Bear tag applications soon

[Random guy]

Looks like the state boys will have bear tags ready to be filled out by the end of March...so who is ready to go bear hunting?!

I caught myself eyeing up new spots on the arial maps a few days ago, truly one season I really enjoy., maaybe it is the warm of it. No wonder bears go to bed all winter.

[HNTNBUX]

I look forward to it every year. It is one that I can get my wife to go with and camp, hunt and fish. I am starting to think she is bad luck though, since I have tried to get her on one I have not even seen a bear. This year will be year number five so I am hoping she can get one.

I was looking at arial photos last year too and was able to figure out where most of the other hunters had their baits based on the trails/swamps.

Do you guys see more consistancy in your baits being hit early or late?

[buckhunter21]

I cant wait to get out again! Did it for the first time last year and had a blast. Even just doing the baiting part of it is fun just seeing if the pits are hit in the morning. I dont have much experience on it but last year our baits were getting hit pretty much every day up until hunting started then it seemed like it was more hit and miss so I would say early is better. What part of the state do you guys hunt in?

[maros91]

I will probably stick to the no quota area on private land by my house here where we got one last year. Baiting is fun except when it is really hot out. I may buy a preference point or apply for one however that works so one year I will hunt in the arrowhead or somewhere far away. Nothing better than hunting the quiet, sly bruin.

[charliepete2]

I'm definitely looking forward to it. I've also been pouring over the topo maps and google earth looking for new places to hunt. Last year was a stinker with the ultra warm weather pretty well turning the bears off for the week I had to hunt. Still it was nice to get out with the boys and spend some time at the shack.

[Powerstroke]

I'm super interested but I don't know a darn thing about it. I don't own land and I don't live up north so I can't tend to bait.

How does a guy go about trying to bear hunt?

What is the going rate for a bear hunt?

[Pumkinseed]

I currently have two preference points for bear and was wondering how many should I have before putting in an application. And can you get it quicker if you going to bow for bear?

[buckhunter21]

Pumkinseed, It depends on what area you are applying for. Some give out more tags than others but if you want to try and apply this year i would go for it. I would think you would get drawn with 2 points but if you dont the worst thing that could happen is that you get another point for next year. I dont think you have a better chance at getting a tag if you use a bow because its all 1 season (bow and firearms). If you dont get drawn keep in mind there are some good no quota areas in the state too if you look into it thats were i ended up hunting last year because i didnt get drawn and saw just as many bear as the guys hunting in the quota zone.

[lcornice]

I currently have two preference points for bear and was wondering how many should I have before putting in an application. And can you get it quicker if you going to bow for bear?

You pretty much can draw any area every other year. So, if you have 2 preference points, you'll get a tag anywhere in the state this season. There is also no additional preference given by weapon type.

[bogwalker]

[charliepete2]

Bogwalker....where did you get the official word on the reduction of bear tags? Have they broken the reduction down by zones? I'd defnitely be interested. I've drawn a bear tag every year for the last decade, I'm hoping we don't turn into another Wisconsin.

[bogwalker]

Hubercita, The Minnesota Bear Guide Association. I have not heard of a break down by zone. In addition to the reduction of permits, the ability to save up points will make a significant difference. Minnesota may become another Wisconsin or Michigan.

[Powerstroke]

Are there "outiftter tags" for bear in MN or do you have to have your tag before you hire an outfitter?

[bogwalker]

No outfitter tags in Minnesota. Some hunters book with an outfitter contingent upon getting drawn.

[Random guy]

That is how we do it. We figure X amount of hunters apply with intent to hunt with us then a percentage of X hunters is awarded tags. We then book those hunters at that time or in may.

It actaully works out pretty good but last year we had low numbers get awarded tags. We had way more bear then hunters, hopefully many of the bigger boars will be back again this year.

[Powerstroke]

I really want to try it and I got a tentative kitchen pass from the CFO to go this year. I'll have to make some phone calls.

[Random guy]

Just got off the phone with the DNR and it sounds like the 25th is the majical day the bear applications will be available.

[charliepete2]

Nice Jonny...thanks for the heads up. I like to get that taken care of as soon as possible so I don't forget.

[bogwalker]

Last year Minnesota issued 11,850 bear permits. Now for 2009 there are 10,000 permits available. You are now allowed to make a second choice zone in case you do not get drawn for your first choice. Bear numbers are dropping steadily in Minnesota. I hope the D.N.R. will get on top of the declining numbers and make some tough decisions.

[Random guy]

Yes we had some nice changes this years application process. LAst year we ended up with way more bear then we had hunters.

I just got done sending out the application email to this years hunters and still looking to fill a few spots.

[Chad711]

I hope to pull a tag, this would be my first year trying to fill a bear tag (archery). I'm excited!

[lc pett]

I hope to get a tag too, didnt get one last year but two years ago i got one. I shot at one but we never found it. I have been going along baiting for 4 or so years and I just love it i will bear hunt for as long as I can.

[ac777]

I will be applying for my first time this year, what can one expect as far as draw rates?

[bogwalker]

It has been every 2-3 years. The D.N.R. draws about half of the applications by earned points. You earn 1 point each year you apply but are not drawn. Now with the "99" option you can save up points. Some lucky applicants seem to get drawn almost every year, some every year.

[89Bronco]

It depends on which zone you apply in, also. Some zones are a lot more popular than others, so your chances of being picked will be less. I've gotten a tag every year I've applied and I've hunted in two different zones over the last 7 years or so. I don't know the zone numbers off the top of my head, but they are way up north. One of our hunting partners did not get a tag last year, but that's been the first time that's happened.