I have been thinking for some time about trying for a spring bear in MT or ID. I would want to do the hunt on my own and not use a guide. I have nothing against guides, I just like to do my own hunting and not ne lead around by someone.

So, I'm curious how many of you have done this sort of hunt and how successful it was. I understand it would be dependant on weather and on being able to allow adequate time. I'm trying to get an idea of what I would be up against. I've done a lot of hunting and have already taken a couple of bear so I'm more interested in the experience than in another bear skin.

I'm not looking for anyone to give me directions to their favaorite honey hole, just general type info to see if this is worth pursuing.

Pirate

I can tell you about Idaho at least my part which is Idaho County. I have hunted bears a lot here. Maybe 100 days or more total. This is one of the biggest counties anywhere. The county seat has a population of 3300. Vast amounts of Government land and plenty of black bears with a very very high color phase percentage. We have a spring and fall season. You could spot and stalk, or bait and dogs are fine. The downside is the terrain. This is the hardest place to hunt I have run into as far as steep and thick forest/ bush. This country isn't gridded with roads like say the UP in Michigan which is the closest area I have hunted bears to where you are. So you need to have the gear to pack out meat, hide and skull. You must also pack water which is heavy. There are some big bears here along the Snake and Salmon rivers. They are generally smaller the higher you go because they have a shorter growing season and less quality food, just like fish. For example they outfit a bunch of bait hunts near Elk City and Lowell. These are higher hunts and therefore smaller average bears. Spot and stalk would be best here in the spring near the river country I mentioned, when bears are grazing the more open country. I still haven't found a 21 inch plus bear yet, but they exist.

Regarding Montana, I don't know it nearly as well. What I have seen is better spot and stalk hunting because there is more open woodlands, especially east of the divide. They have more Grizzly country than my area. Someone here must have hunted Montana a 100 different days, and I personally would listen to them.

Good luck

Hell I forgot the gist of it. Spring hunt. Hunt the breaks of the Salmon or the Snake. I would suggest the Salmon. Lots of open grassing then maybe a hell of a hike to get into range before the bear disappears. You could do that from a portable truck camp and it would be physically easy until you saw your bear. Very pretty green country in the spring. Snow on top and green below.

Go for Idaho, certain units allow for two bears in the spring. You can fly-in to those areas so you are good and remote.

The 2 bear units are your smaller bear units, less quality food for the bears and a short growing season for the bears. They are tough to spot and stalk and in the spring you will have to deal with snow blocking access or making it a tough on your own hunt. Google earth Powell, Idaho on highway 12 near the Montana border to give you an example. Highway is a loose term in Idaho. Here it means paved 2 lane winding along the Lochsa river.

I hunted the 2 bear unit a few years in a row. Love that area around Lolo. Always were able to get a bear and the biggest was this 6'11" 400 pounder. So there are bigger bears in the area, just a tough area to hunt. Even got within spitting distance of a Mtn Lion and her two cubs one night.

I can't improve on the other Idaho hunters' advice, other than to say get into the best shape you can because they ain't kiddin' when they say it's usually very rough and steep in Idaho bear country.

Best of luck to you.

L.W.

I hunted near Whitebird in a single bear unit and took a big bear in 2005. In 2008, hunted in ther Lolo along -- believe it was highway 12. Took 2 small bears there. I saw lots of wolf activity in the area. Frankly, I am giving those 2 states a 'pass' until they get the wolves under control.

quote:

BUCKEESHOOTER - "I saw lots of wolf activity in the area. Frankly, I am giving those 2 states a 'pass' until they get the wolves under control."

The wolves are not killing the bears: they are killing the elk and deer. Come on out for a bear hunt and also buy a wolf tag and kill one if you have a chance!

L.W.

Can help you out with a bear in MY.PM if interested. I live in MT and do DIY for bear every year.

Tom

Drove over to Missoula Tuesday. Saw a cow and calf moose on the Lolo side of the border. Lolo is right by Missoula and they are both in Montana. On the way home I saw a red/brown sow cross highway 12 (along the Lochsa river which is in Idaho) right in front of me. She had 2 this year cubs with her. One was chocolate brown and the other was black. Cute little cubs.

You live in a great area SGO! I am envious!