Finding bear in California in the Sierras this November/December?

[DoveEater]

Any tips on how I can find a bear before the year ends in the Sierras in Cali this year?

I know I should be looking in 3-6k feet of elevation where there are hopefully still some acorns, anything else would be appreciated.

 

[jryoung]

In general the high end of the acorns is a good spot to look. Wait for a dusting of snow and cover ground to look for tracks. Don't stay in a spot if it "looks good" but has no fresh sign.

 

[DoveEater]

In general the high end of the acorns is a good spot to look. Wait for a dusting of snow and cover ground to look for tracks. Don't stay in a spot if it "looks good" but has no fresh sign.

Thanks

 

[sierrahunter]

It starts to get tough this time of year, but many hunters start focusing on bears when deer season ends. At this point, the berries are gone and the food sources are more scattered.

You already know that acorns are a good place to focus your efforts, and you would do better to concentrate on the higher elevation oaks, where they start to transition to conifers (4,000’ or so).

Keep hiking until you find fresh scat. Once you’ve accomplished that, sneak into the oak grove before daylight and listen. They can be noisy eaters.

Best of luck!

 

[Moserkr]

Acorns are the obvious big food source. Highly recommend also looking for manzanita patches that are heavy with fruit - larger patch and fruit the better. Otherwise you have the right idea. They will move around a lot looking for food but stay near it once found. Tracking in snow is a blast. Predator calls have been worthless for me at least. I wouldnt be looking above 5,000' in the western sierras unless theres a big food source. Right now its all about food. Maybe Ill see you out there.