lcyardball

The reality is, spring rifle bear is terrible, they just do not move much until mid to late May. With that said, there are always a handful of guys that kill bears and when I say handful, one, two, maybe three. I always go in late April then wonder why I wasted my time.

Preference in maps varies, I know. Here in AZ I like Flatline maps then use my phone map apps when I need greater detail. What are the preferred maps you like for NM? Would like to scout for bear and deer this year for a future hunt.

My Dad pulled the Upper Blue tag, not sure if it is the November or December hunt but either way we are thrilled. I am looking to get in contact with hunters that may have previously had this tag, we would like to pick your brain. Please message me!

Not sure if you are looking for a guide or not but I saw Shane Koury post something on his Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=shane%20koury%20posts He talks about 40BW, not sure if 40B is split out or not.

Nice job. What are you charging to bug it?

Congrats to you as well. What was your first and second choice? My dad's was November then December, I would be willing to bet he got the November tag.

I think this happens a lot more than many of us realize, at least more than I ever did. I watched a bear kill a fawn in the fall. On the same hunt a friend of mine also had a friend that witnessed the same thing. There was a guy on CouesWhitetail or Facebook (I forgot which) who posted a picture of a bear he killed with a dead fawn. I really think these bears are putting a serious hurt on the deer during fawning season.

I also got the spring tag, 6 months long. Looking forward to it, lot's to learn.

Hi Guys, My buddy has the same tag. I will probably go with him a few days here and there but he mentioned today that he might be interested in pairing up with someone else who has this tag. He is a good bear hunter, we primarily spot and staulk but for spring bear my personal opinion is that spot and call, blind calling or sitting proven water holes will probably be the most effective way. Our preference is to glass. He is also familiar with 22 to a certain degree. If anyones hunting style aligns with this and would be interested in having a partner, let me know.

Tough, body looks big and fluffy, head has me fooled cause it looks average

22 (north and south) and 23n and will open again for bear hunting in Oct. Double check the hotline right before you go out in case something changes but it shouldn't since there are no active hunts right now and the annual limit hasn't been reached.

I have the August bear tag in unit B, this is my first time hunting the reservation. Based on everything I have heard, it should be a good hunt. I attempted to scout it on Friday and Saturday but one of the main roads going in was closed because of the firewall. I will likely get one more chance to near the end of the July to scout. If anyone has previously had this tag and it willing to share information go ahead and ping me. Here are some of the questions I have: - I will be pulling a pop up, are there good spots to camp with solid cover. - What type of terrain are we working with. - What type of feed is distributed throughout the unit. - Where are the bears I should be able to answer most of these questions on my next scouting trip but since they isn't a public land bear hunt I figured there may be a chance someone would lend a hand with some helpful information. Thanks

Wow

Forest closing, what, why?

I heard the success rate is really poor, heard 2% from someone

94 - 96

Nice buck Gross is all that matters, net is crap, so is B&C

Attached are pictures of my 2012 bear. I wanted to give credit where credit is do; CMC Skullworks (http://www.cmcskullworks.com) did an outstanding job on the skull. CMC Skullworks has been doing this for years, this was the first skull I have given them and I will be a repeat customer. Thanks Cole!

Great story Keith, thanks for sharing.

If you have someone to go with that is key, especially if you are going in August. Unless a very small bear, you will not be able to pack it out in one trip. If it takes multiple trips the higher the likelihood of spoilage.

Great story Keith, thanks for sharing!

Any updates on the lower black for 2013?

Azhuntnut/David, I think I read your posts about that hunt, it was several years ago right? Not what I wanted to hear but I know the reality here, we are going to be lucky to see a bear. I am glassing a huge canyon at the transition line so hopefully one will come into site. Do you still hunt 31 or have you moved on?

With this heat, I have to think the bears are going to start moving around shortly. Hopefully activity picks up in a week since season opens on Friday. I am heading out to Unit 31, we will see.