It’s March 2, 2025, and here in southern Idaho, the thermometer has already hit 60 degrees. For early March, that’s pretty warm — and it’s a clear sign that spring bear season is right around the corner. In fact, we’re only 45 days away from opening day (April 15 for most areas), and the snow in the hills is melting fast. Down at lower elevations, the first hints of green are already starting to show.
So, what does this early warm-up mean for spring bear season? One thing’s for sure — the bears are going to be out earlier than usual, which means more days in the field and more hunting opportunities for all of us. Word on the street (and from a few local ranchers) is that some young bears have already been spotted — helping themselves to the protein blocks ranchers put out for cattle.
An Early Spring Means Early Bears
The "Green Wave" — that annual flush of tender new growth — has already kicked off down low, and if spring rains show up as expected, we could be looking at lush, nutrient-packed forage through April, May, and even into June. Combine that with the heavy snowpack we had this winter, and all signs point to excellent early-season moisture.
Once the soil temperature climbs to the sweet spot, that green carpet will spread fast. The result? Bears will have plenty to eat, and they’ll be on the move earlier than usual.
If your favorite bear hunting spot is usually hard to access until mid-to-late April, this year could be different. Trails might open sooner, and bears could be up and moving weeks ahead of schedule. More days with access means more opportunity, plain and simple.
More Time in the Field = More Success
Personally, I usually can’t even get into my go-to bear spot until mid-May. With the season wrapping up on June 30, that only leaves me about 45 days to hunt — and with my schedule, that translates to maybe two 4-5 day hunts at best.
But if I get an extra 30 days of access this year? That’s game-changing. Suddenly, squeezing in another 1-2 hunts is totally realistic — and that’s huge.
At the end of the day, bear hunting success boils down to one key factor: time in the field. The more days you spend glassing, hiking, and sitting over promising spots, the better your odds. After all, you can’t fill a tag from your couch.
Follow the Green Wave
If there’s just one thing to remember about finding bears during spring (before the rut kicks in), it’s this: Follow the Green Wave.
What’s the Green Wave? It’s that irresistible flush of bright, chartreuse-colored grass that pops up as the snow melts and the soil warms. If you follow the new green growth, you’ll find the bears — simple as that.
In case you’re wondering, chartreuse is the color you get when green and yellow collide — named after the French liqueur, “green chartreuse,” way back in 1764. (Thanks, Wikipedia.)
That early spring forage — tender grass, dandelions, wild onions, and other nutrient-packed plants — is like a gourmet buffet for bears fresh out of hibernation. Not only is it sweet and tasty, but it’s also packed with the nutrients they desperately need after a long winter. This early growth can contain 20-30% protein with very little indigestible fiber (the useless filler stuff).
But here’s the kicker — that lush buffet doesn’t last long. As plants mature (and it happens fast), protein levels drop and indigestible fiber skyrockets. That’s why early-season hunting can be so productive — the bears are dialed into the freshest, most nutritious food sources they can find.
From Lowlands to High Country
At first, these chartreuse patches pop up in lower, wetter areas — often in small pockets. That’s good news for hunters because it concentrates the bears into those pockets. As spring progresses and the snowline recedes, the Green Wave slowly moves up in elevation — and the bears follow it every step of the way.
It’s worth remembering that black bears in spring aren’t marathon feeders. They only need about 2,000 to 2,500 calories per day and typically spend just 2-4 hours a day feeding during early spring and summer. Compare that to late summer and fall, when they’re scarfing down as much as 20,000 calories a day and feeding for up to 20 hours a day in preparation for hibernation.
Ready or Not, Here They Come
So, as you gear up for spring bear season, keep your eyes peeled for those first bright green patches — they’re a flashing neon sign that bears are close by. Find the Green Wave, and you’ll find the bears.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m headed to the gear room. With opening day fast approaching, it’s time to get my kit squared away — and you should probably do the same.