Looking to do Spring bear in SW Montana. Went out last year on my first Elk hunt and looking forward to going back. It would be great to connect with a Bear, but I am just looking to spend some more time backpack hunting and honing my skills.

Got a lot of great tips for Elk last year from the members here.

Now, I am here to ask about spot and stalk Bear. From my reading, I am planning on a lot of glassing from a high spot, mainly on food sources (new grass?) and just going form there…

Thanks to all for your input.

Yep, glass a lot and find new grass and you will find bears, it's that simple.

Yup, find the green grass. Glass a lot.

Co-worker saw a blackie out and about this last sunday. We've been having weather in the upper 40's and low 50's here though.

Planning on last week of May.

Sounds like you have the main concept in tow; that is, long hours (or maybe not) of glassing avalanche shutes, grassy meadows etc. Be prepared for temps in the 80's to snow squalls. Depending where you hunt be sure to be able to ID a grizzly vs a black bear.

Do you have specific questions retarding gear?

End of May you might even try a fawn bleat. Early spring bears = grass.

Sounds like alot of fun and excitement. Been fumbling arnd with idea with going to Montana or Idaho for a diy hunt. Leaning towards Idaho. But im only an hour from the Montana NE boarder.

Wow what you drive to make that kind of time from Austin, Tx???

I also have this on my bucket list... spring black bear in Mt Wy or Id, that is...

I read a great book on bear hunting by a guy whose name escapes me... I want to say Ralph something... he was a forestry guy from Washington state?

How is Washington state's spring season? Still like it was in the lumbering days?

The upshot of Idaho bear is that they're cheap and some units have second tags.

We've had very warm weather here in N. Idaho and not much snow and last year was excellent for huckleberries. Bears are prbably in good shape and I cant wait to go after them.