Utah Bear!!

shootem · Feb 9, 2019

I have 16 bear points and find myself in somewhat of a predicament. I want to use these points wisely, however, this is where it gets challenging. I cannot afford $4-5K for an outfitter to run dogs. I realize there is a ton of energy and training when houndsmen train their dogs but that kind of money is out of my budget. A buddy of mine knows a guy with hounds. He asked this guy if he would run his dogs if I paid for all gas, food, and gave the houndsman $2K. The houndsman politely said no. It wasn't worth his time for that.

Is there anyone out there that could reccomend a houndsman with dogs in the $2K price range or is it just wishful thinking?

Bocephus · Feb 9, 2019

If you pay me 2k and pay all my gas. I'll put you in a tree over a pile of bait with a real good chance of multiple bear encounters. Only stipulation would be you have to shoot him with an arrow! In all seriousness I've ran them with dogs, spot and stalked and by far the most rewarding and thrilling is bating one in and putting an arrow through one. Save some money and do it on your own if possible. Just my 2 cents.

WhiskeyDog · Feb 10, 2019

I'd have to disagree on the most rewarding. I've seen over 140 bears killed over bait. I've also had hounds my entire life. It's far more rewarding to me, to hunt with hounds.

If you compensate someone more than $100, make sure they are a licensed guide and permitted for the area.

Bocephus · Feb 10, 2019

Watching your OWN hounds work is a different story than just chasing them and watching the dots move on a GPS, then walking up and shooting them out of a tree. I think we both agree, putting in the work on your own if its packing bait or training your dogs is much more rewarding than just showing up to shoot one. My opinion doesn't mean much as it's up to the tag holder.

shootem · Feb 10, 2019

Bocephus, I agree that baiting and a DIY is without doubt more rewarding, however, it may not be feasible for me as my time is limited. It takes a lot of time to efficiently set up a bait location, knowledge of bear behavior in knowing where to even set a bait station, and a lot of effort in keeping the bears interested by keeping the station full of bait. This requires a person to literally make trips to the bait station on a weekly basis, which requires a lot of money spent on gas, bait, tree stands etc. I get what you're saying and understand. I have thought about baiting on my own and would enjoy the challenge that a hunt like that would offer, I do want to be successful and lack the confidence in a DIY bear hunt. I want to bring home a bear after waiting 16 years to hunt though.

Bocephus · Feb 10, 2019

I hear ya and wish you luck! With that many points you have lots of unit options. Bear hunting gets in your blood! Have fun.

Gator · Feb 11, 2019

Shootem
What do you have as far as a trade goes. Painter,drywall plumber,concrete because you might have more to offer then a $2K cash a guy might some work done too.
It worth a try . Good Luck

"I have found if you go the extra mile it's Never crowded".
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Robiland · Feb 12, 2019

I went into last year with 12 points and drew a tag in an area close to home. I had several guys that were going to help that were bear guys, that knew their stuff. That had spots for me to bait and 400 pound bears. I WAS EXCITED. Then came the time to hunt and the baiting season was about to start and I was all alone, except my son Fisher. He was so excited and I was so nervous. I had never done anything like this before. We went in blind, started BLIND and had a blast setting up bait sites, getting baits ready, hauling in bait, checking cameras, talking to my other friend who ended up helping a ton.

Did I know what I was doing? HELL NO.
Did I have Fun? You bet.

It seems daunting and huge, but it really isnt. I shot my bear, a smaller blonde bear with my son by my side in my 2 man tree stand and I am not sure who enjoyed it more, me or my son. You can do it. You will be suprised at how cheap and easy baiting is. Both my sights were about 3-400 yards off the 4 wheeler trails. easy flat hike. Now, I cant wait to do it again. And yes, I learned alot of what bears like and dont like. All of the baiting was done at evening after work or on weekends. I do have a friend with 18 points and he is going to do it this spring. I am excited to help him.

elkantlers · Feb 12, 2019

x2 Bait.
If you don't have your own dogs all you are is a trigger puller. We are 3 for 3 on bears over bait. It is very rewarding to do the work yourself.

Chacoblue777 · Feb 14, 2019

I think it will be difficult to find a licensed, legal guided hunt with hounds for $2000. Lots of time, money, and effort go into those hounds.

I agree with others that your best bet is set up a couple bait stations and enjoy your long awaited hunt. It takes some work and effort to bait in a bear, but very doable, and makes the hunt more fun. Not hard to find places to bring in a good bear in Utah. Hope you draw your tag and have a great hunt!

deadibob · Feb 22, 2019

Spot and Stalk bear hunting really isn't that difficult once you understand bear patterns. It is also a lot more fun and cheaper than hunting with hounds.