Spring brings the best hides if you get the bear early and they haven't rubbed much. I do know after my Texas hunt that if you cruise the Internet for guides, you have to check their references, and you get what you pay for. There does seem to be a lot more bear than usual in the Yellowstone area this year. The Idaho Sheriff's office that I work for has had a lot more reported sightings than before. USE CAUTION, a lot of the sightings were Griz. If you accidentally shoot a griz, your guide will turn you in - he has to.
Also, E-mail NONYA on this site. He lives in Montana and might be of help.