By Jake Horton

With spring just around the corner, it is easy to get excited about the upcoming hikes, hunts, and outdoor activities that are looming in the near future. One of these hunts that excites me every year is our spring bear hunt in the mountains of the western United States. Western states like Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Oregon, Washington, Utah, Arizona, and Alaska all currently have a spring bear season. Some of these states offer an over-the-counter tag, while others are drawn tags that can be pulled nearly every year. The prevalence of tags and abundance of bears make these hunts a blast for hunters of every age; however, there is one thing that can make a hunt miserable, and that is a hunter's physical shape or lack thereof. In this article, we will go over what to expect, why your physical fitness is essential, and some tips for hunters embarking on their first western bear hunt.

What to Expect

When it comes to the expectations of a first time western bear hunter, or a person visiting the West for the first time, I will always say that it is bigger than it looks on the computer or in photos. I live in the Rocky Mountains[1]  and still time and time again, I underestimate the size of a valley, the steepness of a slope, or the length of the trail, and I overestimate my abilities to make it there before daylight or to navigate a trail system that has been closed for the winter. When it comes to expectations, it is essential to put everything into real perspective when scouting. A good way to do this is to use a measuring tool when looking at valleys, basins, or trails. Most mapping software have a 3D feature that allows you to tilt and look at the aerial topography from an angle, but nothing will help you more than a topographical map. Climbing a mountain with 1,000-2,000 feet of elevation gain is okay, but beyond that the average hunter will most likely struggle. As far as distance goes, a typical bear hunter would be expected to hike 2-3 miles deep on a trail or 1-2 miles in deep bushwhacking without an issue. If this doesn’t sound like something you are interested in doing, then bear hunting in the western states may not be for you. However if it does interest you, there are some steps you can do to get in physical shape.

Fitness is Key to Success

When it comes to your physical fitness, there is never a more important time to concentrate on this than when you are planning on hunting for a species in the mountains of the western U.S. These mountains are rugged and ruthless, and bears live in some of the most untouched areas there. This doesn’t mean you need to be a top wilderness athlete, but it does mean that you should concentrate on growing your strength and endurance so the hunt is more enjoyable and reduces your chances of injury. To get in shape, I do not think it is necessary to be in the gym every day; however, I do think that pushing your body a few times a week is a minimum. This is especially important when most hunters are coming off a winter season where slippers are worn more than running sneakers. 

 

Combining Expectations and Your Readiness

It is important and potentially lifesaving to be honest with yourself when approaching a hunt. The western mountains are remote and dangerous, and a hunter pushing too hard or going into a place alone always has a chance of not making it back to the truck. If you are honest with yourself, you can plan your hunt based on your actual ability and skills and find success. As mentioned, most bears enjoy the seclusion of being multiple miles from a trailhead or road, but some bears do not care. I have seen bears less than a half mile from the trailhead or closer. When planning your hunt based on your ability, concentrate on areas with south-facing meadows. These will be the first ones to green up and the first destination for hungry spring bears. Combine this with areas harder to reach, not necessarily from the trail, and you will have increased success in the mountains. 

Tips for Success

Once you understand what to expect and are planning according to your ability, it is time to go hunting. My main tip is to find the habitat that they want to be in and identify glassing points that can see that habitat. These are the two hardest things to determine when you have never been to an area. The way you find the habitat is by concentrating on southern-facing, open slopes one mile or more from the nearest road and trailhead. The way that I find glassing points is by using a mapping software like GoHunt Maps or Google Earth to rotate into a 3D view and try to envision what you would see. Turning on the topographical layers will help you see what side of the ridge you are on and mark out some good glassing points. If you can do these things, you will be bear hunting before you know it.

Spring bear hunting is one of my favorite hunts of the year since the winters are long and my mind and body longs to be in the mountains. It is essential to know what to expect before your hunt and make sure you are prepared for the terrain and bear habitat you will be hunting. Fitness is key to not only enjoying your hunt but also reducing the likelihood of injury. Combine appropriate expectations, fitness, and bear habitat, and you may just come home with a filled tag, a full cooler, and a beautiful experience the next time you chase bears in the West.