Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Bear Hunting => Topic started by: 180-GRAIN on March 30, 2010, 08:50:23 PM

Title: North Skagit bear?
Post by: 180-GRAIN on March 30, 2010, 08:50:23 PM: My fiance drew the north skagit unit for spring bear. I have hunted in sierra pacific land with a buddy last year who was drawn for elk. We seen a lot of bear sign in a couple spots but I was wondering if there are better spots in the parts of the unit that is open and if anybody would be willing to share a little info or possibly tag along on the hunt. The fiance has only shot one big game animal and it was a bear about 150# so we really want to put this tag to good use and get her a real trophy, any help or info would be appreciated.
Title: Re: North Skagit bear?
Post by: Bearhunter on March 30, 2010, 09:12:01 PM: Heard Sierra's not giving out keys this year, so youll be stuck to walk in only of state land surrounding Sierras land.
Title: Re: North Skagit bear?
Post by: 180-GRAIN on March 30, 2010, 09:14:44 PM: Heard the same thing, hopefully just a bad rumor.
Title: Re: North Skagit bear?
Post by: billythekidrock on March 30, 2010, 09:19:19 PM: Quote from: Bearhunter on March 30, 2010, 09:12:01 PM
Heard Sierra's not giving out keys this year, so youll be stuck to walk in only of state land surrounding Sierras land.

If that is the case then why can't they convey that to F&W and have it printed in the regs or in a pop up window when you apply online? :bash: Same with the supposed jump from $25 to $100 for the Copalis hunt.

Wonder how much we will have to pay for the Lincoln?
Title: Re: North Skagit bear?
Post by: 180-GRAIN on March 30, 2010, 09:20:56 PM: No kidding that was the only reason we applied in this unit was for the private access.
Title: Re: North Skagit bear?
Post by: Bearhunter on March 30, 2010, 09:22:49 PM: It does suck, they did the same thing to the Baker Goat tag holders last year, after drawing they were only allowed to hunt in certain areas. Beings Seirra is Private land I suppose they can do whatever they like, just as they can kick you off for shooting a coyote or grouse when you are only allowed to take a bear or Elk if you have one of the tags. Its rediculous because if you dont have a tag you can still hunt there and take those species, but if you have a special draw tag you are only allowed to kill that animal or they yank you key and drive in priveleges.
Title: Re: North Skagit bear?
Post by: Bearhunter on March 30, 2010, 09:23:38 PM: Theres not many bear around either, many people went home with tag soup last year.
Title: Re: North Skagit bear?
Post by: 180-GRAIN on March 30, 2010, 09:29:04 PM: Gotta be bears around, to good of country not to be. Theres a month in a half of season so hopefuuly we will find one.
Title: Re: North Skagit bear?
Post by: MAGhunter on March 30, 2010, 09:34:24 PM: Guess we (or at least us that got drawn) will know for sure in a couple of days when we receive our packets. Hope we get that damn key!!
Title: Re: North Skagit bear?
Post by: 180-GRAIN on March 30, 2010, 09:49:35 PM: Me to the little lady was pretty excited about this tag so hopefully they will come through with keys.
Title: Re: North Skagit bear?
Post by: NWWABOWHNTR on March 31, 2010, 07:30:51 AM: WOW, looks like a lot of the Skagit tag holders are all on here! Can't wait to get the packet to see if we get the keys and of course what the exact boundaries are.
Title: Re: North Skagit bear?
Post by: shanevg on March 31, 2010, 07:33:25 AM: My hunting partner got drawn for North Skagit as well. Sure hope they are willing to give out the keys. When my dad had the tag last year, it was really fun being able to drive around on those roads. Even though we didn't see any bears during season, we did see a lot of elk. (My dad got sick and needed surgery so we didn't get out a whole lot.)
Title: Re: North Skagit bear?
Post by: saylean on March 31, 2010, 10:22:02 AM: The maps F and G will give you, will have specific areas shown on them, that illustrates what areas are hardest hit with spring bear damage. That should answer your question, once you get the map. Good luck!
Title: Re: North Skagit bear?
Post by: Shootmoore on March 31, 2010, 11:52:02 AM: Swing in and talk with the security guy at the Hamilton Mainline gate. He is a pretty good guy and will probably give you area info if he knows it.

Shootmoore
Title: Re: North Skagit bear?
Post by: NWWABOWHNTR on March 31, 2010, 12:02:54 PM: Thanks for all the info. Can't wait to get out and scout this weekend. Just hope I have the maps from WDFW by then.
Title: Re: North Skagit bear?
Post by: NWTFhunter on March 31, 2010, 12:10:27 PM: NWWABOWHNTR, where are the states boundries for North Skagit ?
Title: Re: North Skagit bear?
Post by: STIKNSTRINGBOW on March 31, 2010, 12:15:33 PM: Quote
Wonder how much we will have to pay for the Lincoln?

I doubt that they will charge an access fee, there are too many access points to monitor, and they have been open to free access, Hancock and the other companies have more of a history of charging fees than Weyerhauser (other than North Bend), but I could be wrong....
Title: Re: North Skagit bear?
Post by: billythekidrock on March 31, 2010, 04:34:05 PM: Quote from: STIKNSTRINGBOW on March 31, 2010, 12:15:33 PM
Quote
Wonder how much we will have to pay for the Lincoln?

I doubt that they will charge an access fee, there are too many access points to monitor, and they have been open to free access, Hancock and the other companies have more of a history of charging fees than Weyerhauser (other than North Bend), but I could be wrong....

I hope not, but Rayonier (Copalis) has just as many access points and they charge.
Title: Re: North Skagit bear?
Post by: 180-GRAIN on March 31, 2010, 05:57:11 PM: It was just a bad rumor! I talked to sierra pacific today and they told me flat out there are a lot of bears on there land this spring and they want some gone so they are giving out keys. The only thing different he said was that the dnr put locks and pulled locks off certain gates for access to certain areas. The other thing is that we will get our keys from the dnr not sierra pacific.
Title: Re: North Skagit bear?
Post by: billythekidrock on March 31, 2010, 06:01:48 PM: That's good news.
Title: Re: North Skagit bear?
Post by: MAGhunter on March 31, 2010, 06:06:48 PM: The keys came from dnr last year.
Title: Re: North Skagit bear?
Post by: upriver on March 31, 2010, 06:38:32 PM: I hope the area takes in some of the East Shannon Lake Sierra Pacific/ Longview Fiber land. The Longview property is gated but they allow access on bicycle or foot. I know a couple areas that they put the feeders at to try to keep the bear from killing the trees. They still kill more every year in a few reprod stands I know of- I just hope they are in the unit. It's so close to home as well. I'm stoked!
Title: Re: North Skagit bear?
Post by: MAGhunter on March 31, 2010, 07:11:16 PM: unless they change it this year, that area is outside the boundary.
Title: Re: North Skagit bear?
Post by: hogsniper on March 31, 2010, 07:11:48 PM: The areas that longview has the feeders in is done by houndsman. And the keys for the bear hunt have always come from dnr. Always a toss up what areas they will allow vehicle access to. Another 2 weeks and we should know!
Title: Re: North Skagit bear?
Post by: NWWABOWHNTR on March 31, 2010, 07:15:21 PM: hope we get the packets soon, would love to get up and scout this weekend!
Title: Re: North Skagit bear?
Post by: MAGhunter on March 31, 2010, 07:17:35 PM: We'll have to hook up in a couple weeks justin if your around. I'll give you a buzz. I know you'll be busy with Jenna's tag. Cant wait
Title: Re: North Skagit bear?
Post by: hogsniper on March 31, 2010, 07:24:27 PM: Hit me up and we will get together! I lost ur number so give me a shout tonight!
Title: Re: North Skagit bear?
Post by: Jerome on March 31, 2010, 07:31:10 PM: The bear are out in the 418. Went out today and came across about 12 piles.
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv299%2Fwahunter%2FSpringbearScouting002.jpg&hash=2dd4dfda5663897561663c060d0724c051130df0)
Title: Re: North Skagit bear?
Post by: NWWABOWHNTR on March 31, 2010, 07:39:38 PM: Jerome... hope to hook up with you and do some scouting. I'll be up there this Saturday!
Title: Re: North Skagit bear?
Post by: 180-GRAIN on March 31, 2010, 07:55:27 PM: Nice poop! that size bear would do just fine.
Title: Re: North Skagit bear?
Post by: xxlx7 on March 31, 2010, 08:00:28 PM: You know I find it amazing that people still complain that they won't give out keys to anyone. Think of what some people have ended up doing while there up there in the past, dumping garbage, breaking locks(still happens) even if they have key's to other gates, dropping beer cans all over the roads, hauling ass up and down the roads, parking in the middle of the roads blocking workers from doing their job. Also how many keys did they get back? Now I'm not saying that any of us are the ones doing the stuff that closes down land, and I sure as hell hope its not, but when I drive up to places like alger, finney, and other places and see all the litter all the people who don't respect others property, nature, or wildlife, I don't blame them for not giving out any keys. Also I think if they didn't give us key's they wouldn't have to give the natives keys. Not sure on that one, but I'd be guessing that's the way it works.
Title: Re: North Skagit bear?
Post by: MAGhunter on March 31, 2010, 08:43:02 PM: That poop came from the only bear in the area. I wouldn't bother till august guys :chuckle:
Title: Re: North Skagit bear?
Post by: upriver on April 01, 2010, 11:11:06 AM: Quote from: xxlx7 on March 31, 2010, 08:00:28 PM
You know I find it amazing that people still complain that they won't give out keys to anyone. Think of what some people have ended up doing while there up there in the past, dumping garbage, breaking locks(still happens) even if they have key's to other gates, dropping beer cans all over the roads, hauling ass up and down the roads, parking in the middle of the roads blocking workers from doing their job. Also how many keys did they get back? Now I'm not saying that any of us are the ones doing the stuff that closes down land, and I sure as hell hope its not, but when I drive up to places like alger, finney, and other places and see all the litter all the people who don't respect others property, nature, or wildlife, I don't blame them for not giving out any keys. Also I think if they didn't give us key's they wouldn't have to give the natives keys. Not sure on that one, but I'd be guessing that's the way it works.

Totally agree. I like the walk and bike in areas.I probably won't in twenty years when I'm older.
Title: Re: North Skagit bear?
Post by: STIKNSTRINGBOW on April 01, 2010, 07:13:55 PM: Quote from: Jerome on March 31, 2010, 07:31:10 PM
The bear are out in the 418. Went out today and came across about 12 piles.
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv299%2Fwahunter%2FSpringbearScouting002.jpg&hash=2dd4dfda5663897561663c060d0724c051130df0)
I saw abunch of that today and thought it was Elk Droppings... :dunno:
Title: Re: North Skagit bear?
Post by: billythekidrock on April 02, 2010, 05:48:07 AM: Nope..all bear crap...
Title: Re: North Skagit bear?
Post by: billythekidrock on April 02, 2010, 05:49:19 AM: I call BS. :bs:

Bear Sh!T that is. :chuckle:
Title: Re: North Skagit bear?
Post by: STIKNSTRINGBOW on April 02, 2010, 09:03:59 AM: Wow!, 'cuz I saw about a dozen piles of this stuff in Lincoln, I guess I know where I'll be hunting in two weeks!!!
I'll go back and take some pictures !
Title: Re: North Skagit bear?
Post by: STIKNSTRINGBOW on April 02, 2010, 07:32:48 PM: I posted the pictures "cRAPPY pICTURES"
Title: Re: North Skagit bear?
Post by: Ghost Hunter on April 03, 2010, 12:10:59 PM: Got my bike and trailer ready to roll ;) :drool:
Title: Re: North Skagit bear?
Post by: 180-GRAIN on April 04, 2010, 01:19:08 PM: Well the fiance got her permit in the mail but no info with it. I guess we will be going to the dnr this week to get the info first hand.
Title: Re: North Skagit bear?
Post by: 180-GRAIN on April 06, 2010, 07:51:13 PM: Talked to dnr in sedro wooley today, keys are available for pickup next monday. They will also have maps with areas marked with the most bear damage this spring.
Title: Re: North Skagit bear?
Post by: Sideswipe on April 13, 2010, 08:42:19 PM: 180 Grain-sent ya a PM tonight. Will call ya manana.
Title: Re: North Skagit bear?
Post by: pacificnwoutdoors on April 22, 2010, 10:54:37 AM: Found a bunch of that last saturday and sunday.. can't find the bruin but will be back out tomorrow.. Lots of sign starting to show up!!! Good luck guys!! :)
Title: Re: North Skagit bear?
Post by: NWWABOWHNTR on April 24, 2010, 09:40:33 PM: Heading out to spend the day maybe I can get lucky and see a decent bear for once. Seen a few small bears so far and tons of elk. Funny when I am elk hunting I see bear and now bear hunting I see a lot of elk. Won't mind finding some sheds tho..... :P Hopefully while skinning out a big old boar! Good luck everyone and if you see a white GMC say hi..... I'll be the one with a longbow.
Title: Re: North Skagit bear?
Post by: jl58 on April 28, 2010, 06:29:41 PM: Quote from: NWWABOWHNTR on April 24, 2010, 09:40:33 PM
Funny when I am elk hunting I see bear and now bear hunting I see a lot of elk. Won't mind finding some sheds tho.....

Found these while I was out on Sunday. No bears though.
Title: Re: North Skagit bear?
Post by: saylean on April 28, 2010, 09:38:24 PM: Nice finds Jl58!
Title: Re: North Skagit bear?
Post by: BOWHUNTER45 on May 03, 2010, 09:01:14 PM: Well having taken 21 bear out of this unit and not one from a bait or the use of hounds I would say there is a few bear around and 2 years in a row now I HAVE DRIVEN THE SAME ROAD IN MAY and have seen 2 huge bear and I keep saying I will put in for a tag in the spring and never due.. All the bear I have shot have been in late august thru october all up high eating blue berries and oregon grapes.. It is not that hard if you know what to look for.. In may they are eating fresh grass on the side of the roads so if you can find bear peels on trees along the side of the road your chances are good.. check early morning late evening and keep going back for a few days straight.... ;) ;) good luck!!!