2014 DIY MT Spring Bear Hunt

[mr_steve]

Hey guys, I am planning my second spot and stock bear hunt this spring in MT with a buddy. We will be hunting for 7 days in middle to late May. We went on this hunt in 2012 and had a blast although we did not punch our tags. We went the first week of May and there was still a ton of snow. We saw a sow and cub as well as a grizz but other than that it was quiet. We hunted around Hungry Horse as well as north of Kalispell near Polebridge. There were not many clear cuts around Hungry Horse and there seemed to be quite a bit of traffic. North of Kalispell was better for being able to see the mountainside. We are pretty determined this time and curious whether or not we need to go closer to the Libby and Thompson Falls. Just feels like we are picking random spots and hoping they have bear. Obviously black bear can be found around the western side of the state and I am not looking for a specific spot but looking for advice. It would be nice to find areas with fresh cuts and spots to glass. What do you guys do to find fresh cuts when you don't live near the area? Any suggestions for going about choosing a spot?

Mr Steve

 

[jryoung]

I just recruit a bunch of MT guys to take me hunting.

http://onyourownadventures.com/hunttalk/showthread.php?t=254753

 

[CabinFever]

Google earth or other satellite imagery

 

[jbm]

spring time bear hunting in mt can be very hit and miss with finding good areas with no snow so you can get back into it. then the hides on them can be some what rubbed out so most locals tend to do more bear hunting in the fall. still you can find some areas that may not have to much snow left that time you plan to get here but again you just can not bet on it ,
so you should have a few places to try just for that reason . when you find a place that has little or no snow just cover as much ground as you can glassing and glassing and glassing
good luck and with the great weather we had this week it makes it seem like it is just around the corner but i am sure we only have 4 more months of snow here in seeley

 

[MontanaWild]

1st week of may is real good timing in my opinion. Best chance at a big bear, at least where we hunt. I'd look at some sat imagery. If you can't find clear cuts to hunt then your not opening your eyes. Find good areas and then don't move. Use your glass and the bears will start to pop out of the woodwork.

 

[Gerald Martin]

If you decide to hunt Libby/Thompson Falls area I have a few spots I can point you to.

 

[Gerald Martin]

If you guys are really determined and want to work hard and are willing to do some backpack camping, the Cabinet Mountain Wilderness has a lot of good drainages.

 

[mr_steve]

If you guys are really determined and want to work hard and are willing to do some backpack camping, the Cabinet Mountain Wilderness has a lot of good drainages.

Right now we planned to bring the enclosed trailer as a base camp for the 7 day hunt. Backpack out for 3 nights then return and fuel up. Then go for another 3 nights living out of a backpack.

I would say for what we lack in experience we make up for in determination. Gerald, I watched that video of the grizz and that terrain looks awesome. Good for glassing for sure.

 

[mr_steve]

I just recruit a bunch of MT guys to take me hunting.

http://onyourownadventures.com/hunttalk/showthread.php?t=254753

Wow, that looks like quite the party. Wish we could make those dates work! Can't wait to hear about that trip. Leave some bears for us!

 

[Jesse Schultz]

Google earth or other satellite imagery

ScoutLookDeerLog is awesome. I use it to scout areas, find pinch points,water, and food plots. Before I go in the woods. It also has weather, solar and lunar details and wind direction. So I know which stand to hunt