I've booked a 14 day grizzly hunt with Riley Leuenberger at Baldy Mt. Outfitters in SE BC for next spring thru Jack Atcheson Jr. Figure I better do it while there are still hunts available. Would appreciate hearing from anyone familiar with his area and the prospects for seeing bears. Looks like I'm the only griz hunter....should have the whole crew working for me.

I don't know Riley but I do know the area, it's gorgeous, and there is a strong grizzly population so I would pack your bags and rifle feeling confident. We're not sure how long the grizzly hunt will remain open in BC despite an extremely large population, it's purely political, and you're wise to get in now.

Good hunting to you!

Angus

grizzly bears are one animal which is not in short supply in the area. When it comes to spring hunting, it depends a lot on the spring. The snow pack, rapidity of the melt, emergence of vegetation etc. This year, we had a very dry summer and poor berry crop and some bears may have gone into hibernation carrying a little less fat than usual. This means they may be coming out to forage a little earlier which is good for spring hunting. You will see some great country and have a good chance of seeing some bears. Regards, Bill

Comments appreciated. We're going to wait and see how spring develops, then set the hunt dates.

Good call. We're getting bizarre weather in BC this year, and our October was a lot like the typical September for hunting on the north coast. We had the opposite issue on the berry crop, as a river normally loaded with brown / grizzly bears on salmon were still in the mountains on berries, due to how late they were. Playing by ear on the timing will help.

You're not far from Waterton National Park down there, it's worth giving thought to a post-hunt stop there for a few days. It's one of the most beautiful places in North America.

Angus, We toured Glacier Park in September...breathtaking scenery! Won't have time for Waterton next spring as I'll be doing a few days of black bear hunting in Libby MT before my griz hunt. Love bear hunting!

Glad you're getting around and that's a good reason to be busy, you other bear hunt. Good luck and have fun!