Post by: danrabe on August 10, 2011, 11:04:44 PM
To start out, I have been bear hunting before with much success, but it has all been in Alaska. I am stationed here at Ft. Lewis, and am looking to head out bear hunting with my bow. I have a couple questions. Are there many bear in the Wayerhaeusen area around Rainier, Vail Tree farm. If so, How far back should I plan on hiking, and are there any areas I should specifically avoid? I know I am looking for berries in this area, this would include blackberries, correct? And lastly, because it is not an archery specific season, would I be able to carry my .44mag as a side arm? I am not worried about being charged or whatnot, I just havent decided if I want to drop a bear with my pistol or my bow yet.
Thanks,
Dan
Post by: saylean on August 11, 2011, 08:01:48 AM
Yes, you are looking for blackberries (or any other specific berry bears like/food source).
Yes, you can carry your side arm, provided you are legal to do so (not a felon, of age, etc). As far as shooting a bear with your side arm instead of your bow, I dont see any reason why you cannot (since it is not weapon specific), with the exception that you need to have the barrel length 4 inches or longer I believe.
Anyone else like to chime in and give their thoughts?
Post by: hntr on August 11, 2011, 08:17:14 AM
Post by: bucklucky on August 11, 2011, 08:33:44 AM
Post by: PolarBear on August 11, 2011, 08:36:51 AM
Vail is not known for having many bears. They only pull a couple out of there per year. One of my friends hauls logs out of there and hasn't seen a single bear in there all year.
Post by: YoterHunter on August 11, 2011, 11:02:28 AM
Post by: akirkland on August 11, 2011, 02:41:57 PM
if your statond at the base. you would have better luck hunting it. there is a lot of bears on the base.:yeah:
Post by: danrabe on August 11, 2011, 05:53:11 PM
Post by: Alan K on August 11, 2011, 06:30:27 PM
My buddies grandpa who works in there got a 200 or so pounder up there several years ago, but he rarely sees them. Like others have said, there are probably better places to go but bears are everywhere.
Post by: brew on August 11, 2011, 10:00:37 PM
:yeah:yep that's right.....no bears in that area
Vail is not known for having many bears. They only pull a couple out of there per year. One of my friends hauls logs out of there and hasn't seen a single bear in there all year.
Post by: 7ultra on August 11, 2011, 10:46:19 PM
Post by: KenPCPilot on August 12, 2011, 12:28:35 PM
Post by: CAMPMEAT on August 12, 2011, 12:38:22 PM
Post by: Stilly bay on August 12, 2011, 01:13:58 PM
Post by: danrabe on August 12, 2011, 10:09:36 PM
I think I may just stick on post with the bow...its closer anyways...plus I can go during lunch to sit for a bit. I was down south of 520 today in a large clear cut that was deemed the Pinnacle. If you take the time to hike far enough in (i dont drive in, diesel is too loud), there is a pinnacle in the clear cut where you can literally see the entire cut. Its a small little clearing on top, and is quite fun to land on at night. Its all overgrown with about 10' trees, but you can still see quite a distance. The only problem with that area is that there is very little water, and I figure that with it being as hot as it has been and having no rain in a while, they will probably be cruising around the watering holes.
Nonetheless, unsuccessful today, hopefully sunday the wife wont mind me heading out to the river to do some hunting in the morning.
Thanks for all the help!
~Dan