Need direction on bear hunt

[Johan6966]

So we scheduled time off this year for May 18-24 for a bear hunt, then spring happened a month early. We are not picky on browns or blacks, just a good chance to bag a couple bears. We orginally were going to take bikes down resurrection trail and just scope/hike the mtn sides. I'm thinking it will be to late down there now? I am now considering going North to Denali state park/highway, or taking a water taxi out of Whittier or Homer. I have a Zodiac with a 25 horse, and we are willing to bike or hike. Thoughts or opinions? Thanks, Johan

[Bullelkklr]

There is still a lot of signs of winter left out in PWS from the recently posted pictures. As of Monday noon - ADFG had still only had one Griz sealed in anchorage. With 2 guys and your zodiac and a weeks time you would not even need a taxi service in PWS.

[logman 49]

My son and I were out on Sunday in unit 7 and couldn't make it into our bait station in the Ranger, to much snow yet.

[Johan6966]

Interesting reports. Was there that much snow on the Kenai this year? I'd heard it was melting fast so figured 3rd week would be to late. Maybe not? I would consider the Zodiac if it was 2 of us, but we will have 3 if not 4 and its just to much of a squeeze. Thanks for replys

[hunt/trapak88]

I put on 12 miles today on foot in unit 7, south slopes are getting bare but still quite a bit of snow elsewhere. Saw one set of tracks up high. The other day I flew for a couple hrs kashwitna/talkeetna area...didn't see one den. Even being a early spring the 18-24 should be ideal for blacks. Last week of May, first week of June is hot time...esp in the sound. That's were I'm gonna be, but a lil earlier than you due to work. Good luck

[BRWNBR]

Your dates are fine. Everyone gets jumpy when it starts to thaw here. But the mat valley/anch is about all that's really melted off so far. Flying back and forth to the slope there is still ALOT of white out there.

[shphtr]

For years I hunted every spring for blacks in PWS and May 20 plus or minus a day or two always seemed to be the ideal time. The black bear capes from PWS are prob the best in Alaska. There is usually a lot of snow in the sound in mid to late May. Good luck on your hunt.

[AK-HUNT]

Your dates are good. Do pws since u have the boat.
Several browns taken have been taken. Don't have to go to f&g. Most prefer not.....
Blacks are popping now too but not in any real numbers yet.
I thought this was gonna be an early year but it's just abt normal.

[Johan6966]

Thanks for the guidance guys. We will still go with the resurrection trail if we can't get a water taxi this late in the game.

[jerryl]

I drove down to cooper landing this last weekend and seen 3 blackeis and 2 cubs all on ones southern hillside probably a mile long there moved around quite a bit. Not a lot of green vegetation yet. A week or two would be just about right. Maybe around the 10th for reserection pass would be my guess.