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Montana Spring Bear Hunt
Spring Bear Hunting can be one of the most fun hunts of the year. They also will pose their own challenges due to some of the thicker vegetation, style of hunting, and weather. I have been hunting bears for many years, however, a spot and stalk hunt in Montana will be much different than a tree stand-style hunt in Idaho. Below is my list for a spot and stalk-style backcountry hunt in the mountains.
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Over the last 12 years of thoroughly putting my gear to the test hunting and guiding, I have been able to see what works and what doesn't. My goal is to have what truly works, will last for years to come and I could be comfortable with it. If I was to say I have a favorite part of of gear, it would be my optics. You can't hunt something you can't see!
Bino Harness
Spotting Scope
Tripod
Other
I use the Outdoorsmans pistol grip with panner as my tripod head.
Range Finder
Backpacks & Gear
Most of the other items that I have put together on this list have been staples in my pack for years!
Backpack/ Pack Frame
Depending on the season and what I will be doing with my backpack, I will use different options. For the spring bear season, I like a pack that is light but has an external frame to it. I also like the fact that my pack can be super modular and I can change out bags throughout the time I am out there from large duffel size to a very small day pack.
Knives
Headlamp
Satellite Messengers
Safety/ First Aid
Gear - Accessories
When it comes to accessories, you can pack a whole ton of items or a few. I try to keep things to a minimum and be more weight conscious, especially if I am hiking into the backcountry. Every ounce counts out there! However, I will add items that I would use if I was in a stationary space as well so you can see the items I would use year round in a couple different situations.
Scent Eliminators
Tree Stands
Trail Cameras
Camping Equipment
Tent
I have many different tents that I use for different applications. When it comes to the spring bear season, I will be using a 2 map tent that is going to be a double wall option. Usually, I am getting hit with rain in the spring season and having a single wall tent can be a pain with the water saturation and condensation. This is where a double wall tent will come in very handy for me and my gear.
Sleeping Bag
Sleeping Pad
Food & Nutrition
Food in the backcountry will be your heaviest item in your pack. While it is important to check on the weight, it is more important to check out the caloric count of the item versus the weight. I am big at looking at 100 calories for every ounce of weight (or possibly more). This will mean that I want something to pack lots of calories since I will be expending lots of calories as well on our hunts.
Supplements
Snacks/ Bars
Freeze Dried Meals
Clothing
My clothing chosen below has been refined many times over for me specifically. What I have found is that layering is going to be very important and in the mornings, less is going to be more. I will always start with a base layer that will be either merino wool or synthetic polyester. With the latest technology in materials for wool, I have leaned more towards wool as of late.
Insulation/ Midlayers
Outerwear/ Jackets
Pants
Rain Gear
Clothing - Accessories
I have found that the clothing accessories will add more comfort than anything else and are fully something I recommend to everyone. A thin glove, some foot inserts and a thin item over your head will make or break your hunt.
Hats/ Beanies
Firearms
Rifle Equipment
Rifle
I tend to like a heavier rifle for my spring bear hunts compared to an elk or deer hunt. This is because I can take it into the backcountry but also have it close to my truck and I can get away with a little bit more.
Ammunition
