Episode Details

In this episode Matt Hartsky breaks down where to glass for spring black bears—and why so many hunters spend full days behind optics without ever spotting one. After more than three decades of Western black bear hunting, Matt explains that the issue is rarely a lack of bears. It’s almost always a glassing problem. Too many hunters pick big, scenic viewpoints and assume elevation equals opportunity, when in reality bears reveal themselves in very specific terrain under very specific spring conditions.

Matt walks through the most common glassing mistakes, including focusing on shaded slopes, steep country, or massive views that hide the actual feeding zones bears prefer. He explains how angle, aspect, warmth, and green-up drive bear visibility, and why south- and southwest-facing slopes, burns, benches, and transition edges consistently produce sightings when timed correctly. The episode also covers positioning, light direction, blind spots, midday movement, and the patience required to let bears reveal themselves. If you want to stop glassing empty country and start finding bears with intention, this conversation will sharpen your spring strategy fast.