Spring Hunts 101 - Turkey, Bear, and Scouting for Spring

There is something special about spring in the mountains. Everything is waking up. The air carries that mix of fresh earth and pine scent, and the sound of melting snow rushing through streams reminds you that winter’s hold is breaking. It is a season of new beginnings and, for hunters, an incredible time to get after turkeys and bears and begin scouting for the fall.

For me, spring hunts took on a whole new meaning when I took my daughters on their first Idaho black bear hunt. Hallie was 12. Kenzie was just 10. We had heard many stories but this was our first time to experience it firsthand. I wanted to make sure we were ready, that we had the right mindset, the right gear, and the right support. That last piece was critical.

We had the privilege of going with a good friend who knew bear country like the back of his hand. He understood their movements, the signs they left behind, and what we needed to prepare for. It was a masterclass in bear hunting before we even set foot in the woods. This brought much needing peace to our minds, knowing we had someone with us who had been where we were going and done what we were doing. Mentorship is such a blessing when doing anything fo the first time. 

Preparation to Conquer 

One of the biggest lessons I took away from this hunt was the importance of preparation. Spring hunting presents its own unique challenges, and black bears are no exception. Understanding their behavior, their preferred food sources, and their movement patterns is key. According to bear hunting expert Clay Newcomb, bears emerge from hibernation seeking the highest quality food sources available, often green grasses and winter killed animals near south facing slopes. Knowing this helped you determine the right setup for your hunt. 

But one of the biggest challenges we faced was the weather. Spring hunts, especially in high country, can be unpredictable. Heavy rain was in the forecast, so we had to be ready to keep the girls warm and dry. The right gear is not optional, it is essential. Good waterproof layers, quality boots, and keeping a dry change of clothes back at camp can make all the difference.  But you should have seen us in our old camper trailer, finding for the first time, that the roof was not ready for heavy rainfall.  We made the most of our time finding ways to divert water from falling on us all night and into buckets situated throughout the trailer.  It definitely gave us something to launch about and remember. 

Conquering the Hunt

Hunting with your kids is different. Every moment matters more. You are not just focused on finding an animal. You are teaching, guiding, and making sure they are safe, comfortable, and learning. You want them to succeed, but more than that, you want them to fall in love with the process.

We put in the time, watched for fresh bear sign, and sat patiently from our tree stand. When the opportunity finally came, Kenzie and Savvy both made incredible shots. I will never forget to watch them step into that moment with confidence.

Bringing home a bear is no small task. It takes work. It takes respect for the animal. It takes an understanding of how to break it down, pack it out, and make the most of the harvest. Bear meat, when taken care of properly, is some of the best wild game out there. Many people do not realize that, but if you process it right and cook it well, it is phenomenal.

Spring Hunts: Conquering More Than Just Bears

Spring is not just a time for bear hunting. It is also one of the best seasons for turkey hunting and preparing for fall big game seasons.

• Turkey Hunting – Calling in a tom at first light, watching him strut, hearing that gobble shake the woods is to many an experience unlike any other.
  
  
• Scouting for Fall – Spring is also the perfect time to get out and start scouting for elk and deer season. The country looks different without heavy summer vegetation, and finding sheds, travel corridors, and feeding areas now can pay huge dividends when the season opens.
  
  

Lessons about Conquering In The Mountains

That first Idaho bear hunt with my daughters was about more than filling tags. It was about passing something on. It was about learning from those who knew more than us and then applying that knowledge in real time. It was about seeing my daughters step into something hard, push through the elements, and come out the other side with confidence.

Hunting is not just about the kill. It is about preparation, patience, and respect for the process. It is about family, tradition, and time spent together in a place that demands your best. Spring hunts are a perfect reminder of that.

For those looking to get into bear hunting or improve their spring hunts, there are many great resources out there. Clay Newcomb’s work with Bear Hunting Magazine is a must read. The National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) has incredible turkey hunting strategies. And for anyone wanting to fine tune their scouting, Randy Newberg’s approach to e-scouting and understanding big game behavior is next-level.

Spring is here. Get out. Enjoy the new feeling of new life. Learn. Hunt. And most of all, take someone with you. Those are the moments that matter most.

#keepconquering #howWEconquer #conquermore