Any use in getting a 2nd rifle bear tag 66/67?

[brushcreek]

planning to apply for deer and elk for 67 2nd rifle, i have a bear preference point so could probably draw a tag that's good for 66/67. Harvest stats are abysmal and i'm thinking with the late dates this year the bears will be denned up by 2nd rifle?

 

[txhunter58]

It’s marginal to get one for first rifle. I would save your money

 

[steinernm]

I agree with txhunter. Resident or non?

 

[brushcreek]

Non resident

 

[steinernm]

I wouldn’t get one

 

[hayden3006]

How many deer points do you have for second season?

 

[brushcreek]

How many deer points do you have for second season?

6 which may not be enough so we are applying for elk too. I have a cousin who lives in Powderhorn and we are getting a group / family trip up to come out and hunt / stay with him.

 

[nripepi]

6 which may not be enough so we are applying for elk too. I have a cousin who lives in Powderhorn and we are getting a group / family trip up to come out and hunt / stay with him.

That is different then. I would try and get all three and return some if you get the deer tag. It is $100 for bear and they could definitely still be out depending on the temperature.

 

[brushcreek]

That is different then. I would try and get all three and return some if you get the deer tag. It is $100 for bear and they could definitely still be out depending on the temperature.

what is different? local knowledge?

 

[nripepi]

If he had a deer tag, I would recommend not getting any other tag, elk or bear, just focus on finding a nice buck because he is using points and shootinga bear or elk you would lose a day. Since he is very unlikely to get the deer tag adding on a $100 bear tag is not a bad idea as the bears and elk habitat may overlap a bit more.

 

[brushcreek]

If he had a deer tag, I would recommend not getting any other tag, elk or bear, just focus on finding a nice buck because he is using points and shootinga bear or elk you would lose a day. Since he is very unlikely to get the deer tag adding on a $100 bear tag is not a bad idea as the bears and elk habitat may overlap a bit more.

How many deer points do you think it will take this year? 8?

 

[hayden3006]

I applied with 10NR. I am thinking i will be short. Hopefully not though

 

[nripepi]

How many deer points do you think it will take this year? 8?

No idea, but you might want to consider looking north with your points.

 

[brushcreek]

I applied with 10NR. I am thinking i will be short. Hopefully not though

I don't see the points required more than tripling but I guess anything is possible.

 

[jims]

If it's snow and cold there is a pretty good chance bears will be asleep! You may luck into one so it may be worth a tag?

 

[340Wby]

planning to apply for deer and elk for 67 2nd rifle, i have a bear preference point so could probably draw a tag that's good for 66/67. Harvest stats are abysmal and i'm thinking with the late dates this year the bears will be denned up by 2nd rifle?

Two years ago had a late season Arizona Coues tag and hunted the last five days of the year. Purchased a lion tag but like you thought the bears would be denned up as well so didn't spend the $150.

Lo and behold second day of the hunt saw three lion's (mama and two kittens) at less than 200 yards; if only it had been a tom. On the fourth day of the hunt saw a whopper bear at 400 yards and could only watch as I directed others to it.......turned out to have a 19" skull not book but close.

Have done the same thing in Utah before. Seen a nice bear well within range but didn't have a HO tag. I now always have a HO tag in my pocket and unless the bear and lion tag is outlandish I do the same in each state that I hunt. Not trying to sway you either way just giving you something to think about.

 

[Padfoot]

Didn’t see much bear sign last year and I personally wouldn’t get a bear tag if I were hunting in those units.