ISO: First time spring bear hunter advice

[Ought Six]

Always been a spring Turkey hunter, never gotten serious about the spring bear, but might give it a shot this year. Looking for general advice is all. Montana resident.

 

[Flatbrimmer]

I see a ton of folks filming and even shooting them on south facing slopes, the bear sticking out like a dollar bill. But I would suggest sitting on the south side and face the timbered north slopes, with clear visibility of the marshy valley floor. The higher on the mountain you can be and still see the bottoms below, and through the trees- the better.
Mornings and evenings.
Predator call before the end of your sit and keep your wits about you for a solid 20-30 minutes before you leave. Keep in mind if you’re warm—they’re baking hot and feeling lazy.. idk much else to advise.. good luck!!!

 

[2rocky]

Bears are always smaller dead than they look alive. A good bear looks HUGE, a huge bear looks Ginormous. If you aren't sure if he's big, he likely is not...

 

[Sask hunter]

Mature boars will have a big squared off muzzle. A big bear the head and neck will look like one almost

 

[2rocky]

Five Thoughts on Judging Black Bears

Shooting young bears isn’t just a “trophy” mishap, but it’s a conservation mishap. Targeting mature animals is best from a management standpoint as well. And even better, targeting older mature males is the name of the game, and if you can select the right one for harvest, everybody wins...

www.bear-hunting.com

 

[Sask hunter]

I shot this bear the following year. 19 10/16 and ended up being seven. Big boars will have noticeably big paws and forearms

 

[Ought Six]

Is it worth hunting the opener or wait until later in the season with the weather we’ve been having?

 

[ccc23454]

Is it worth hunting the opener or wait until later in the season with the weather we’ve been having?

Later, weather matters and its just bear hunting keep it fun

 

[220yotekiller]

friends don't let friends skip leg day.

 

[Dan O]

Is it worth hunting the opener or wait until later in the season with the weather we’ve been having?

There are snotel sites all over the state, Check the ones that are in the area you plan to hunt. They will give you snow depth and temps that will give an idea what to expect. An example the snotel "North Fork of Jocko" had 114 inches last week and has settled to about 98 inches today. More snow is forecast so spring will be a while before the snow is gone.

 

[Flatbrimmer]

Is it worth hunting the opener or wait until later in the season with the weather we’ve been having?

Wait