Just came out from Lake Agnes (EP 16) yesterday (9/24). On the way in, we had been warned of a bear making rounds on the lake from other exiting campers.

We woke up to the bear in camp (north bay of lake) the first morning. We had our food secured into Bearvault containers, so he didn't get into anything. He ran off very easily when we (2 guys) came out of the tent to check him out. We had no other sightings or evidence of his return the next 2 days.

We heard a different experience from campers on the south side of the lake when we exited. A group reported that the bear came into camp multiple times, even grabbing the food pack from a few feet away while unloading the canoe during daytime. They had to chase him away to get the pack back. Another time he approached one of the guys in the afternoon and stared at him for a while.

Just a heads-up if anyone is entering the area the rest of this fall. I was surprised to see there weren't any reports about it on the forum when I checked in.

There have been posts about this bear since July.

quote egknuti: "There have been posts about this bear since July. "

This bear needs to go. Why there is tolerance for what is obviously a habituated bear is unfathomable. Such bears do not change their ways and get bolder and more aggressive as time goes by.

quote mastertangler: "

quote egknuti: "There have been posts about this bear since July. "

This bear needs to go. Why there is tolerance for what is obviously a habituated bear is unfathomable. Such bears do not change their ways and get bolder and more aggressive as time goes by. "

I remember a thread last month where VNO mentioned knowing a hunter that was planning on going in EP 16 this fall to hunt this particular bear. Hopefully the hunt is successful and nobody else loses a pack to it. Although, if memory serves me right, the north and west sides of Agnes have always had bear issues. I've got a map that a 70+ year old relative gave me years ago and there's notes on it about bears on that west side of Agnes.

So NOW we know where some other parks relocate their problem bears ;-)

I'm going on a bwca bear hunt next year, if I draw a tag. I'll have to do so scouting and maybe hunt that area.

quote walleyehunter422: "I'm going on a bwca bear hunt next year, if I draw a tag. I'll have to do so scouting and maybe hunt that area."

You don't even need to apply as area 22 always has leftovers due to no baiting allowed. Just wait for August when leftovers go on sale and buy one...save yourself the lottery application fee.

The majority of the bears (or evidence of) I've ever seen in the BWCA have been on Agnes.

If the bear acted like you say next to the canoe, I hope the Forest service was notified and yes maybe action should be taken. Especially as said-just getting out of a canoe. Thats not normal.

When is bear season in MN?

quote QueticoMike: "When is bear season in MN?"

it has been open for a month

Can non residents hunt bear in the bw.? And what do permits cost?

quote 2old4U: "

quote walleyehunter422: "I'm going on a bwca bear hunt next year, if I draw a tag. I'll have to do so scouting and maybe hunt that area."


You don't even need to apply as area 22 always has leftovers due to no baiting allowed. Just wait for August when leftovers go on sale and buy one...save yourself the lottery application fee. "

The number of bear tags for unit 22 (the BWCA) has been being reduced every year for some reason and the DNR now only issues 50 tags for that zone. It's best to apply as there's not always a tag available like in the past.

quote yogi59weedr: "Can non residents hunt bear in the bw.? And what do permits cost?"

Yes non residents can hunt bear in the bwcaw. It is $250.

When does bear season end?

How does bear meat, straps and burger compare to a whitetail.

The wild game feeds I've been to the bear in a crock pot looks rather greasy...

quote yogi59weedr: "How does bear meat, straps and burger compare to a whitetail.


The wild game feeds I've been to the bear in a crock pot looks rather greasy..."

Some people love bear meat. Had once a roast someone gave me and it was very good. Had bear since and it has been terrible. Maybe it is all in the cooking? Love whitetail any day of the week.

quote walleyehunter422: "I'm going on a bwca bear hunt next year, if I draw a tag. I'll have to do so scouting and maybe hunt that area."

If baiting isn't allowed how would one ever stand a chance of getting a bear in the BWCA? They're pretty reclusive animals aren't they? Just hope to chance crossing paths with one or are there tricks to luring them in?

quote : "

quote walleyehunter422: "I'm going on a bwca bear hunt next year, if I draw a tag. I'll have to do so scouting and maybe hunt that area."

If baiting isn't allowed how would one ever stand a chance of getting a bear in the BWCA? They're pretty reclusive animals aren't they? Just hope to chance crossing paths with one or are there tricks to luring them in?"

The goal of baiting is to draw them into an area and try to pattern the bear so you can time your hunts for when the bear will be around. In the case of the Lake Agnes bear part of the job is already done. We know the area the bear has been hanging out and it has a pattern of raiding camps.

If a hunter set up near some of the campsites the bear raided and gave it some time he'd stand a decent chance of seeing the bear. During the hunt you can also do burns which put scent into the hair in hopes it will draw in a hungry bear. I could see this working in this situation. If its in the area it seems like it would be bold enough to come check things out during shooting hours.

Does the distance your not allowed to shoot around the campsite apply in bear season.?

quote yogi59weedr: "Does the distance your not allowed to shoot around the campsite apply in bear season.?"

Yes, the 150 feet from a campsite rule would still apply during hunting season, although I’m pretty sure you wouldn’t hear anybody complaining if that bear was shot within that buffer zone.