I've elk hunted all over Idaho and taken a few bears to boot. If I was after bear I would go south and east of Bonners ferry, up in the panhandle ( Kaniksu Nat'l Forest.) Between Bonners and the Canadian border North and west also has a good bear population. I'd also carry a rifle,besides lots of black bear I'd contend that the largest Griz population in the lower 48 is from this area across to Glacier Natl in Montana. Another good bear and cougar area is north out of Priest Lake Id between Hwy 2 and the lake.
Good luck!!
Harley