Howdy again. I live in Washington State and we have a very nice population of bears and guess what, alot of hunters here have never seen a bear in the wild either. They are some of the most stealthy creatures around, probably second only to cougars. Ok, best time to call, early morning and late evening, unless it is one of those gray overcast days with whisps of fog or a very light drizzle or rain. I like a coarse type call, I have called in bears with a 3n1 Circe, and a Jones javelina call. I have heard guys calling in bears with fawn calls, but they are not loud enough or coarse enough for me. You need to set up in a area wth good cover so the bear will feel confident when coming in, but not so thick so as to cause bodily harm to yourself. I like to be able to see at least 40 yards. Treestands do not work for me only because I like to be mobile. For me cold calling bears is a numbers game. I call in a bear about every 20-30 times. You need to set a watch out in front of you so you can watch and then call NON-STOP for at least one hour, preferably 1.5 hours. If you hear him coming in chances are he's a big boy. My theroy is he's trying to intimindate whatever is eating the dying animal. Most of the time though you will look one way and then slooowly look back and he will be standing there looking at you. Several times I have called and concentrated my gaze in a particular around only to slowly turn my head and see the backend of a bear walking away that must have been sitting there watching me. Start off your calling somewhat queit and then increase the PAIN and VOLUME. I reccomend carrying pepper spray for bears you do not intend on shooting, ie small bears or bears with cubs. Sometimes when they respond in they ain't leaving till they eat whats dying, so you may have to shoot or spray one. Good luck and let us know how it goes. Oh also decoys are very effective and if your allowed, go with an electric caller, it's easier on the lips. Fred
