Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Bear Hunting => Topic started by: cougforester on March 10, 2021, 02:09:07 PM


Advertise Here
Title: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: cougforester on March 10, 2021, 02:09:07 PM
Alright here we go. First year for springers in this unit, hunted Huckleberry last year.

Can't wait!
Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: logola512c on March 10, 2021, 04:58:33 PM
Might see you out there.  My first time in 49N as well. Unless you count skiing, in which case it would definitely not be my first time.     
Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: westside Elkhunter on March 10, 2021, 06:41:44 PM
Alright here we go. First year for springers in this unit, hunted Huckleberry last year.

Can't wait!
Got lucky and drew 49 degrees to.

Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk

Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: Casey on March 10, 2021, 06:44:34 PM
I’ll see you guys out there this spring. Me and a buddy drew together and another friend drew it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: vandeman17 on March 10, 2021, 07:10:38 PM
Two more joining the club
Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: cougforester on March 10, 2021, 08:11:40 PM
Got quite the gang! I live in Spokane and can get to the southern parts of the unit relatively quickly and be glad to help guys pack if they're hunting solo.
Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: ThurstonCokid on March 10, 2021, 09:07:17 PM
Two more joining the club
Let’s gooo!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: pinoyboyazn on March 10, 2021, 09:27:49 PM
Got lucky and drew a tag also. Excited for my first bear hunt.
Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: Gobble Gobble on March 10, 2021, 09:30:31 PM
I miss turkey hunting. Used to hunt some private land just outside Cusick.
Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: dilleytech on March 11, 2021, 08:33:03 AM
I will also be in 49 north. Never seen that area before and never hunter bears in the spring. Excited to go see what I can find for a week in late may.
Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: Bored-o on March 12, 2021, 05:38:22 AM
I drew 49N also. First year drawing a spring bear tag. I'm looking forward to getting out there.
Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: hunter399 on March 12, 2021, 06:43:17 AM
Have any of you guys heard of .................
Buck crk.
Cotton wood divide rd.
Kalispell peak.

Those are places I would go if I had the tag.
And I was younger,not over weight,and full of testosterone.

Alot of e-scouting available for those areas like right now.
Kalispell would be a little latter in season ,it's one of the last mountain to hold snow in the NE corner.
Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: hunter399 on March 12, 2021, 07:00:51 AM
If your looking for great walk in hunting.
Buck crk would be where I would start.
Probably accessible pretty early on.
You walk in there and the road system goes all over.
You have to be careful not to go miles to the right cause somewhere back there is the stevens/pend. County line which might be the edge of 49 unit but I don't really know.
Alot of old and new clearcuts in there ,decent size crk about 2 or 3 mi from the gate. Always abundant of wildlife if you can manage to walk a few miles from the gate.
But it's been a few years since I was in there so it could be crappy.
Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: hunter399 on March 12, 2021, 07:23:42 AM
Looks like some roads have changed.

Buck crk
The gate is somewhere close to this way point.Walk in

Cotton wood divide. Walk in only.

Kalispell has lots of roads to drive,when the snow melts.

These are just some starting points.
For some that have never stepped foot in the unit.
In no way I'm telling you to hunt these. Or the best spots.
Just my way of trying to be "nice" to fellow hunters.
Might give some a way to start e-scouting,Looking at glass points ECT.
Goodluck to those who have drawn. :tup: :tup: :tup:






Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: bobear on March 12, 2021, 09:36:35 AM
Listen to hunter399 guys.  I have a cabin on buck creek rd.  There are a minimum of 5 bears a day on my property.  Across the road from my place is 1000's of acres of timber company property that is feel free to hunt.  I have never hunted bears but plan to this fall since I did not draw for spring.  Feel free to hit me up for help for you guys that get a bear down.  I am up there most weekends and would love to get some hands on experience with a bear.  Good luck to everyone that drew.
Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: vandeman17 on March 12, 2021, 11:26:06 AM
Listen to hunter399 guys.  I have a cabin on buck creek rd.  There are a minimum of 5 bears a day on my property.  Across the road from my place is 1000's of acres of timber company property that is feel free to hunt.  I have never hunted bears but plan to this fall since I did not draw for spring.  Feel free to hit me up for help for you guys that get a bear down.  I am up there most weekends and would love to get some hands on experience with a bear.  Good luck to everyone that drew.

Appreciate the feedback. Looking forward to my first spring bear hunt
Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: dilleytech on March 13, 2021, 02:03:17 PM
Is all the timber company’s feel free to hunt in this unit? All “no motorized vehicles” as well I would presume?
Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: hunter399 on March 13, 2021, 08:29:06 PM
Is all the timber company’s feel free to hunt in this unit? All “no motorized vehicles” as well I would presume?

As long as you follow all access rules .
There is one that really doesn't allow access is vaghin bothers lumber and arden tree farms .
Most of them that do allow access ,just go to there website for rules.
Generally if it's gated or tank trap/Kelly hump then it's a walk in only.
Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: niersfan80 on March 15, 2021, 09:24:14 AM
Buck Creek is accessible year round essentially (to the gate). Walk in only after that but unfortunately you'll see a lot of people driving their ATV's and dirt bikes around the gate once the snow melts. Good luck!
Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: hunter399 on March 15, 2021, 09:41:07 AM
It was many years ago when I was in there Alot.Back then it did get patrol Alot by wardens.
I've also witness warden sitting at the gate given tickets to ATV,dirtbiker before .So yes it always possible.
To see that going on in there.

The guy I witnessed getting ticket,he had kids,and wife all on different machines and the warden was giving tickets for each one.
Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: dilleytech on March 15, 2021, 10:32:10 AM
It was many years ago when I was in there Alot.Back then it did get patrol Alot by wardens.
I've also witness warden sitting at the gate given tickets to ATV,dirtbiker before .So yes it always possible.
To see that going on in there.

The guy I witnessed getting ticket,he had kids,and wife all on different machines and the warden was giving tickets for each one.

That’s good. I wonder do you know how early in the year can you usually access the roads that drive to the top of the hills such as behind the ski resort or to the north?
Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: niersfan80 on March 15, 2021, 12:19:20 PM
It was many years ago when I was in there Alot.Back then it did get patrol Alot by wardens.
I've also witness warden sitting at the gate given tickets to ATV,dirtbiker before .So yes it always possible.
To see that going on in there.

The guy I witnessed getting ticket,he had kids,and wife all on different machines and the warden was giving tickets for each one.

That’s good. I wonder do you snow how early in the year can you usually access the roads that drive to the top of the hills such as behind the ski resort or to the north?
Usually in late May they are for the most part clear but then you circle around a shaded north slope and run into impassable chunks even at lower elevations. I'd imagine some of those sections will hold on late since we got solid snow pack this year from what I can tell.
Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: cougforester on April 15, 2021, 05:08:52 PM
Who got after it today?!?!?  :chuckle:
Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: westside Elkhunter on April 25, 2021, 07:13:04 PM
I'm one of the lucky tag holders. Did a little looking around over the weekend. The few roads I drove I ran into either a lot of trees down or snow on the roads. I'm wondering if anyone has been seeing anything promising. Was mostly around Chewelah.
Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: cougforester on April 25, 2021, 08:32:11 PM
I'm one of the lucky tag holders. Did a little looking around over the weekend. The few roads I drove I ran into either a lot of trees down or snow on the roads. I'm wondering if anyone has been seeing anything promising. Was mostly around Chewelah.

I went out last week to do some scouting and turkey hunt. Called in a tom for my buddy, and found where there was some really nice grass. The rain this weekend will help a lot. Starting next week I'd imagine we will start seeing bears hit the deck.
Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: dilleytech on April 26, 2021, 07:02:40 AM
I'm one of the lucky tag holders. Did a little looking around over the weekend. The few roads I drove I ran into either a lot of trees down or snow on the roads. I'm wondering if anyone has been seeing anything promising. Was mostly around Chewelah.

It’s nice to know there’s a decent amount of snow. I have dreams of throwing meat on a snow drift somewhere.
Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: vandeman17 on April 26, 2021, 08:35:56 AM
I'm one of the lucky tag holders. Did a little looking around over the weekend. The few roads I drove I ran into either a lot of trees down or snow on the roads. I'm wondering if anyone has been seeing anything promising. Was mostly around Chewelah.

I went out last week to do some scouting and turkey hunt. Called in a tom for my buddy, and found where there was some really nice grass. The rain this weekend will help a lot. Starting next week I'd imagine we will start seeing bears hit the deck.

Agreed on the rain. I bet the green up will start this week and they will be out and about more. We are hoping to buzz up this weekend for a look around
Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: HooknoseHunter on April 26, 2021, 02:25:26 PM
Vaagen Bros, Riley Creek and Stimson Timber companies are not allowing ANY recreational access to their lands this year from what my forest service rep told me. I’d be very cautious about getting caught on any of their lands especially with a motorized vehicle. All of the Stimson and Vaagen gates in my area have new signs stating such. Good luck.
Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: vandeman17 on April 26, 2021, 02:26:45 PM
Vaagen Bros, Riley Creek and Stimson Timber companies are not allowing ANY recreational access to their lands this year from what my forest service rep told me. I’d be very cautious about getting caught on any of their lands especially with a motorized vehicle. All of the Stimson and Vaagen gates in my area have new signs stating such. Good luck.

Much appreciated
Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: cougforester on April 26, 2021, 02:43:33 PM
Nothing on their website about this. I'm gonna be pretty upset if this is the case. Vaagen controls access pretty tightly, but I was planning on hunting one of those companies land pretty hard. Hope that's not really true  :bash:
Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: HooknoseHunter on April 26, 2021, 02:45:05 PM
My guy also told me that because of high lumber prices the forest service is worried about tree theft so they will be patrolling more than usual. Crazy times we are in.
Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: HooknoseHunter on April 26, 2021, 02:48:06 PM
Nothing on their website about this. I'm gonna be pretty upset if this is the case. Vaagen controls access pretty tightly, but I was planning on hunting one of those companies land pretty hard. Hope that's not really true  :bash:

Ya do your own research. It could be just select properties.
Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: CascadeCruiser on April 26, 2021, 03:53:10 PM
I hunted that area last year for springers. Saw a moose, saw cougar, saw a couple white tail, and saw SO MANY DAMN TICKS.
Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: dilleytech on April 27, 2021, 07:21:28 AM
My guy also told me that because of high lumber prices the forest service is worried about tree theft so they will be patrolling more than usual. Crazy times we are in.

I wonder how one steels timber behind a green gate? I could see active closures for logging. Everyone’s trying to log whatever they can right now.
Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: dilleytech on April 27, 2021, 07:23:33 AM
Vaagen Bros, Riley Creek and Stimson Timber companies are not allowing ANY recreational access to their lands this year from what my forest service rep told me. I’d be very cautious about getting caught on any of their lands especially with a motorized vehicle. All of the Stimson and Vaagen gates in my area have new signs stating such. Good luck.

Would you mind being more specific as to what gates? Thank you
Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: vandeman17 on April 27, 2021, 08:19:56 AM
I reached out to Stimson last night and got a name and contact information to ask about access. I will report back after I chat with him
Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: hunter399 on April 27, 2021, 08:23:45 AM
Vaagen Bros, Riley Creek and Stimson Timber companies are not allowing ANY recreational access to their lands this year from what my forest service rep told me. I’d be very cautious about getting caught on any of their lands especially with a motorized vehicle. All of the Stimson and Vaagen gates in my area have new signs stating such. Good luck.

Would you mind being more specific as to what gates? Thank you
As far as I know vaagen bros has never gave permission to the general public.
Stimson just went to there website ,doesn't say anything about closure except one area. I'll post a link to there rules and policy.

https://www.stimsonlumber.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Inland_Regiona_Public_Access_Guidelines.pdf

Rilley creek I'm not really sure never hunted there land.

Of course all timber lands is private land and can be closed to public at anytime.
My opinion there are a handful of forester that are tired of the BS and have been posting no trespass signs and closure signs.
If there is an area your really interested in hunting but is posted closed I would try to contact someone at the company ,foresters that's in charge of that area.
Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: vandeman17 on April 27, 2021, 11:27:03 AM
Response from Stimson

Adam-

Thank you for your interest in Stimson timberlands.  Please feel free to remove as many bears as possible from the area….they are killing our trees, one at a time!!

Our policies remain unchanged:  Access is walk-in only. 

Thanks,

~Wade
Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: Timberstalker on April 27, 2021, 11:59:37 AM
Stimson looks wide open! :dunno:
Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: Lapua07 on April 28, 2021, 09:08:26 PM
Vaagen’s is definitely not open to public and policies are under review for a more strict definition on trespassing charges.
Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: dilleytech on April 29, 2021, 03:36:37 AM
Vaagen’s is definitely not open to public and policies are under review for a more strict definition on trespassing charges.

Luckily I can only see one little patch that is vaagen in the unit so that’s not much of an issue.
Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: cougforester on April 29, 2021, 05:51:22 AM
Vaagen’s is definitely not open to public and policies are under review for a more strict definition on trespassing charges.

This is correct. I will say that when I hunted Huckleberry last year and sent them a request to hunt spring bear on a specific parcel of theirs in a specific Township Range and Section, they were pretty quick to give me permission.
Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: Lapua07 on April 30, 2021, 05:17:01 AM
I work for them and I hardly get to hunt anything anymore. But I believe that the initial asking when it comes to bears could help.  ;)
Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: Lapua07 on April 30, 2021, 05:20:02 AM
That being said I got a 49 tag last year. Had better luck on the state land and fresh clear cuts on  Hancock ground that produce the good greens they’re after early in the year
Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: Tball77 on April 30, 2021, 08:54:44 AM
What’s up all.  I’m new to the forum.  I drew the 49 tag with my hunting partner.  We scouted a month ago and hunted over this last weekend Wednesday to to Tuesday.  Seen 3 bears.  The first a small 150# or so black and a really nice cinnamon with a cub.  Very little sign and not much green.  Snow above 4K and a pile of ticks.  We managed a nice Tom and called in a few others.  Hunted on the 395 side from colville to deer park. 
Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: westside Elkhunter on May 03, 2021, 08:55:14 AM
 Did anyone make it over to 49 degrees over the weekend? Just curious on what guys are seeing. How's the snow melt is going and road conditions. Hoping to make it back over here soon.
Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: cougforester on May 03, 2021, 09:17:38 AM
Did anyone make it over to 49 degrees over the weekend? Just curious on what guys are seeing. How's the snow melt is going and road conditions. Hoping to make it back over here soon.
We hunted both days. Saw a small bear Saturday evening. Lot of critters out and about, deer, moose, cats, turkeys, limited bear sign though.

Haven't seen any sign besides actually getting eyes on that one! Should be getting good soon. (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210503/26d3e8a02055d842eaeef6b8810060e6.jpg)

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: westside Elkhunter on May 03, 2021, 09:31:18 AM
Thanks for the update couforester. Am excited to get back over there.
Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: Bwana Bob on May 03, 2021, 10:42:57 AM
Was planing to go up there on Wed for a week but was thinking it may be better to go a little  later. Would a week late be better to get in the high areas? Don't know the area real well and will be hunting turkeys too.
I'm retired now so I can stay as long as I need to.
Thank You
Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: vandeman17 on May 03, 2021, 10:45:00 AM
I decided against going up this weekend. Will be on the coast the upcoming weekend for mother's day but after that its game on
Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: Tball77 on May 03, 2021, 04:32:43 PM
There was quite a bit of compacted snow at 4K, enough that there were guys snowmobiling on it and the higher roads were not drivable.  Anyone headed over should have a chainsaw and a good cable, we pulled 3 trees out of the road due to forgetting the chainsaw.  PM me if you have a road in mind, we covered 75% of the west side of the unit.  I’ll be back over the 28th till the 6th of June if anyone knocks one down and needs a hand, I’ll be solo till the 3rd. 
Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: Bwana Bob on May 04, 2021, 09:09:44 AM
Thanks Tball77 I may gust wait a week or so.
Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: NWHunter20 on May 10, 2021, 08:08:48 AM
One less boar out there. Got mine Thursday. There's some logs down across the road to Calispell peak and I forgot my saw. Lots of good grass out there to watch
Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: cougforester on May 10, 2021, 08:54:00 AM
One less boar out there. Got mine Thursday. There's some logs down across the road to Calispell peak and I forgot my saw. Lots of good grass out there to watch

Sweeeeeet! Picture?

How was the WDFW check in process?
Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: vandeman17 on May 10, 2021, 09:38:26 AM
Hunting Friday, Saturday and Sunday morning coming up. Looks like good weather in the forecast so hopefully one of the two in our party can get the job done
Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: NWHunter20 on May 10, 2021, 09:45:57 AM
One less boar out there. Got mine Thursday. There's some logs down across the road to Calispell peak and I forgot my saw. Lots of good grass out there to watch

Sweeeeeet! Picture?

How was the WDFW check in process?

I'll post a picture when I can, phone does t want to for some reason .

The check process was OK. I called it in at 8am and there wasn't a biologist available in Spokane. I started heading to my folks place in Wenatchee to butcher out and was able to meet with the bio there. She was fantastic and quick.
Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: cougforester on May 10, 2021, 11:08:14 AM
Hunting Friday, Saturday and Sunday morning coming up. Looks like good weather in the forecast so hopefully one of the two in our party can get the job done

I'll be out Friday night to Sunday evening. It is looking really good. Checking out a couple new spots and hopefully get lucky!
Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: vandeman17 on May 10, 2021, 11:19:27 AM
Hunting Friday, Saturday and Sunday morning coming up. Looks like good weather in the forecast so hopefully one of the two in our party can get the job done

I'll be out Friday night to Sunday evening. It is looking really good. Checking out a couple new spots and hopefully get lucky!

Good luck. It will be our first trip out for the season so we will just be bouncing around checking out a few spots
Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: dilleytech on May 10, 2021, 11:24:06 AM
One less boar out there. Got mine Thursday. There's some logs down across the road to Calispell peak and I forgot my saw. Lots of good grass out there to watch

Sweeeeeet! Picture?

How was the WDFW check in process?

I'll post a picture when I can, phone does t want to for some reason .

The check process was OK. I called it in at 8am and there wasn't a biologist available in Spokane. I started heading to my folks place in Wenatchee to butcher out and was able to meet with the bio there. She was fantastic and quick.

Any back and fourth discussion about what the minimum amount of hide would qualify for submission? I’ll be hunting 17-22
Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: dilleytech on May 10, 2021, 11:26:01 AM
One less boar out there. Got mine Thursday. There's some logs down across the road to Calispell peak and I forgot my saw. Lots of good grass out there to watch

Sweeeeeet! Picture?

How was the WDFW check in process?

I'll post a picture when I can, phone does t want to for some reason .

The check process was OK. I called it in at 8am and there wasn't a biologist available in Spokane. I started heading to my folks place in Wenatchee to butcher out and was able to meet with the bio there. She was fantastic and quick.

When you select the picture change the size to medium. Or take a screenshot of the picture.
Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: Bored-o on May 11, 2021, 06:32:35 AM
I am heading over wed-sun. Looks like the weather should be good. I have a few areas I want to check out, been e-scouting a lot.
Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: NWHunter20 on May 11, 2021, 10:01:56 AM
One less boar out there. Got mine Thursday. There's some logs down across the road to Calispell peak and I forgot my saw. Lots of good grass out there to watch

Sweeeeeet! Picture?

How was the WDFW check in process?

I'll post a picture when I can, phone does t want to for some reason .

The check process was OK. I called it in at 8am and there wasn't a biologist available in Spokane. I started heading to my folks place in Wenatchee to butcher out and was able to meet with the bio there. She was fantastic and quick.

When you select the picture change the size to medium. Or take a screenshot of the picture.

Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: Bwana Bob on May 11, 2021, 11:08:28 AM
NW hunter

Wow what a great bear. You did well, real well. I'm heading up tomorrow morning for a week to 10 days. I hope at least see a bear and will hunt turkeys also.
Is there any place that will store your bear meat in a cooler if you get one early and then want to turkey hunt a bit.
Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: vandeman17 on May 11, 2021, 11:10:14 AM
NW hunter

Wow what a great bear. You did well, real well. I'm heading up tomorrow morning for a week to 10 days. I hope at least see a bear and will hunt turkeys also.
Is there any place that will store your bear meat in a cooler if you get one early and then want to turkey hunt a bit.

As long as you get the meat cooled down quickly, it will last a few days hung in the shade. The nights will get plenty cold enough
Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: cougforester on May 11, 2021, 11:19:30 AM
Great bear! Cool color.
Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: Ghost Hunter on May 11, 2021, 11:34:13 AM
 :tup:  Looks like a scrapper. 
Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: Tball77 on May 11, 2021, 08:17:40 PM
That’s awesome.  Good size too.  What was the length?
Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: NWHunter20 on May 15, 2021, 06:34:25 PM
I didn't measure him but the taxidermist was thinking 5 feet or so.
Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: dilleytech on May 16, 2021, 08:58:37 AM
Headed out tomorrow for 6 days. Planning to hike around living out of my pack until I spot something with out Cubs and 150#+. I’m not picky, smaller bears are a lot more tender but I would like a nice spring hide.
Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: cougforester on May 16, 2021, 10:36:38 AM
Headed out tomorrow for 6 days. Planning to hike around living out of my pack until I spot something with out Cubs and 150#+. I’m not picky, smaller bears are a lot more tender but I would like a nice spring hide.

They're out. Missed a nice one on a long poke yesterday, currently sitting on one we glassed this morning and waiting for him to pop out. Both bears I've seen first at 930, the bear I shot at yesterday was out in the open at 115 in the afternoon and it was 80+ degrees.
Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: dilleytech on May 16, 2021, 11:14:23 AM
Headed out tomorrow for 6 days. Planning to hike around living out of my pack until I spot something with out Cubs and 150#+. I’m not picky, smaller bears are a lot more tender but I would like a nice spring hide.

They're out. Missed a nice one on a long poke yesterday, currently sitting on one we glassed this morning and waiting for him to pop out. Both bears I've seen first at 930, the bear I shot at yesterday was out in the open at 115 in the afternoon and it was 80+ degrees.

Good to know.
Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: Casey on May 16, 2021, 05:26:09 PM
I’ll be hunting all week. Been out a little this weekend and haven’t seen any bears. I’m new to the area so I’m kinda learning it as I go.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: ThurstonCokid on May 17, 2021, 06:05:27 AM
Me and another forum member went Friday Saturday and he was able to fill his tag on a smaller cool color cinnamon bear! I’ll be back to attempt to fill mine soon. Off to work..


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: westside Elkhunter on May 17, 2021, 07:17:23 PM
That's awesome guys are seeing bears. I was over there for the weekend. I only saw a bunch of rabbits. Anybody being spending any time up by Calispell Peak? I was up by there and didn't see anything. Lots of good country.
Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: cougforester on May 17, 2021, 07:41:04 PM
That's awesome guys are seeing bears. I was over there for the weekend. I only saw a bunch of rabbits. Anybody being spending any time up by Calispell Peak? I was up by there and didn't see anything. Lots of good country.

I think you’re a bit too high for right now. At least for where I’m seeing bears right now. By the time you get back over though you’ll probably be right in em!
Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: westside Elkhunter on May 17, 2021, 08:23:45 PM
That's awesome guys are seeing bears. I was over there for the weekend. I only saw a bunch of rabbits. Anybody being spending any time up by Calispell Peak? I was up by there and didn't see anything. Lots of good country.

I think you’re a bit too high for right now. At least for where I’m seeing bears right now. By the time you get back over though you’ll probably be right in em!
I was kinda wondering about that. Going to try and get back over there next weekend.
Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: vandeman17 on May 18, 2021, 05:02:30 AM
We killed one Saturday but it was the only bear we saw. Hot and dry and not tons of green grass. Calling for a little rain this week and also next week so last few weeks of the season should be better
Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: Dtomasino10 on May 19, 2021, 02:11:12 PM
A lot of stuff on this thread has been really encouraging. First time hunting this unit and I have a question on camping. How many of you camp in the unit versus driving daily? I have been doing a lot of E-scouting plus boots on the ground. Hoping to just find a spot on some federal land and stay the night. Not looking for where to camp, just if.
Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: vandeman17 on May 19, 2021, 02:14:31 PM
A lot of stuff on this thread has been really encouraging. First time hunting this unit and I have a question on camping. How many of you camp in the unit versus driving daily? I have been doing a lot of E-scouting plus boots on the ground. Hoping to just find a spot on some federal land and stay the night. Not looking for where to camp, just if.

We did and just slept in the back of our trucks. That way we stayed mobile and could just find a place to park to crash out instead of having to drive back to a set camp
Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: NWHunter20 on May 19, 2021, 03:01:57 PM
A lot of stuff on this thread has been really encouraging. First time hunting this unit and I have a question on camping. How many of you camp in the unit versus driving daily? I have been doing a lot of E-scouting plus boots on the ground. Hoping to just find a spot on some federal land and stay the night. Not looking for where to camp, just if.

We did and just slept in the back of our trucks. That way we stayed mobile and could just find a place to park to crash out instead of having to drive back to a set camp

I did the same thing. Made sure I was on Forest Service land, found a spot to park, pitched the tent next to the truck, and up for first light
Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: Tball77 on May 19, 2021, 06:07:18 PM
If your on the west side of the unit sand canyon rd takes you into the national forest and there’s some really nice meadows with camp sites in them.  Headed back over the 28th for 9 days.  Got the scouting out of the way last trip.
Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: Casey on May 21, 2021, 01:06:05 PM
Got my first bear. It’s not a big one but it’s a start. Also the only bear I saw all week.

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210521/bf965f37756f45961f90fafd64952151.jpg)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: Rob on May 21, 2021, 01:07:19 PM
beautiful coat!
Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: Tball77 on May 22, 2021, 10:32:14 AM
Nice bear.  Good eater for sure.
Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: Wanttohuntmore on May 22, 2021, 10:39:32 AM
Got my first bear. It’s not a big one but it’s a start. Also the only bear I saw all week.

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210521/bf965f37756f45961f90fafd64952151.jpg)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Nice job!  How did you find it?  Time of day?
Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: HillHound on May 22, 2021, 11:02:13 AM
Nice job. any bear is a great first bear. Your going to be hooked now. Just over 2  months and we can work on filling our second tag. 
Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: Casey on May 22, 2021, 12:31:09 PM
Got my first bear. It’s not a big one but it’s a start. Also the only bear I saw all week.

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210521/bf965f37756f45961f90fafd64952151.jpg)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Nice job!  How did you find it?  Time of day?

We found a area with lots of bear sign and decided to sit the cuts. After a hour of waiting he stepped out and I took the shot around 5:30pm


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: Bwana Bob on May 22, 2021, 12:41:34 PM
Just came back after 8 days of hunting and never saw a bear and saw scat in only one spot. I did see two different cats in the first four days of hunting both less than 30 yds. from my truck, very neat.
Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: ThurstonCokid on May 22, 2021, 03:05:26 PM
Last weekend we went 1 for 2.. i think I’m going to 4 day weekend it coming up here for Memorial Day weekend. If anyone sees an old silver GMC Sierra with a white canopy stop and say hey! Looking forward to it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: westside Elkhunter on May 24, 2021, 08:22:16 PM
Last weekend we went 1 for 2.. i think I’m going to 4 day weekend it coming up here for Memorial Day weekend. If anyone sees an old silver GMC Sierra with a white canopy stop and say hey! Looking forward to it.
I just got back from over there. No bears. You guys see many bears?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: cougforester on May 29, 2021, 02:37:36 PM
Got on two bears last night, buddy missed one :( Hope the rest of the tag holders are out, I’ve hunted at least 8 days this year and have yet to run across another bear hunter.
Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: HillHound on May 30, 2021, 08:15:08 AM
That’s awesome you are seeing them and getting opportunities. Hopefully he can make it happen on the next one. I had the same experience across the highway to the west of you. I was in the field for 7 days hunting/packing my bear out and I saw 0 other hunters. No trucks at gates, no one driving the roads, no one else at any glassing points. I figured it was because I was hunting weekdays to avoid the weekend crowds. It was awesome, but I do hope the other tag holders are getting out there and saving some fawns/calves
Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: ThurstonCokid on May 30, 2021, 08:16:59 AM
Ran into 2 Friday. Wasn’t able to get shots on either.. one was nice (I’m not a picky bear hunter) left this morning after the AM hunt. The amount of people in my area of focus is insane.. I’ll try to give it a Hail Mary one more weekend.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: cougforester on May 30, 2021, 09:41:38 AM
Ran into 2 Friday. Wasn’t able to get shots on either.. one was nice (I’m not a picky bear hunter) left this morning after the AM hunt. The amount of people in my area of focus is insane.. I’ll try to give it a Hail Mary one more weekend.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Lots of people camping and bombing around the roads on quads and side by sides but no one parked at gates hunting. It's crazy. Zero other hunting pressure.
Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: ThurstonCokid on May 30, 2021, 09:58:12 AM
I was at a couple gates this weekend. I talked to another guy camping who is planning on being there a week. I also know another group that’s up there currently.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: dilleytech on May 30, 2021, 12:53:57 PM
I was up there 3 days last week and saw zero sign fresh or old. Also saw zero other hunters. Which was really surprising. In my local area I can’t go anywhere without finding bear sign. Saw tons of moose sign which was cool. I ran into an ol timer local cutting fire wood who thought I was a few weeks early. After finding the mother load of morels I decided to get them home and kill more spring chinook. Might get back up there this week. Not sure. Could just be more of a moose shed hunt with the chance of bear lol
Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: cougforester on May 30, 2021, 01:32:49 PM
I was up there 3 days last week and saw zero sign fresh or old. Also saw zero other hunters. Which was really surprising. In my local area I can’t go anywhere without finding bear sign. Saw tons of moose sign which was cool. I ran into an ol timer local cutting fire wood who thought I was a few weeks early. After finding the mother load of morels I decided to get them home and kill more spring chinook. Might get back up there this week. Not sure. Could just be more of a moose shed hunt with the chance of bear lol

We have been struggling finding sign, but we’ve seen 5 bears. Missed the two that we shot at :( It’s weird, these bears don’t seem to like roads. Last year in Huckleberry almost every bear we saw was walking gated grassy roads.

I’m not gonna be applying for 49 in the future.
Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: dilleytech on May 30, 2021, 02:49:00 PM
I was up there 3 days last week and saw zero sign fresh or old. Also saw zero other hunters. Which was really surprising. In my local area I can’t go anywhere without finding bear sign. Saw tons of moose sign which was cool. I ran into an ol timer local cutting fire wood who thought I was a few weeks early. After finding the mother load of morels I decided to get them home and kill more spring chinook. Might get back up there this week. Not sure. Could just be more of a moose shed hunt with the chance of bear lol

We have been struggling finding sign, but we’ve seen 5 bears. Missed the two that we shot at :( It’s weird, these bears don’t seem to like roads. Last year in Huckleberry almost every bear we saw was walking gated grassy roads.

I’m not gonna be applying for 49 in the future.

Agreed. My idea of spring bear hunting was glassing big grassy hillsides. I had a hard time finding any areas to do that. It seemed the best grass was in the trees. I’m sure they are around but not in the numbers I expected. How are you seeing bears? Clear cuts?
Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: cougforester on May 30, 2021, 05:40:16 PM
I was up there 3 days last week and saw zero sign fresh or old. Also saw zero other hunters. Which was really surprising. In my local area I can’t go anywhere without finding bear sign. Saw tons of moose sign which was cool. I ran into an ol timer local cutting fire wood who thought I was a few weeks early. After finding the mother load of morels I decided to get them home and kill more spring chinook. Might get back up there this week. Not sure. Could just be more of a moose shed hunt with the chance of bear lol

We have been struggling finding sign, but we’ve seen 5 bears. Missed the two that we shot at :( It’s weird, these bears don’t seem to like roads. Last year in Huckleberry almost every bear we saw was walking gated grassy roads.

I’m not gonna be applying for 49 in the future.

Agreed. My idea of spring bear hunting was glassing big grassy hillsides. I had a hard time finding any areas to do that. It seemed the best grass was in the trees. I’m sure they are around but not in the numbers I expected. How are you seeing bears? Clear cuts?
Yeah we're hunting 2-5 miles behind gates. We've picked up some cuts that are old enough that they've recovered from being sprayed.  They've all been spotted climbing out of creek bottoms into cuts to feed in the last hour of light.

We cut through a big riparian wetland area today and found a bunch of poop from a sow and cub, so that confirmed our thinking.

The picture is where I'm glassing from right now. Best cut we've found so far. (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210531/ed2a4afeabdd7683a482893b70691ddc.jpg)

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: seastrike on May 31, 2021, 10:40:57 AM
This looks like a great spot. Dead bear coming!
Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: Tball77 on May 31, 2021, 06:50:26 PM
Seen 2 today.  One little cinnamon maybe 150 and a really nice jet black.  All before 10am.  I seen the bigger bear for less than 30 seconds.  Got a range 518 adjusted my turret and gone.  I watched the hillside for 3 hours and never seen him again. 
Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: dilleytech on June 01, 2021, 09:12:15 AM
Seen 2 today.  One little cinnamon maybe 150 and a really nice jet black.  All before 10am.  I seen the bigger bear for less than 30 seconds.  Got a range 518 adjusted my turret and gone.  I watched the hillside for 3 hours and never seen him again.

Ahh turrets strike again lol. At least you are seeing them.
Title: Re: 2021 49 Degrees North Springers
Post by: Tball77 on June 04, 2021, 10:24:09 PM
Jumped one yesterday never seen it then after getting back to the truck after 10.6 miles we drove 2 miles and had a small bear in the road 100# maybe.  Seen a bull moose hanging out in a pond.  Today we hiked 8 miles but ended up seeing a really nice cinnamon while driving.  Jumped another an hour later in a creek bottom.  Lots of action.
SimplePortal 2.3.7 © 2008-2024, SimplePortal