Helpful tips

When can you hunt bear in Washington state?

When can you hunt bear in Washington state?

Hunting for bears with bait or with hounds has been illegal since 1996. Since then, bear seasons have been lengthened and bag limits increased. In most areas, fall black bear seasons begin between August 1 and September 1 and continue through November 15.

Can you hunt bear at night in Washington state?

Night hunting (WAC 220-413-060):It is illegal to hunt wildlife at night during the months of October and November in any area open to modern firearm deer or elk hunting.

Can you hunt bears in Washington state?

Status in Washington Black bear are classified as a game animal in the state (WAC 232-12-007) and approximately 1,440 bears are harvested per year [Note: it is illegal to kill a grizzly bear in Washington State unless in self-defense or defense of other people.]

How much is a bear tag in Washington state?

Big game license costs

License type Resident
License type Elk License Resident $50.40
License type Elk License W/discounted Small game license*** Resident $72.40
License type Bear License Resident $24.00
License type Bear License W/discounted Small game license *** Resident $46.00

Is there a spring bear hunt?

Bears can basically breed at anytime they aren’t denning, but the peak breeding period is in a 60-day time period between late May, June, and early July. Most spring bear hunting seasons only go through mid-to-late June.

Where can I find spring bears?

– Old logging roads are a highway for spring bears. Logging roads that have been seeded tend to be the first to grow grass in an area. These black bears congregate on grassy logging roads and are a great place to search when looking for feeding bears.

Where is the best bear hunting in Washington?

Trophy spot-and-stalk Washington bear hunts on the Olympic Peninsula. This is a great spot-and-stalk hunt for mature bears. This hunt is just across the border from Vancouver Island which is world famous for trophy black bears.

Are salt licks legal in Washington?

Predators such as wolves, mountain lions and bears have learned staking out a salt lick leads to an easy meal. In Washington, it is not illegal to use salt or other baits, as long as it isn’t on federal land.

What is small game in Washington State?

In the state of Washington, one of the most popular small game animals to hunt is quail. Additionally, grouse, waterfowl (ducks), pheasant, chukar partridge, cottontail rabbit, and snowshoe hare are some of the more common small game hunted in Washington.

Is spring or fall bear hunting better?

Fall or spring, you hunt food to find bears. Spring bears are lean; fall bears are heavier…and with less carrion and more berries, the meat is probably better. As for quality of coat, that’s a grab-bag. The very best hides are probably late fall, just before hibernation…but that’s not consistent.

How do you hunt bears in the spring?

11 Tips For Spring Bear Hunting

  1. Spring bear season is here.
  2. 95% LOOKING, 5% HUNTING.
  3. FIND THEIR FEEDING AREA.
  4. BEARS RUT IN LATE SPRING.
  5. PLAY THE WIND, STAY QUIET AND OUT OF SIGHT.
  6. BIG BEARS LOOK AND ACT BIG.
  7. BE PERSISTENT.
  8. LET YOUR EYES DO THE WALKING.

When is black bear hunting season in Washington?

There are two primary seasons for black bear in Washington: the fall general season, and the spring special permit seasons. Learn more: Summary of fall black bear hunting seasons; Spring black bear special permits hunts

What are the hunting seasons in Washington State?

Summary of fall black bear hunting seasons. Cougar hunting dates and harvest guidelines. Summary of grouse, pheasant, quail, partridge, and crow hunting seasons and bag limits. Summary of wild turkey seasons and bag limits. Summary of hunting seasons for bobcat, fox, raccoon hare/rabbit, grouse, coyote and other small game animals.

Do you need a license to hunt a bear in Washington State?

To hunt bear in Washington, you must purchase a big-game license that includes bear. For pricing and more information, see the hunting licenses page.

How can you tell a bear from a deer in Washington?

As with other similar-looking game species such as elk, moose, caribou, mule deer, and white-tailed deer, Washington hunters are responsible for being able to tell the difference between black and grizzly bears. This knowledge and skill is especially important in areas where the ranges of these two bear species overlap.