Best time to hunt in spring

[Bambistew]

So I'm pretty much a novice when it comes to bear hunting. I think I'm going to fly home to MT for a quick hunt this spring. What in your opinion would be the the best time to hunt bears in MT? Early, late, mid season? I'm probalby only going for a 2-3 day hunt so I need to sway the odds best I can. It will be SW montana if it makes a diffrence.

I haven't shot a bear in years, but used to see plenty of them in the spring when I was horn hunting. Seems like I remember seeing the majority of them around the end of April or the first couple weeks of May. So I guess that would be mid season or so.

Any tips, tricks, etc when it comes to hunting them?

 

[Ithaca 37]

Peak of the bear mating season in Idaho is May 9. That's when the big males are moving around the most and are most visible.

 

[MarvB]

Bambi- You're from there so this is likely obvious to you but be sure to remember to get your tag before April 14th- any bought after that can only be used for the Fall hunts....also your bbear/griz test!

We used to have (more NW Mont.) our best luck just below the snow line in the spring. Any meadows, cut blocks, or old fireroads/breaks that were greening up attracted them- also it seemed like they wanted to hang right near the melt line for as long as possible, could be that it was cooler since they were still sporting the winter coats. They definately go on a feeding binge once their systems are "reactivated" you'll find stumps/logs getting hammered in a good bear area.

Best of luck and we want pics!! hump

 

[Bambistew]

Thanks guys.

After talking with a local bear fanatic, I've pined it down to the 10-15th of May. I booked the plane tickets a couple hours ago, filled out my bear Application and will mail it tomorrow. Can't wait, its been 4 years since I was in MT in the spring.

Now I have to figure out what rifle to take. Hope to slay one the first day so I can rip some trout lips while I'm at it. Going to be a full fledged hunting/fishing binge trip.

 

[ashersdad]

We have always had the best luck from mid to late May so you should do great. Find a good hillside that is greening up and glass for awhile and you should see bears if you're in a good area. We also seem to have the best luck later in the day. Good luck. Sounds like a fun hunt.

 

[Frequently Banned Troll]

It really depends on the places you intend to hunt. Some places in MT are always good really early, mid to late April. Some don't get going until June.

 

[Bambistew]

Anything in particular as far I should look for as far as locating bears?

Springs, streams etc? Green grass? Should I spend a good amount of time glassing or spend more time looking for sign?

 

[Ithaca 37]

Find the south facing slopes and watch where the green growth is, especially wild onions. Just sit and glass from 3pm 'til dark, especially the last hour. (Moving around to different spots if you want) Watch grassy areas as far as you can see with binocs and spotting scope. Go back and get the bears the next day after you figure out where they're grazing. Watch the wind, they have great noses and can scent you a half mile away easy. If you go after a far away bear in the last couple hours before dark plan on spending the nite out.