Bear and property

[sharps4590]

I assume lots of folks from Wisconsin frequent this particular forum.  That's exaclty who I want to talk to.

I dearly want to hunt bear in Wisconsin.  I've checked the permit prices and they're tolerable.  Can anyone tell me how difficult it is to draw a non-resident bear tag and how long it may or may not take?  Also, where is the best place to apply, both for likely hood of drawing and bear numbers?  

The wife and I are nearing the age where we're thinking about retirement and we're considering a vacation/retirement home there.  Ideally a summer rental with winter options would be perfect.  We're looking around Wausau, Rhinelander, Hayward or even Eau Claire/Chippewa Falls area.  We like hills and winter and after several winters in NW Wyoming winter certainly doesn't scare us.  Actually it's my favorite season.  Anyone have any suggestions as to area?  We both fish and hunt with creek/river fly fishing being the preferred method.  Muzzleloaders or BPC rifles are the choices there.  

Thanks

Vic

[379 Peterbilt]

Hi Vic

The cities you mentioned are all nice in their own ways. Rhinelander & Hayward would offer more of the "northwoods" feel and have a bit more to offer in fishing. Many many lakes nearby to pick from. Eau Claire & Chip Falls areas are a tad more urban, although not too far of a drive to get away and find seclusion. If the shopping and city life is what the Mrs wants, perhaps those cities would be the perfect compromise. However, all the cities you  listed have wal-marts, among other chains, if that helps as a gauge. You mentioned hills for the wintertime. Wausau might be the best bet for that. Skiing at Rib mountain is popular. The other areas are relatively flat. I dont think you can go wrong with whatever of the cities listed. They are all in the northern part of the state. The best region of Wisconsin for outdoor activities.

As for bears - No doubt the opportunity is there. But it will require a few years worth of entering and points accumulation. Dont quote be on the time frame it will take to draw, but I think a safe range would be in the neighborhood of 3-8 years, dependant on the area and harvest goals set by the DNR. To many variables at play to pinpoint the exact amount of time. Safe to say start applying this December and every year thereafter. Back about 8 years ago, the bear estimated population was over 15,000. Today, it is closer to 11,000 which is very close to the DNRs goal.

Bear hunting info

JH45 & Esox lucias, help me out here.

[sharps4590]

Hey Peterbuilt...

Thanks for the info.

We're country folk, never having lived in a city, (except when I was in the Air Force.....a LONG time ago!), and having always lived on our farm or our own acreage.  All the wife requires is a Super Wal-Mart.  

I was in Wisconsin in January this year skiing at Rib Mountain and Cascade Mountain.  I've spent quite a bit of time in Wisconsin over the last 30 years.  After the regular Air Foce I stayed in the  Mo. Air Natl. Gurad.  Our summer camp was at Volk Field and I've skiied there several times.  While you may get a halfway feel for a place by visiting it isn't like you get from actually exploring and visiting with local folk.

Thanks again for the info and I'll check the bear hunting link.

Vic