Black Bear on POW April/May

[Schutzhund]

I drew a tag for spring 26' on POW.

Can anyone with firsthand experience discuss timing the hunt, April vs May? Seems like May is really popular but what about April? I'm flexible and just trying to learn as much as I can before booking a flight.

No guide, I'm doing this on my own for what that's worth. Any insight is appreciated on this thread or PM.

 

[Andouille]

Most guys I know go in early May on PWS, but this spring temperatures have been higher than usual, and bears are already coming out at lower elevations in the Chugach mountains and around Anchorage. Still quite a bit of snow on islands in PWS, but my guess is that it is melted out along beaches where bears will start to feed on seaweed and clams. You can check the Whittier webcam for an idea of snowmelt. https://www.whittieralaskachamber.org/info/whittier-webcams/

 

[Schutzhund]

Going the first 2 weeks in May. Looking forward to it.

 

[brownbear932008]

April is early and there's a very real possibility that most bears may still be in hibernation or just coming out. I've seen the same the first week of May. I'd play it safe and go first 2 or 3 weeks of May. It's all going to depend on the weather conditions. Large boars are the first to exit dens followed by other bears.

 

[Andouille]

Going the first 2 weeks in May. Looking forward to it.

Good luck! Perhaps bring a fawn distress call as the timing should be right to use it, and it might be a good backup plan if bears are not out on the beaches in plain sight. Just make sure you're aware of your surroundings when you use it in case a bear comes in hot.