Our 20th season as an Idaho black bear guide / outfitter here is starting off early.  It’s pushing 70 degrees and the bears are our out in force.  Usually it takes a few weeks for them to start hitting baits, but they are already hearing the supper bell this year.

Got a picture of this nice boar off of the Browning Strike Force just today.  Notice how he has no rub marks yet.  This is what I would consider a nice representative black bear.  He’s not huge but has a perfect hide.   Most hunters will want to hold out for a color phase bear here though.