Spring Bear VS Summer Bear VS Fall Bear

Bonehead13 · Feb 6, 2019

Hey guys im new to bear hunting and I've got enough points to start drawing out for a few different hunts. My question is what do you guys prefer as far as different dates go? Is it more based on your hunting preference (baiting, hounds, etc...) or does their size and coat change enough to make them more appealing during one or the other? Is their coat better looking during one or the other. Thanks for any input. I appreciate it.

arns · Feb 6, 2019

If you know someone with dogs and have the points the fall hunt is the best.They have put on weight all summer and there coats are in the great shape.The spring has a lot more tags and there coats are usually in pretty good shape in April and the first part of May.I have not baited before, but I have seen trail cam picture of bears in the summer and haven't seen to many that was rubbed.

WhiskeyDog · Feb 7, 2019

Are you looking to go DIY or guided? What method of hunting would you prefer? Hunting with dogs would be the best opportunity, but baiting can also be pretty effective. The season quality and bear quality depend on the unit. Some units are real slow during the spring due to bears still being in hibernation most of the season. While other units the spring hunt is the best. If you are choosing DIY, your location and prior unit knowledge also is a big factor.

Bonehead13 · Feb 7, 2019

Thanks for the replies guys. I'm basically wondering if they look better during spring, summer or fall? If I do a baited season I will go DIY with a few pointers from friends with experience as I would love to try it with my bow but if it's a season I can run dogs I will obviously need to hire a houndsman. I have considered spot and stock a few years ago when I could draw it and just go give it hell but now that i have a few more points I don't want to risk it as much.

arns · Feb 7, 2019

Don?t waste your time on a spot and stock .They only kill about 5%.You never did say how many points you have,the best units take around 14 to 16 points for the fall and around 8 to 10 points for the spring.And that's for residents, and I'm not sure on summer tags.

Bonehead13 · Feb 7, 2019

I have 9 points so I'm not at the top but have enough to draw a decent tag. I just have never bear hunted before so I know very little about the different units as far as bears go and if it's worth waiting four to five more years to hunt bigger Bears I assume? I am the type of hunter that just loves to be out hunting. I don't need the top tier units to have a good time. I'm content with good solid animals that are not b and c. So like I said earlier I guess I was wondering if they looked better a certain time of year? It sounds like they are fairly close to the same all seasons?

Bocephus · Feb 8, 2019

Spring or Fall bears will have the best hides. Early in the summer hunt you would be ok, like the first week. Beyond that they start to rub as it heats up in June. Stupid they dont let you bait the spring hunt anymore in most units.

Bonehead13 · Feb 8, 2019

Bocefus thank you that's exactly what I was wondering. They used to have
the bait hunts earlier right? That was my original plan but I'm undecided now. Thank you for your inputs now I have a decision to make. Dang February and all it's draw decisions. ??

WhiskeyDog · Feb 8, 2019

Here is my Book Cliffs spring bear and my Book Cliffs fall bear for comparison. Not much difference in hair quality, both were in great shape. Both were hound hunts.

Spring

Fall

Cody Webster
GT Outfitters
www.huntwithgtoutfitters.com

Bonehead13 · Feb 8, 2019

Those are both great bears. That spring bear is beautiful. I love the color on it. Do you run your own hounds? Thank you for the comparison. Your right the coats are both awesome.

WhiskeyDog · Feb 8, 2019

LAST EDITED ON Feb-09-19 AT 05:13AM (MST)[p]Yes I do run my own hounds. You can find more bear pictures from the Book Cliffs on our website. There is also links to YouTube videos and social media there. It should give you a bit more of an idea about hound hunting bears, primarily in the Book Cliffs. www.huntwithgtoutfitters.com

Cody Webster
GT Outfitters