March bears

[Thegrayghost]

Has anyone hunted the march-may season for bears? Are they even out of hibernation and if so what is a good method to hunt them during that time of year??

[kidso]

I've done that for 3 or 4 years now and always call. However, I Have yet to hook up on a March bear. They do start coming out in some areas, as shed hunters will report fresh tracks they come across. They usually feed on grass and don't move around too much. I buy that OTC spring bear tag as an insurance policy, just in case I run into one while scouting out areas for the spring archery only bear hunt that follows that early open season.

[sniper]

I am going to get out to 23n and 22 for the OTC hunt this year. Never tried spring bear. I hear they don't move around as much so they are a little harder to find. I will probably do some calling and be out scouting and shed hunting all at the same time. Looking forward to getting out.

[MULEPACKHUNTER]

Me and my buddy did 2 spring hunts last year and found tracks but no luck on dropping one. We called in unit 22 and 27.

We are heading up to 23N for this year so we will see. Taking the mules up shed hunting but bringing the calls and tags for bear.

[rancilio]

So far no 2013 bear sightings that I have heard of in the Huachucas, although a friend saw a fresh scat pile last week.

[Matt Meyer]

I've been scouting in the Four Peaks area with no sign yet

 

Will keep this post advised

[roninflag]

there are stats on azgfd, not many are shot in spring. mostly down south i believe.

[lcyardball]

With this heat, I have to think the bears are going to start moving around shortly. Hopefully activity picks up in a week since season opens on Friday. I am heading out to Unit 31, we will see.

[azhuntnut]

I have had the unit 31 tag in the spring 2 times in a row. I spent a combined 30 days on both hunts and never found any fresh sign or saw a bear. I did some major hiking within the unit on both sides of the Pinalena Mountains. There are lots of old mine shafts behind Fort Grant, but it is a long hike back in there. Plus it is so thick back there that it makes it hard to glass. I don't think you are allowed to drive in there anymore. David

[lcyardball]

Azhuntnut/David, I think I read your posts about that hunt, it was several years ago right? Not what I wanted to hear but I know the reality here, we are going to be lucky to see a bear. I am glassing a huge canyon at the transition line so hopefully one will come into site.

 

Do you still hunt 31 or have you moved on?

[azhuntnut]

I haven't been back in there since those hunts. I do know there are bears in there since I found old sign. I just think that game and fish end the season to early before the bears really start moving. If you look at the stats, not many bears have been taken during that time. It is a good money maker for them though. I would try to work the south side of the ranges when you are glassing, and hike some of the trails up into the drainages where the faces have some grass. David

[cactusjack]

David, were you using good glass on those hunts (Swarovski, Leica, Vortex) or crappy stuff? (Bushnell, Nikon,Braska)

[azhuntnut]

Steve, All I know is that I wasn't using the same type you were (swaro) on the first morning of our Texas hunt. You know how that turned out. Lol. David

[buckmaster21]

Kidso you ever have luck on the archery bear hunt? I have an archery 22 tag first year trying. Look like I'm going to be spending some time on that hunt doesn't look like I got a elk or goat tag

[coues.300]

has anyone ever hunting 27 for spring bears?