how is the fall bear hunting around the Whitehall/Hell's Canyon area in MT? I'm thinking about getting a bear license this fall to hunt the last week of October, and was wondering how the hunting is in the area if anyone knows.

well your main problem with the fall season is that at the time you want to hunt, general big game season is in full swing and the woods will be full of hunters. During spring you'd have the woods basically to yourself. I also can't comment too much on the area you're referring to, other than to say there's quite a bit of public land.

Yeah, I understand about all of the hunters. My main reason is that my dad, brother and some others drew an elk/deer license, and I just wanted to tag along for a walk with my rifle, not too concerned if Iwouldn't get a bear, but it would be nice. I was just wondering how the bear population is in that area.

Bear Season starts in September during the bow season and rifle season starts around the end of October. You can use a rifle for fall bear hunting and the area you picked is a good one. Go to the Forest Service Office and get some maps. They will help allot. The bears will be up high by the time rifle season starts. MV out!

Thanks for the info. How high is high? I plan on trying to get some maps of the area. Do you know if I can get them online?

You can buy the maps at the US Forest service offices around the state. They usually have them posted on a wall so you can look at them. The problem you will have, is after the orange army hits the woods the bears will be climbing eating what they can and thinking about dens. I would say at least above 7000 feet. Weather is a big factor too. If you came a month earlier you could probably catch them eating berries. MV out!

Thanks for the info once again. It really helps. My main priority is to have a good time, but that usually happens as soon as Iget there. I have family that lives/hunts around the area, so that will help too. Bagging a bear would be a bonus. Any help is greatly appreciated.