bruins are wakeing up

[scotty30-06]

What a perfect day in the LML for the Bears to be crawling out of the dens.

[dmaxtech]

Not up the valley. Has been pouring in Chilliwack all day. Just stopped in time to watch the sun go down.

[Wentrot]

Not up the valley. Has been pouring in Chilliwack all day. Just stopped in time to watch the sun go down.

Ain't that the truth. Today was frigging nasty

[Red_Mist]

48 hours ....

[russm]

Stopped raining for an hour, just started raining again

[scotty30-06]

Lol....yea when I posted it was a beautiful down in Surrey...like T shirt weather

[walnutz]

Langley was going from tshirt to jacket to parka all afternoon. Time for spring!!

[snipersights]

Vi south is sunny cloudy with sunny breaks all weekend. Bears are goin down.

[caddisguy]

Should be a few bears out, but few and far between. I am saving my energy... bears are heavy!!

[WesHarm]

Im gunna be out but likely just scouting and a little shooting!

[Bugle M In]

So, what is the thought for finding bears.
With all the snowpack (from what other's are saying), I am guessing bears will be down real low?
Any thoughts for the 1st timers looking for a bruin in the spring?

[caddisguy]

So, what is the thought for finding bears.
With all the snowpack (from what other's are saying), I am guessing bears will be down real low?
Any thoughts for the 1st timers looking for a bruin in the spring?

Anywhere that is greening up should have potential. Most of those places are going to be low down and south facing. Failing that, hibernation will likely continue for most bears. Bears wake up and stumble around... just like myself and probably others, if I wake up and there's no food, coffee or beer to be had, I will just go back to bed (after leaving a note for caddisgirl to pick up food, coffee and beer) Bears are pretty routine too... they will wait until their honey holes are producing which is likely what I will be doing, rather than checking out the next valley over.

I haven't heard any reports of bears in Maple Ridge, North Van or Poco yet... haven't seen any dandelions in Langley. The following weekend should be 2x more promising for Region 2. The weekend after (Easter) will be 2x more promising than the previous... odds will continue to improve until May long, then it tapers off a little until the end of season.

After mid April, we generally see bears 1 in 2 hunting days and have a decent chance at taking one down 1 in 3 hunting days.

I am sure some lucky hunters will cut tags this weekend. Can't wait to hear stories... of hunts successful or not... should be some good posts come Sunday!!

[Wild one]

So, what is the thought for finding bears.
With all the snowpack (from what other's are saying), I am guessing bears will be down real low?
Any thoughts for the 1st timers looking for a bruin in the spring?

Lots of snow and late spring is way better than early spring. I have found most bears don't wake up earlier or latter according to the weather. Early spring means lots of food once they get moving so the bears are spread out. Late spring limits feed making them easier to target.

This should be a great spring for bear hunting

If you are talking early low and southern exposure no doubt. Water is huge for bears as well. depending on your location things vary but in general chase the sun and adjust elevation looking for fresh growth as the season progresses

[Bugle M In]

Thanks caddisguy and Wildone......good stuff in those replies...good luck! cheers

[scotty30-06]

Another beauty today...saw the bee's are starting to come out....man region 2 might be in decent shape for opening weekend...but as many have said...wont heat up bear wise for a little bit yet.

[WesHarm]

Anyone in the LML that wants to meet up, im gunna head the the chehalis fsr for around 10 to do some shooting/scouting, send me a pm if you wana go out together for a look or whatever!

[shortrange]

South part of Van Island should be bear-able...

[snipersights]

Absolutely it will I love opening weekend cause it's challenging and no ones out

[snipersights]

Good to see down in Victoria here all the boys rolling into town to hunt. Saw a brand new Denali pickup with a camper and quad. Cut them tags boys and girls. SS

[VI Blacktails]

A friend saw a small bear the other day.My wife said she saw a pile of bear shit as well.Both were close to Lake Cowichan.

[oilcountry]

Spotted a bear by the Coquitlam River yesterday, their out

[Wild one]

Don't forget guys in region 1 and 2 some bears don't hibernate. Seen bears every month of the year in the lower mainland but they are very uncommon in some months

buddy had one in his yard in Abby mid Jan this winter

those who are getting excited even search past bear success on this forum. You will see a trend in the dates not many April bears

[BearStump]

a big sow with 1 year old cubs at the Agassiz bridge yesterday morning.

[HarryToolips]

Don't forget guys in region 1 and 2 some bears don't hibernate. Seen bears every month of the year in the lower mainland but they are very uncommon in some months

buddy had one in his yard in Abby mid Jan this winter

those who are getting excited even search past bear success on this forum. You will see a trend in the dates not many April bears

This is very true...in the interior much different, usually....

[Wild one]

This is very true...in the interior much different, usually....

Hunted regions 1,2,3,5,6 and 7 successfully for spring bear over the years and no doubt there is a slight difference in timing. Mostly hunted 2,3,6,and 7 for these areas I found thing start get worth while 2 last week April, 3 first week May, 6/7 after the first week of May. This varies a little on my locations in these regions of course. Got all my locations timed out over the years

Majority of the bears I have taken were in May regardless of the region. I spent 10 years running out every chance I could starting opening day after very limited success in April I wait now. After doing this I now spend less time and $ to be successful. I have more than a few black bear under my belt and taken many to kill their first over the years

It's a lot easier to convince the wife I am going on long trips in the fall when I spend less $ bear hunting in the spring lol

A tip that can save a guy from a long drive and being too early use the BC highway cams to keep an eye on snow elevation and green up. Many show the hills in the back ground.

Posted it before hunt smarter not harder trust me I tried the hard way first lol

[HarryToolips]

^^^very good points, I also personally don't really start looking for bear until the 3rd week of April or so, weather depending..

[walnutz]

I think a huge part of going out for April 1st is the fact its been months since the last time out. After a long winter its exciting to get the gear out and head into what ever area you like. For me its just nice to get into the bush again and if something comes back with me its a bonus.

[Wild one]

I think a huge part of going out for April 1st is the fact its been months since the last time out. After a long winter its exciting to get the gear out and head into what ever area you like. For me its just nice to get into the bush again and if something comes back with me its a bonus.

Fair enough can't argue with getting stir crazy waiting lol. Waiting for lakes to thaw here got nothing to do but cut firewood and chores well I wait

I moved north to be closer to respectable hunting/fishing and it has helped control that urge. Now I just look out the window to check bear hunting conditions or see if a bear has left a turd on my property

[Fella]

My dad really wants to go out for a drive Good friday, he's not a hunter but he's excited to get out and have a good day in the woods. I'll bring the .30-06 and my new 7-08 for my dad to take a couple shots at targets with

[Rotorwash]

You guys are getting me way to excited to start hunting bear this year. I know it will early may before I see any around here but I'm already jacked up. This must be what its like to be a junkie

[DarekG]

Went and renewed my license and picked up a tag today. :cool:
Big Cinnamon, I'm coming for you.

[Hunt_4_Life]

Mid island/Sayward area is gonna need a couple more weeks, not very green yet and still lots of snow on the side roads 9nce you start to climb away from the highway. Saw a 5 spike elk the other day though, I swear it's the new velvet that knocks their old bone off.

[snipersights]

I live for it man. Doing a cord of fir and a dump run at 7am tomorrow to pay for the gas food and my new range finder then driving to my spot.

[WesHarm]

Damn ss wish i was on the island to come woth yah!!

[HarryToolips]

I think a huge part of going out for April 1st is the fact its been months since the last time out. After a long winter its exciting to get the gear out and head into what ever area you like. For me its just nice to get into the bush again and if something comes back with me its a bonus.
Snowshoes are a great investment, then you don't have to wait so long;-)

[northernbc]

Out for a few days east of fsj looking for canine. Just had a black bear rush in on a jack rabbit call. I do have a tag and was tempted but I am a dedicated 2 bear in the fall man. Nice to see tho.

[scotty30-06]

Nice story....heard a bear in behind my trailer Friday night in Harrison...splashing and grunting around the back end of the swamp...bout 1 am

[caddisguy]

Nice story....heard a bear in behind my trailer Friday night in Harrison...splashing and grunting around the back end of the swamp...bout 1 am

Sorry about that. I was sleep walking again :D

[plumberjustin]

My buddy lives out in the skagit, he's seen a couple yogis sauntering around in the past few days.

[northernbc]

It was kinda cool. At about 50 yards I stepped out and shouted at him. He hit the brakes hard then did a exit stage left looked like a younger boar. I eat bears and want my 2 fall porkies

[scotty30-06]

Lol dammit caddisguy....you should have slept walk into a beer at my place

[two-feet]

I have been travelling between Terrace and Smithers regularly, no sightings yet but the first hints of green are starting to show in the valley bottom. Not too long now.

[scotty30-06]

Snow line isn't to bad in Harrison and Chilliwack but yes it's definitely greening up.....gonna head out this weekend in the wack....solo trip. Get some cams set up...lol over nighter....pretty stoked

[RugDoctor]

Gone over the equipment, and will be checking my spot over the next couple weeks. Finally enough good weather to start practicing with the bow again too. Stoked!

[WesHarm]

Nice scotty! Sounds like a good time! Im nervous to go out this weekend with all the Long weekend folk dont like having that many people around and everytime ive been out on long weekends its a gong show... ya'll just heading deeper into the bush?

[scotty30-06]

Yea....i know of some spots where you can't go unless on foot....tuck into those spots....will be lots of enforcement out due to new shooting regs...but will be going up chilliwack Valley area

[plumberjustin]

Yea....i know of some spots where you can't go unless on foot....tuck into those spots....will be lots of enforcement out due to new shooting regs...but will be going up chilliwack Valley area

I frequent the Chilliwack valley quite a bit, usually hunt solo. I hiked around a bunch this past weekend, really not much for grass or skunk cabbages past Slesse, still super brown and snow pockets at higher elevations. That being said, I'm still gonna be out and about until I stumble upon a bruin. If you see me or my green suburban, stop and say hello.

[northernbc]

Sorry wrong thread i should have posted in the doing things post

[scotty30-06]

Green suburban....gotcha....im in a black jeep Patriot....if I see ya I will say high

[scotty30-06]

You gonna be up there this weekend?

[plumberjustin]

I'll be up the valley on Friday. Will be starting mid week hunts once the greens really start to show.

[scotty30-06]

Yea I should be up there aswell....hopefully see you up there.

[Amphibious]

Saw a dink chewing on grass today. Exit 192 coquillhala.

[scotty30-06]

So anyone els have any "bear" plans this weekend?

[Ohwildwon]

Nope, to many people with Bear plans...;-)

[WesHarm]

Gunna try and get somewhere this weekend, just not exactly sure where this time!

[caddisguy]

So anyone els have any "bear" plans this weekend?

We were going to head out and do our tick experiment and casually hunt but it is on hold now... bummer because I don`t think the bears will be out in our spot... maybe we will check some other spots... just nice to be out there I guess. I am not going to try too hard... even in a normal season this would be early and given we are 3 weeks behind in grass growth, the only way we will take a boar this weekend is if he makes it way too easy.

[ROY-alty33]

a big sow with 1 year old cubs at the Agassiz bridge yesterday morning.
She was just below the native dump in the swamp between the bridges last night.

[kevsace]

does anyone know if there will be good bear activity around the boston bar area?

[scotty30-06]

No idea....check hwy cams and other road cams...gives you a small idea of what it's could be like.

[kevsace]

thanks scott, will have a look. I'm also concerned about the foresty roads, whether there's snow on there that could make the driving difficult...

[two-feet]

I saw a bear by Kitwanga yesterday

[Red_Mist]

Osoyoos has had fresh snow in the surrounding hills this week. This morning still cold, vegetation not budding.

[Wild one]

Went fishing and still a fair amount of snow and everything is still brown where it has melted. Even for fishing things are behind only the outlet for the creek has open water and the hatchery employee figures the fry are 2 weeks late this spring.

Still snow on my property and no sign of the backyard bear.

At least 2-3 weeks before it will be worth my effort to go bear hunting

[scotty30-06]

What are some guys plans for their bear meat when they get it?....i might try out something new if I hear a good recipe.

[caddisguy]

What are some guys plans for their bear meat when they get it?....i might try out something new if I hear a good recipe.

We just vacuum pack it in slabs. Cuts don't matter, as it is either ground or cut into stir-fry size chunks.

We usually grind and make burgers, tacos, burritos, meatballs, chilli, hambearger helper, etc

[Wild one]

We just vacuum pack it in slabs. Cuts don't matter, as it is either ground or cut into stir-fry size chunks.

We usually grind and make burgers, tacos, burritos, meatballs, chilli, hambearger helper, etc



^^this but back straps I BBQ or pan fry

[plumberjustin]

What are some guys plans for their bear meat when they get it?....i might try out something new if I hear a good recipe.
Back bacon is a must, then get one double smoked ham. Split the remainder into burger meat, pepperoni or jalapeño cheese smokies.

[scotty30-06]

I'm thinking a lot of slabs like you say and ground....just so versatile once ground and ready to go....make damn near anything from it

[scotty30-06]

19 degrees and sunny on Friday....those warm Temps are coming....heading up this weekend noticed last weekend that skunk cabbage is coming up and blooming already

[snipersights]

Me too man Friday after work

[scotty30-06]

Nice nice.....those Temps should get them moving around a bit more

[Rob Chipman]

Saw a little sleepy roadside bear last weekend by Skookumchuk Hotsprings - Lillooet Lake area. Too small for me, and really, really dozy. Just sat there, hardly moving.

[scotty30-06]

Hahahah Yup little hangover bear lol

[snipersights]

Lol sorry what hot springs? Skookumchuck??

[caddisguy]

My brother has a bear grazing around the property in Maple ridge... too bad the land owner is not hunter friendly lol