At the start of a new year, the first thing on the agenda for many hunters is a spring bear hunt. Here at SNS Outfitter and Guides, it’s something we look forward to every year. As a side note, we actually have a few spots open for spring black bear hunts in Wyoming this May! For details call us at 307-266-4229 or see our Black Bear Hunt Page for details.

A spring black bear hunt in Wyoming means being ready for any kind of weather or conditions. It can be difficult knowing how to prepare. Here are a few tips on being ready for your next spring bear hunt:

Rain Gear

It’s May in the high country. Here in Wyoming, we hunt the beautiful Greys River Valley from our comfortable Box Y Lodge. While the lodge is cozy, sometimes the weather is not.

Rain is certainly a possibility throughout the month of May so quality rain gear should be a top priority. In many years, there’s still plenty of snow on the ground. So even if the skies are clear, rain gear will help keep you dry in those slushy spring conditions. Good rain gear also serves to block cold spring winds.

Packable Insulation

In addition to quality rain gear, we recommend having good, packable insulation. Packable is important because the weather can be highly variable in the spring. You may be wearing your warm layer one moment and needing to pack it away the next.

We recommend a lightweight pullover or jacket. The most compressible material for its warmth and weight is high quality down. But many manufacturers now make good synthetic options too. If looking at down jackets, make sure it’s 600-fill down or higher. Higher quality down requires fewer feathers to achieve the same loft and warmth – meaning it packs smaller and is lighter.

Warm Boots

When you’re waiting on potentially snowy ground for a mature bear to appear, having warm boots will help keep you focused on the hunt and not on your toes.

Our spring bear hunts in Wyoming at the Box Y Lodge usually require a short walk to the bait locations. With that in mind, you won’t need a hiking boot for miles of hunting. Instead, focus on comfort and warmth. Pac boots, Muck boots and similar styles work well. However, we also recommend packing a lighter, less-insulated option for those days when the weather turns warm.

If you have any questions about preparing for your hunt, or if you’d like information on our spring bear hunt opportunities, please call us at 307-266-4229. You can also check out our Spring Bear Hunt Page or request a brochure.