Hi,

I've got the itch to do an unguided, DIY black bear hunt somewhere in the lower 48. Preferably a spring hunt, with rifle or muzzleloader. Set up a camp site and walk and glass the ridges throughout the day. Does anyone know which western states are particularly good for spring black bears? The bears don't have to be record book size, I'm just looking for a fun hunting experience.

-Dan

We did one in spring of 2014 in the Bob Marshall near Glacier MT. Great hunting trip but we didn't shoot any bears. We are planning on going back in May of 2015 though. Highly recommended! I think there are good opportunities in the Helena area as well.

Make sure you watch out for Grizz.

i did one in northern ID, bout 30 miles or so south of Canada. you have to hit the timing right, too early and they're still snoozin', too late and they've rubbed their hides off. i shot a nice cinnamon bear there. i think it was early-ish in may.

Archuleta county, here in CO has one of highest bear concentrations in the state of CO. We have a fall season but unfortunately, no spring season. And you have to put in for the draw for the early bear season which runs through the month of September

Try the burn areas in New Mexico, the ones that are growing back. You can buy OTC as a non-resident (last time I checked) until the unit closes. Burn areas around the Gila and Ruidoso should be good.