So I went on my 1st bear hunt this spring and it was a lot of fun! It was a baited hunt in Saskatchewan. I would like to find a good western state to hunt in the spring where I can do a DIY spot and stalk hunt on a smaller budget. I had a great time on my hunt this year but I prefer active hunting to stand hunting and I have to believe by staying in the US and driving to the hunt it will be quite a bit less expensive. I was thinking about Montana, Wyoming or Idaho? Any suggestions and any insight about obtaining licenses (over the counter or draw) and best time of year to try and go? Thanks for any info you can give me! Dan

Washington State is crawling with black bears.

So is California. Lots of mountainous public land to hunt bears on. It will help you get into shape for elk, that's for sure.

Idaho has mostly over the counter bear tags with an abundance of areas to take them.  Some units are 2 tags per hunter but are the more remote areas.  You won't go wrong with the scenery!

Here is a link to the current regs to give you some ideas:

http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/hunt/rules/bg/

Thanks for the suggestions fellas keep em comin!

Spring I would also look to Arizona and Colorado for spot and stalk.

I may be holding a bear tag in AZ when I go there in September.

If you catch the prickly pear cactus at the right time bears in AZ can be a hoot, though I have yet to experience it myself.  They come out of the mountains to eat the fruits and can be called and stalked in the cactus, just like javelina...

Good luck

Washington State is a bit more of a drive but there are plenty of blackies around to spot and stalk.  You will want to hunt higher elevations that are more open to allow for glassing.  You will be looking for heavy grass and succulent greens that they will be feeding on to find the bears.

I appreciate the info guys, anyone got anything else???

Colorado does not have a spring bear season.

QuoteOriginally posted by beachbowhunter:
So is California. Lots of mountainous public land to hunt bears on. It will help you get into shape for elk, that's for sure.

Elk?  Did somebody mention elk???

 

TTT Anyone have any other suggestions, the closer to SD the better.

I've got no suggestions, however I will be watching this, as it sure sounds like a fun hunt. Any excuse to be out west in the mountains is a good one.

By the way, thanks Ray that info was helpful! Idaho would certainly be an option.

Your welcome, sir.    

Washington spring Black Bear tags are done thru a Draw system however, fall bear tags are over the counter and can be great if you hit the huckleberries while the bears are hitting them.

Gene