Pressured Bears? D-Zone

[americanmade91]

Hi All,

First time bear hunting here, I have game cams out, I am getting about a bear a day on them. I have now started to see more hunters show up in the spots where the bears are (on the game cam footage). I'm sure when deer hunting opens up (rifle) that the bears disappear and there is much more pressure (but I am not sure, since its my first time). Any past experience or advice someone can give me? I feel like I need to have more realistic expectations for my first time.

 

[dthome]

Hi Americanmade,
Your hunch is probably right. Hunter presence can change bear behavior. If you’re getting people on your camera, then you’re surveilling a well used hiking trail. It would be better to find a lesser used game trail off the beaten path. It doesn’t have to be deep in the wilderness, just not used by people (my best bear spot is 300 yards off the road). Still, it might be worth spending some time along your path, despite the traffic. Bears are traveling that route for a reason, which they’ll still have when the season opens. They might go nocturnal, but they might not. I’ve watched bears coming down a path, catch my scent, and circumvent me by 50 yards. They then proceed down their intended route. Other bears catch my scent and scram to the next county. I’ve had some climb a tree when they smelled me. They know when people are there and how long it’s been since they’ve left. Situate yourself downwind, or you don’t have a prayer. Your best hope is likely opening day, when you can catch them off guard. Give something a try, it’s how you’ll learn your area.

 

[americanmade91]

Thanks this is very helpful! I will be using a predator call and I believe they are living in the rocks around 200 yards from the camera spot. Ever tried using a predator call?

 

[dthome]

I have, but I just scared the crap out of the bears. I tried to coax them out of the alder thickets they fed in, but the call just made them bolt out of the area. Some guys have great success with calls, though.