2026 Spring Bear Hunt Preview

Start – Stop – Start

The start of the season, the end of hibernation, the bears leaving their dens in search of food, has had re-start this year. Some warm weather in late March and early April had some early bears out on the prowl and crossing paths with our trail cams. Then it turned white, twice. Two Spring snow storms pushed the bears back into their dens and are just now coming out in force to search for food and bulk up after the long winter.

The Good News

While this was cause for concern, we are hoping for a blessing in disguise. The late start will have the bears eager to hit the ready supply of food at the bait barrels, perhaps setting aside a degree of caution to get at the easy food source while the grasses, leaves and berries are in short supply.

Hard at Work

While the Bears have been gradually making their way out of hibernation, we have been hard at work through the snow, getting tree stands set up, baiting sites, clearing trails, getting ready for the arrival of the first hunting group.

Positive Signs

Last fall we had an excellent population of big bears, black bears and color phase bears, that managed to evade the hunter’s sights. We are seeing a number of bears returning to the baits as we prepare for our first week of hunting.