Hunting black bears in the spring offers a great opportunity to get outside after enduring the long winter months. The snow in the mountains is beginning to recede, and the bears will closely follow the melt, feasting on the new green vegetation.
Consider the spring bear season as a way to knock off the rust. Take the fitness you’ve built in the gym into the field while testing the new gear you bought over the winter. If your planning aligns, spring bear season can offer a great opportunity to get boots on the ground in a new area you’ve been e-scouting for your mule deer or elk hunts this fall.
When planning your spring hunts and assembling your gear, consider the unique demands of spring and pack accordingly. Bugs, weather and the bears themselves all factor into gear decisions.
The biggest concerns for most hunters in the spring are ticks and mosquitoes. These tiny pests are not just a nuisance; they can also pose a significant health threat. Clothing treated with an insect repellent, such as permethrin, helps reduce the chances of getting bitten by a tick or swarms of mosquitoes. Look for clothing with the repellent impregnated into the fabric by the manufacturer for long-lasting performance. Spraying permethrin onto garments and accessories like socks before a hunt is effective; however, understand that these aftermarket treatments will wear off and require retreatment to ensure full protection.
Spring is notorious for dynamic weather, which can change from clear and calm in the morning to cold and blustery with snow by noon. A technical eight-piece clothing system, similar to what you’d wear for elk hunting, provides the versatile performance required to handle any conditions. A quality base layer manages moisture on your skin, while rain gear blocks wind, rain and snow, and a puffy jacket keeps you warm when stopped and glassing for long hours to locate your bear.
Tipi shelters are great in the right conditions, but in the spring, most tipis won’t keep insects out and their assault can drive you mad while you’re trying to sleep. Instead, consider a lightweight tent with mosquito netting on the doors that can withstand strong springtime storms, heavy rain and even feet of snow at higher altitudes.
Unlike in the fall, the melting spring snow in the high country can pose risks to unaware hunters at lower elevations. The shallow, insignificant stream you cross in the morning can transform into an impassable torrent of water under the warmth of the afternoon sun. Keep this in mind when planning your routes. Either identify a safe crossing, such as a sturdy log or bridge, or be prepared to camp overnight while waiting for the water to recede in the cooler temperatures of early morning.
Finally, be aware that you’re not the only predator enjoying the improving weather. Grizzly and black bears are emerging from their dens and looking for food and companionship. Avoiding a confrontation is best, but be sure to carry either bear spray or a pistol as a backup to your primary weapon, just in case the worst happens. Go to the range and shoot your pistol while drawing from its holster to ensure it’s easily accessible and that you can do it safely. Regular practice is necessary to ensure both familiarity and accuracy. Also, confirm where you’ll carry bear spray for quick access, and consider deploying either an expired bear spray canister or a training canister for practice.
Take the lessons learned from your spring bear season and apply them to your summer training and evolving gear lists. Knowledge gained in the spring will help you diligently prepare for this fall’s hunting seasons.