Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Bear Hunting => Topic started by: Cwyatt4826 on October 28, 2024, 11:06:57 AM

Title: Tips hunting Mid November for bear
Post by: Cwyatt4826 on October 28, 2024, 11:06:57 AM: So I plan on taking my friend bear hunting in the NE area mid November (this time frame corresponds with late deer season). I have never chased after black bear and looking for a little guidance and to set a good expectation for the trip.

1. Are bears still moving around?
2. What food sources are available this time of year?
3. Since it is late in the season are they more likely to be in the dark timber or out in the open?
4. Are they up higher in elevation or below the snow line?

Really any information and tips would be great.(Yes, I am searching the form but I am trying to target Nov time frame)
Title: Re: Tips hunting Mid November for bear
Post by: Dreaded Archer24 on October 28, 2024, 11:07:55 AM: I saw bears on my camera around 3500 feet if that helps

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Title: Re: Tips hunting Mid November for bear
Post by: jrebel on October 28, 2024, 11:18:02 AM: My experience is they are very lethargic that time of year and very close to where they den up. The only food sources are snow berry, rose hips and stumping. I have property in the NE and was checking cams last week and saw very few bear. Two weeks earlier, their were bear everywhere.

I would try calling....though that is not conducive to deer hunting. :chuckle: :chuckle: Otherwise, I think it is just having a little bit of luck. I would think clear cuts with the right age stumps. Also if you find an orchard or apple trees that have not been picked clean.

I will be interested to see what others thoughts are as I would love to learn the secret to late season bear. The fat layer has to be prime right now.
Title: Re: Tips hunting Mid November for bear
Post by: Timberstalker on October 28, 2024, 11:20:27 AM: Mid November, like around the 15th? Black bear season closes November 15th, FYI.
Title: Re: Tips hunting Mid November for bear
Post by: jrebel on October 28, 2024, 11:25:27 AM: Late deer opens on the 9th.....so you have 7 days to still find a bear. :tup:
Title: Re: Tips hunting Mid November for bear
Post by: ducks4days on October 28, 2024, 11:43:31 AM: Following for info on this. I saw one bear during the late whitetail season in the NE corner probably 7 years ago, it was in an old clearcut tearing up stumps at about 3200'. I never saw one that late in the daylight again.
Title: Re: Tips hunting Mid November for bear
Post by: hunter399 on October 28, 2024, 02:45:38 PM: Quote from: jrebel on October 28, 2024, 11:18:02 AM
My experience is they are very lethargic that time of year and very close to where they den up. The only food sources are snow berry, rose hips and stumping. I have property in the NE and was checking cams last week and saw very few bear. Two weeks earlier, their were bear everywhere.

I would try calling....though that is not conducive to deer hunting. :chuckle: :chuckle: Otherwise, I think it is just having a little bit of luck. I would think clear cuts with the right age stumps. Also if you find an orchard or apple trees that have not been picked clean.

I will be interested to see what others thoughts are as I would love to learn the secret to late season bear. The fat layer has to be prime right now.
:yeah:

Yup...yup
Everyday it gets colder and food sources dry up.
Your odds of seeing one decrease.
But as with hunting any game animal,you just never know.
20 years ago I was late buck hunting,came across bear tracks in the snow. I followed for a few miles,never caught up to it.
There's always a chance, mathematically your chances decrease each day closer to winter.
Title: Re: Tips hunting Mid November for bear
Post by: Loup Loup on October 28, 2024, 04:27:30 PM: I was told by a bio that 70% of bears go in the den by 10/15. I’ve payed attention to that statement since, and believe it to be accurate. I wouldn’t hunt bears on purpose in November.
Title: Re: Tips hunting Mid November for bear
Post by: Stein on October 28, 2024, 04:34:29 PM: I would have another tag in my pocket and be happy if I happened upon a bear. I've seen them in the snow day before late rifle, but that was once. It's not going to be a high odds hunt for sure. Find an area you can glass a bunch of clear cuts, the more acres you can see the better.
Title: Re: Tips hunting Mid November for bear
Post by: Cwyatt4826 on October 28, 2024, 05:46:07 PM: Yeah I am not holding my breath to find a bear but figured I would bring the tag just in case since I already filled my deer tag. It was more of a after thought since I am taking a friend to hunt the deer in the late season.
Title: Re: Tips hunting Mid November for bear
Post by: jrebel on October 28, 2024, 06:08:35 PM: @bearpaw

Any thoughts on this topic would be appreciated.
Title: Re: Tips hunting Mid November for bear
Post by: Rob on October 28, 2024, 07:06:28 PM: Fyi the OP may have a low post count but he is a stand-up guy. Not sure I have met many folks who will hunt harder than he does.
Title: Re: Tips hunting Mid November for bear
Post by: dilleytech on October 28, 2024, 07:51:16 PM: Almost killed a big one we called in 31 Oct last year. He was eating mushrooms. But really I would just hike until I found fresh sign and you know it will be close.
Title: Re: Tips hunting Mid November for bear
Post by: Caseknife on October 28, 2024, 08:29:26 PM: Had one on a camera yesterday.
Title: Re: Tips hunting Mid November for bear
Post by: bearpaw on October 28, 2024, 09:00:06 PM: Quote from: jrebel on October 28, 2024, 06:08:35 PM
@bearpaw

Any thoughts on this topic would be appreciated.

Bear start hibernating in Nov in the northeast. I've seen very few bear in November, not impossible, a few are still out if its warm enough, but an unlikely time to hunt successfully.
Title: Re: Tips hunting Mid November for bear
Post by: Roslyn Rambler on November 04, 2024, 06:34:39 PM: Mid November bear 4 years ago. About 2600 ft elevation. Central Washington