A relatively mild winter and Wyoming’s robust black bear population should make for a great black bear hunting season.
The only possible hitch – people out hunting black bears could find themselves being hunted by grizzlies.
Seasoned black bear hunter Joe Kondelis of Cody said grizzlies are always on his mind during spring black bear hunts – as both bear species emerge from hibernation.
“My thought before every spring bear season is, ‘I hope I don’t get killed by a grizzly,’” Kondelis, president of the American Bear Foundation, told Cowboy State Daily.
Lots Of Opportunity
Wyoming has a healthy black bear population across the state.
Most of the state’s hunting seasons take place during the fall and early winter – including for such popular species as deer, elk, antelope and waterfowl.
But there are spring seasons for black bears and wild turkeys, offering hunters some relief from cabin fever.
Black bear hunting is gaining popularity, Wyoming Game and Fish large carnivore specialist Dan Thompson told Cowboy State Daily.
“There should be good opportunities for black bear hunting this spring, areas with a milder winter should have increased access,” he said.
“We continue to see increased interest with black bear hunting and sportspeople seeking a quality hunt throughout Wyoming,” he added.
Northeast Wyoming outdoorsman Owen Miller told Cowboy State Daily that he was busy on Thursday preparing bear bait and hunting gear for the spring season.
“We've had a relatively mild winter making me think they'll be out earlier this year,” he said.
“The earliest I've gotten photos of bears has been April 15th, with knee-deep snow still on the ground. I'm betting they are mostly out already looking for food and it should be an incredible season this year,” Miller added.
As Wyoming black bears emerge from hibernation, bear hunters are tempting them in with bait barrels. (Courtesy Owen Miller) 
As Wyoming black bears emerge from hibernation, bear hunters are tempting them in with bait barrels. (Courtesy Owen Miller) 
As Wyoming black bears emerge from hibernation, bear hunters are tempting them in with bait barrels. (Courtesy Owen Miller) 
As Wyoming black bears emerge from hibernation, bear hunters are tempting them in with bait barrels. (Courtesy Owen Miller)
Is Bear Baiting Fair?
Bear hunting methods vary.
In some eastern states that have gargantuan black bears, pursuing bears with hounds is allowed.
Wyoming allows hound hunting for mountain lions, but not for black bears.
Some hunters use the “spot and stalk” method. That usually entails lots of “glassing,” or looking for bears through binoculars or spotting scopes. And then planning how to stalk to within rifle or bow range of the bear.
Other hunters prefer setting up bait stations. Those are usually barrels full of goodies to tempt bear in. Many hunters swear by sweet items, such as concoctions made with molasses.
Miller said some people might think bear-baiting is unfair, but he doesn’t see it that way.
“I feel there's more bears than people realize, because you can go days without seeing bears. But a bait station brings them out in just a few days, and I'll have eight to a dozen different bears on a single bait site,” he said.
Baiting helps hunters be more selective and avoid shooting sows (female bears), Miller said.
“Those uneducated on bears and bear hunting think baiting isn't hunting, but it helps the hunter judge bears before shooting. We don't want to shoot sows, and definitely not sows with cubs. And the baiting method gives us the opportunity to make sure before harvesting a bear,” he said.
Bear hunters swear that meat from Wyoming black bears is great table fare. Chili made from bear meat is a popular option. (Courtesy Owen Miller) 
As spring approaches, bear hunters are preparing various bear bait concoctions. (Courtesy Owen Miller)
Watch Out For The Griz
Like many in the Cody area, Kondelis says there are more grizzlies than ever there.
It’s made black bear hunting exciting, and not always in a good way, he said.
“I see 12 to 15 (grizzlies) for every black bear, I see,” he said.
Residents in the Wapiti area between Cody and Yellowstone National Park previously told Cowboy State Daily that grizzlies have become a common sight around their homes.
The Wapiti elementary school has a bear-proof fence around it, just in case a passing grizzly decides that the schoolkids look like tempting snacks.
Grizzlies remain under federal protection in the Lower 48, and it’s illegal to hunt them here.
However, there’s an ongoing push to delist grizzlies in Wyoming, Montana and Idaho. If that happens, there could be a grizzly hunting season in Wyoming.
Supporters of delisting and hunting argue that it would help stop grizzlies from pushing into high-conflict zones with humans.
Critics of delisting and hunting say it would hamper a healthy genetic exchange between populations – such as Wyoming’s Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem grizzlies and Montana’s Northern Continental Divide grizzly population.
Mark Heinz can be reached at mark@cowboystatedaily.com.
