I had max points going into this years draw, and what I came up with, was, of the top areas, it was one of a few things. One of which, some supposed top end units in the plains areas, it seems that quality, in general, has slipped significantly, then, there were a few areas that seemed to have everything, however, even with max points odds to draw in these areas were still very poor, some less than 5 percent - and that is with max points. Then there is the bighorn areas, feedback was pretty much all over the board, from extremely crowded to a great hunt with great bulls, and even if others recreating wasn't significant enough, a LOT of tags are given out in these areas - which is good, as it seems to be keeping the point pools to somewhat of a reasonable level, but bad for someone searching for a hunt with very few other hunters out and about at the same time. Then there are the areas in the Northwest, near Yellowstone. Known for some of the best elk in the state, somewhat limited numbers of tags in each unit, and grizzly bears. The latter of which is the only reason that these units do not require max points, and even then be less than a 10 percent chance of drawing a unit in the area. Plus the abundance of wilderness adds some weight to the better odds.
Regardless of the why's or what's and the reasoning behind each choice, after applying for 15 years without ever drawing a tag, I made the decision to go with one of the bear areas. But I did so hesitantly. I did a bit of research and found that it is a great hunt, with lots of elk, lots of bugling, etc. all in all, exactly what I wanted. The downside is the grizzly population and the rugged country. As for the rugged country, I am comfortable with that, as I have already made arrangements to rent horses. As for the grizzly population, well, I am still on the fence with that one.
So I thought I would come here as many here have experience in bear country. Now, with all of this said, from all of the information I gathered from those who have hunted this unit, some had seen bears, some had seen none, but no one had any problems with bears. And actually with a little research and basic thinking, one will realize that each year - Im guessing here, but I think I am pretty close - tens of thousands of hunters, fishermen, campers, hikers, horseback riders, etc. spend time in the backcountry where grizzly bears are anywhere from sparse to abundant, and each year, we only hear of one or two incidents where someone was hurt or killed. I am certain that there are numerous incidents each year that scare the crap out of those involved, but in the end, no one is hurt. So, I guess what I am getting at is, I am probably safer hunting the backcountry in the greater Yellowstone area, than I am driving through a few major cities across the country. But in the back of my mind, I am still concerned. One primary concern is, I may very likely be hunting alone, and just that in the back of my mind is an obstacle of sorts. Because I feel that my chances of drawing are pretty much 100 percent, unless a MAJOR application shift takes place, I have already started trying to put together a plan on how to deal with my situation.
So, to start that process, I hoped anyone who has had experiences in bear country, with bears, without - but in bear country no less - good, bad, etc, could share. Also, I am fully versed in keeping a clean camp, but are there any other tips you can pass along?
I do plan to reach out and try to find someone who has the same tag, that may want to join up. I can't afford a guide, but I can afford horses, so I also felt like I would be more comfortable with a horse, or two. And maybe even a dog. I hope that doesn't sound crazy to anyone who is experienced in bear country. I simply felt that having the extra eyes, ears, noses, etc. plus a larger group could be beneficial, but I may be wrong. That is actually one of the things I was hoping for, advice on my thoughts.
Anyway, I have ramble long enough and will most likely add as others do, or answer any questions someone might have of me. So thanks for reading and I will appreciate any advice.
Regardless of the why's or what's and the reasoning behind each choice, after applying for 15 years without ever drawing a tag, I made the decision to go with one of the bear areas. But I did so hesitantly. I did a bit of research and found that it is a great hunt, with lots of elk, lots of bugling, etc. all in all, exactly what I wanted. The downside is the grizzly population and the rugged country. As for the rugged country, I am comfortable with that, as I have already made arrangements to rent horses. As for the grizzly population, well, I am still on the fence with that one.
So I thought I would come here as many here have experience in bear country. Now, with all of this said, from all of the information I gathered from those who have hunted this unit, some had seen bears, some had seen none, but no one had any problems with bears. And actually with a little research and basic thinking, one will realize that each year - Im guessing here, but I think I am pretty close - tens of thousands of hunters, fishermen, campers, hikers, horseback riders, etc. spend time in the backcountry where grizzly bears are anywhere from sparse to abundant, and each year, we only hear of one or two incidents where someone was hurt or killed. I am certain that there are numerous incidents each year that scare the crap out of those involved, but in the end, no one is hurt. So, I guess what I am getting at is, I am probably safer hunting the backcountry in the greater Yellowstone area, than I am driving through a few major cities across the country. But in the back of my mind, I am still concerned. One primary concern is, I may very likely be hunting alone, and just that in the back of my mind is an obstacle of sorts. Because I feel that my chances of drawing are pretty much 100 percent, unless a MAJOR application shift takes place, I have already started trying to put together a plan on how to deal with my situation.
So, to start that process, I hoped anyone who has had experiences in bear country, with bears, without - but in bear country no less - good, bad, etc, could share. Also, I am fully versed in keeping a clean camp, but are there any other tips you can pass along?
I do plan to reach out and try to find someone who has the same tag, that may want to join up. I can't afford a guide, but I can afford horses, so I also felt like I would be more comfortable with a horse, or two. And maybe even a dog. I hope that doesn't sound crazy to anyone who is experienced in bear country. I simply felt that having the extra eyes, ears, noses, etc. plus a larger group could be beneficial, but I may be wrong. That is actually one of the things I was hoping for, advice on my thoughts.
Anyway, I have ramble long enough and will most likely add as others do, or answer any questions someone might have of me. So thanks for reading and I will appreciate any advice.
