To the OP. Please call ahead before you visit Bozeman. I stopped by in the pre-Covid days, and visited Mystery Ranch. They don't (didn't) have a showroom open to the public, and sent me to a shop in town that carries all of their gear (they have a relationship with the shop, and that place is...
Don't know about Montana or Idaho, but in Washington the state department of transportation has a website that shows all traffic cameras throughout the state. It is easy to see snow levels along the mountain passes, etc. Just bookmark those websites.
For example...
Jason, there are maybe thousands of square miles of wilderness area open to the High Buck. You really have to choose one and try to get to know it well. E-scouting is great (I do that as well), but there is no substitute for on-the-ground experience. Good on you for trying to stay in shape...
I had the opportunity to test drive my partner's Safari bow sling last week, and I really liked it! I searched the Internet, and could not find a retailer with inventory. I also called the manufacturer (Boonie Packer Products, Salem, Oregon), and learned they stopped making this product years...
Holy Cow! That is fascinating. That is amazing: A bear could move through the rugged Cascades from Ross Lake back to Snoqualmie in 10 to 14 days?!? This would probably explain where the bears have gone. Thanks so much JJ Hack.
@ WA Whitey: I think you now have your answer. The bears have...
@JJ Hack: Your information is extremely valuable.
We are dealing with two completely different areas, however. The far NE corner of WA (the Panhandle of Idaho is very similar) has lots of bears, and NF acreage up to about 5,000'. Huckleberries are abundant in the late summer, but by...