When is the most likely time to encounter a bear in spring? I hear that they are only active for a few hours a day this time of year. I'm hunting them for the first time this year in southern Idaho and am clueless where, when, how to start.

Check with Idaho Fish and Game. They will tell you where folks are harvesting and how many have been harvested.

I've never hunted in southern ID. I live up North near Orofino and hunt up on the Northfork and around Dwarshak Dam. I was up near Kelly Forks right after the 1st of last month and didn't see any sign, but that is the high country. There have been several killed in the low country around the dam since the April 15th opener.

Lots of folks whom hunt with dogs really do the best. It will cost you hiring a guide with dogs, but success is much better. I usually just road hunt along the river glassing the open places. Have killed a bunch that way over the years.

I havn't been back to the high country for a month, but would think that with the warm weather we have had bears are going to be coming out. I have never baited for bears in this country, but folks seem to have some success with that method too.

Mabe some of the members whom live down in Southern Idaho can help you out about hunting down there.

Good luck on your bear hunt.

ctrout, I live in Bellevue, and although I confess I haven't actually gone on a dedicated bear hunt down here, I have seen bears every year in the Wood River Valley while deer and elk hunting. And I've seen them quite a lot in the spring while getting out after the snowmelt allows me to get out. I don't know too many people that bait. I think that if you get off the beaten path away from the popular hiking spots, you can spot and stalk fairly successfully. Good luck.