Spring bear has been a bucket list item of mine ever since i saw my first and only bear in Wyoming years ago.

It's finally time to pull the trigger and get an outfitter set up for next spring. I've decided on Idaho for several reasons - discounted tags are cheap, you have the ability to harvest 2 bears in certain areas, I've hunted Co, WY, and Montana but have never been to Idaho. Also several outfitters that i have researched stated if you buy a wolf tag and the opportunity presents itself you can take a wolf as well.

I have several references from various outfitters and the people that i have spoken with have all had positive experiences.

That being said i am just looking for information from anyone that may have first hand experience with an outfitter that they would recommend or not. i know we have several members out that way and any local recommendations would move to the top of my list.

I appreciate any insight.

Trophy just got back. Pm him

I haven’t hunted with Leon(https://clarkforkoutfitters.com)

but have met him on the side of the mountain can tell you he is genuine really good dude and will work his arse off for you. He took time out of his own hunt to help me get a broke motorcycle off the mountain.

I made that entire bear story up and photoshopped my likeness next to a random internet bear

Impressive skills and photoshop was next level!!!!

Out of curiosity, why spring rather than fall bear?

Most outfitters are busy with elk and mule deer hunting out west and won’t guide specifically for bear.

Other areas will bait for fall bears but as far as western hunting goes it’s pretty much an add on target of opportunity

So amazingly enough searching THF never entered my mind and I even read Trophy’s write up the other day. I started with the standard google search then went to several of the other forums that I normally search when I hunt out west. For some reason asking the audience here floated between the ears, but not an actual search.

As far as spring vs fall bear I have more time in the spring. I guide on a corporate lease so between that and my own personal hunts fall can be tight on free time. Yea I could sacrifice some of my personal stuff but it’s all draw either in Tx or out west so I’d rather gamble on those instead of lining up an outfitter.

Thanks Trophy that was an issue I saw as well. Most would do the combo but only a handful for a straight bear hunt.

New England states bait for bears in the fall and they kill some whoppers. Fall bears tend to weigh more than spring bears due to them gorging themselves getting ready for hibernation.

*I’ve heard* that springs bears have a better coat, but can’t confirm or deny that….but will say it’s hot out west in September so I could see that being the case.

According to some research the hides and claws are at their premium in the first month or so after hibernation. They’ll start rubbing out towards the end of most spring seasons. The meat will be fattier on the fall bears and may take a flavor of their diet but spring meat is still supposed to be good.

Get in shape Idaho is straight up and down, didn't see a flat spot when we were there.

FYI in Idaho a mule deer or elk tag is also good for lion, bear or wolf. Pretty sure that tags still good for spring, maybe blank will chime in

Spring bears first couple weeks right out of hibernation have best coats/claws. Heaviest bears are ones gorged right before going into hibernation. Weather has factors on both ends of trying to time it just right. My last spring hunt there were very late heavy wet snows and no bears seen by outfitter actually until day I arrived in camp. Outfitter said come on as weather forecase was warm and sunny over the next week and just felt it. Within 2 days bears were popping out of dens and hungry.

I can't help with the outfitter part, but maybe I can shed some light on hunt or maybe strategy or area.

The latter part of May I went into Frank Church - River of No Return Wilderness. More specifically I was near the Yellowjacket Mountains - really remote and very rough. This was my first solo backpack hunt and my first Black Bear hunt. I didn't know what to expect and even though I was not successful I didn't expect to be and, frankly, don't care that I wasn't. It was a fantastic life experience and a great learning experience. Idaho tags are good for the year, so I can go back for the Fall season on the same tag. I may go again, but to a different part of the wilderness.

Hit me up.