My spring bear hunt

[azhuntnut]

I managed to draw a spring bear hunt this year in unit 31. I hunted this unit two years ago without finding a bear. This did not discourage me much since it was my first time. This time I tried to prepare the best I could by talking to different people who have hunted the area before. Thanks to all the members that gave me there input on where to hunt in this unit. I actually started hiking every other day with my pack on about two months out from opening day. This really helped get me in great shape for walking in the mountains surrounding Mount Graham. I started scouting a little early hoping maybe some bears might be out looking around, but found little sign. I was out opening weekend hiking into different canyons, glassing every finger I could. I hunted almost every weekend after opening day weekend. I did manage to see deer everyday I was in the field, along with my first Kudi Mundi.(spelling?) I didn't see any bears or hear of any being seen until last weekend. A nice fella in Safford named Danny Carascos told me he had seen one, but couldn't get a shot at it. He told me where I could find, but it was quite a walk. He had come in on horses, but I was up to the challenge. Last Sunday I went in after this big bear (350-400Pds) hoping to find him in the same area. It took me almost two and a half hours to get to the canyon, but the bear didn't show himself. I did manage to see some nice coues in several different bowls. So this weekend I was back at it again. I started out a little earlier and with a faster pace hoping to catch him out feeding, but once again he was a ghost. I spent the entire day walking down into canyons checking for sign or caves. I made it back to the truck at 7pm with no bear. I figured that I have spent fifteen days in the field and walked more than 35 miles. I logged about 3200 miles on my truck and owe my wife a barrel of honey do's for sure. Sometimes I wish it was called shooting, not hunting. I honestly think that G&F have this hunt just to make money. I don't think this hunt has ever been closed early. It starts to become frustrating when you spend so much time on a hunt without even seeing the animal you are hunting. Looks like I will be at it again in the fall. Sorry so long and no pictures. David.

[COUESAZ]

That is bear hunting all the way. You will bring it together soon enough. It takes time to learn that critter. They are not just a big black moving target. Maybe you could spend some phone time with bullwidgeon (I do not know if I spelled that right or not). I have not spent enough time on that mountain to help you. I do not know that he has either, But when you read his posts you better listen I think him and his dad have learned how to hunt bears.

[hunterdude]

Hey, the main thing is that you had fun, and learned some more country. Yea it sucks mud that you didn't even see one, went through that last year in #29. I wasn't hunting but a good freind of mine that is just getting into it had a tag. He has been hunting for going on to three years and is getting frustrated with it. I just keep telling him to be patient and he will have his day in the field. He gets good oppertunities but can't make the connection.

[az4life]

Tough to take after all the effort you put into the hunt. When I come back empty handed after preparing the way you did, I have afriend who says, "that is why they call it HUNTING, and not KILLING" Take pleasure in the many things you enjoyed and would not have seen if you were not in the field.

 

Lots of Good Coues, Coati's, Scenery, and heck, you are probably in better shape than you have been in for a long time if you are like me.

Finally, if there is a Honey do list at home, at least you know you are needed!

[bullwidgeon]

Killing a bear in the Spring is about equivalent to killing a unicorn. The hunts never close out and have the lowest success rate of almost any hunt in the state. You need lots of luck. I don't know much about 31 but in 27 during April I always find them hitting springs and grazing in grassy patches on South facing slopes. As a side note, I was looking for sheds in 24b Friday and the bears are definately out. I found lots of fresh scat with grass in it and tracks. Unfortunately they were in big oak and manzanita patches that I would deem unglassable. If you can get on fresh sign in a thick spot, try predator calling. Some bears fall for the call all year. Basically I would say wait until the fall hunts if you are serious about killing a bear. They are much easier to find when they are in the late summer/fall feeding frenzy.

 

Bret M.

[azhuntnut]

Thanks guys for all the comments. I did get to see alot of great scenery. I also managed to lose 25lbs in the last three months, so it did start getting me ready for elk hunting in the fall. I tried calling with about every call known to man. I am not able to go back for the last weekend due to other plans, so I will have to chase him again next year.