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Big Game Hunting => Bear Hunting => Topic started by: Machias on March 10, 2020, 12:05:46 PM


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Title: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: Machias on March 10, 2020, 12:05:46 PM
Got my baiting permits yesterday.    :IBCOOL:    Can't wait to watch some bears this year!!  Supposed to get 7 inches of snow on Friday and temps in the low teens, so I'm thinking an early spring is probably NOT going to happen. 
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: Naches Sportsman on March 10, 2020, 12:26:05 PM
Good luck!

Buddies and I have been getting our barrels ready! Can't wait!
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: Machias on March 10, 2020, 12:36:27 PM
Good luck!

Buddies and I have been getting our barrels ready! Can't wait!

You too!!
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: rasbo on March 10, 2020, 02:32:44 PM
Can you start baiting ahead of the season
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: Machias on March 10, 2020, 02:40:50 PM
No, in fact I usually don't start until the last week of April.  I've put baits out on the 15th and they rarely get hit before the end of the month.
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: Bango skank on March 10, 2020, 02:48:11 PM
No, in fact I usually don't start until the last week of April.  I've put baits out on the 15th and they rarely get hit before the end of the month.

Theres always a few early birds roaming the woods though.  Whether or not i draw, ill be out calling starting april 1st for lions anyway.  My luck ill not draw bear, try to call in a lion, and have a b&c blonde boar come running in.
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: brew on March 10, 2020, 07:01:42 PM
definitely going to be tagging along this thread...one of my favorites on the site
Good luck Machias.  If you ever need an extra hand let me know---I've got a strong back and a weak mind
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: elkrack on March 10, 2020, 08:46:59 PM
Tagging along!👍🏻
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: Machias on March 10, 2020, 10:01:28 PM
definitely going to be tagging along this thread...one of my favorites on the site
Good luck Machias.  If you ever need an extra hand let me know---I've got a strong back and a weak mind

Any time my friend!!
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: dilleytech on March 11, 2020, 09:00:32 AM
No, in fact I usually don't start until the last week of April.  I've put baits out on the 15th and they rarely get hit before the end of the month.

Theres always a few early birds roaming the woods though.  Whether or not i draw, ill be out calling starting april 1st for lions anyway.  My luck ill not draw bear, try to call in a lion, and have a b&c blonde boar come running in.

I need a fawn in distress hand call. Any recommendations?
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: bearpaw on March 11, 2020, 09:08:34 AM
Good luck Fred!
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: Machias on March 11, 2020, 12:18:45 PM
No, in fact I usually don't start until the last week of April.  I've put baits out on the 15th and they rarely get hit before the end of the month.

Theres always a few early birds roaming the woods though.  Whether or not i draw, ill be out calling starting april 1st for lions anyway.  My luck ill not draw bear, try to call in a lion, and have a b&c blonde boar come running in.

Past experience for me, at least where I bait, putting out the baits too early is a waste of time and bait.  I usually end up having to dump what I put out because it gets really moldy and nasty and nothing hits it for a couple of weeks.  After chomping at the bit a couple of springs in a row and getting my baits out on the 15th.  Then having nothing hit them until the last day or two of April and not really start hitting them good until the first week in May.  I no longer get in a rush.  I will put my baits out probably the 25th of April.
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: Machias on March 11, 2020, 12:18:59 PM
Thanks Dale, you too!!
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: tlbradford on March 12, 2020, 08:52:14 PM
Good luck Fred!
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: Machias on March 12, 2020, 09:45:11 PM
 :tup:
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: Machias on March 29, 2020, 12:55:57 PM
Got 16 thirty pound boxes of soft candy and 14 pails of peanut butter yesterday.  Still got 16 pails of icing and frosting from last year.  Looking forward to getting the baits out in 4 weeks.
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: Bango skank on March 29, 2020, 12:57:09 PM
Youre gonna give every bear in idaho the beetus  :chuckle:
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: Bango skank on March 29, 2020, 12:58:43 PM
Now i know why theres a bait permit fee, gotta cover the costs of all the bears compression socks, stretch pants and insulin prescriptions
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: Machias on March 29, 2020, 01:48:24 PM
 :chuckle: :chuckle:
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: Machias on April 16, 2020, 10:09:00 AM
So I am going to start baiting on the 25th.  I'll be posting photos, but I don't want it to feel like I am poking anyone in the eye.  I know a LOT of you were really looking forward to chasing bears and I don't want to add to your frustration.  You guys want to see photos or would you prefer that I wait until all this crap is over and we can all get back out in the woods?  I'm good either way.
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: mburrows on April 16, 2020, 10:12:22 AM
So I am going to start baiting on the 25th.  I'll be posting photos, but I don't want it to feel like I am poking anyone in the eye.  I know a LOT of you were really looking forward to chasing bears and I don't want to add to your frustration.  You guys want to see photos or would you prefer that I wait until all this crap is over and we can all get back out in the woods?  I'm good either way.

Post em!
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: BULLBLASTER on April 16, 2020, 10:33:43 AM
So I am going to start baiting on the 25th.  I'll be posting photos, but I don't want it to feel like I am poking anyone in the eye.  I know a LOT of you were really looking forward to chasing bears and I don't want to add to your frustration.  You guys want to see photos or would you prefer that I wait until all this crap is over and we can all get back out in the woods?  I'm good either way.

Do what you do fred and take us all along! If i cant be out there i want to at least see someone out there doing it!  :tup:

Good luck!
Hopefully they dont log a whole lot more of your area.
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: jstone on April 16, 2020, 10:37:23 AM
Man you might get a picture of me eating all your candy. :chuckle:
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: Karl Blanchard on April 16, 2020, 10:39:31 AM
1. I'm mildly upset at that use of peanut butter aka the lord's food.

2. Anyone who gets pissy about you bear hunting should be permanently banned from huntwa for being the biggest snow flake of all snow flakes.

That is all  :chuckle:
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: Machias on April 16, 2020, 10:41:34 AM
 :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle:

Roger that I will post away.  I'm hoping all of you that got drawn will be out in the woods by the 5th of May!  Would be getting good then anyways.
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: Machias on April 16, 2020, 10:42:24 AM
Good luck!
Hopefully they dont log a whole lot more of your area.

Hoping so, but I have a couple of back up spots in case they do.
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: bearpaw on April 16, 2020, 07:47:03 PM
So I am going to start baiting on the 25th.  I'll be posting photos, but I don't want it to feel like I am poking anyone in the eye.  I know a LOT of you were really looking forward to chasing bears and I don't want to add to your frustration.  You guys want to see photos or would you prefer that I wait until all this crap is over and we can all get back out in the woods?  I'm good either way.

Fred you are a gentleman, but we need to see some pics on this forum!  :twocents:
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: hunter399 on April 16, 2020, 08:40:40 PM
Post em up :tup:
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: Bango skank on April 16, 2020, 08:49:41 PM
Not sure what is like where youre hunting, but i went over today thinking to get a few days of early bear hunting in.  Every road i tried to go up was a mess.  Got myself stuck twice, decided i should just wait a couple more weeks  and not push my luck any further.  Guess its back to getting skunked on lions locally for now.
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: Stein on April 16, 2020, 08:51:40 PM
Got 16 thirty pound boxes of soft candy and 14 pails of peanut butter yesterday.  Still got 16 pails of icing and frosting from last year.  Looking forward to getting the baits out in 4 weeks.

We got nearly the same shipment, only we're not bear hunting.   :dunno:
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: Machias on April 16, 2020, 09:34:04 PM
So I am going to start baiting on the 25th.  I'll be posting photos, but I don't want it to feel like I am poking anyone in the eye.  I know a LOT of you were really looking forward to chasing bears and I don't want to add to your frustration.  You guys want to see photos or would you prefer that I wait until all this crap is over and we can all get back out in the woods?  I'm good either way.

Fred you are a gentleman, but we need to see some pics on this forum!  :twocents:

 :tup: :tup:
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: Machias on April 16, 2020, 09:36:38 PM
Not sure what is like where youre hunting, but i went over today thinking to get a few days of early bear hunting in.  Every road i tried to go up was a mess.  Got myself stuck twice, decided i should just wait a couple more weeks  and not push my luck any further.  Guess its back to getting skunked on lions locally for now.


Yep it's bad in several spots.  Careful if you come back over, the new Gov extension no longer allows non-residents to enter Idaho for hunting and fishing....at least until 30 April.
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: HUNTINCOUPLE on April 16, 2020, 09:38:41 PM
Pics or it didnt happen! Good luck! :tup:
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: Machias on April 16, 2020, 10:21:39 PM
Thanks!!
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: jackelope on April 16, 2020, 10:25:42 PM
No, in fact I usually don't start until the last week of April.  I've put baits out on the 15th and they rarely get hit before the end of the month.

Theres always a few early birds roaming the woods though.  Whether or not i draw, ill be out calling starting april 1st for lions anyway.  My luck ill not draw bear, try to call in a lion, and have a b&c blonde boar come running in.

I need a fawn in distress hand call. Any recommendations?

Bearmanric on
 here.
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: nwwanderer on April 17, 2020, 06:52:50 AM
Will trade concrete slabs for pics, more the better
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: Machias on April 17, 2020, 09:12:39 AM
Will trade concrete slabs for pics, more the better

 :chuckle: :chuckle: :tup: :tup:
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: n_mathews13 on April 19, 2020, 10:30:31 AM
Not sure what is like where youre hunting, but i went over today thinking to get a few days of early bear hunting in.  Every road i tried to go up was a mess.  Got myself stuck twice, decided i should just wait a couple more weeks  and not push my luck any further.  Guess its back to getting skunked on lions locally for now.


Yep it's bad in several spots.  Careful if you come back over, the new Gov extension no longer allows non-residents to enter Idaho for hunting and fishing....at least until 30 April.




So I must have missed where ID said that non res can’t come over.
I know you can’t buy tags, but I have mine.
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: Machias on April 19, 2020, 10:52:14 AM
Not sure what is like where youre hunting, but i went over today thinking to get a few days of early bear hunting in.  Every road i tried to go up was a mess.  Got myself stuck twice, decided i should just wait a couple more weeks  and not push my luck any further.  Guess its back to getting skunked on lions locally for now.


Yep it's bad in several spots.  Careful if you come back over, the new Gov extension no longer allows non-residents to enter Idaho for hunting and fishing....at least until 30 April.




So I must have missed where ID said that non res can’t come over.
I know you can’t buy tags, but I have mine.

They will honor your fishing license and hunting license and permits, BUT when the Gov extended the stay at home order they added that if you come from out of state you must quarantine for 14 days.  They do not consider hunting and fishing as essential.  Its new from the Gov.
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: n_mathews13 on April 19, 2020, 03:49:07 PM
So not to take away from thread
What definition of quarantine?

Who has 14 days to sit around
Sounds like something WA would do to not have to refund tags
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: Bango skank on April 19, 2020, 03:51:40 PM
So not to take away from thread
What definition of quarantine?

Who has 14 days to sit around
Sounds like something WA would do to not have to refund tags

Quarantine:

impose isolation on (a person, animal, or place); put in quarantine.


So putting myself in the woods, isolated, by definition is quarantine.
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: n_mathews13 on April 19, 2020, 04:08:32 PM
So not to take away from thread
What definition of quarantine?

Who has 14 days to sit around
Sounds like something WA would do to not have to refund tags

Quarantine:

impose isolation on (a person, animal, or place); put in quarantine.


So putting myself in the woods, isolated, by definition is quarantine.


That’s what I’m thinkn
What gets me is I can’t take 2 weeks off to quarantine in woods for 14 days
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: Bango skank on April 19, 2020, 04:13:19 PM
Once youre in the woods, youre starting your 2 week quarantine.  Well, if you break quarantine to go home, whos gonna stop ya?
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: n_mathews13 on April 19, 2020, 04:18:33 PM
Dang it
I spent my morning organizing my hunting stuff and started to pack truck. Was leaving this week to go over
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: n_mathews13 on April 19, 2020, 04:59:22 PM
Not to sound like a jerk
I get the rule and it’s probably the right call.
This virus affects more people in more important ways, what can ya do
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: JeffRaines on April 19, 2020, 06:14:50 PM
...except people are missing the part where nonresidents aren’t allowed in for nonessential things and they’ve said hunting and fishing is not essential so regardless of how you feel about the definition of “quarantine” you’re still in the wrong as far as Idaho is concerned.

What blows my mind is that Idaho has to know this stuff, they’ve been fairly gracious with allowing out of state hunters to keep their tags and hunt the tags throughout all this(unlike Montana, Alaska and Oregon who cancelled nonresident hunts period). If this flares up again this fall I bet 100% they pull all nonresident deer/elk tags due to people flouting the rules like this and for some reason no one can see that coming.

If you go into someone’s house and disrespect their rules, expect to be kicked out and not invited back.  :twocents:
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: Machias on April 19, 2020, 07:45:48 PM
Still a lot of snow, even down low.  This is right around 2800 feet.  Could not get to 2 of my bait sites.  Should be good to go by next weekend though.  One bait site is ready to go.  I'll fill it up next weekend.
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: Bango skank on April 19, 2020, 07:54:37 PM
Still a lot of snow, even down low.  This is right around 2800 feet.  Could not get to 2 of my bait sites.  Should be good to go by next weekend though.  One bait site is ready to go.  I'll fill it up next weekend.

I got stuck in snow twice at 2500 ft on thursday in unit 1.  Its worse down low in the shade than up high where the sun hits the slopes.
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: Huntin Hounds on April 20, 2020, 08:51:22 AM
After I looked at the noaa snow map I didn't thing I could make it to my baits either. Stayed home and worked on the shop floor and yard work instead. Maybe next weekend.
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: Machias on April 20, 2020, 10:56:06 AM
I can't see on that map exactly where your baits are...can you pin point them a little better?   :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle:
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: BULLBLASTER on April 20, 2020, 10:59:04 AM
I can't see on that map exactly where your baits are...can you pin point them a little better?   :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle:
Careful fred! If you start that game someone might just auction off directions to your bait to the highest bidder!  :chuckle: :yike:
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: Machias on April 20, 2020, 11:11:11 AM
 :yike: :yike: :yike: :yike: :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle: :hello: :hello: :hello:
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: BULLBLASTER on April 20, 2020, 11:32:25 AM
:yike: :yike: :yike: :yike: :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle: :hello: :hello: :hello:

My lips are zipped!  :tung:
Cant wait to see what you come up with and follow along!
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: Huntin Hounds on April 20, 2020, 12:07:04 PM
I can't see on that map exactly where your baits are...can you pin point them a little better?   :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle:

LOL they're pretty close to the pink on the south slopes. That map is very handy except it doesn't show drifts.
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: Machias on April 20, 2020, 01:38:36 PM
I can't see on that map exactly where your baits are...can you pin point them a little better?   :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle:

LOL they're pretty close to the pink on the south slopes. That map is very handy except it doesn't show drifts.

:) Stay safe!!  And good luck this spring!!
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: Machias on April 28, 2020, 11:28:04 AM
Mmmm truckload of goodies!!
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: HUNTINCOUPLE on April 28, 2020, 11:52:05 AM
Nice! :IBCOOL:
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: bearpaw on May 01, 2020, 08:37:30 AM
Fred you are going to have the fattest spring bears in Idaho  :tup:
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: Machias on May 01, 2020, 08:53:52 AM
Not if I don't get my baits out,  Between truck problems and not being able to walk without extreme pain, I have yet to get my first bait set out.  Hopefully tomorrow I can get 2 baits in.
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: bearpaw on May 01, 2020, 09:31:26 AM
Good luck, bear are starting to come out some now.  :tup:
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: rasbo on May 01, 2020, 05:35:18 PM
Good luck, spoke with a guy in salmon Idaho yesterday,put his bait out and had a sow and cub in that late evening on his cam
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: nwwanderer on May 01, 2020, 06:44:22 PM
Sow with twins out several miles west of you last week, it is time
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: Naches Sportsman on May 01, 2020, 07:25:55 PM
Go get em!

Buddy shot one last night down here in 1L after we got done planting!
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: Machias on May 02, 2020, 02:36:02 PM
Ok, two baits are in.  The second bait had a huge pile of very fresh bear poop waiting about 3 feet in front of the ladder stand.  :)  Feels good to finally get the baits out.
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: Bango skank on May 02, 2020, 02:43:52 PM
I couldnt find a pile of bear crap in idaho to save my life the last few days.  Unit 1 seems a couple weeks behind ne wa.  Did find a couple killer areas though, and ill be hunting them come roughly may 23rd.  Should have the last week of may and the first 2 weeks of june off to chase idaho bears
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: Machias on May 02, 2020, 07:29:43 PM
Seven hours, that's the fastest I've had one find my bait.  :)
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: Machias on May 02, 2020, 07:42:39 PM
Another one
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: carpsniperg2 on May 02, 2020, 07:44:25 PM
Sweet!!! Pretty color bear.
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: Machias on May 02, 2020, 07:50:32 PM
Pretty coat
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: HUNTINCOUPLE on May 02, 2020, 08:06:58 PM
 :tup:
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: jstone on May 02, 2020, 08:08:35 PM
Nice bear
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: Naches Sportsman on May 02, 2020, 08:18:50 PM
They are definitely moving now! Saw 2 sow/cub pairs today!

Hope to see what you harvest shortly!
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: HUNTINCOUPLE on May 02, 2020, 09:06:21 PM
Curious how big the hole is? I've got access to barrels with lids with band locks. If you need more barrels shoot me a PM.
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: Machias on May 02, 2020, 09:45:49 PM
5 inches, I think.  What type of lids are they?  Do they bolt on or do they latch?  I would love to find a couple of the latching type lids.  I hate having to screw on and unscrew the ring that secures the lid.
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: Machias on May 02, 2020, 09:58:54 PM
Boom, both baits hit the first night.
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: bearpaw on May 02, 2020, 10:03:51 PM
awesome, good luck  :tup:
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: Machias on May 03, 2020, 12:11:22 PM
Had another visitor last night.  Not bad, three bears in under 24 hours.
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: HUNTINCOUPLE on May 03, 2020, 01:10:14 PM
5 inches, I think.  What type of lids are they?  Do they bolt on or do they latch?  I would love to find a couple of the latching type lids.  I hate having to screw on and unscrew the ring that secures the lid.

You can wire the latch so the bear shouldn't get the lid off?
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: carpsniperg2 on May 03, 2020, 01:18:08 PM
That looks like a nicer bear :tup:
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: Ghost Hunter on May 03, 2020, 01:29:51 PM
 :yike:  A thermos of coffee and a person could survive.    :chuckle:
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: Machias on May 03, 2020, 02:41:26 PM
5 inches, I think.  What type of lids are they?  Do they bolt on or do they latch?  I would love to find a couple of the latching type lids.  I hate having to screw on and unscrew the ring that secures the lid.

You can wire the latch so the bear shouldn't get the lid off?

Man those are some pretty barrels.   :)  That's the type of lids I like.  They also make a heavier duty type latch...but I can never seem to find them.
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: dmoua on May 03, 2020, 02:41:57 PM
I've never been interested in shooting bears over bait but watching your thread might of sparked something.
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: Machias on May 03, 2020, 03:04:20 PM
I've never been interested in shooting bears over bait but watching your thread might of sparked something.

Its a lot of fun sitting there watching them.  Hard work, but a lot of relaxing fun.
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: Machias on May 04, 2020, 07:21:42 PM
He was in early tonight!!!!
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: Alchase on May 04, 2020, 07:22:50 PM
Wow, what a pretty color! :tup:
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: DeerThug on May 04, 2020, 07:46:27 PM
That is a pretty bear.  Get him before he rubs that long winter hair off..
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: Machias on May 04, 2020, 07:48:52 PM
That is a pretty bear.  Get him before he rubs that long winter hair off..

A little on the small size.
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: Machias on May 08, 2020, 06:37:33 PM
So on the 4th my cellular trail camera stopped sending photos.  Went in today to top up the baits and found that the bear had snapped off my antenna and moved the camera around.  Grrrr 
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: Machias on May 08, 2020, 06:40:11 PM
This is a nice bear.  He's been hammering the bait!

Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: Machias on May 08, 2020, 06:41:29 PM
Moose with no hair....looks in really bad shape.

Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: idaho guy on May 08, 2020, 06:49:06 PM
Good pictures 👍 except the moose that’s really bad. You should have a great year!
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on May 08, 2020, 08:17:28 PM
Nice pics.👍

Ticks on the moose?

What’s the highest amount of different bears have you had on one bait site?
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: Machias on May 08, 2020, 08:52:41 PM
Nice pics.👍

Ticks on the moose?

What’s the highest amount of different bears have you had on one bait site?

Not sure on the moose, but he looks in bad shape.

Most bears I have had hit a single bait was 16 for the whole season.  The most at one time I have seen is three adult bears.  I have had a sow with 4 cubs on the bait at one time.
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: Machias on May 08, 2020, 09:36:22 PM
What a tank!!
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: Alchase on May 08, 2020, 10:29:18 PM
"I like big butts and I can not lie"  :hello:



In Bears  :chuckle:
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: bearpaw on May 09, 2020, 08:24:19 AM
That's a nice one Fred!  :mgun:
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: jstone on May 09, 2020, 09:37:07 AM
That’s a Fatty
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: carpsniperg2 on May 09, 2020, 10:18:49 AM
That’s a tank for sure!!!
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: idaho guy on May 09, 2020, 10:32:36 AM
Holy crap! Choot em!!
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: nwwanderer on May 09, 2020, 03:20:00 PM
I can find you a dart gun with some ivomec for that moose, sure looks like winter tick
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: wheels on May 10, 2020, 09:53:59 AM
we found a winner be hard to shoot anything else after that
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: HUNTINCOUPLE on May 10, 2020, 09:55:24 AM
He must be busy packing that piggy out? :dunno:
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: Machias on May 10, 2020, 04:19:40 PM
Nope, I have not hunted either bait yet.  I have been experiencing severe pain in both knees for 3 weeks.  Weds I get a steroid shot in each knee.  Hoping that helps.  Plus so far the 2 big boys have only come in well after dark.
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: Alchase on May 10, 2020, 05:11:02 PM
Nope, I have not hunted either bait yet.  I have been experiencing severe pain in both knees for 3 weeks.  Weds I get a steroid shot in each knee.  Hoping that helps.  Plus so far the 2 big boys have only come in well after dark.

Sorry about your knees, hope the shots help.
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: HUNTINCOUPLE on May 10, 2020, 08:07:28 PM
Get the shots and get that piggy!!!!!! :tup:
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: Machias on May 11, 2020, 09:40:43 PM
Couple on the bait at the same time.

Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: elkrack on May 11, 2020, 11:07:25 PM
Are you hunting on your baits yet? That one bear is a tank he should have a bullseye on him! :tup:
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: Bango skank on May 11, 2020, 11:44:57 PM
Cant wait to head back over to idaho.  I expect to be back from hellaska on the 22nd, but dont know that i want to be out hunting on memorial day weekend so ill likely wait until the 25th to head over.  Need to make it happen over there this spring, because its looking like ill be spending the entire month of august out at sea instead of chasing bears in washington   :bash:
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: Machias on May 12, 2020, 09:32:54 AM
Are you hunting on your baits yet? That one bear is a tank he should have a bullseye on him! :tup:

No, hoping the steroid shots I get tomorrow in both knees will allow me to finally get out and set on a bait. 
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: bearpaw on May 12, 2020, 07:17:54 PM
Sure hope you get to feeling better.  :tup:
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: Machias on May 13, 2020, 08:41:49 PM
Got a shot in each knee today.  Dr said usually 1 to 4 days, average is 2 to 3 days before people start feeling improvements.  Fingers crossed!

Look who showed up in daylight tonight.   :drool: :drool: :drool: :drool:   He does that again and he'll be coming home with me or my hunting pratner!!
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: carpsniperg2 on May 13, 2020, 08:49:21 PM
Heck yeah! Time to whack that big boy!
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: HUNTINCOUPLE on May 13, 2020, 09:05:13 PM
We are rooting for you! :IBCOOL:
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: Timberstalker on May 13, 2020, 09:08:55 PM
Dandy!!!
Thanks for sharing.
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: bearpaw on May 14, 2020, 08:08:41 AM
 :IBCOOL:  get him Fred
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: Machias on May 14, 2020, 09:58:16 AM
So thankful this morning, virtually pain free this morning.  So nice to walk properly with almost no pain!!!  Going hunting this evening!!  :)
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: JakeLand on May 14, 2020, 10:02:12 AM
So thankful this morning, virtually pain free this morning.  So nice to walk properly with almost no pain!!!  Going hunting this evening!!  :)
sorry been busy but what happened to your knee ?
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: BULLBLASTER on May 14, 2020, 10:08:00 AM
Good luck Fred!
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: Machias on May 14, 2020, 10:10:17 AM
So thankful this morning, virtually pain free this morning.  So nice to walk properly with almost no pain!!!  Going hunting this evening!!  :)
sorry been busy but what happened to your knee ?

3 weeks ago, out of the blue, both knees swelled up and it was extreme pain to walk, sit or even lay down.  No idea what caused it or why they began to hurt so bad.  Probably COVID-19.  :) :)
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: redi on May 14, 2020, 10:15:11 AM
Good luck shoot a big one.
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: mtncook on May 14, 2020, 10:32:13 AM
That pain comes with age Fred, but to get both knees at once is a ding.
Seems like the time is right to get after Springers
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: Machias on May 14, 2020, 10:18:07 PM
Had three bears come into the bait tonight.  Talked myself out of the first bear.  After looking at the photos, glad I passed on him...but he sure was a pretty bear.  Second pair came in was a yearling and momma.
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: Alchase on May 14, 2020, 10:21:42 PM
How did the shots to your knees do?
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: Machias on May 15, 2020, 11:53:25 AM
How did the shots to your knees do?
Woke up yesterday virtually pain free.  Then felt so good I went out and over did it topping up 2 baits and hunting last night.  My right knee is still pain free, but my left one let me know I did too much and is a bit sore today, but I can still walk properly!  :)  So much better than before!
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: Jpmiller on May 15, 2020, 12:09:15 PM
Glad to hear the knees are feeling better. Did the steroid make you all jittery and keep you up all night. I had to use a steroid to fight an infection a few months ago and I didn't sleep for almost three days.
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: Machias on May 15, 2020, 12:12:51 PM
This is the bear I passed on last night, glad I did, clearly a young bear.  "Looked" like a much nicer bear when he first came in.
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: Machias on May 15, 2020, 12:13:05 PM
Glad to hear the knees are feeling better. Did the steroid make you all jittery and keep you up all night. I had to use a steroid to fight an infection a few months ago and I didn't sleep for almost three days.

No, not at all.
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: Machias on May 19, 2020, 12:53:51 PM
Just an update.  The three big boys have abandoned my two baits.  I have six bears hitting the baits including two sows with yearling cubs.  One sow is a red cinnamon with a black cub and the other is a big black sow with a black cub.  The big boys have not hit either bait in 6 days now.
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: bearpaw on May 19, 2020, 01:24:46 PM
Just an update.  The three big boys have abandoned my two baits.  I have six bears hitting the baits including two sows with yearling cubs.  One sow is a red cinnamon with a black cub and the other is a big black sow with a black cub.  The big boys have not hit either bait in 6 days now.

Dang, that can be a problem when sows take over a bait.
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: idaho guy on May 19, 2020, 09:13:47 PM
Just an update.  The three big boys have abandoned my two baits.  I have six bears hitting the baits including two sows with yearling cubs.  One sow is a red cinnamon with a black cub and the other is a big black sow with a black cub.  The big boys have not hit either bait in 6 days now.


I had same thing happen on one of my baits. Just 1 big bear hitting bait regular then vanished last week. I was thinking he got killed or at least ran by some hounds  :dunno: I have ran my own dogs off my bait and if we don’t catch most have come back but have had Them disappear for rest of the year too. Keep at it Fred 👍 this is a cool thread I enjoy following. I am personally too lazy to even post a picture much less the whole season  :chuckle:
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: JakeLand on May 19, 2020, 10:35:13 PM
X2 with Idaho guy ! Best bear thread hoping you get a good one
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: Naches Sportsman on May 19, 2020, 10:36:50 PM
Hopefully the tide changes for you! I totally get what you're dealing with!!

Had this sow and her Cubs glued to my bait all day Saturday and Sunday.

Pulled my baits as I have to report to my new job, but sure was fun baiting this spring! Your yearly threads helped motivate me to get out and bait.
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: Machias on May 20, 2020, 08:44:28 AM
That's a pretty sow and she throws some nice color!!!
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: Machias on May 20, 2020, 08:46:43 AM
The daily clean up crew has arrived!!   :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle:
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: jennabug on May 20, 2020, 11:53:28 AM
Tagging along! Glad to hear your knees are doing better!
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: Machias on May 20, 2020, 02:52:36 PM
A few pics from last night, at least a couple of nice bears returned.

Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: mburrows on May 20, 2020, 03:32:47 PM
Glad you've been able to get out.  You taking a crack at one of those if they come while your in the blind?
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: Machias on May 20, 2020, 06:27:08 PM
For sure!!   :tup:
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: Machias on May 21, 2020, 10:27:10 PM
 :chuckle: :chuckle:  50/50 chance tonight.  I sat in the stand where the big boys have hit the most.  Nothing came in, which is not surprising since the wind was howling all day.  It did slowly die down as the evening progressed.  Of course a young bear did come in to the other bait.

Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: Machias on May 23, 2020, 05:35:50 PM
Took my three dogs out today and joined 5 other guys and 8 other dogs.  Got a bear races going at 0655.  Made a huge loop.  Lead two dogs ended up running a total of 15 miles.  My three made 6 miles, they are a tad out of shape.  Had a blast today even though we got out run.  Managed to get all the dogs rounded up.  Glad it was supposed to be warmer today, and 0% chance of rain.  Ended up being 35 degrees and then rained for an hour.
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: Machias on May 24, 2020, 05:44:57 PM
I was really curious how long it would take for bears to come back to my bait site once I ran the dogs thru there.  Went back in the afternoon and topped u p the bait at 3 pm and had a bear hit the bait right before 6 pm.  The first rubbed bear of the season.  Then three more bears hit later last night including a big boy.
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: Bango skank on May 24, 2020, 05:52:48 PM
I like that last pic of the little dink standing up.  Im not really in the business of passing on small bears, but i think id let him walk, just because the pic made me laugh for some reason.
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: Machias on May 25, 2020, 09:14:47 PM
Look how badly this one is rubbed.  I have at least three like this out of the 11 hitting my two baits.
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: HUNTINCOUPLE on May 25, 2020, 09:22:36 PM
Looking good Fred!!! I'd think if you run the bears with doggies around your bait stash that will make them hungry................. So I'd keep running doggies and sitting after the big run!!!! :IBCOOL:
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: idaho guy on May 26, 2020, 05:32:39 AM
will call that last bear Mohawk  :chuckle:
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: Machias on May 26, 2020, 08:49:19 AM
 :chuckle: :chuckle:
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: Machias on May 27, 2020, 08:31:36 AM
Sat on one of my baits last night.  Got to video tape two bears come into the bait.  Mr. Mowhawk from the photo above and his little brother.  I had a big sow and a 2 year old cub coming into the bait fairly regularly, pretty sure this is that cub.  Either someone killed her or more likely, she kicked him to the curb.

Then one of the big boys showed up around 2144.  Ah nothing like having a bed of bread to lay on!!!   :chuckle: :chuckle: 
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: Machias on May 27, 2020, 08:47:07 AM
I'm just glad he didn't waste any!!!   :bash: :chuckle:
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: bearpaw on May 27, 2020, 08:51:07 AM
Yup, the birds will have a hayday!
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: Machias on May 28, 2020, 09:26:01 AM
This is NOT how I left the barrel!!!   :chuckle: :chuckle:  They have a subtle way of letting me know the barrel is empty.  Well it wouldn't be empty if 6 bears had not spent all night eating!!!!  Yesterday was hilarious.  The night before I sat in one stand and videotaped two small bears and my friend sat in another bait and saw nothing.  Last night neither of us was able to hunt, so of course the bait he sat on literally had 6 different bears, 2 shooters, come in before dark!!  The bait I sat on had 2 bears come in and one that I most likely would have shot!  I gotta get in there and stuff the baits tonight, but the wind is shifting around for the next couple of nights and blowing from the stand right at the barrels....only a few nights left to hunt so I don't know if we are going to sit in them or wait for the wind to shift.  I figure I got 10 days to 2 weeks left before most of the coats go to hell.
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: HUNTINCOUPLE on May 28, 2020, 10:04:10 AM
You gots some serious dilemmas ahead! :chuckle:
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: Machias on May 28, 2020, 02:19:55 PM
A few from last night.
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: bearpaw on May 28, 2020, 02:52:04 PM
Bound to happen sooner or later!  :archery_smiley:
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: Utah on May 29, 2020, 12:33:27 AM
the small ones taste the best
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: bearpaw on May 29, 2020, 12:59:05 AM
Calves are starting to hit the ground, better get one of those boars before they are all hunting calves and fawns for a couple weeks!
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: Machias on May 29, 2020, 08:38:49 AM
 :tup: :tup:

I had to go in and re-bait last night.  Both baits had bears on the baits when I arrived and within 10 minutes of leaving they both had bears back on them.  They are seriously chowing down right now.  We've had a couple of new bears show up.  There was a guy baiting near us and we think he may have pulled his bait, hence the increased activity at both baits.
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: bearpaw on May 29, 2020, 10:51:13 AM
 :yeah:  That sounds real good...  :tup:
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: Machias on June 03, 2020, 11:02:29 AM
Well that is a rap for this spring season.  I had a blast.  Very satisfying season for me.  I'm now going to concentrate on running the dogs more and see what I can put up a tree for the rest of the spring and this fall season.  Thanks for following along, I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did bringing it to you.
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: HUNTINCOUPLE on June 03, 2020, 11:09:08 AM
 :tup:  Thanks for your efforts keeping us all entertained.  I learned some new stuff from it all!
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: bearpaw on June 03, 2020, 11:47:00 AM
Good luck with the dogs!  :tup:
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: Twispriver on June 03, 2020, 08:02:25 PM
I like this thread and I like that you put in the work, are willing to hold out and don't feel the need to shoot any bear just because it's a bear. Thanks for taking us along.
Title: Re: Machias' 2020 Idaho Bear season
Post by: Machias on June 03, 2020, 09:49:59 PM
 :tup: :tup:
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