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Washington Bear Hunts
"Outfitting & Guiding
Washington Bear Hunts For 30 Years”
Washington is truly a bear
hunting paradise. The bear population is
estimated at over 30,000 black bear, the most in
the southern 48 states. Bearpaw Outfitters
conduct their highly successful “Spot & Stalk”
style black bear hunts in northeast Washington
close to Idaho and B.C. Canada. This area has
about a 50/50 ratio of color phase bear.
The habitat is perfect with
countless wild berry patches to glass and watch.
Harvest records show more bear taken in the
Northeast Region than any other area of
Washington.
Remember, spot & stalk bear
hunting pits you against the bear, it’s totally
fair chase, and there’s no bait piles and no
hounds used for this hunt. With licenses
available over the counter and with the high
bear numbers, spot & stalk bear hunting in NE
Washington is as good as it gets in the lower 48
states, so why go anywhere else?
Best Time
Spring hunts are best later
in May after most bear are out of their dens and
feeding heavy on green grass. Fall hunting is
best in August and September when ripe berries
attract bear from miles around. The whole key to
successful bear hunting is to be in the right
place at the right time. Bear will only feed on
berries that are ripe so timing is everything.
The Denney family has hunted bear in this area
over 50 years and know where and when to go.
Trophy Quality
Hides have the best hair in
April, May, September, and October. Color Phase
Bear are common with about 50% of the bear being
off colors of brown, blonde, or cinnamon. Bear
numbers and the average size have steadily
increased since bait and hounds were banned in
1996.
Most bear weigh from 130 to
350 pounds and measure from 5 to 7 feet. A few
fall bear taken have weighed well over 400
pounds and one monster weighed 550 pounds.
Hunting Methods
The most time will be spent
glassing in mountain berry patches. Sometimes
bear are spotted at long distance moving between
berry patches and hunters plan a stalk to get
closer. Other times hunters shoot a bear when
it’s first spotted. It really gets exciting when
a bear is so close that you hear the limbs
breaking while it’s eating berries but you have
to wait for a clear shot. One thing is for sure,
once you hunt bear this way, you’ll want to do
it again.
Shot Opportunity
Shot opportunity on guided
bear hunts averages 70% to 100%. Unguided
hunters are roughly half as successful. Shooting
distances can vary from 10 yards to 300 yards or
more. Sight your rifle to shoot dead on at 200
yards.
Licenses
Hunters of any age can
purchase Bear, Deer, Turkey, Cougar, Elk, and
Small Game licenses over the counter. Youth
hunters are half price (even non-residents) and
first time hunters do not need Hunter Ed to
purchase licenses. Other hunters need Hunter Ed
if born after Jan 1, 1972.
Hunting Areas
Private Ranches: Hunts are conducted on
properties ranging from 50 acres to 2500 acres.
These properties offer excellent hunting
opportunities with high success rates and are
perfect for hunters with the patience to sit
and watch.
Mountain Hunts: Hunts are conducted in
numerous mountain locations where some of the
best trophy animals have been taken. These hunts
sometimes require a little more hiking but the
most time will be spent glassing.
Bear Seasons
General Fall Bear: Opens August 1 to
November 15 in many of Washington’s Fish & Game
units. Deer, elk, turkey, cougar, coyote, and
grouse can also be hunted with proper licenses
during proper seasons.
Northeastern Fall Bear: Opens September 4
to November 15 in certain bear hunting units.
Deer, elk, turkey, cougar, coyote, and grouse
can also be hunted with proper licenses during
proper seasons.
Spring Permit: Opens April 15 to May 31
in specified Fish & Game units. Permits are
limited in quantity and issued by drawing in
February. Turkey, coyote, and varmints can also
be hunted with proper licenses.
Accommodations
Lodge & Cabin: Indoor lodging with cooked
meals and lounging in the dining room of the
lodge, pool table in the den, indoor bathrooms
and bunk rooms in the cabins, and a lighted game
cleaning area with water for cleanup. Groups of
up to 16 can be easily accommodated.
Tent Camps with Meals: Camps are accessed
by auto and usually have 6 to 12 guided or
unguided hunters in camp. Includes meals, tents,
camp gear, portable toilet, kitchen area, water,
and services provided by Bearpaw.
Drop Camp: Camp is accessed by auto and
suited for a group of 2 to 8 unguided hunters.
Includes tent, camp gear, portable toilet,
water, firewood hand saw, and hunting advice.
Bring your own food. Reserve camp up to 10
days.
What’s Not Included
Meat processing, taxidermy,
licenses, gratuities, and any other items not
listed as being included. Bring your personal
gear, and sleeping bag.
Booking a Hunt
Please review all the hunt
details and then use the hunt Application to
book your hunt, or use the Hunt Info Request
Form to ask any questions, or simply call and
speak to Dale or Tara at 509-684-6294.
Dale & Tara invite you to
come and experience one of the best hunts of
your life, just as many past hunters have.
Thanks & Good Hunting,
Dale & Tara Denney
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