Black Bear Hunts in Washington

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About Our Black Bear Hunts in Washington

Most important info about these hunts—landscapes, strategies, costs, and comforts.

Summary & Terrain

Washington offers arguably the best black bear hunting in the Lower 48, with an estimated population of 30,000 animals and generous over-the-counter tag opportunities. Bears roam a diversity of habitats—from dense conifer stands and mixed hardwood drainages to berry-laden meadows and riparian corridors. Terrain can range from gently rolling foothills and river valleys to steeper timbered slopes, giving hunters access to both accessible stalking areas and more rugged backcountry settings.
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Difficulty & Strategy

Most hunts employ a spot-and-stalk approach, using well-timed glassing sessions to locate bears feeding on natural food sources such as berries, acorns, or early salmon runs. Outfitters and guides leverage extensive knowledge of seasonal bear movements to position hunters for clean, ethical shots. Physically these hunts are generally moderate—expect several miles of hiking through varied cover, occasional stream crossings, and some elevation gain. Semi-guided and DIY map-guided packages are also common, allowing hunters to tailor support levels from full guiding and field dressing to independent backcountry experiences.
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Amenities

Black bear hunts in Washington are typically lodge-based, with guests housed in modern facilities offering private or shared rooms furnished with comfortable beds. All accommodations feature full climate control—heating and air conditioning—to maintain a consistent, comfortable environment year-round. Lodges commonly include communal dining areas, hot showers, and indoor spaces for gear storage and prep, providing a reliable, relaxed base for guided hunts suitable for both first-time and experienced hunters.
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Season & Additional Info

Black bear seasons in Washington vary by zone but typically run from late summer into early winter (August–November in the east; September–December in the west), with limited spring hunts available in select units. Hunters may purchase up to two black bear tags over the counter, providing flexibility for second-bear opportunities. Full-service hunts usually include lodging, meals, guiding, field dressing and hide care, while semi- and unguided options focus on cost-effective lodging, maps, and advice. Meat processing and trophy prep are often handled in the field or arranged through local processors, ensuring a streamlined experience from harvest to home.
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Pricing

Black Bear hunts in Washington typically average around $2,500. Most packages run three to five days and include fully guided, lodge-based outings in coastal and inland forest zones. Standard rates cover round-trip transport from a central staging lodge to hunting areas, comfortable accommodations with private or shared rooms, climate control, communal dining, hot showers, and secure gear storage. Field care of trophies—including skinning, salting, and preparation of hides and skulls—is normally included, while state licenses, tags, and gratuities are extra. At the entry level, hunters share lodging and may have a one-to-two guide ratio on shorter, three-day hunts. Mid-range hunts often provide private rooms, one-on-one guiding, and four-day itineraries for deeper access to prime bear habitat. Premium options feature waterfront or remote lodges, elevated blinds or stakeouts in high-density bear corridors, and extended seasons that coincide with peak berry or spring feeding activity. These varied offerings make Washington black bear hunts suitable for both newcomers seeking a comfortable introduction and seasoned hunters pursuing trophy encounters.

FAQs

What you need to know before you book:

What type of terrain should I expect when hunting black bears in Washington?
Are there specific regions of Washington known for better black bear hunting?
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DYI Bear Map
Washington is a bear hunter's paradise, the bear population has been estimated as high as 30,000, the highest in the lower 48 states, and you can buy two tags over the counter. About 50% of the bear are off-color bear, so you can hunt for two different color bear on the same hunt. Hundreds of successful bear hunts confirm Bearpaw Outfitters are one of the most experienced and successful bear hunting outfitters in the business. These are spot and stalk bear hunts using the advantage of natural food sources and Bearpaw Outfitter's extensive knowledge of bear habits. Spring Bear Hunts are also offered in Idaho. Bear hunts can be combined with turkey, deer, elk, varmints, or other hunts, ask Dale about the options available. With high bear numbers, numerous color phases, over the counter tags, reasonable pricing, the option to hunt a second bear, and these hunts are not physically demanding, this is about as good as it gets for spot & stalk bear hunting. DIY Bear Hunting Map: This is a Do-It-Yourself unguided hunt. Save hundreds in fuel and wasted time trying to find good hunting areas. Increase your odds of success, with our marked map you drive straight to good hunting areas and hunt on your own as long as needed.
Washington
Black Bear
595
Bear Paw Outfitters
Fair Chase
Public
Lodge
Yes
Modern Climate Control
Bed
Meals Provided
Unspecified
595
Guided 2x1 Washington Bear Hunt
Washington is a bear hunter's paradise, the bear population has been estimated as high as 30,000, the highest in the lower 48 states, and you can buy two tags over the counter. About 50% of the bear are off-color bear, so you can hunt for two different color bear on the same hunt. Hundreds of successful bear hunts confirm Bearpaw Outfitters are one of the most experienced and successful bear hunting outfitters in the business. These are spot and stalk bear hunts using the advantage of natural food sources and Bearpaw Outfitter's extensive knowledge of bear habits. Spring Bear Hunts are also offered in Idaho. Bear hunts can be combined with turkey, deer, elk, varmints, or other hunts, ask Dale about the options available. With high bear numbers, numerous color phases, over the counter tags, reasonable pricing, the option to hunt a second bear, and these hunts are not physically demanding, this is about as good as it gets for spot & stalk bear hunting. Guided Hunt: A 5-day guided bear hunt including lodging, meals, guiding, field dressing, game recovery, and skinning.
Washington
Black Bear
3450
Bear Paw Outfitters
Fair Chase
Public
Lodge
Yes
Modern Climate Control
Bed
Meals Provided
Unspecified
3450
Semi-Guided Washington Bear Hunt
Washington is a bear hunter's paradise, the bear population has been estimated as high as 30,000, the highest in the lower 48 states, and you can buy two tags over the counter. About 50% of the bear are off-color bear, so you can hunt for two different color bear on the same hunt. Hundreds of successful bear hunts confirm Bearpaw Outfitters are one of the most experienced and successful bear hunting outfitters in the business. These are spot and stalk bear hunts using the advantage of natural food sources and Bearpaw Outfitter's extensive knowledge of bear habits. Spring Bear Hunts are also offered in Idaho. Bear hunts can be combined with turkey, deer, elk, varmints, or other hunts, ask Dale about the options available. With high bear numbers, numerous color phases, over the counter tags, reasonable pricing, the option to hunt a second bear, and these hunts are not physically demanding, this is about as good as it gets for spot & stalk bear hunting. Semi-Guided Hunt: Lodging, meals, one guide per group, you are shown where to hunt, hunt on your own, BPO will help recover game.
Washington
Black Bear
1950
Bear Paw Outfitters
Fair Chase
Public
Lodge
Yes
Modern Climate Control
Bed
Meals Provided
Unspecified
1950
Guided 3x1 Washington Bear Hunt
Washington is a bear hunter's paradise, the bear population has been estimated as high as 30,000, the highest in the lower 48 states, and you can buy two tags over the counter. About 50% of the bear are off-color bear, so you can hunt for two different color bear on the same hunt. Hundreds of successful bear hunts confirm Bearpaw Outfitters are one of the most experienced and successful bear hunting outfitters in the business. These are spot and stalk bear hunts using the advantage of natural food sources and Bearpaw Outfitter's extensive knowledge of bear habits. Spring Bear Hunts are also offered in Idaho. Bear hunts can be combined with turkey, deer, elk, varmints, or other hunts, ask Dale about the options available. With high bear numbers, numerous color phases, over the counter tags, reasonable pricing, the option to hunt a second bear, and these hunts are not physically demanding, this is about as good as it gets for spot & stalk bear hunting. Guided Hunt: A 5-day guided bear hunt including lodging, meals, guiding, field dressing, game recovery, and skinning.
Washington
Black Bear
3150
Bear Paw Outfitters
Fair Chase
Public
Lodge
Yes
Modern Climate Control
Bed
Meals Provided
Unspecified
3150
Unguided Washington Bear Hunt
Washington is a bear hunter's paradise, the bear population has been estimated as high as 30,000, the highest in the lower 48 states, and you can buy two tags over the counter. About 50% of the bear are off-color bear, so you can hunt for two different color bear on the same hunt. Hundreds of successful bear hunts confirm Bearpaw Outfitters are one of the most experienced and successful bear hunting outfitters in the business. These are spot and stalk bear hunts using the advantage of natural food sources and Bearpaw Outfitter's extensive knowledge of bear habits. Spring Bear Hunts are also offered in Idaho. Bear hunts can be combined with turkey, deer, elk, varmints, or other hunts, ask Dale about the options available. With high bear numbers, numerous color phases, over the counter tags, reasonable pricing, the option to hunt a second bear, and these hunts are not physically demanding, this is about as good as it gets for spot & stalk bear hunting. Unguided Hunt: Includes lodging, meals, hunting advice, and a hunting map, you will hunt on your own and recover your game.
Washington
Black Bear
1350
Bear Paw Outfitters
Fair Chase
Public
Lodge
Yes
Modern Climate Control
Bed
Meals Provided
Unspecified
1350
Drop Camp
Guided 1x1 Washington Bear Hunt
Washington is a bear hunter's paradise, the bear population has been estimated as high as 30,000, the highest in the lower 48 states, and you can buy two tags over the counter. About 50% of the bear are off-color bear, so you can hunt for two different color bear on the same hunt. Hundreds of successful bear hunts confirm Bearpaw Outfitters are one of the most experienced and successful bear hunting outfitters in the business. These are spot and stalk bear hunts using the advantage of natural food sources and Bearpaw Outfitter's extensive knowledge of bear habits. Spring Bear Hunts are also offered in Idaho. Bear hunts can be combined with turkey, deer, elk, varmints, or other hunts, ask Dale about the options available. With high bear numbers, numerous color phases, over the counter tags, reasonable pricing, the option to hunt a second bear, and these hunts are not physically demanding, this is about as good as it gets for spot & stalk bear hunting. Guided Hunt: A 5-day guided bear hunt including lodging, meals, guiding, field dressing, game recovery, and skinning.
Washington
Black Bear
4450
Bear Paw Outfitters
Fair Chase
Public
Lodge
Yes
Modern Climate Control
Bed
Meals Provided
Unspecified
4450
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