Wasatch Mtns. West - Black Bear Tag

338FederalFan · Apr 10, 2018

New to the forum and figured I would ask for some advice concerning my hunt. I drew the spring tag for the Wasatch Mountain West unit. I have seen a few bears in that area and some promising sign. I was wondering if anyone had some info related to certain areas that might be better than others in the unit. Also, it is a spot and stalk/able to use dogs tag. Anyone know of a good outfit with dogs for bear? Thanks for the help.

Muleman1 · Apr 11, 2018

Pm me I had the tag In 2014 can put u in a good spot

DownWind · Apr 12, 2018

I've got the same tag and ran dogs a few miles yesterday... rigged and hiked a few canyons trying to cut a track. Not a whole lot moving yet... I'd expect to see more activity in the next 2 weeks. I'm after a bear in a certain area with some history vs chasing the biggest bear in the unit so there might be more activity in other areas. For the most part they're still denned up though.

338FederalFan · Apr 12, 2018

Thanks for posting guys! Every little bit helps and nice to see like minded people chiming in. That being said, do you think it is more a hunt centered around spot and stalking or hounds? Hounds speaks for itself, but tips on spot and stalking are greatly appreciated i.e. best time to locate, altitudes, types of food their eating etc.? Thanks

DownWind · Apr 13, 2018

I personally think it isn't centered around one vs the other although hounds certainly make it easier to find a bear. Spot and stalk is tough but very doable.

Once they come out they'll be eating grass to help flush their digestive tract so look for green grassy patches. They'll eat grass until the fawns start dropping in June. They'll also be moving all day once they come out so be looking around all day. The waters, sheep creek, and strawberry ridge are great places to start looking. It will be nice when the gates finally open and we have access to the entire unit.

338FederalFan · Apr 13, 2018

Thanks Downwind, I appreciate your help! I did try my hand at baiting for black bear back in 2011. However, it was in Fairbanks, AK, so the scene and method was a bit different. Way fast learning curve, as the grizzlies will over run a site very quickly. Wasn't lucky then, but hoping to get some more info on my hunt so this year is a success. I have had a few people state that Strawberry is a hit and miss. Is this due to certain locations not being good producers in the area, or something else? Also, is it better in the morning or evening to see them out and about?

littlebighorn · Apr 28, 2018

338
I'm no expert and I've never hunted the Wasatch, but here is what a guide told me about spot and stock.
Find traveling drainages, long drainages that run from low to high, then find good glassing spots. Hunting is poor early in the morning but gets better from late morning to evening. The best time for hot action is the last few weeks in May.

Best of luck and post pics if you score.

338FederalFan · Apr 30, 2018

Thanks Littlebighorn! I appreciate the comments. I also have been told by a few outfitters and people who have stated that the end of May would most likely be the best chance to get a bear. I did go out this last Friday and Saturday up Strawberry way. Not much in the way of bear sign that I could see, but it was still fun to get out and start looking around. Thanks for the good luck, and if I get one I will be sure to post pics.

codycoyote · May 1, 2018

Just go on the parkway Clark mad bears up there

338FederalFan · May 22, 2018

Been out looking all over Main Canyon up Strawberry way. There still seems to be a lot of snow still on the ridge. I'm not seeing the sign and/or bears that I thought I would see. I have been up at first morning light and waiting till dark thirty, but have yet to see anything. I mainly glass up side shoots and canyon with a lot of fresh new greens. Just wondering if anyone has a few more ideas that might help me out. I have waited 7 years for this, but feel it isn't going as planned.
Thanks