Washington is a bear hunter's paradise with one of the highest black bear populations in the lower 48. Bearpaw Outfitters offer spot and stalk fall bear hunts in northeastern Washington utilizing natural food sources and decades of local bear habit knowledge to increase your odds of success. Two bear licenses can be purchased over the counter and because half the bear are off-color, you can hunt for two bear of different colors on the same trip. Spring Bear Hunts are also offered in Idaho.
Hundreds of successful hunts confirm that Bearpaw Outfitters are one of the most experienced and successful bear hunting outfitters. The Denney family has been hunting bear in northeast Washington for over 80 years and Bearpaw Outfitters have an A+ Rating at the Better Business Bureau.
Bearpaw Outfitters are located in northeast corner of Washington, close to Idaho and British Columbia, Canada. This is fantastic bear country and best of all you don't have the hassle of trying to cross the canadian border with rifles like you would have to do for a canadian bear hunt.
More bear are taken most years in this region than in any other region in Washington. Shot opportunity varies each year but usually runs from 50% to 80% plus you have the option to hunt a second bear. Please check out some of the Hunt Reviews by past hunters.
Guided, Semi-Guided, and Unguided hunts include lodging, meals, and private land access. DIY Private land hunts include private land access and waypoints where to hunt. DIY Public hunts include waypoints where to hunt and camp on public land. 5-Day Hunts — Cost Per Person
Guided 1x1..........$4450
Guided 2x1..........$3450
Guided 3x1..........$3150
Guided 2nd Bear $1000
Semi-Guided.......$2250
Unguided............$1850
Non-Hunter..........$950
DIY Private.......$995
DIY Public........$595
Non-Res License $306.10
Non-Res Youth.....$17.68
One of the most effective bear hunting methods is sitting and glassing mountain berry patches for feeding bear. Sometimes bear are spotted at close range for a quick shot, other times at long distance and hunters stalk closer. Bow hunters usually watch game trails or waterholes for close shots.
Fall bear season opens August 1 and is best in August and September when ripe berries attract bear from miles around. Bear only feed on berries that are ripe so timing is everything. Spring bear is open April 15 to June 15 by drawing, apply in February.
Roughly 50% of bear taken are off color, so there's a good chance at a brown, blonde, or cinnamon color phase bear. Most bear weigh 100 to 300 pounds and measure 5 to 6 feet, with larger bear from 300 to 550 pounds measuring 6 to 7 feet. Hides are best after chilly fall nights thicken the fur.
Guided hunts include lodging, meals, guiding, field dressing, game recovery, and skinning. Semi-guided hunters get lodging, meals, and one guide per group who shows them where to hunt and helps recover game. DIY Maps are offered for Do-It-Yourself hunters who want to know where to spot and stalk bear on their own.
The facilities are only 10 to 60 minutes from most hunting areas. Enjoy meals in the lodge, a pool table in the den, indoor bathrooms, bunk beds in the cabins, and a lighted game cleaning area with water for cleanup. Groups can be accommodated.
The guides will field dress, skin, quarter, and pack out your game for you. Meat and trophies can be frozen and packed in coolers to transport home with you. Quality taxidermy and meat processing are available locally at reasonable rates, usually done in a day or two.
Accurate flat shooting .257 caliber or larger rifles are best in the berry patches, sight dead on at 200 yards. Archers hunt in blinds at trails and waterholes or stalk at close range, practice from 10 to 60 yard shots.
Shot opportunity on fall guided hunts usually runs 50% to 80%, with some years at 100%, and guided spring hunts run 80% to 100% most years. Unguided hunters average about half the success of guided hunts. Shooting distances vary from 10 yards to 200 plus yards.
Follow Interstate 90 to Spokane, exit on Hwy 395 and follow it 70 miles north to Colville, then take Hwy 20 east about 3 miles to Bearpaw Outfitters. If flying, Spokane is the nearest airport, then rent a car for the scenic drive north.
Weather can vary from hot August days to possible frosty nights in early Sept. Bring layered clothing, sturdy quiet boots, and rain gear since mountain weather can change quickly. Check the forecast before leaving for your hunt.
This hunt can be physically very easy hunt if needed. A lot of the hunting is done by glassing from vantage points, sometimes stalking closer when necessary. The guides will modify your hunt to fit your personal needs and fitness level.
Items Not Included: Meat processing, taxidermy, license fees, gratuities, travel costs before and after the hunt, shipping fees, and any items not listed as being included. Bring your own personal gear and a sleeping bag or blanket.
The Bearpaw Team will insure you have a fun and exciting hunt!
Outfitter & Guide
Washington Bear Guide
Washington Bear Guide