration, but think can be applied for the spring hunts. NOAA has a site that displays snow pack accumulation through satellite imagery, if you are curious about snow pack it gives some good data.
Here is an overview of the Sherman region. (I hope it goes through)
https://www.nohrsc.noaa.gov/interactive/html/map.html?ql=obs_overlay&zoom=&loc=48.843+N%2C+117.961+W&var=ssm_swe&dy=2019&dm=4&dd=1&dh=22&snap=1&o5=1&o9=1&o12=1&o13=1&lbl=m&o7=1&mode=query&extents=us&min_x=-118.9&min_y=48.524999999996&max_x=-117.95833333333&max_y=49.058333333329&coord_x=-118.429166666665&coord_y=48.7916666666625&zbox_n=&zbox_s=&zbox_e=&zbox_w=&metric=0&bgvar=dem&shdvar=shading&width=800&height=450&nw=800&nh=450&h_o=0&font=0&js=1&uc=0 (https://www.nohrsc.noaa.gov/interactive/html/map.html?ql=obs_overlay&zoom=&loc=48.843+N%2C+117.961+W&var=ssm_swe&dy=2019&dm=4&dd=1&dh=22&snap=1&o5=1&o9=1&o12=1&o13=1&lbl=m&o7=1&mode=query&extents=us&min_x=-118.9&min_y=48.524999999996&max_x=-117.95833333333&max_y=49.058333333329&coord_x=-118.429166666665&coord_y=48.7916666666625&zbox_n=&zbox_s=&zbox_e=&zbox_w=&metric=0&bgvar=dem&shdvar=shading&width=800&height=450&nw=800&nh=450&h_o=0&font=0&js=1&uc=0)
Then if you click on the little square boxes, you can get to station read outs.
https://www.nohrsc.noaa.gov/interactive/html/graph.html?units=0®ion=us&station=BWSW1&ey=2019&em=4&ed=4&eh=22 (https://www.nohrsc.noaa.gov/interactive/html/graph.html?units=0®ion=us&station=BWSW1&ey=2019&em=4&ed=4&eh=22)
I think for us folks coming from out of town can help decide where to go based on current conditions.
Post by: KFhunter on April 01, 2019, 03:12:07 PM
Post by: Ghost Hunter on April 01, 2019, 03:18:39 PM
Post by: Rob on April 15, 2019, 06:36:09 AM
Even with a lot of spring rains melting off the snow, access can be rough. Spent 3 days here in early may last year.
Quite the adventure!
Oh come on, it was only 4 rigs that got stuck. Im sure i can do better than that this year if i put my mind to it.
I tried to outdo you but a set of chains, tree limbs and prayer allowed us to escape...
All I was trying to do was turn around on a landing and the mud sucked the front end in and sank it to the axles...
Post by: Rob on April 15, 2019, 06:37:44 AM
Post by: Shawn Ryan on April 30, 2019, 10:58:03 PM
Post by: Bshiftbc on May 10, 2019, 08:36:14 PM
Post by: 92xj on May 13, 2019, 07:08:24 AM
Post by: Johnny Doe on May 13, 2019, 07:25:08 AM
Any snow still around?
In the Blues there sure is! Depending on your route the Wenaha is still not very accessible.