2015 POW Bears...

[B&C 04]

Hello Folks!

It's been a while since doing any hunting/fishing in the great state of Ak but just can't stay away any longer. We have never hunted POW for Blackies and thought next year would be a great time to go check out SE Ak. I hear nothing but spring spring spring when it comes to hunting on POW. Why are so many passing on the fall hunt in Sept? Bears are on the salmon so meat may or may not be etible, coats are thined but filling back out. What other trade off's or issues are we looking at going in the fall vs the spring?

Have spoken with lodge operators in both Coffmans Cove and Whales Pass so will be sticking to the N/NE side of the Island. Appreciate any info or insight you folks may provide.

Nathan

[muskeg]

It's a draw now for the Non-resident hunter and there are only a few tags in that fall unit # 2 draw. Probably the reason for that is the over-the-counter fall kill was heavy female.

Fall hunting can be very good. but heavy rains and flooding can make the hunt pretty difficult.

[B&C 04]

It's a draw now for the Non-resident hunter and there are only a few tags in that fall unit # 2 draw. Probably the reason for that is the over-the-counter fall kill was heavy female.

Fall hunting can be very good. but heavy rains and flooding can make the hunt pretty difficult.

Thanks for the info Johnnie, been meaning to give you a hollar. I did take a look at last years harvest rate and see its about 70% sows...With only 30 tags it will be a long shot but figure it could be a good hunt if the wife or I draw out.

[muskeg]

Spring vs Fall
That has been a long debate that will continue.

Here in SE Alaska the spring kill is probably more than double (maybe triple) the fall kill. There are several reasons for that though. There are not many spring type hunts and it is a popular hunt to ‘get out of the office’ type thing. As the bears emerge they work their way to the open beaches and tidal flats to feed on the spring green-up. They can be hunted by spot and stalk methods during their evening grazing. Baiting is allowed in spring (by permit). The meat is more edible (salvage is required) in spring. As they start their shedding taking a rubbed bear is a concern though. Feet are usually bald from “brush or snow burn”. Many have rubbed foreheads / chins. All bear don’t emerge at the same time and late emergers offer good hides into June, when early emergers are badly rubbed. There are more boars taken in spring partly because many sows hang the den later. Also the cub is usually hanging tight with the sow and a sow with cub is easier to identify.

Spring hides have a thick under-fur that fall hides don’t. When stretched on a taxidermists table for rugging (skin side up) a spring hide is puffed up like a pillow / a fall hide is flat. Fall hides usually have good hair down over the claws. Fall hides seem to have blacker, longer, silkier hair.

The fall hunt is a different hunt than the spring hunt as the Bears are feeding on fish or berries at that time. The hunt usually takes place upland. Spot and stalk style hunting the low land fish creeks is very productive. The meat is not considered very edible and is not required salvage by regulation. Baiting is not allowed in fall. More sows are taken in fall. Care should be taken to ID Boars / Sows. Bear usually have added weight by the fall hunt and sometimes females can be hard to tell from boars. Some sows have lost their cubs. Also the cubs are not hanging tight to the sow like in spring.

Black Bear hunting in SE AK is good both spring and fall, just two different types of hunts.

[sh]

excellent info
thanks

[B&C 04]

Might adjust the plans from fall to spring. Have spoke with several transports/operators down on POW now and based on the fact that my 65 yr old father will be along, just sounds like the spring will be a lower impact type of hunt for him. Hate to push it back but guess fall 2014 is open again...

[muskeg]

I do not agree that spring vrs fall is more or less physical ... you can get more or less physical during either season ... it's up to you.

This Dec draw is for Fall 2015 and Spring 2016 ... and remember AK has no party tag / draw system. One person in your party might draw and others not.

I have received several inquiries from groups (non-res) that put in and only one drew. But that pertains to the non-resident. Ak residents do not have to draw.

[Hughiam]

FWIW, my brother who lives on POW is seeing more bears and wolves on his trail cams this fall than deer.