Hunting for Black Bears in the Pacific Northwest

Why the Pacific Northwest Is Prime Black Bear Country

The PNW offers some of the highest black bear densities in North America thanks to:

• Abundant forage: berries, roots, grasses, skunk cabbage, salmon, carrion

• Dense vegetation for bedding and cover

• Vast public land and remote timber country

• Long growing seasons along coastal rainforests

Bears thrive from sea level to subalpine ridges, and hunters who understand these habitat layers see more opportunities.

Habitat Breakdown: Where Black Bears Live in the PNW

Coastal Rainforest

Found along WA, OR, and BC coastlines. Bears here key in on:

• Massive berry crops (salmonberry, thimbleberry, blackberry)

• Tidal flats and estuarine edges

• Salmon streams during fall runs

• Clearcut edges and river bottoms

Visibility is limited, but abundant food creates predictable patterns.

Inland Mountain Forests

Classic PNW timber country: hemlock, cedar, Douglas fir. Bears use:

• New growth clearcuts

• Brushy avalanche chutes

• Subalpine meadows

• Berry patches and logged landings

Glassable terrain is more common here, making it ideal for spot-and-stalk.

High Country & Alpine

In late summer and early fall, bears climb to:

• Huckleberry meadows

• Blueberry basins

• Ridge-top berry slopes

These areas often hold the biggest fall bears thanks to calorie-rich berries.

Seasonal Bear Behavior & Hunting Windows

Spring (Where Legal)

As they emerge from dens, bears focus heavily on:

• Fresh green grass

• Skunk cabbage

• South-facing slopes

• Logging roads with early vegetation

Most movement occurs midday as bears warm up from winter lethargy.

Summer

Food becomes abundant, and bears move widely between:

• Berry patches

• New clearcut growth

• Riparian zones

Expect morning and evening movement in heat, with mid-day activity increasing on cloudy days.

Early Fall

This is peak hunting season. Bears feed aggressively on:

• Huckleberries

• Blueberries

• Salmon runs

• Late berries in brushy bottoms

Bears become patternable as they return to the same slopes daily to feed.

Late Fall

As food sources decline, bears reduce movement. Coastal areas with late salmon runs and lower-elevation berries remain productive.

Best Hunting Techniques for Pacific Northwest Black Bears

1. Spot-and-Stalk

The PNW is famous for spot-and-stalk bear hunting, especially in open mountain country.

Key tactics:

• Glass berry slopes at first and last light

• Focus on openings, logging cuts, and natural meadows

• Watch for black shapes that appear “blocky” or “round,” not deer-shaped

• Move slowly with the wind in your face when stalking

Evening glassing is often the most productive.

2. Still-Hunting and Tracking

In thick coastal rainforest or dense timber:

• Move quietly along game trails and skid roads

• Watch for overturned logs, fresh scat, and torn-up stumps

• Bears often circle feeding areas—listen for feeding sounds in brush

• Fresh tracks in mud or sand indicate recent activity

Rainy days are ideal—sound is muffled and bears feed longer.

3. Hunting Over Salmon Streams

During fall salmon runs, bears feed heavily on:

• Dead salmon (carcasses)

• Active runs

• Shallow river edges

Approach quietly and glass from above. Bears along salmon streams are extremely food-focused, creating good shot opportunities.

4. Calling Bears

Predator calls can bring curious or aggressive bears within range, especially:

• In areas with limited food

• During spring seasons

• When bears are traveling between berry patches

Use fawn distress, dying rabbit, or bear cub distress only where safe and legal. Calling is best used when visibility is good.

5. Using Clearcuts Effectively

In logged country:

• Old cuts (3–10 years) produce berries and browse

• New cuts (1–5 years) offer green grass in early spring

• Bears often feed on edges before entering the center

Glass cuts systematically—start low and move upward.

Signs of Black Bear Activity

Look for:

• Fresh scat (berry-filled in summer/fall)

• Claw marks on trees

• Ripped stumps and torn logs

• Bear trails through fern fields

• Flattened grass beds

• Tracks along roads, trails, and sandy creek edges

Fresh sign means slow down—bears are likely close.

Recommended Gear for PNW Bear Hunts

Firearms

• Rifles: .270, .308, 6.5 CM, .30-06, .300 WM

• Optics: Quality 3–9x or 4–12x scope

• Bipod or shooting sticks for long mountain shots

Archery

• 60–70 lb draw

• Fixed-blade or strong mechanical broadheads

• Rangefinder with angle compensation

Clothing

• Waterproof rain gear (mandatory in the PNW)

• Quiet outer layers

• Layered clothing for elevation changes

• Boots with strong ankle support

Survival & Utility

• GPS or mapping app

• Bear spray

• Knife and game bags

• Headlamp with extra batteries

• Trekking poles for steep climbs

Safety Considerations

• Black bears are generally shy but unpredictable—always stay alert

• Know how to judge bears and avoid shooting sows with cubs

• Expect tough pack-outs in rugged terrain

• Weather changes rapidly, especially in coastal and mountain zones

• Follow all state or provincial regulations on baiting, hounds, or tagging

Why Book a Guided PNW Bear Hunt

Guided hunts offer big advantages in complex bear country:

• Access to prime logging roads, berry basins, and salmon drainages

• Expert knowledge of seasonal feeding patterns

• Help judging bear size and sex

• Safer travel through thick rainforest or steep mountains

• Better odds in high-density black bear regions

Compare vetted outfitters and find your next bear adventure at Find A Hunt.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to hunt black bears in the PNW?

Early fall (August–October) during peak berry season is considered the most productive.

Do black bears move in the rain?

Yes—rainy or overcast days actually increase daylight movement.

How far do you need to hike?

Expect anything from short timber-road glassing sessions to multi-mile alpine hunts depending on terrain.

What’s the best rifle caliber?

Mid-sized calibers like .308, .270, or 30-06 are ideal for most bear hunts.

How do I avoid shooting a sow with cubs?

Watch for cub movement behind brush and study bear body language—sows appear slimmer and more narrow-chested.

Ready to plan a Pacific Northwest bear hunt? Explore outfitters, compare terrain types, and book with confidence through Find A Hunt.