TAM Report post Posted January 24, 2005 I know there's been some talk latley about bears and how long they hibernate here in Arizona. I was in unit 22 over the weekend checking on one of my favorite bear hang outs and came across 4-5 piles of fresh bear scat. It was runny and full of grass. It looks like the warm temperatures got a few of them up and moving. I'm pretty sure they'll den back up as soon as another cold front comes through, but it's nice to know they're still in the same area as last fall. I know that someone on here was talking about seeing a couple of bears just last week. Is anyone else seeing any signs of bear activity? I'll probably go back up in a couple of weeks to get my trail cameras up since I've got an archery spring bear tag that opens in March. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
azhuntnut Report post Posted January 24, 2005 I know there's been some talk latley about bears and how long they hibernate here in Arizona. I was in unit 22 over the weekend checking on one of my favorite bear hang outs and came across 4-5 piles of fresh bear scat. It was runny and full of grass. It looks like the warm temperatures got a few of them up and moving. I'm pretty sure they'll den back up as soon as another cold front comes through, but it's nice to know they're still in the same area as last fall. I know that someone on here was talking about seeing a couple of bears just last week. Is anyone else seeing any signs of bear activity? I'll probably go back up in a couple of weeks to get my trail cameras up since I've got an archery spring bear tag that opens in March. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I also drew a tag, but it is rifle in unit 31. I haven't been scouting yet, but I hope they are out already. I hunted this area two years ago and was unsuccesful. If anybody wouldn't mind passing along some advice on where to possibly start looking in unit 31, please let me know. I have limited time to get down there and scout. It would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, David. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bowsniper Report post Posted January 24, 2005 I found fresh scat yesterday in 24A. Bowsniper Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BRYCE CANYON Report post Posted January 24, 2005 I have a tag in Unit 27 but have not seen any recent activity. Azhuntnut-I have had good luck hunting for Unit 31 bears on the south side of Mt. Graham up behind Bonita. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ultramag Report post Posted January 24, 2005 no bear tag for me but, I have seen 2 bears in 2 trips though.wish i would have put in Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
azhuntnut Report post Posted January 26, 2005 I have a tag in Unit 27 but have not seen any recent activity. Azhuntnut-I have had good luck hunting for Unit 31 bears on the south side of Mt. Graham up behind Bonita. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I spoke with the g&f officer tonight and he told me that the area behind the prison is closed now. Apparently it is private property and somebody(people who don't care about loosing hunting areas) kept leaving the gates open. Game and Fish is trying to work something out right now, but I doubt it will be open by the time my hunt comes around. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bullwidgeon Report post Posted January 26, 2005 Does anyone actually ever kill a bear on a Spring hunt? I looked at the draw odd/harvest data book and Spring sucess is like less than 5% for almost every unit. I put in anyways but never get drawn. Probably a good thing, I have a hard enough time killing bear when they are out feeding like crazy and acting like fools in the fall. Bret M. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ScottAdams Report post Posted January 26, 2005 I drew a 31 Spring hunt several years ago and actually called in what was without a doubt the most beautiful cinnamon red bear I've ever seen, looked like a huge ball a fur. I was using a Johnny Stewart fawn distress tape and shot him from across the canyon. Unfortunately my shot wasn't quite on the mark and I wounded and lost that beautiful bear. Spring hunting can be tough and I personally don't put in for those hunts. The area I shot that bear in 31 was in Deadman's Canyon. I do have a friend that knows where a bear is denned up in unit 27. I don't know if that will do any good or not. I suppose if the bear's not out yet one could prod him with a long sharp stick and run like the devil whilst his partner waylays him from ambush Scott Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BRYCE CANYON Report post Posted January 26, 2005 Scott, tell me where the bear is at and I will let you take pictures while I prod him! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TREESTANDMAN Report post Posted January 26, 2005 I know of a yearround used bear den in unit 1. I've always been tempted to go check it out in january but never have. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ScottAdams Report post Posted January 26, 2005 Let me know if you would like to go check out the den and we can set something up. Scott Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TAM Report post Posted January 26, 2005 I'd like to get some video of that! Bear pokin sounds a lot like cow tippin except if you're not very fast you only get to do it once. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
az4life Report post Posted January 27, 2005 If this really happens, a video would be sooooo cool! It Might make the argument about who didn't do what and when easier too if the Bear ends up with a piece of someone! America's Funniest Videos, here we come! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
couesdog Report post Posted January 28, 2005 There was a huge boar hit by a car west of Flagstaff in mid-January. I saw the bear in the back of a game and fish truck. It was dark brown, almost black. I think it was hit near Parks. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
