If you survived 2020, you have surely learned a few things about planning early and anticipating cancellations and change. As we enter 2021, we promise to share more information with members to help them explore more opportunities and fill in their hunt schedules. If we have learned anything from the past year, it is to not take for granted time spent in the field. As states continue to utilize the draw systems to allocate limited-entry permits to sportsmen, we will make sure our members are aware of the deadlines and options available. If you are looking to hunt black bear in the western states, the following information may help you decide on a state and season to explore for yourself. Keep in mind, you may need to consider the draw application period to obtain the tag you desire in a few states.
If you haven’t done any of these hunts, I recommend you start planning one. Although the Huntin’ Fool magazine research data does not cover each black bear draw unit in detail, Hunt Advisors often consult members on finding a black bear outfitter and obtaining a special draw tag. If you have any questions regarding any of these hunts, give us a call at 435-865-1020 and we will do our best to share with you the information and research we have.
| WESTERN STATES BEAR HUNTS | ||
| State | Spring Season Black Bear | Fall Season Black Bear |
| Alaska | Over-the-counter tag, most units. Portions of units 1, 2, and 3 are draw only with December 15th deadline to apply. | Over-the-counter tag, most units. Portions of units 1, 2, and 3 are draw only with December 15th deadline to apply. |
| Arizona | Over-the-counter tag, most units. Unit harvest quota. A handful of units have spring draw tags with an October deadline to apply. | Over-the-counter tag, most units. Unit harvest quota. |
| California | No spring season available. | Over-the-counter general tags subject to a statewide harvest quota. |
| Colorado | No spring season available. | Over-the-counter add-on or general licenses available, most units. All units have a draw license season with a deadline to apply in April. |
| Idaho | Over-the-counter tag, most units. Units 22, 32, and 32A draw only with a deadline to apply of February 15. | Over-the-counter tag, most units. Units 1, 22, 31, 32, and 32A draw only with a deadline to apply of June 5. |
| Montana | Over-the-counter license with harvest quota in some units. | Over-the-counter license with harvest quota in some units. |
| Nevada | No spring season available. | Draw tags only in 10 western units with early May deadline to apply. Subject to unit harvest quotas. |
| New Mexico | No spring season available. | Over-the-counter tag, most units. Unit harvest quota. Units 2, 4, 9, 54, 55A, 57 draw only with a deadline to apply of February 10. |
| Oregon | Draw hunts with deadline to apply February 10 | General over-the-counter tag valid statewide |
| Utah | Draw in most units with deadline to apply February 22. Few units over-the-counter tags subject to harvest quotas. | Draw in most units with deadline to apply February 22. Few units over-the-counter tags subject to harvest quotas. |
| Washington | Draw hunts with deadline to apply February 28 | General over-the-counter tag |
| Wyoming | Over-the-counter license subject to female harvest quotas. | Over-the-counter license subject to female harvest quotas. |
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