A relatively new outfitter in Idaho is offering a black bear hunt over bait at an excellent price. 2007 will be his third year, so he pricing the hunt in order to attract a clientele.

State biologists think there are too many bears in his area, which is near the town of Challis, so tags are less expensive than in most of the state at $31.75 each.  You also need a hunting license, which is almost $150.

The outfitter also offers elk bugle hunts in September. He has plenty of room for fall bear hunts, but he is restricted in the spring because his area gets lots of snow, and he cannot hunt the first part of the season. He employs baits and also does spotting and stalking, especially in the spring.

"My area has a high population of bears," the outfitter said. "On Sept. 17 last year we had a snowstorm right during the elk hunt, and there were bear tracks everywhere."

The hunt includes meals and quarters in a tent camp. The outfitter meets hunters in Challis but might choose a different town for pickup in the spring. You can fly to Salt Lake City or Idaho Falls and rent a car for the drive to Challis.

"I've recently expanded my area by buying out one of my neighbors," the outfitter said.  "One reason I did that is that I now can more easily access my bear country in the spring. I bought the other side of the road, and so we have lower elevation access and should be able to get into some of the really good bear country in June and possibly sooner." The season opens April 15 and ends June 30.

The bear hunting in the fall starts about Sept. 1 until elk season begins Sept. 13 or 14.

Most bears in this part of Idaho are black, but occasionally there are brown and blond bears.