Washington is truly a bear hunting paradise. The bear population is estimated at over 30,000 black bear, the most bear in the southern 48 states. Best of all, Bear Licenses are available over the counter.

Bearpaw Outfitters are Washington's most successful bear hunting guides, they specialize in spot and stalk bear hunting trips that are totally fair chase, there’s no bait piles and no hounds used for this hunt. If the thought of sitting over a bear bait doesn't really turn you on, and you would rather get out and work for your bear, then give us a call. This bear hunt is perfect for the bear hunter looking for a truly challenging fair-chase bear hunt. 

Bearpaw Outfitters hunt in northeast Washington close to Idaho and British Columbia, Canada. Countless wild berry patches attract bear from miles around. Harvest records show more bear taken in the Northeast Region than any other area of Washington. Best of all, you can just come and hunt, you don't have the hassle of crossing the border and dealing with customs for a Canadian bear hunt.

To top it off, this area has about a 50/50 ratio of color phase bear. There's a great chance of taking a chocolate, cinnamon, or possibly a blonde color phase bear. With the high bear numbers and licenses available over the counter, this is as good as it gets in the lower 48 states for fair chase bear hunting, why go anywhere else?

Best Time

Spring hunts are best in late May after most bear are out of their dens and feeding 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 for over 50 years, they know when and where to go.

Trophy Quality

Hides are best in April, May, September, and October. About 50% of the bear are various color phases such as brown, blonde, or cinnamon. Bear numbers and average size have steadily increased since bait and hounds were banned in 1996. Most bear weigh from 100 to 400 pounds and measure from 5 to 7 feet. A few bear have weighed over 400 pounds and one monster weighed 550 pounds.

Hunting Methods

The most time is spent glassing mountain berry patches. Sometimes bear are spotted at long distance moving between berry bushes and hunters plan a stalk to get closer. Other times hunters can shoot when a bear is 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% and unguided hunters are roughly half as successful as guided hunters. Shooting distances vary from 10 yards to 300+ yards. Sight your rifle dead on at 200 yards. Bow hunters can often get 10 to 30 yard shots at waterholes.

Licenses

Hunters of any age can purchase hunting licenses over the counter. Youth licenses are half price (even for non-resident youth). First time hunters are allowed a one time deferral from the Hunter Ed requirements. All other hunters need Hunter Ed if born after Jan 1, 1972. 

Hunting Areas

Private Ranches:  Several properties ranging up to 2500 acres are hunted. These properties offer excellent bear hunting opportunities with high success rates and are perfect for hunters with the patience to sit and watch.

Mountain Hunts:   Hunt numerous mountain locations where some of the best berry patches are found. The mountain hunts sometimes require a little more hiking but the most time should be spent glassing the berry patches. 

Bear Seasons

General Fall Bear: Opens Aug 1 to Nov 15 in many Game Units. Deer, elk, turkey, cougar, coyote, and grouse can also be hunted with proper licenses.

Northeast Fall Bear: Opens Sept 8 to Nov 15 in some northeast bear hunting units. Deer, elk, turkey, cougar, coyote, and grouse can be hunted with proper licenses.

Spring Bear Permit: Opens April 15 to May 31. Permits are limited and issued by drawing in February. Turkey, coyote, and varmints can also be hunted.

Guiding Options

Guided:  Several guide ratios and pricing are offered that include accommodations, guiding, and game care.

Unguided:  Several unguided hunt options are offered that include accommodations, hunting advice, and maps.

Accommodations

Lodge & Cabin:  The facilities are only 10 to 60 minutes from most hunting areas and include meals in the dining room, pool table in the den, indoor bathrooms, bunk beds in the cabins, and a lighted game cleaning area with water for cleanup. Groups of up to 16 can be accommodated.

Motel “Town Hunts”:  Motels are only 10 to 60 minutes from most of the hunting areas. Bearpaw Outfitters provide all hunters with their room. Guided hunters are picked up and returned to their room each day. Unguided hunters are given hunting advice and a marked map to hunt areas. Meals are not included so budget about $30 per day.

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. 

Driving Directions

From I-90 in Spokane follow Hwy 395 north 70 miles to Colville, then follow Hwy 20 east for 3 miles to Bearpaw. 

Taxidermy and Meat Processing

Both services are available locally for a fee, or you may choose to transport your trophy and carcass home. Meat processing is usually done in a day or two.

Contact Us Today

Call or Email with any questions or to book a hunt. If sending a deposit by postal mail, use the Hunt Application to verify your details. "We look forward to meeting you and hunting with you soon."