Author Topic: Idaho Spring Black Bear Hunts? (Read 832 times)

RandyWakeman · « **on:** January 17, 2004, 05:37:40 PM »

Does anybody have any outfitters they can highly recommend?

sabotloader · « **Reply #1 on:** January 17, 2004, 06:35:53 PM »

Randy might check and see if Hukelberry Heaven and Andre Molsee are still operating. Elk River, Idaho about 50 miles east of Moscow, northeast of Lewiston. When I was working for the Forsest Service he was running a big time outfitting and guide service out of Elk River - Deer. Elk, Cat and Bear. Other than that the are several outfits working out of Deary and Bovil, ID - I'll do some checking and get back to you - This all northern Idaho, Latah - Clearwater county.

RandyWakeman · « **Reply #2 on:** January 17, 2004, 06:48:05 PM »

Thanks, Sabotloader. It looks like a few have changed hands recently.

http://www.idfishnhunt.com/accnocen.html

Omega · « **Reply #3 on:** January 18, 2004, 03:59:14 AM »

Mile High Outfitters
The most competent outfitter I've ever hunted with.

RandyWakeman · « **Reply #4 on:** January 18, 2004, 04:08:01 AM »

Thanks, Omega. Now that's a high recommendation!

big6x6 · « **Reply #5 on:** January 18, 2004, 04:19:02 AM »

"The most competent outfitter I've ever hunted with."

If you dont' mind my asking, How many have you hunted with?

Omega · « **Reply #6 on:** January 18, 2004, 04:51:54 AM »

How many have you hunted with

For bears? 9 or 10 and guided for another half dozen. For critters in general more than 40. I do know bear areas that have much larger bear, but Randy asked about Idaho. Idaho isn't noted for size, but Travis hunts in the Frank Church Wilderness, so you fly into some of the most incredible country you'll ever see and they have an excess of decent bears running everywhere. Sandi killed her ML cat with Travis, good people.

RandyWakeman · « **Reply #7 on:** January 18, 2004, 05:03:28 AM »

Quote from: Omega

How many have you hunted with

I do know bear areas that have much larger bear, but Randy asked about Idaho.

Referring to B.C.?

Omega · « **Reply #8 on:** January 18, 2004, 05:24:59 AM »

Referring to B.C.?

The Island and the Charlottes are noted for great bear, and hunting bear eating mussles and other sea food on the beach is a pretty wild experience. Alberta and Saskatchewan are easily the best value in Spring bear hunts and there are several quality areas. Smoky River Outfitting Has a great area in northern Alberta where last spring 5 out of 12 clients doubled out in their stand in the same night. (All were in different stands) Even better he is just opening a new area by Fort McMurray where he has 24 tags. The first couple years on a new area opening is the best chance for a book bear (B&C). Greg is a very serious hunter and a lot of fun to hunt with. Use my name with either Greg or Travis if you like.

RandyWakeman · « **Reply #9 on:** January 18, 2004, 05:17:26 PM »

As far as Idaho goes, a 6 ft. or so cinnamon boar is about all that can be hoped for. There aren't huge numbers taken, but I've hear of some nice bears nevertheless. It also seems that far more elk calves are bear bait than some outfitters would like. :roll:

big6x6 · « **Reply #10 on:** January 19, 2004, 01:49:05 AM »

"For bears? 9 or 10 and guided for another half dozen. For critters in general more than 40."

You won't believe how many references I've talked to say, "best outfitter I've ever hunted with." When asked who ELSE have they hunted with, "well, just Bubba."

That's why I asked. Thanks.

Omega · « **Reply #11 on:** January 19, 2004, 04:09:58 AM »

but I've hear of some nice bears

Yes, Idaho has plenty of bears with a good percentage of cinammon and brown color phase thrown in. Any place can and does produce a big bear, some places just average bigger. Travis has so many bears some springs that hunters have shot them from camp! The country in the Frank Church is absolutely stunning, one thing I never knew, the Frank Church is the largest wilderness area in the lower 48. Bigger than Yellowstone and just about no one knows about it.

"well, just Bubba."

I do know what you mean. I have on average hunted with pretty good outfits, there have been a couple of disasters but on average they've all been good. Travis stands out in my mind because of the type of hunting he does. You fly back into the canyons and he picks you up with a horse string, packs your gear and off you go to camp. Wilderness hunts like this are tough and a lot of work for the outfitter, far different than sleeping in the local hotel and getting around by truck or 4 wheeler. Now I've been on a few horse hunts where the outfitter thought he could pack and handle the remuda, but nothing like Travis. I've seen 2, 3 guys packing not get things done as fast he can and that kind of competence settles me into a "enjoy myself mode" in a big hurry. When your not worrying about just surviving the hunt things tend to go better!

I've been on a couple of hunts that the outfitter was too stupid to realize how big of trouble we were in, not fun.
Rich

fairchase · « **Reply #12 on:** January 19, 2004, 10:28:11 AM »

Randy,
I don't know if you've seen this Idaho bear info yet, but it's off the IDF&G website and I thought it might interest you.

http://www2.state.id.us/fishgame/hunt/programsinfo/genharv/96-01bearharv.htm

I'll be hunting them this spring, no guide though, I'm just applying for our controlled hunt and hoping for the best. Good luck to you.