Here on the West Slope it is very hard to beat unit 61, but you can not overlook the Grand Mesa Units either.

How many points do you have? 

Only one right now but I want to start planning. I figured to get another point this year and go from there as I see not many units take more than 2.

Bear were not on my mind before but now that my kids grew up I have a lot more time to think about what I want to go after. My son and daughter always show up to go hunting but I don't see them much other than that.

Thanks for the information. I'm in no hurry for this one so I'm willing to wait. I'll make my plan and maybe get over there to look around.

I've been waiting 17 years for an elk tag so 5 is no problem for a good bear.

 +1 on what elkkill said about the Grand mesa units! I fished alot up on the mesa and seen three bears up there last year. Thats not including were I hunted elk, I seen alot of scat and claw marks on alot of quakies up the re. But I seen the most sign around those mountain berry bushes. I tried last year to get me one of those archery over the counter caps tags but they sold out fast. If Im lucky and can get one of those tags this year thats were I will be hunting! It got kinda intense last year though cause on several ocassions we ran into scat that was still steaming in the morning! yah that right steaming, No lie, So we always had our pistols ready if something bad were to happen.

I've never spent any time up on the mesa, driven over it a couple of times but that's it.

Maybe I'll have to plan a camping trip this summer to check it out and do some fishing while I'm at it.

Beautiful country, just a little farther than I usually get from home as there are so many things to do here.

coloradoblackbear.com shows area 78 took more than any area for the last couple of years...I took a 500 pounder in Oct. 2011 thats going in the record books...Can tell you more if you are still wanting a great bear area in the future

Preview	Attachment	Size
	bear paw vs matts paw.jpg	108.2 KB

Like the others said, don't overlook the Grand Mesa area. That's where my bear was taken. The locals were talking about bears being everywhere this year. I am only up there for a little more than a week every year, but I see bear sign all over the place. After I shot mine this year another guy in our group saw a big boar that he said was bigger than the one I got. The same guy that saw the boar used to hunt a few miles away and said he saw bears every year but never bought a tag. I assume you are wanting to hunt the Sept rifle season? If you are interested, I can give you a few more specifics. You just can't elk or deer hunt up there cause I have it all leased! :D

We'll see how it stacks up when the draw gets closer. I have a friend that consistently sees bears in 42 in September. I wasn't in a hurry for this next year but may go ahead and apply for it.

 suggest the month long rifle hunts for bear.  These are in areas with too many bears.  Area 75 and 85 are usually among them     These hunts are usualy in Sept.    It is best to stay around large Campgrounds or places with human garbage.  Just ask about bear sightings in the campgrounds.

If you hunt during the regular elk and deer seasons ask hunters about what hunting camps are being raided by bears. ::hello1  

Sept can find bears eating choke cherries in great number.  So get out the plant ID books and locate the choke cherries (south facing semi arid and about 8,ooo ft).  Acorns also work but good thick choke cherry patches are better.  Wild plums along drainages also attrack Sept bears 6-9 ,ooo ft.  Service berry also work  Remember bears poop where they eat --If no bear poop-- no bears.