Black Bear Hunting in Western Washington

[wahunternate]

Hey guys this will be my first time bear hunting in western washington. I have never hunted bear before so I decided to start here. Here are a few of my questions I have for you.
1. We are not allowed to bait here in Wa, so whats the best way to find a bear?
2. Do they walk around all day or just in the early morning and dusk?
3. Does anybody know any good GMU's I could check out?

I think ill just start with that but if you have more info for me I could use it. Thanks
Nate

[Canadian Black Bears]

I have been hunting bears for over 8 years over bait sites. I really don't want to discourage you, but, in my 30 years of hunting deer I have never seen a black bear in the woods. Bears have a very hot nose, much better than a deer, and are very timid animals and the only way I can imagine getting one without baiting would be to run some dogs which we are not allowed to do here in Nova Scotia, Canada. Not sure how you made out on your hunt but I would be interested to know how you hunted them and see some pics of what you shot. I just joined the forum to-day and saw a bear hunting thread which is the reason I am so late replying to your topic.

Cheers and safe hunting

Rob

[chris lavoie]

We harvest many bears without baits all through the bear season. Spot and stalking the blueberry patches is VERY successfull. I hunt over bait and I see bears while hunting deer or moose constantly. But the most exiting way to bear hunt is in the clearcut full of berries. I know Washington has thousand of acres of clearcuts full of berries.

[Canadian Black Bears]

We harvest many bears without baits all through the bear season. Spot and stalking the blueberry patches is VERY successfull. I hunt over bait and I see bears while hunting deer or moose constantly. But the most exiting way to bear hunt is in the clearcut full of berries. I know Washington has thousand of acres of clearcuts full of berries.

Wow, never knew that. My camp borders on 75 acres of blueberries and I have never seen a bear in the 6 years I have owned it; however, saying that, I just assumed there would not be any out during the day. I definitely will be looking from now on. Thanks for the heads up. If you are seeing bear constantly while hunting deer or moose you must have a ton of bears as, honestly, in my 30 years of hunting deer, I have never seen a bear.