Utah Bear Hunts

I have been kind of lurking out here for a couple of years and enjoy reading the posts. I grew up in Montana, spent 26 years in the military and retired in Utah. In high school I used to buy a bear tag along with the deer and elk tags. I never came across a bear to shoot at.

In the military I spent a lot of time overseas and didn't get back into hunting until 2009. In 2013 I finally got a 3 point bull here in Utah and last year I picked up a spike and my wife got her first kill ever on a cow.

We are looking into trying out spot and stalk bear hunting and were wondering which units in central/southern UT would be best to try to apply for. I know pulling a tag with no points is a long shot but starting to get points for those areas would be good.

I also know from reading a lot of posts on here, jumping on and asking for help right out the gate is usually frowned upon, but I will ask anyway.

Thanks.

I've enjoyed the Book Cliffs for scouting and hunting for either deer or elk. I've always seen bears when out on the Books (except during the last time we were out for the rifle deer hunt). We've done spot and stalk for bears twice, first time was great but, second time was alot tougher and did not get one.

Our last bear hunt was on the San Juan however, we chased them with dogs. Thast's the plan again when I draw next. Haven't done spot and stalk on the San Juan but, there are enough bears that you should consider this until as well.

Smokepole

Thanks for the help Smokepole. We applied for Book Cliffs, La Sal and San Juan spring hunts. Doubt we will draw out since we only have 1 point but it can't hurt to try.

Hey tricxter, somebody always draws with one or two or even zero points so it doesn't hurt to try. Spot and stalk can be tough. I've only seen bears out in the open a handful of times but if you're in the right place at the right time it can happen. Spent some time up on the nebo and have seen bears through the scope a few times up there. I had a boulder tag last year and didn't spot any but talked to some guys that did. I'd say check into it and talk to the folks and find out what your best chances would be both at drawing and seeing some action. Good luck!

Thanks Springlaker. We decide to try for the units that had the most tags for the spring hunts and hopefully we can pull at least one. My wife would love to put a bear skin rug in the rec room.

Put in for the hunt that you want to, then if you don't draw, go buy a Harvest Objective tag and go hunt it.