Black Bear on POW

[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.

 

[RiskyWhiskey]

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

Let us know how you did

 

[glass eye]

I did early May and there were plenty of bears to be seen on beaches but you better act quickly because they always seemed to retreat back into the forest after only a short time on the beach. Or maybe I always spotted them at the end of their beachcombing.

 

[Schutzhund]

Can't wait for next May! Talk about a bruiser.

 

[Packout1]

Are you going to fly in or drive the road system?

 

[Schutzhund]

Probably drive and also rent a small skiff for several days.

 

[bpeay4]

How did your hunt go? (assuming you already went)

 

[David Gough]

How did your hunt go? (assuming you already went)

I'd also like to know

 

[Schutzhund]

I was there the first 2 weeks in May. The bears were slow to show up according to our observations and talking to locals. They had a hard late winter in March and into April. I ended up stalking about several really nice bears, but the wind wouldn't cooperate and they moved into the timber. The big boars really like small coves where the wind swirls in their favor no matter how much you think you are playing the wind yourself. They don't get that big for no reason!

Hunted off a skiff, low tides seemed to bring the bears out rolling rocks for crabs and eating salt grass. It was really a sight to behold and a really addictive way to Hunt.

Temperatures were mid 40s and 50s during the day, it would be beautiful sunlight then rain 20 minutes later.

I shot a decent Boar on the beach my last night hunting there, pouring down rain!!

Made it to the sealer the next day just in time to freeze my hide and skull for the trip home. I left most of the meat as a thank you with my buddy who lives there and showed us around. He was happy to have it.

I would love to go back and donit again. The DIY trip was a success. Feel free to pm any questions and I will answer them. It is a special place for sure.