Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Bear Hunting => Topic started by: Tracker0721 on March 11, 2020, 05:16:06 PM

Title: For anyone going for spring bear
Post by: Tracker0721 on March 11, 2020, 05:16:06 PM: I know guys that draw bear units might not be familiar with the units so if anyone needs help or is willing to offer help I figure we could post it here. It’d be great to see all those tags filled!

I’m in unit 101 and can help point you to bears or if you get the truck stuck, need help on a pack out, whatever I can lend a hand. And for what it’s worth I spotted my first bear with cubs around mid may last year.

Happy hunting all that drew!
Title: Re: For anyone going for spring bear
Post by: brew on March 11, 2020, 06:21:30 PM: awesome for you...I have just put in the last 5 years for points to maybe someday draw a permit. maybe next year I actually put in for that unit and contact you if drawn. Thanks for your offer from somebody who doesn't need it now but may need it in the future
Title: Re: For anyone going for spring bear
Post by: carlyoungs on March 11, 2020, 06:24:16 PM: I drew Sherman. Have hunted deer there in the past but never ran into any bear. Will keep you in mind for some pointers. Thanks for the offer!
Title: Re: For anyone going for spring bear
Post by: Shooter4 on March 11, 2020, 07:15:35 PM: A little guidance in 49 degree north would be greatly appreciated no exact spots just general areas.
Title: Re: For anyone going for spring bear
Post by: caseygraff333 on March 11, 2020, 08:39:57 PM: i drew the sherman unit this year... i drew it 2 years ago and went for memorial day weekend and the following week, all the locals said i should've been there a couple weeks before when there wasnt SOOO much lush grass everywhere... i'll take pointers on spots AND best time to head over... thanks
Title: Re: For anyone going for spring bear
Post by: HoytHunter24 on March 11, 2020, 08:47:38 PM: I drew Sherman as well. I will be up near Republic for turkey around the middle of April. I will be doing some scouting for bear and hope to come back in mid may. I have some glassing points picked out and hope i can get to them.

How is the snow level looking?
Title: Re: For anyone going for spring bear
Post by: StuckoYota99 on March 11, 2020, 09:03:33 PM: I drew 49 North, any info helps for sure.
Thanks guys
Title: Re: For anyone going for spring bear
Post by: elkrack on March 11, 2020, 09:25:35 PM: You lucky guys better enjoy that tag it’s been 5 long years since I drew that tag! Lots of bears in there. good luck guys
Title: Re: For anyone going for spring bear
Post by: Shooter4 on March 11, 2020, 09:28:46 PM: Quote from: elkrack on March 11, 2020, 09:25:35 PM
You lucky guys better enjoy that tag it’s been 5 long years since I drew that tag! Lots of bears in there. good luck guys
Which tag Sherman or 49
Title: Re: For anyone going for spring bear
Post by: elkrack on March 11, 2020, 09:30:54 PM: Sherman
Title: Re: For anyone going for spring bear
Post by: Onewhohikes on March 12, 2020, 05:30:21 AM: Sherman
Title: Re: For anyone going for spring bear
Post by: huntnnw on March 12, 2020, 06:42:32 AM: Quote from: caseygraff333 on March 11, 2020, 08:39:57 PM
i drew the sherman unit this year... i drew it 2 years ago and went for memorial day weekend and the following week, all the locals said i should've been there a couple weeks before when there wasnt SOOO much lush grass everywhere... i'll take pointers on spots AND best time to head over... thanks

id take late may to early june all day over early to mid may. Bear activity can be spotty at best, sluggish and not moving much in those units in early may to mid may. June is where its at. Bear rut some of the best bear action I have ever seen is in June
Title: Re: For anyone going for spring bear
Post by: MooseZ25 on March 12, 2020, 06:58:20 AM: Quote from: huntnnw on March 12, 2020, 06:42:32 AM
Quote from: caseygraff333 on March 11, 2020, 08:39:57 PM
i drew the sherman unit this year... i drew it 2 years ago and went for memorial day weekend and the following week, all the locals said i should've been there a couple weeks before when there wasnt SOOO much lush grass everywhere... i'll take pointers on spots AND best time to head over... thanks

id take late may to early june all day over early to mid may. Bear activity can be spotty at best, sluggish and not moving much in those units in early may to mid may. June is where its at. Bear rut some of the best bear action I have ever seen is in June

Also the roads are in better shape and weather is great. I always wonder why folks rush over early. We have several feet of snow in the mountains and more to come. Be patient there are LOTS of bears over here.
Title: Re: For anyone going for spring bear
Post by: HoytHunter24 on March 12, 2020, 07:06:44 AM: So how busy is it up there during memorial weekend? I am trying to plan an extended weekend around then to get some good hunting time in.
Title: Re: For anyone going for spring bear
Post by: MooseZ25 on March 12, 2020, 07:16:50 AM: Quote from: HoytHunter24 on March 12, 2020, 07:06:44 AM
So how busy is it up there during memorial weekend? I am trying to plan an extended weekend around then to get some good hunting time in.

Not busy in terms of hunting. There will be people camping here and there riding ATV and motorbikes ect. That weekend is what I feel is when the best hunting begins.
Title: Re: For anyone going for spring bear
Post by: Tracker0721 on March 12, 2020, 07:21:00 AM: Yeah our snow down low was melting but we are getting some more storms this weekend. Up high I got up to my knees still 2 miles from one of my bear spots last week. For the most part late may is the time to come. I didn’t even get bears on camera until late may but this year I’ve got more cameras and I’m gonna get them out earlier. And both big brutes I found last year lived. I had a shot at the black one in fall but was leaving in less than 10 hours for Colorado elk hunting and I still had to sleep before the drive. Of course found him grouse hunting. BUT we have an a crazy snowless warm winter compared to usual. We had hillsides covered in buttercups last month. Actually, the mountain that I first spotted a bear last year was bare just 2 weeks ago but we got another storm that covered it again. I’m planning to go hike around this weekend looking for sheds and maybe hang cameras where I can get into. I found an active bear den so I’ll hopefully know when the bears are starting to come out with a camera on that!
Title: Re: For anyone going for spring bear
Post by: Shooter4 on March 12, 2020, 07:26:23 AM: That’s a brute!
Title: Re: For anyone going for spring bear
Post by: cougforester on March 12, 2020, 08:56:03 AM: Yeah I wouldn't mind finding that guy.
Title: Re: For anyone going for spring bear
Post by: hawks33 on March 12, 2020, 10:17:44 AM: That's a hell of an offer. Didnt get drawn this year, good luck to all of you that did!
Title: Re: For anyone going for spring bear
Post by: TriggerMike on March 12, 2020, 10:25:56 AM: I drew 111 Alladin. Any and all PM's are welcomed :tup:
Title: Re: For anyone going for spring bear
Post by: MooseZ25 on March 12, 2020, 12:24:40 PM: Quote from: TriggerMike on March 12, 2020, 10:25:56 AM
I drew 111 Alladin. Any and all PM's are welcomed :tup:

If you need any help let me know? Lots of great areas to hunt in that unit.
Title: Re: For anyone going for spring bear
Post by: Dirty Mike on March 12, 2020, 01:03:12 PM: Drew 49° Cant wait
Title: Re: For anyone going for spring bear
Post by: TriggerMike on March 12, 2020, 01:22:39 PM: Quote from: MooseZ25 on March 12, 2020, 12:24:40 PM
Quote from: TriggerMike on March 12, 2020, 10:25:56 AM
I drew 111 Alladin. Any and all PM's are welcomed :tup:

If you need any help let me know? Lots of great areas to hunt in that unit.

Wow, thank you for the offer! I will send you a PM.
Title: Re: For anyone going for spring bear
Post by: ThurstonCokid on March 12, 2020, 01:25:30 PM: Quote from: Shooter4 on March 11, 2020, 07:15:35 PM
A little guidance in 49 degree north would be greatly appreciated no exact spots just general areas.

Message me!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: For anyone going for spring bear
Post by: Shooter4 on March 12, 2020, 02:06:20 PM: Quote from: ThurstonCokid on March 12, 2020, 01:25:30 PM
Quote from: Shooter4 on March 11, 2020, 07:15:35 PM
A little guidance in 49 degree north would be greatly appreciated no exact spots just general areas.

Message me!
Just did

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: For anyone going for spring bear
Post by: Da stump on March 12, 2020, 07:59:54 PM: I drew Aladdin unit 111, disabled but going to give it a go. Any info would be appreciated. I live in the Unit :hello:
Title: Re: For anyone going for spring bear
Post by: bullfever on March 12, 2020, 08:36:27 PM: Brother drew huckleberry - 121. Any contribution will be greatly appreciated.
Title: Re: For anyone going for spring bear
Post by: tlbradford on March 12, 2020, 08:48:25 PM: Daughter and I drew Aladdin as well. I know we have snow coming this weekend, but wondering about current road conditions? With basketball cancelled I thought I might do some early scouting.
Title: Re: For anyone going for spring bear
Post by: bearpaw on March 12, 2020, 09:17:26 PM: Quote from: tlbradford on March 12, 2020, 08:48:25 PM
Daughter and I drew Aladdin as well. I know we have snow coming this weekend, but wondering about current road conditions? With basketball cancelled I thought I might do some early scouting.

waste of time now, wait a month at least
Title: Re: For anyone going for spring bear
Post by: tlbradford on March 12, 2020, 09:24:34 PM: Quote from: bearpaw on March 12, 2020, 09:17:26 PM
Quote from: tlbradford on March 12, 2020, 08:48:25 PM
Daughter and I drew Aladdin as well. I know we have snow coming this weekend, but wondering about current road conditions? With basketball cancelled I thought I might do some early scouting.

waste of time now, wait a month at least

Thanks Dale
Title: Re: For anyone going for spring bear
Post by: SpicyTacos on March 12, 2020, 09:28:55 PM: I was blown away by this post. I am stoked there are individuals that exist that share knowledge and lend a hand.
Pass on the tradition. Thumbs up.
Title: Re: For anyone going for spring bear
Post by: bearpaw on March 12, 2020, 09:35:33 PM: Bear are all still in hibernation and most of the mountains have snow yet, you won't get far. I've seen a few tracks but never seen a bear before Apr 30 in NE WA.
Title: Re: For anyone going for spring bear
Post by: Bango skank on March 12, 2020, 09:43:41 PM: The one time i drew spring bear was 2016, and i was out hitting it early. First bear i saw was april 15th or 16th. Almost shot him at about 90 yards but let him walk, it was too damn early to finish my hunt. I always get bears on cam in april, especially on my property, a few every year in april, but not a lot moving around that early as as general rule. Earliest ive laid eyes on a bear was april 1st at about 3500ft in 121.

This is the earliest bear ive ever had on cam. This was just a couple hours after i hung that camera while shed hunting with a friend and his dog. We hit the jackpot and found like 3 or 4 moose paddles and a muley shed maybe 100 yards from that cam right after i hung it, and there was much hootin n hollerin going on. I think we woke him up.
Title: Re: For anyone going for spring bear
Post by: cougforester on March 12, 2020, 10:03:14 PM: Got my target areas dialed for 121 I think. If anyone is willing to give me a thumbs up or down and has spring bear hunted there in the past, I'd be pretty open to input.

I've gotten quite good at fall bear in the Central Cascades but the NE in spring will be a new challenge. Planning on chasing turkeys until May 15 or so then switching to bear hunting.
Title: Re: For anyone going for spring bear
Post by: Bango skank on March 12, 2020, 10:06:52 PM: Some april bears
Title: Re: For anyone going for spring bear
Post by: Bango skank on March 13, 2020, 12:23:23 AM: Id like a call that makes this sound. My favorite bear spots have a good number of moose. Not as good as they used to have, but still good compared to a lot of areas around here.
Title: Re: For anyone going for spring bear
Post by: SpicyTacos on March 13, 2020, 06:34:06 AM: That sound is pretty grim.

Is that your video? It’s a good one. How often you think a bear predates on moose calves? Seems crazy that a black bear can take a moose calf. Must have been an ambush?
Title: Re: For anyone going for spring bear
Post by: hunter399 on March 13, 2020, 07:10:18 AM: I have already been Google maping from the couch.With April just looking for sign.Glassing+calling going into may .
Trying to work out a game plan.Lots of stuff to due.Everything from target practice,little bit of reloading,setting up day pack,+taking son Turkey hunt,and a few game cams that I set up this time of year every year.So my spring just got crazy!
I think I have watched every Washington spring bear hunt on YouTube.
Plan on taking my 7 RM just for range/power to get things done without traking .I haven't shot anything with it yet.But have put about 500 rounds down the pipe.just target practice in the two years I've had it.It will be 160 grain pill.
Title: Re: For anyone going for spring bear
Post by: Bango skank on March 13, 2020, 08:02:45 AM: Not my video, but they do it all the time. Theyre major predators of moose and elk calves, and fawns too of course. What surprised me was momma moose not running in with hooves flailing to stomp the crap out of the bear.
Title: Re: For anyone going for spring bear
Post by: Tracker0721 on March 13, 2020, 09:06:18 AM: That’s a great video to educate the wah wah wah guys. My buddy is the most monotone consistent caller ever. He has a set cadence and sticks to it. And for anyone wondering about 101 and snow- yesterday I hiked into a spot and the snow was below knee deep mostly, bare ground where the sun was hitting, but we’ve got a quarter inch of fresh snow and it’s still falling and it’s supposed to start snowing tonight according to the news. That was yesterday looking from below Francis peak lookout over to the kettle crest. Mountains are Tonasket, profanity(I believe) and the baldy is Leona. They’ll be cleared off in may haha
Title: Re: For anyone going for spring bear
Post by: Bango skank on March 13, 2020, 12:54:31 PM: Tons of these videos. Go knock some bears down before the fawns and calves drop.
Title: Re: For anyone going for spring bear
Post by: HoofsandWings on March 15, 2020, 08:38:31 AM: I drew too. Looks like many here will be hunting Sherman. I wonder if the bear condos have residents this spring. A place I came across deer hunting 30 years ago.
Title: Re: For anyone going for spring bear
Post by: millerwheeler on March 19, 2020, 07:48:19 AM: I drew huckleberry any extra info always helps I'll head over last weekend and April and two.big trips in may planned
Title: Re: For anyone going for spring bear
Post by: HoofsandWings on March 21, 2020, 10:24:05 AM: Looks like I have lots of people on here that are hunting Sherman. I will have to start PMing in a couple of weeks. I aiming to start at the lower elevations.
The does will be dropping fawns and bears will be looking in the traditional areas for fawns.
Title: Re: For anyone going for spring bear
Post by: Jingles on March 21, 2020, 01:40:19 PM: Not going but know where and what I'd be going after if I were.
Title: Re: For anyone going for spring bear
Post by: Bango skank on March 23, 2020, 03:45:37 PM: http://www.bear-hunting.com/2020/3/the-biology-basics-of-the-bear-rut-whatyou-need-to-know-for-spring-hunting
Title: Re: For anyone going for spring bear
Post by: BreezyBear on March 23, 2020, 07:16:59 PM: Quote from: Bango skank on March 23, 2020, 03:45:37 PM
http://www.bear-hunting.com/2020/3/the-biology-basics-of-the-bear-rut-whatyou-need-to-know-for-spring-hunting

Ahh, a Bear Hunting Magazine subscriber :tup:
Title: Re: For anyone going for spring bear
Post by: Bango skank on March 28, 2020, 02:19:10 PM: Looking forward to doing some spring bear hunting! Just put a red dot on my .444 and all zeroed in. Why? Because why not?
Title: Re: For anyone going for spring bear
Post by: millerwheeler on March 28, 2020, 08:17:44 PM: Quote from: Bango skank on March 28, 2020, 02:19:10 PM
Looking forward to doing some spring bear hunting! Just put a red dot on my .444 and all zeroed in. Why? Because why not?

Look at That ...... NICE!
Title: Re: For anyone going for spring bear
Post by: carlyoungs on May 19, 2020, 01:27:07 PM: Bumping this back up. I am heading to 101 on Friday. I have 10 days off so hoping to get it done. Have people been seeing bears cruising up there? I have a couple spots picked out and am starting to get in the unproductive mode at work. Any other 101 tag holders get one yet?
Title: Re: For anyone going for spring bear
Post by: HoytHunter24 on May 19, 2020, 06:19:56 PM: I ran in to some fresh piles of bear crap two weekends ago up there. I will be headed to 101 Thursday night until Monday or Tuesday. Good luck to ya!
Title: Re: For anyone going for spring bear
Post by: Tracker0721 on May 19, 2020, 07:10:58 PM: They’re out and about! A lot of people are seeing em around now. Floods, trees down on roads, mud/wash outs, and still some snow though. I’ve used my chainsaw to clear at least one tree per evening drive so far. We’ve been getting some epic rain and a good bit of wind. If anyone has a 204 tag there’s a giant frequenting the river road up by Job Corp. Almost everyday it’s seen, needs to swim the river for you guys in 101
Title: Re: For anyone going for spring bear
Post by: jboettner on May 25, 2020, 08:06:41 PM: Quote from: Bango skank on March 23, 2020, 03:45:37 PM
http://www.bear-hunting.com/2020/3/the-biology-basics-of-the-bear-rut-whatyou-need-to-know-for-spring-hunting

Good Info!
Title: Re: For anyone going for spring bear
Post by: MtnMuley on May 25, 2020, 08:10:42 PM: Quote from: Tracker0721 on May 19, 2020, 07:10:58 PM
If anyone has a 204 tag there’s a giant frequenting the river road up by Job Corp. Almost everyday it’s seen

There is no 204 tag for spring bear.
Title: Re: For anyone going for spring bear
Post by: Bango skank on May 25, 2020, 08:17:06 PM: Heading to unit 1 tomorrow! Doing some last minute google earth scouting. Reading a new book, seems pretty damn good.
Title: Re: For anyone going for spring bear
Post by: cem3434 on May 25, 2020, 08:33:12 PM: Quote from: Bango skank on March 23, 2020, 03:45:37 PM
http://www.bear-hunting.com/2020/3/the-biology-basics-of-the-bear-rut-whatyou-need-to-know-for-spring-hunting

Good info, thanks for sharing.
Title: Re: For anyone going for spring bear
Post by: Bugoofus on May 26, 2020, 11:37:39 PM: Heading to 108 next week. Spent some time turkey hunting there several years back so know the area a bit, but if anyone has any intel on the where-a-bouts of a big one or the best opportunity to find one it would be greatly appreciated. :tup:
Title: Re: For anyone going for spring bear
Post by: HoytHunter24 on June 27, 2020, 03:12:05 PM: I just wanted to say thank you to Dylan (Tracker0721)! He is a stand-up guy and really helped me out this year! He was always checking in and helping me with areas. I killed my bear this morning and he was at the trailhead in no time to help me pack it out!
Title: Re: For anyone going for spring bear
Post by: teanawayslayer on June 27, 2020, 03:18:24 PM: Quote from: Bango skank on March 28, 2020, 02:19:10 PM
Looking forward to doing some spring bear hunting! Just put a red dot on my .444 and all zeroed in. Why? Because why not?
now that looks like fun!
Title: Re: For anyone going for spring bear
Post by: Bango skank on June 27, 2020, 03:27:39 PM: Wasnt fun for the bear. Zero tracking required. Next up, the .450 bushmaster.
Title: Re: For anyone going for spring bear
Post by: Tracker0721 on June 27, 2020, 05:00:51 PM: Sneak peak of hoythunters bear! I’m sure he’s got better pictures. Anyone else in 101 hunting I found a decent cinnamon the day before yesterday too. Last days of season chance!
Title: Re: For anyone going for spring bear
Post by: DJ_Mack on June 27, 2020, 05:39:36 PM: What has the hunting been like later in the month of June?

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Title: Re: For anyone going for spring bear
Post by: Tracker0721 on June 27, 2020, 06:01:27 PM: With how cold and wet it’s been it feels more like may hunting to me. Can’t believe there’s only 5 weeks until regular season