Hello! I’m a mid westerner that has DIY backpack elk hunted in Idaho a few years now. I love every minute out there and can’t wait to go back. We glassed up a few black bears while elk hunting tex creek area this fall and I’m considering going back this spring to chase my first ever black bear.

My hesitations are that harvest numbers aren’t very high for this area (6-10 each spring). And that I don’t know when throughout the season to go to find them as they are coming out of hibernation. Spring season is mid April to mid June. Is this unit just not hunted much for black bear or are they rare to see? Is there a better OTC unit or part of the state I should be looking at? I have onX and gohunt but just keep coming back the one area I know where I saw some bears, and one seemed damn big.

Any and all help here is much appreciated. Looking at going out this spring on a backpack bear hunt with me and one friend who has never been hunting out west. Would love to show him the beauty of the country and get him hooked on western hunting with a good adventure and the opportunity to see some bears/game.

Thanks!