[blackbearaddict]

what are the odds of getting a black bear in montana with no guide for 2 weeks

[JackOfAllTradesMasterAtNone]

I've never hunted Montana, but I hear tell that there's more blackbear in sections of that state than there are here in Washington. That said, If I was to spend two weeks in the woods in Washington, I'd have a very high potential of getting a bruin I was willing to take in that time. I'd have to work for a good one though. And that's since I already know where good Bear areas are. Still, timing is everything. If I was hunting next week, odds would be less than say.. September or October. This particular year the snows came late and are melting late. The high Blueberry meadows I would prefer to target will be late with fruit, but only if the bees are still around. If I wanted a Bear this year, I'd have to do some hiking soon to know whether I needed to shift to lower level clear cuts or some particular Huckle berry, Salmon berry or Black berry areas that I know of.

Asking "what are the odds of getting a black bear in montana with no guide for 2 weeks" is pretty tough for anyone to say. Are you a seasoned Bear hunter? I dunno, do they/you use dogs there? Have you ever hunted there and do you know some specific areas that are prone to Bear presence? Do you have horses so you can cover more ground in a day? Are you bow or rifle hunting? Are you just a road hunter or do you actually get away from the truck for a day? Do you have permission to hunt private land?

Lots of factors left out.

-Steve

[blackbearaddict]

i would be hiking or biking logging roads closed to motorized vehicles with a rifle and glassing clearcuts if that helps

[testar77]

Are you from Montana, or are you visiting there? If you are visiting, then you should ask some of the people that you know over there. If you live there, then you should ask some of the people that you know over there :D. Like Steve said, there is a lot of info left out for someone to give you advice. Montanta is a big state, and I am sure there are plenty of Bear there. If you are visiting over there and you have only 2 weeks to learn the area you need to gather as much info from Montana folks as you can, because if you are under a time frame and don't know the area, will need to find out location, location, location! You will need to have that somewhat narrowed down before you even get over there.


Toby

[blackbearaddict]

just visiting if i go it is between that and quebec with an outfitter and black flies, but thanks for the help it is greatly appreciated

[brighamr]

blackbearaddict - MT is the 4th largest state in the union. Can you be a bit more specific as to where you want to go hunting?

In addition, you are planning this for next year right? (2009)

[blackbearaddict]

the northwest corner

[koja48]

Lots of bears . . . go to a bar & talk to the locals (I was raised there) . . . we considered bears as "big gophers" . . .

[blackbearaddict]

thanks for your help :)

[koja48]

And you ought to have one in a couple of days . . . then enjoy the country, fish, shoot pool, and have a cold beer (or two . . . have one for me, but no more than that . . . I might be at work when you down it and my time for pee-breaks is limited . . . ). Have fun! if the timing is right, experience the "Testicle Festival" a bit south off I-90 on Rock Creek . . .

[blackbearaddict]

i cant thank you enough

[koja48]

You already did . . .

[Clark]

JackOfAllTradesMasterAtNone
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Join Date: 02-12-05
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I've never hunted Montana, but I hear tell that there's more blackbear in sections of that state than there are here in Washington.

http://www.marylandbears.com/about/statepopulations.cfm

This says that Montana has 20,000 and Washington State has 30,000.

Here in Western WA we hired a biologist and he told us that we had one black bear per square mile in our area, but 100 black tailed deer.
But I saw more black bear than black tailed deer in my back yard.

I have hunted all over WA and MT and I have not seen thick populations of black bear.

I have seen lots of bear scat 50 miles West of Grants Pass in OR when hunting, but only saw one bear. It was in bear season and he ran away fast.

The most black bear I have ever seen was in Alberta between Calgary and Glacier National Park.
If there are that many bear in Alberta, they must be lots in MT.
I just can't see them.

My brother shot a black bear here in WA with dogs.
We can't do it that way any more.

[leathermanwave]

what are the odds of getting a black bear in montana with no guide for 2 weeks

With knowing nothing about the area I say your chances are not to good. If you go to the proper place you should be able to get one in 4 or 5 days. Where in the northwest corner are you planning on hunting. I won't tell you exactly where I go but you can try the Swan Range and the North fork road.

Where I hunt is sort of a bedding area so at the right time there are about 5 bears per square mile. If you can find a area like this your chances are good.

[blackbearaddict]

im not sure about going because we're still playin with that and canada

[22-rimfire]

Sounds like a great hunt coming up whether or not you score. Good luck!