Gates of the Mountains

psemuleys · Apr 16, 2012

Has any one spent any time in the Gates of the Mountains wilderness?

If so I'm curious for insight on what black bear populations are like, specifically around mid-may?

Zigga · Apr 16, 2012

We see bears but not sure if there is a lot. It is probably worth hunting. Gorgeous area so you can't go wrong and you probably won't see many others if you get away from the water and the roads. Good luck.

psemuleys · Apr 16, 2012

Are you seeing bears in the fall while deer and/or elk hunting or in the spring?

BuzzH · Apr 16, 2012

I've seen bears in the gates both in the Spring and Fall while fishing holter/upper holter.

I recall seeing one several years ago that was a dandy about 1500 vertical above the lake, maybe 3/4 of a mile. Wouldnt have been a big deal to get that one with a rifle at all.

I think I'd hunt it in the spring pretty early compared to a lot of other areas. Good luck.

Zigga · Apr 16, 2012

>Are you seeing bears in the
>fall while deer and/or elk
>hunting or in the spring?
>

Both but I would go NOW because they are probably hungry and eating 23 hours a day. Lots of cover and food in the fall usually so they are a little harder to find. Are you coming from out of state? Is it strictly a mid May hunt? If so, you should be fine then too.

psemuleys · Apr 16, 2012

I'm coming from Eastern MT, I will be coming over on the 10th of May for 5 days. That's the time I was able to get off from work, I just figured that everything would be buried in snow still. But not this year I guess...