Chasing Giants: Spring Bear Hunting Essential Gear & Tips
Embarking on a spring bear hunting expedition in the great outdoors is like stepping into a living canvas painted with adventure and challenge. Springtime in the mountains brings with it a flurry of activity as nature awakens from its winter slumber. However, this pursuit demands more than just skill and patience. To navigate this rugged terrain and seek out these majestic creatures, having the right gear is paramount to your success. In this blog, we’ll explore the best gear to take along with you to elevate your hunting experience and better your chances of crossing paths with that big boar you’ve been chasing.
Let Your Eyes Do the Walking: Importance of Good Glass
In the dense forests of the Northwest, visibility can be limited, and spotting a bear amidst the foliage requires keen eyesight and high-quality optics. Good glass significantly enhances a hunter's ability to scan the landscape effectively. In my experience, this is what you will spend 90% of your time doing, as you can cover far more ground with your optics than you can on your feet. This is where you make your money when it comes to Spring bear hunting. It requires a different level of patience, and in my opinion, a different level of glass. You can spend hours at a time behind your glass – with high-end glass it can be tedious and bring to light a new level of persistence. But on the other end of the spectrum, with lower-quality glass, it could be absolutely miserable and make you call it a day before prime time even hits. The enhanced clarity and resolution in higher-end glass not only allows you to identify your target with more precision (ensuring an ethical shot) at long distances, especially in low light conditions, but it also reduces eye strain.
I’ll be honest, when I first started hunting, I thought people were crazy for the amount they were spending on binoculars and spotting scopes – I just didn’t understand it. I purchased my entry-level bino’s for a couple hundred bucks and jumped right into it. Do they work? Of course. However, over the years I have been lucky enough to try out dozens of different optics from multiple manufacturers. Let me tell you; good glass makes all the difference in the world and in situations like this, they earn every penny of what they cost and are worth their weight in gold. If I can recommend anything – learn from my mistakes and save up for an extra month or two, or until you can afford a nicer pair. Buy once, cry once – I promise you will be thankful you did.
My go-to bino’s for spring bear hunting that I can sit behind all day without fuss – okay… maybe a little fuss, just because I get antsy – is the Vortex Razor UHD 12x50’s. These allow you to cover a wide field of view and magnification with unmatched clarity. They are also guaranteed for life, which gives you a little bit of comfort when out in the field.
Often Overlooked: Hydration
If you are new to Spring bear hunting, it is a whole different ball game than hunting in the Fall. With an average temperature that is significantly higher, hydration is of the utmost importance. If you are planning a trip, start hydrating a couple of days before if possible. Make sure you are replacing the minerals and electrolytes that your body is losing with every step you take in that hot beating sun. Products that are game changers are the MTN OPS Hydrate Electrolytes drink mix, and the MTN OPS Ignite Energy Packs for when I need that extra boost. These will replenish the nutrients and minerals that your body has lost and improve your cognitive function and overall focus.
Spring: Unpredictable Elements in the Mountains
Although above I mention the importance of staying hydrated when Spring bear hunting in the heat – the mountains are always unpredictable, and you never know what mother nature is going to throw your way. Temperatures can drastically change in minutes, especially high in the mountains. Being prepared, or unprepared, can be the difference between a successful hunt or a life-threatening situation. A couple of extra layers of insulation thrown in your pack is always a smart move, and good rain gear is paramount to weathering the storm and continuing your hunt. Some of the best and lightest rain gear that has saved my behind more than once is the Smith + Rogue SR3 Rain Shell Pants and Jacket. On a side note, since we are mentioning the brand, if you are planning an overnight trip, the Smith + Rogue Banditti 2 Person Tipi tent is a great minimalist option for backpacking that will keep you safe from the elements. Pair that with their Blackleaf Down Sleeping bag and not only will you get a great night's sleep and wake up ready to hit the mountains again, but with each item being extremely lightweight, only weighing between 2-3 pounds each, they won’t weigh you down.
Packs, Packs, and More Packs:
Nowadays the options for a good hunting pack are almost endless. The advanced technologies for pack boards or internal frames have come a long way in the last decade and are specifically designed to carry large amounts of weight, and distribute said weight to your hips rather than your shoulders, making for a lot easier pack-out of your critter. I’ve tried a lot of different packs, but the three brands that have always stood out to me are Stone Glacier, Mystery Ranch, & Eberlestock. There is no right or wrong pack, it depends on the options you are looking for and which pack fits your body the best. Your best bet is to come into the store, talk with one of our experts, and try them on, preferably with some weight added to the pack.
The “Bear” Necessities:
I personally always try to pack as lightly as possible – ounces equal pounds and pounds equal pain. As much as I love embracing the suck during a hunt, there are items I have learned to live without. These, however, are items that are always in my pack no matter the time of year.
- Paracord
- Hand Warmers
- Jetboil
- One Peak Refuel Freeze-Dried Meal
- GSI Folding Foon
- Petzl Headlamp
- MTN OPS Protein Bar & Drink mixes mentioned above.
- Nalgene Water Bottle
- Water Filtration System
- Sea to Summit Dry Bag
- Outdoor Edge folding knife
- Small First Aid Kit
- Emergency Blanket
- Lighter & Firestarter
- Duct Tape – approximately 2-3 yards wrapped around my Trekking Poles.
- Bear Spray or Sidearm
- Windchecker
The Thrill of Spring Bear Hunting:
Spring bear hunting is not merely about the harvest; it's about immersing oneself in the rugged beauty of the wilderness, understanding the habits of these elusive giants, and testing one's skills against nature. However, its success hinges not only on skill and strategy but also on having the right equipment. Unlike Fall hunts, where bears are fattening up for hibernation and are more visible, Spring hunts present a different challenge. Bears are emerging from hibernation, hungry and on the move, but still wary of human presence. This makes spotting and stalking them a true test of a hunter's prowess. Just remember, bears emerging from their dens have two things on their mind – food and mating. They will continue to be on the move until they find one, or both, and can travel large distances. So just because you didn’t find them the first time you covered an area, don’t get discouraged – persistence and putting in the time is key.
If you have any further questions about Spring bear hunting tips or essential gear, stop by one of your local North 40 Outfitters and speak with one of our Sporting Goods experts – or email me directly at chris.thompson@north40.com, I would love to help you be successful on your next hunt.
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Vortex Razor UHD Binoculars - 12x50$1,599.99 -
JetBoil Flash Camp Stove Cooking System$109.99 - $129.99 $129.99 - Out of stock
PNUMA™ Men's Waypoint Jacket - Caza$0.00 - $259.99
