Hunting Bear in Idaho.

[Moosie]

(STILL EDITING BUT HAD TO RUN FOR A FEW>.......ANYONE ELSE THAT HAS COMMENTS can Chime in....)


I was asked a Few questions the other day and I decided to post to everyone jsut some General info. I will post s little more in a PM to who asked but here were some of the questions and my thoughts on it :

Where do I buy a barrel here? Do I get a new barrel or a old used one?

Barrels are good. It keeps all the food in one spot and can keep the birds out of it to make the bait last longer. That being said, we haven't used a barrel for a long time. When we baited in Unit 39 about Idaho City we had HUGE crow problems. Where we bail now we .....

I see lots of people hunt Bear in 39 here. How far do I have to go up Highway 21 past Idaho City to get to areas that hold bears?

I see in your posts you guys cross a river.( that looks spooky in that little boat)
Is this to get away from the road or away from hound hunters, or both?

I was looking at some spots before * splits going east to * around * creek and * ridge.

Are there even bears around here? How far off the road should I be? Do I need to look for certain areas like thick pines or do the bears live in the semi open areas too.

What kind of tree stands do you guys use?

I want to hunt with my bow but do you guys bring sidearms just in case?

 

[Jic]

My .02.

Forget the 55 gallon drum. I used to use one. I had a lid on both ends with a 18 x 24 inch hole cut into the side of the barrel. 2 small holes were cut into the back so it could lie on its side and then be chained to a tree. I got tired of lugging the thing to the site then hauling it back out and the end of the season, the whole time having the #$%$# thing bang against my knees and shins. Now I just dig a hole and it seems to work just as well. Cut a few logs and throw them over the hole. Where I have been birds have not really been a problem.

Dry dog food, cheap syrup, anise oil, cookies, table scraps all works well. My sites are normally in the trees/brush and I sit about 50 yards away with a nice cleared shooting lane. I’m rifle hunting. I think the Idaho City area is fine if you don’t want to drive very far.

I also like to spot and stalk in the spring. Best bear so far 19 9/16. Find a wide open draw with lots of green grass/sage, a creek in the bottom with thick cover, and a sunny day and you are in business.


I’m no expert but it seems to work for me.