I have been doing a little research into trying a do-it-yourself fall black bear hunt, somewhere in the vicinity of Libby, Montana. First, I like the idea of spot and stalk. Second, my job will not allow me to go on a spring bear hunt. Third, it is a drivable hunt from Indiana[although long]. What I would like to do is rent a small cabin for 7-9 days, then hunt the drainages, roads of the Kootenai National forest. The country would have to be beautiful in mid Sept.

Anyone here ever hunt blackies in NW Montana? Is a do-it-yourself hunt realistic, with some probability of success? I know there is a decent percentage of other color bears in the area. Any info, or observations from the board would be greatly appreciated. Also, I'm not looking for this fall, probably Sept. 2004. Thanks.

Mad Dog

Mad Dog
I have hunted that area every year since 1990 except for one or two years. I was there just last September. Plan on taking a shotgun as grouse are in season and they are very good to eat. You need to put in for your Bear tag early.
Now you must pass a beat identification test. Try www.fwp.state.mt.us You can take the test on line I think. Phone number for Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks [406] 444-2535. I am in a rush now I will get back to you with more info later.
Great area for bear.

[ 05-19-2003, 20:53: Message edited by: N E 450 No2 ]

NE 450 No2, Thanks for the quick response. Yeah, I know about the bear ID. test. Brought it up online, and passed it 100%[without training] . I know you have to put in like Aug. 31 before Sept. 15 drawing, but is th license on a draw, or that you just have to buy it early? Looking forward to more info, when you get time. Curious, what kind of range are the average shots? I'd like to take my .45-70 marlin guide gun, with some souped up loads. Also, how steep is the terrain? Is there decent access to the area, via logging roads?

Mad Dog

MD-you're on the right track with a fall Big Sky country hunt-you should have an awesome time!!

Your Guide gun will work fine-and access will not be a problem-plenty of forrest service up there.

I am a bit of a bear fanatic-OK OK I am a big time bear fanatic. I look at about 50-60 a year, my wife and I saw 7 on Saturday night it was an awesome night!

In my opinion I fel you should go as close to the opener as possible. I find that to be quite beneficial to getting at the bruins while they are still in the berries.

You'll have a great time, glass tons, and look em all over good. Too many people get excited and shoot first and then find out that they shot Ronnie the Rat.

"GET TO THE HILL"

Dog

by the wie two Sunday nights ago my wife (my best hunting partner) passed on a beautiful red/brown phase. It was her hunt and when I asked why she would pass she said lets just watch it, we'll find a bigger one. It was a 6 footer, guess she wants the one we saw last year.

Mark, any good places to rent a cabin in the Libby-Trout Creek area? Yeah, if I go, I want to be there for the opener. Will they definately be in the berries that time of year?

Mad Dog

Not that I know of but I don't spend much time up there-good place to check would be with the Forrest service.

Dog

They should be in the berries I need to check my map and see when that area opens-I'll get back to you.

[ 05-19-2003, 23:42: Message edited by: Mark R Dobrenski ]

Mad Dog, give me a ring. I'll show ya around a little. My son shot a bear this spring. You have to have the tag bought before September though, so make sure you get that done. E-mail me and I'll give you my phone. take care Rob Sr.

Mad Dog
Unless it changes this year it is not a "draw" you just have to send off for it early. I will get in to my files and get you some numbers of places to stay. Many years my wife and I go up a week or so before bear season to hunt grouse and scout around. Then for bear season we back pack in for the bear hunt.I have hunted [various years] from the Canuk/Utah border to as far east as Glacier National Park just the other side of Eureka. The area above and west of Troy, and above Libby on the east side of Lake Kocanusa are my favorites I think, but I have seen plenty of bears on the east side of Eureka also. There is good fishing below the Dam of Lake Kocanusa.
If you are good at sneaking, or the bear sneaks up on you the 45/70 will be fine. I have been closer than 100 yards to several bears, including several Grizzlies at less than 30 yards. However you could have a long shot.
That corner is one of my all time favorite places to hunt.

Mr Boren I have seen your son post before on AR tell him congratulations on his bear.

Just got back from the hill-my wife and I got right up on the tiniest sow you ever saw and she had a black pup and a red one. They were sleeping on the edge of a clear and we got to within about 15 yards b4 they knew we were there. That brings the weeks total to 12 bruins including pups. I saw 7 on Saturday night. 3 pups, 2 sows, one big ol black boar and one smallish blonde.

Your 45/70 will work just fine-yeah you need to appreciate its limitations but you should be able to get withing 100 yards of the majority of bruins, especially in the fall.

I picked up a set of bear rigs on the way out of town-it looks like the area you are thinking about going to is opening Sept 15. Some areas open a bit later and the berries are long gone by then.

With a bit of scouting this should work out just fine for you.

For personal reasons I do not hunt that area any more for bear, but there is a good population up there.

"GET TO THE HILL"

Dog