Kicking off the Bear series I sit down with Jonathan Fusaro. He's a wildlife biologist, hunter and former researcher for the California Dept of Fish & Wildlife.  Jonathan's focus of study has been the Eastern Sierra Nevada region (Mono County and nearby zones including X8, X9a/b, X10 and X12.  We discuss some of his published work as well as some bear population surveys in CA which have not yet been published, then get into the habits and habitat and population estimates for these "east side" bears. Jonathan describes how he would approach hunting the high alpine zone just east of Yosemite in X12 as well as where he would look for bears feeding on pinon nuts in the late season. 

The bear hunt opportunity in the eastern Sierra zone is incredible, with healthy and growing populations and relatively low hunter pressure or harvest. If you're seeking a wild and scenic bear hunt in some of the most spectacular mountain or high desert habitat consider a trip to this area.  

California hunting, deer hunting, bear hunting, black bear, mule deer, blacktail deer, blackbear, backcountry hunting, habitat management, backpack hunting, bow hunting, archery, conservation, wildlife management