2012 Spring bear

[Basshound]

They'll be up.
Them bears sleep with one eye open.

[Santiam338]

Originally Posted by Basshound

Bill,
You have got to stop this. Your going to cause sleepless nights well before it's time. Everyone will be to sleepy and fatigued come opener.
Now I NEED to go set up a tree stand and clear some shooting lanes in the RAIN.

Here is a biggun that got away...Didn't make the video...LOL

The boys did a little angle misjudging..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wVZa5...ceAUAAAAAAAAAA

[BrandonTries]

Originally Posted by Santiam338

Here is a biggun that got away...Didn't make the video...LOL

The boys did a little angle misjudging..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wVZa5...ceAUAAAAAAAAAA

You like that unit don't you? Something I notice about it is that it isn't very small. Some people say bears don't use big cuts. Don't believe 'em. I killed a big ol boar in a pretty large unit.

[Old Goat]

Regarding the downhill miss, been there done that. About the same range too. Cool video!

[Santiam338]

That was a typical bear stand...Nice green growth in the creek bottom for feed.....The timber is the cover and we are on a good vantage point...There is several hundred yards of timberline that is visable...It was just a matter of time...

"They always show up"..

[Basshound]

HEY!! Thats my spot! Keep 'em coming.

[Basshound]

That shot was about 300 yards but it's like straight down. Video doesn't show that aspect very well.

[oregon270wsm]

It seems the closer to April we get the worse the weather is. I think snow on the ground April 1st might push my first trip of the season back a few weeks atleast.

[Basshound]

Few years back we had snow in our area one morning and man was it fun hunting. We looked for tracks till we found good ones and started fallowing them.

[Santiam338]

Bear are out in the rain some...Nasty rain probably not,showers and a little drizzle,probably...

My buddy shot one on a day with sun,hail,wind,rain ,sun and snow...We worked into position and had to wait out a hail storm..It was so hard that you couldn't see across the canyon...When it quit the bear was still there..

Oh,if I see a sow with 2 cubs,I count'em...Thats 3..


Needed 5 more seconds on this big boar..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eA7kW...l&noredirect=1

[huntitall]

Originally Posted by Santiam338

Bear are out in the rain some...Nasty rain probably not,showers and a little drizzle,probably...

My buddy shot one on a day with sun,hail,wind,rain ,sun and snow...We worked into position and had to wait out a hail storm..It was so hard that you couldn't see across the canyon...When it quit the bear was still there..

Oh,if I see a sow with 2 cubs,I count'em...Thats 3..


Needed 5 more seconds on this big boar..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eA7kW...l&noredirect=1

Yep, I saw 7 bears (I count them all too) in the same cut one year during intermitent rain showers the first weekend of the season. They just kept on with their business when it would start to rain.

Thanks for all the videos. There getting the fire lit pretty good.

[oregon270wsm]

Those videos are definately getting me excited. I hope I atleast have 1/30th of the bears you do And hopefully it will be a shooter!

[225nontypical]

i will be chasing this little guy! in a couple weeks

[Santiam338]

That lil ol thing??

I will be watching for pics..Good luck..

[backcountryarcher]

Santiam - I watched those videos the other day, pretty awesome. Congrats on that big boy! I did not get a spring bear tag this year ( i put in for a draw tag, didn't get it), but if there is anyone that is going over towards the coast from the portland/tigard/tualatin area, or even to the east of I-5 and would like company, help scouting/spotting etc I would be more than game for going with. I'll even help field dress, and pack out. I just love getting out in the woods and seeing all the tasty critters.
PM me if you'd be interested in having me go along.

[blacktail519]

Thank you Bill (Santiam338) For all of your advice and shared knowledge, not to mention videos. It seems that through the years, if i see your moniker on a spring bear thread, i have to read it as i know i will learn something new. I owe a heck of allot to you my friend, Thank you.

[fin seeker]

Originally Posted by hilclimber

I hope to be out opening day....but may focus a little more on sheds than bears......

Seems like that worked last year...

[J.Baxter]

I cant wait to get out there. its getting close. this will be my first year spring bear hunting. just hope the weather starts shaping up. either way it will be good to get out there and at least maybe find some sheds.

[TrailBlazer]

Aim for the back....aim for the back.....


Pretty cool you guys take the cam out with ya...good stuff!!

[hilclimber]

Originally Posted by fin seeker

Seems like that worked last year...

Hahah...why so it did! This year though, when they come out in the high country, i will probably pass on all but 'mr big'.......

[Big Unit]

....8 days....










BU

[Basshound]

In just a few minutes the boy and I are going to go check out a couple early season spots for tracks. Ill report when we return. It will be a shotgun due to lack of time.

[Basshound]

We went. We saw. They are awake. 3 different sets. 2 average, 1 big.

[Basshound]

Maybe it worked better this time.

[Bigcat_hunter]

Maybe the snow will be an advantage this opener. I have a 716A tag!

[Santiam338]

Never would have figured we would be hoping for tracking snow..

[Basshound]

About 5 years ago we had a freak snow in mid april. It was one of the most memorable bear hunts.
Today we had limited time, otherwise we would have made another stop that probably have shown the same. Something about creek bottoms that the EARLY bears like.
My main reason for this jaunt, was to retrieve a trailcam that he'd been in location for a year. Im doing test right now to determine if it still works.

[backcountryarcher]

Man, I so wish I could have gotten a spring tag this year. I'm jonesin' to get my first black bear. Since no one seems to be looking for company, i might just have to go over to the coast anyhow and see if i can find a bear or two, practice my stalking skills, maybe count coup on one!

[sooslaw]

I just want to heed warning for anyone thinking about hunting the coast.... It is a major mess. The snow caused ALOT of damage and pretty much all of the spur roads are blocked in with fallen trees so plan ahead. I went out Saturday evening to film some bears (if they were out) and only made it 100' up a spur that is 3 miles long.

[backcountryarcher]

I think it just really depends on where you are. Over towards Tillamook, it's not that bad. I went there saturday to go snow-shoe-ing and was shocked at how little snow there was. The only roads with enough snow were over 2000' and even then, only the roads that were on the north sides of ridges. I was up above browns camps/university falls area.

Wished i'd seen some bears though!

Originally Posted by sooslaw

I just want to heed warning for anyone thinking about hunting the coast.... It is a major mess. The snow caused ALOT of damage and pretty much all of the spur roads are blocked in with fallen trees so plan ahead. I went out Saturday evening to film some bears (if they were out) and only made it 100' up a spur that is 3 miles long.

[Big Unit]

A three mile road blocked? PERFECT! You know you have it all by yourself then!


Hebo has 1.5-2' of snow.




143 hours to go. My wife and I will be hunting opening day together!

BU

[Bendhunter]

My wife and I went scouting this weekend and saw a lot of Elk but no bear sign yet. We were up pretty high on the snowline might be better down low.

[daiello91]

Originally Posted by Santiam338

Never would have figured we would be hoping for tracking snow..

I caught some of your non-ifish posted videos.....

Still 0-4 on "backup"??

I couldn't believe that bear just didn't know when to call it quits, or maybe he was purposefully teasing you guys . Either way funny video...especially the couple "SSSHHH, Don't say that I'm filming."

[BrandonTries]

I had a great time watching that one too.

[Santiam338]

Things look bleak for the opener,but the weather may break Sunday...I have a feeling that the bears are as weary of the weather as we all are...When it quits,I bet they will be anxious to get out and about...

Either way,baring steady rain,I will go Sunday,if for no other reason than it is opening day.. At the least I will get much needed exercise...I went shed hunting the other day and discovered I spent to much time in the driftboat this winter...LOL Need to get out!

[Kricket]

Same here at the very least I'll get some exercise and do a little shed hunting. Gotta break in the new boots as well

[huntitall]

I will be out there too if it's not pouring. Those little breaks of rain can be pretty productive if you're in the right spots.

[Turk_E_Killer]

Just 36 hours left!!!

[Basshound]

Well. I have to work.
Good luck to those that do get out. Just save 1 biggun for me. Thats all i ask. I may get out to deploy a cam this weekend. Maybe.

[sinkerhead]

Brother and I will be out there too, I think we'll still be scouting though ... Thanks for all the primer videos Santiam338 !
Good luck to all

[roosevelt]

Originally Posted by Santiam338

Never would have figured we would be hoping for tracking snow..

do you kill the majority of your bears in the same cut?? i'm just curious if when you find a good bear spot, it will always hold bears unless it changes.

i can't wait, i wasn't too excited till a couple days ago, now i'm wondering where to go, what weapon to use, etc

[scarr]

My daughters elk carcass and gut pile from last Saturday might be a good bear magnet. I wonder if is too late anyhow? Is it legal to watch it?

[sooslaw]

Roosevelt, i will see anywhere from 12-25 bear sitings this spring and they do use the same area year in and year out. The mature boars tend to use a couple cuts on the north end while the sows and cubs and some younger males will use the south end.

It is legal to sit on a carcass as long as it wasnt purposely put there with baiting intentions.

[Joe]

Originally Posted by sooslaw

I just want to heed warning for anyone thinking about hunting the coast.... It is a major mess. The snow caused ALOT of damage and pretty much all of the spur roads are blocked in with fallen trees so plan ahead. I went out Saturday evening to film some bears (if they were out) and only made it 100' up a spur that is 3 miles long.

Up this way it's horrible within about 10 miles of the beach but not as bad inland and higher up. The snow must have been drier.

I can't imagine many bears have been out the past couple days but good luck to those hunting tomorrow!

I'm not clicking on any bear down threads till the 2nd this year though.

[KingSlew]

Go bears!

[Santiam338]

I'll try and explain in a language that I am sure you know a lot about...Think of the woods like a steelhead river..Some "water" produces better than others...Some "holes" seems to always give up a "fish",while others do not...

Just like a river,the longer you spend on it the better you can "fish" it..

When you pull a fish out from behind a rock,or a bear out of a canyon, if its a good spot,seems like another always comes along..

[BrandonTries]

Originally Posted by scarr

My daughters elk carcass and gut pile from last Saturday might be a good bear magnet. I wonder if is too late anyhow? Is it legal to watch it?

"Bait for hunting game mammals means any substance placed to attract an animal by its sense of smell or taste,including, but not limited to, food items or minerals (such as salt). Applying a scent or attractant to one's body or clothing while worn is not baiting."

Did you gut that elk for the purpose of baiting a bear or did you place any portion of the gut pile in another area for said purpose?

I am doubting it is much of a draw a week or more after the fact though.

[roosevelt]

Originally Posted by sooslaw

Roosevelt, i will see anywhere from 12-25 bear sitings this spring and they do use the same area year in and year out. The mature boars tend to use a couple cuts on the north end while the sows and cubs and some younger males will use the south end.

It is legal to sit on a carcass as long as it wasnt purposely put there with baiting intentions.

thanks, that was the impression i had, but have never looked for a spring bear. i know where there is a hog and the feed is good righ now, it is where i will be starting in the morning.


santiam338, i may kinda know what you mean

[Umpquahntr]

Originally Posted by Bendhunter

My wife and I went scouting this weekend and saw a lot of Elk but no bear sign yet. We were up pretty high on the snowline might be better down low.

Welcome aboard Bendhunter!

[Coastal Pride]

Been out the past few days cutting wood and have not seen any bears. I have seen some elk and deer. The ground is saturated and have seen many mud slides in the past couple days. On a good note, a road a monster bear is living behind has slid in and is walk in or 4-wheeler in from the back side at the moment. Coos County. I have seen a herd of elk in a ranchers field everyday now. Tomorrow I will bring my gun just in case a bear comes along. My youngest son knows when spring bear season starts and he is only 5. Good luck to everyone. Hopefully the weather starts turning around.

[scarr]

Originally Posted by BrandonTries

"Bait for hunting game mammals means any substance placed to attract an animal by its sense of smell or taste,including, but not limited to, food items or minerals (such as salt). Applying a scent or attractant to one's body or clothing while worn is not baiting."

Did you gut that elk for the purpose of baiting a bear or did you place any portion of the gut pile in another area for said purpose?

I am doubting it is much of a draw a week or more after the fact though.

The carcass and guts are laying exactly where the elk fell but are in a great area for a bear to find it just by luck.good luck to you all!

[Big Unit]

Good luck, y'all!

BU

[Santiam338]

Originally Posted by Big Unit

Good luck, y'all!

BU

Good luck back,but I canceled today...The weather report went from a few showers to "Rain becoming steadier".. A look at the satellite picture shows a rather large cloud bank moving in...

I know,I'm a chicken,but steady rain and bears don't mix and I am saving the gas for better weather...

I have some reloading I can do today...

[BucksDucks-n-Bulls]

Well, I've started my annual "no shave til I fill my tag or season us over". The wife is pretty happy about that. She's really hoping I get to shave before June 1st this year. But for different reasons than I am hoping for. I'll be out next weekend, trying to get a fresh shave.

[Old Goat]

Straight razors (old school) give you the closest shave you'll ever have. Started using straight razors about the first of the year. So much better than the expensive throw away stuff. Been stropping daily and still sharp as a razor.

[fishin' is livin']

Originally Posted by Santiam338

Good luck back,but I canceled today...The weather report went from a few showers to "Rain becoming steadier".. A look at the satellite picture shows a rather large cloud bank moving in...

I know,I'm a chicken,but steady rain and bears don't mix and I am saving the gas for better weather...

I have some reloading I can do today...

Same here...but instead of reloading, I get to work YA!!

[Kricket]

You guys aren't missing much. Got up in the mountains and had about 4 inches of snow. On the lower elevations was pouring the whole time. Raining so bad sat out of the truck for 10 minutes felt like I just got out of the shower...plenty of time for good weather though.

[J.Baxter]

good to hear we arent missing much. i didnt bother going out in the rain. i will be waiting on the weather. good luck spring bear tag holders.

[Big Unit]

I just had to get out. All I saw were raindrops, snow fall, and hail at 1600'.

I did catch the sunrise though!



BU

[blacktail rattler]

Went out fri/sat and tromped around the snow (6'') in the trask, saw deer and picked up a fresh shed and decided after no sign to stay home on the opener. Will hit it this next weekend when its not as wet.