Archery Bear in AZ

[HullinPhx]

Just got the good news, My brother drew a 6B archery spring bear tag. We have never hunted bear before and definitely never hunted with a Bow. Has anyone ever had this tag before? The Hunt starts at the end of April, when do the bears come out of hibernation? Where would you guys start first, Sycamore or Oak Creek?

Thanks

John

 

[gens]

Never Had the Tag But I know the unit fairly well. I would definitely try the sycamore canyon area over oak Creek. Oak creek is beutiful and fun to fly fish, but it is very thick and extreamly steep. If you do choose to hunt Oak get back away from the roads and people. At the first hint of decent wheather the people come out in the thousands. . Bears are far and few between in Northern AZ, try in the lower-southern portion of the unit they will appear earlier and be more plentiful.. Bears usually come out of hibernation as soon as the majority of the snow begins to melt March probably.
I took a bear in NM and they are tough, shoot around #65+ and be accurate their vitals are located differently than deer. Check out the charts and practice. Best of luck
Gens

 

[OD_Crew]

I would have to agree with Gens, Oak Creek is very steep, munds canyon, just to the north of that, i heard holds bears also. I dont think at the time frame you are hunting that you should have any problems, they'll be up and looking for food. Good luck to you.
Scott




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