Spring Black Bear, to scout or not to scout?

[WesHarm]

How early is too early?

I have a new born (well okay 2 months old but still..) so I'm not going to get out a whole lot this year, want to make as much of it as i can in the days the wifey lets me out! Mostly looking for suggestions of timing to head out, general areas to focus on, and any tips from long time bear hunters!

plus i figured why not get folks excited about it too, so feel free to post pics of ur bears from years gone by!

[RyoTHC]

I’m not positive about the coastal bears but as soon as you go east of hope, don’t even waste your time until May.
this coming from an avid bear hunter. If you want to go for a walk in April you might as well go shed hunting and bring a gun just in case lol

[russm]

I’m not positive about the coastal bears but as soon as you go east of hope, don’t even waste your time until May.
this coming from an avid bear hunter. If you want to go for a walk in April you might as well go shed hunting and bring a gun just in case lol

Yep, i used to get out as soon as i could, learned quickly to save the gas til may

[HarryToolips]

I’m not positive about the coastal bears but as soon as you go east of hope, don’t even waste your time until May.
this coming from an avid bear hunter. If you want to go for a walk in April you might as well go shed hunting and bring a gun just in case lol

True story.....as soon as they get rid of their fecal plug their metabolism changes, and the clock is ticking for them to start finding calories....you will still see them occasionally in April but far more likely in May...

[moosinaround]

Season opens April 1, but up north here, I don't bother till end of April, beginning of May. Bought a quad on tracks to get back, to the back ends of the valleys, before others. Might find some moose sheds too?!!! Moosin

[Pauly]

May is the ticket unless we get an early spring. April the bears are generally hanging around their winter dens yet still somewhat drowsy. Opportunity can be few and far between. May and September best bear hunting months .

[snipersights]

May is the ticket unless we get an early spring. April the bears are generally hanging around their winter dens yet still somewhat drowsy. Opportunity can be few and far between. May and September best bear hunting months .

I have to agree May is definitely the best I’ve had the most luck then you see way more bears and have a lot more opportunities. September/October is also really good. If you want a rug bear I would recommend October hitting the rivers. Feel free to send me a pm if you’re on Vancouver island.

[Pauly]

I have to agree May is definitely the best I’ve had the most luck then you see way more bears and have a lot more opportunities. September/October is also really good. If you want a rug bear I would recommend October hitting the rivers. Feel free to send me a pm if you’re on Vancouver island.

I took a nice young meat boar opening day last fall head down in the blueberries snuck to 50 yards and nailed him. Very tasty

[monasheemountainman]

Not necessary to scout for bears it’s more about finding feed when the time comes. But nothing wrong with going in the bush anyway. But if you’re asking if it’s necessary then I’d say no

[IslandWanderer]

Lol, people scout for b bears? We're tripping over good sized ones here in the spring.