NOTE : Graphic image of a dead bear which was killed by a hunter
I heard gunshot just after few minutes I started hike and saw the black bear being dragged through the trail when I reached the wildflower laden section in meadows at the foothills. After day the day was ruined for me :(
Started from Seattle at 8 am , reached trailhead around 11am. Parking lot was full and it was still full when I finished at 4pm because people were coming in constantly during the day. I took 2.5 hours uphill 1.5 hours downhill, 1 hour exploring top section and lunch. I was initially planning of extending the trip to Hidden lakes peak but didn't push hard after seeing that hunted bear, what could have been amazing day watching that bear graze on those hills was dud now.
The road is horrible in last 5 miles after forking from cascade river road. HUGE potholes , worse than carne or skyline divide. At some places there is no place to maneuver around those potholes. Our vehicle had 8.2 inches of clearance but it still scraped the bottom at least two places.
Somehow the first section of roots and rocks felt more slippery at the end of day as compared to morning. Wildflowers are which are in full bloom are putting a nice show. views from top are amazing. Lookout was crowded so had my lunch at a different spot away from the lookout as there so many spots with amazing views.
Comments
Shells McBells on Hidden Lake Lookout
Did they just leave the bear??
Posted by:
Shells McBells on Aug 12, 2020 11:23 AM
no
When I returned from the lookout the bear corpse was not there anymore but the blood on trail was visible
Posted by:
vikr on Aug 12, 2020 11:34 AM
Nicole Prukop on Hidden Lake Lookout
This is upsetting
Posted by:
Nicole Prukop on Aug 12, 2020 12:34 PM
pula58 on Hidden Lake Lookout
heartbreaking. I shall never understand why anyone would want to kill such a miracle. And for fun, at the cost of another beings life?
Posted by:
pula58 on Aug 12, 2020 01:28 PM
tumbling
The hunter was joking about the bear tumbling down from the hill after he shot him which made his task easier to drag him down. The whole day my mind was picturing a peaceful bear minding his own business and grazing in the valley suddenly starts rolling down the hill after it was shot. It was a depressing day.
I was wondering why he was able to do hunting there and apparently the valley where he hunted is just at the border of national park. So on the map boundary it looks like lookout is part of national park and so is the ridge between the lookout and the hidden lakes peak but if bears wanders off the ridge then he will be killed :(
I wonder if this will be the fate of the goats transplanted from ONP soon.
Posted by:
vikr on Aug 12, 2020 02:06 PM
Maddy on Hidden Lake Lookout
Hunting bear is ridiculous! I don't think they even taste good. Hunting near a popular hiking trail is totally irresponsible. This outdated practice should be outlawed! Some people suck.
Posted by:
Maddy on Aug 12, 2020 03:07 PM
twochewy on Hidden Lake Lookout
I question this hunter's ethics and code of conduct. He wasn't considerate of non-hunter's sensibilities by shooting the animal from a popular and highly traveled trail. He also flaunted his harvest. Left it on the trail then took it out that way. Certainly didn't leave a positive image of hunting and hunters.
Also a reminder to start wearing some blaze orange in the backcountry.
Posted by:
twochewy on Aug 12, 2020 04:06 PM
bentley-edelman on Hidden Lake Lookout
This is terrible. I wonder if reporting a description of the hunter or their vehicle to the local ranger station could result in a fine or something--though sitting in stocks near the trailhead would be most fitting. Ugh.
Posted by:
bentley-edelman on Aug 12, 2020 05:14 PM
shegoat on Hidden Lake Lookout
This is HORRIFYING at many levels. Does WTA have any power in reporting this or making sure it does not happen again? Please report the clueless idiot.
Posted by:
shegoat on Aug 12, 2020 07:24 PM
bttran18 on Hidden Lake Lookout
This is appalling. I'm sorry you had to see that. I would have lost my shit on the hunter if I saw that.
Posted by:
bttran18 on Aug 12, 2020 07:55 PM
Jarv on Hidden Lake Lookout
I'm not wise to the hunting seasons in this state but I think summer is bear hunting season. If so, this kill is legal. Please notice what your wildlife authorities are doing to the wolves in our state. Look at what one hunter did to 1118F as she crossed YNP's boundary: https://www.wolf1118f.com/
Posted by:
Jarv on Aug 13, 2020 07:57 AM
AHIKES on Hidden Lake Lookout
Bear season opened August 1st. Hunting is allowed on most public lands, and the trail to Hidden Lake Lookout is outside of the National Park Boundary. While you might find it upsetting, this is a much more humane way to harvest food than store bought meat. Hunting is also extremely important to wildlife conservation, and a way that many are able to feed their families. While it is the duty of the hunter to practice firearm safety, it is also your duty as a hiker to be aware of your surroundings. If you are bothered by potentially seeing a kill I recommend staying home for the relatively short hunting seasons we have, or hiking only within NP boundaries.
Posted by:
AHIKES on Aug 13, 2020 02:43 PM
killing Bears
How is killing bears extremely important to wild life conservation? What is your source? I've hiked around Bears(getting more scarce these days) for years and never any issues. A bear that has survived a gun shot could panic when surprised by a human other than that they want to be left alone, hate bear hunting!
Posted by:
wade63 on Aug 15, 2020 07:09 PM
AHIKES on Hidden Lake Lookout
Well I am currently working on a doctorate with a focus in large carnivore conservation, so I guess you could say I know a thing or two. Hunting tags are issued based on a need for population control; which is more essential than ever with wilderness areas shrinking due to human expansion. Without population control bears do not have enough natural food supply in their territories, so they begin to scavenge in neighborhoods and become "problem bears". A shortage in food supply can also lead to unhealthy bears, and an imbalance in the ecosystem. This is also why tags are only issued for black bears, and not grizzly bears, because WA is working to restore the grizzly population in the North Cascades. Funds from hunting tags are also used to aid conservation efforts within the state. Funds that are rapidly shrinking. Bears are not "more scarce than ever", you likely just see fewer of them on the trails due to the growing number of humans in the wilderness. It's highly unlikely that a bear would survive a gunshot wound, and even less likely that a hunter would not track it to finish the kill. Like it or not, hunting is essential. The same people who disagree with hunting, are typically the first people to call Fish and Wildlife in a panic when a bear is roaming the streets of their suburban neighborhood. You can't have it both ways.
Posted by:
AHIKES on Aug 15, 2020 09:33 PM
Maddy on Hidden Lake Lookout
AHIKE
Posted by:
Maddy on Aug 15, 2020 11:05 PM
Maddy on Hidden Lake Lookout
Your comments don't make sense. The bear shot at Hidden Lake Peak was no where near an area of human encroachment. Killing wild animals to save them seems counter intuitive. I'm also not buying doctorate claim.
Posted by:
Maddy on Aug 15, 2020 11:17 PM
AHIKES on Hidden Lake Lookout
If you do not manage the population in the wilderness the territory becomes overpopulated, and animals lower in hierarchy are pushed out. It's a simple concept. Hidden Lake is not that far from the nearest town. Black bears have a range of 10-59 square miles. If a sow (female bear) produces two cubs, they eventually have to move out of her territory and find their own. It's not difficult to look at a map, and see how that can quickly become problematic if the population is allowed to grow unchecked. In North America animals are only allowed to be killed for "legitimate and non-frivolous purposes", as stated in the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation. In WA bear tags are issued based on specific needs such as mitigating damage to timber lands, and addressing human-bear conflict. If a tag was issued for that area it is because it was deemed necessary by state wildlife officials. I'm not going to waste time any more time on this because I already know I'm right. Attacking my professional work, or status because you don't agree with what I am saying, or rather do not understand is rude.
Posted by:
AHIKES on Aug 16, 2020 05:51 AM
Maddy on Hidden Lake Lookout
I understand your argument. Just don't agree. Humans are very good at interpreting data to create a conclusion to fit a personal agenda. We are all guilty in this regard.
I apologise if you are actually getting a doctorate in this subject. It just sounded like a BS move to strengthen your argument.
Posted by:
Maddy on Aug 16, 2020 07:37 AM
killing Bears
Ahike, I was asking because I want to know, not to say you're wrong. Do you have any numbers on bear populations from the last number of decades to support this? There are more hikers for sure and does make bears go the other way. So what. I doubt the folks in Marblemount panic, Woodenville yes. I just hiked 35 miles around Deception not even a sign. As you say, too many people for dem bears. If there is an overpopulation of bears, why were they thinking of bringing Grizzlies back? They are more of a threat than black bears. I do know a few bear hunters, and at least the ones I know are not environmentally friendly, non the less, if it's necessary, I'd like to learn. Perhaps our Gov't could throw our forest service a bone and set more land aside, instead of killing our nature for money, that would be a better solution in my view so I still stand behind I hate hunting bears. USFS 2019 budget 4.77 Billion, down 486 million from previous year. That is a drop in the proverbial fed bucket of spending. The usfs sold nearly 50 million in timber last year and tens of millions in consumer fees, just saying.
Posted by:
wade63 on Aug 16, 2020 02:02 PM
cascadekylie on Hidden Lake Lookout
It is unfortunate to see folks with such strong opinions on subjects of which they are clearly ill-informed if not completely uneducated. Black bears are thriving in the PNW and if you think they are getting more scarce in the areas you frequent, it is likely due to the fact that more human presence is simply driving the wildlife away from heavily used areas where you are less likely to see them. The ungulate populations in WA, however, actually are struggling. Particularly Mule deer and Elk, due to habitat encroachment, hoof rot, and unchecked populations of apex predators among other factors. Black bears also have a high threshold for what is known as "harvestable surplus" i.e. the number of animals that can be removed from a population without affecting overall numbers. This is due to the fact that in areas with higher bear numbers, mature boars simply kill more of the sow's offspring in order to bring them back into heat again, as a sow will not breed as long as she has offspring with her which can be up to 2 years. Also, bear meat can be excellent table fare. I am not a bear hunter myself but I will happily accept it from friends when given the chance, and I have family who enjoy it the most of any wild game. So I certainly hope all of you who are condemning this hunter for harvesting a legal bear during an open hunting season are strict vegetarians, or else you are just hypocrites. After all, something like 97% of the world's population consumes meat, and it doesn't get much more organic and renewable than this.
Posted by:
cascadekylie on Aug 18, 2020 03:39 PM
Maddy on Hidden Lake Lookout
I don't think that anybody is concerned about hunting black bears to extinction. My problem with this hunt was the location. This is a very popular hiking trail. The type of people who flock to a place like this are in search of natural beauty and serenity. To kill a bear in this setting is selfish and disrespectful and possibly dangerous to others. There are literally millions of acres of public land that are more than appropriate for hunting. 99+% of hunters understand this and choose to hunt away from popular hiking trails.
Posted by:
Maddy on Aug 18, 2020 04:10 PM
Bears
appreciate the information makes me feel better bears thriving, that being said, don't need to be a vegetarian to have sympathy for wild animals and agree with Maddy on hunting on popular trails. The beauty of seeing a bear in the wild does not compare to seeing a cow grazing in the field. No one answered my question about introducing grizzlies in an over populated bear population. Peace to all
Posted by:
wade63 on Aug 19, 2020 08:15 AM
NitRally on Hidden Lake Lookout
Lol, so all animals are equal some are just more equal than others? Hunting for your own meat is was more respectful than having someone else do the dirty work for you. Hypocrite
Posted by:
NitRally on Aug 19, 2020 10:29 AM
Bears
appreciate the information makes me feel better bears thriving, that being said, don't need to be a vegetarian to have sympathy for wild animals and agree with Maddy on hunting on popular trails. The beauty of seeing a bear in the wild does not compare to seeing a cow grazing in the field. No one answered my question about introducing grizzlies in an over populated bear population. Peace to all
Posted by:
wade63 on Aug 19, 2020 08:15 AM
Bears
appreciate the information makes me feel better bears thriving, that being said, don't need to be a vegetarian to have sympathy for wild animals and agree with Maddy on hunting on popular trails. The beauty of seeing a bear in the wild does not compare to seeing a cow grazing in the field. No one answered my question about introducing grizzlies in an over populated bear population. Peace to all
Posted by:
wade63 on Aug 19, 2020 08:15 AM
cascadekylie on Hidden Lake Lookout
Wade, the people wanting to reintroduce Grizzlies to WA (which we already have btw) are the same groups who are suing over the delisting of them in the Greater Yellowstone area, even though the biologists state that populations are far beyond recovery objective and densities are too high. Their goals are based on emotion, not science. Also, as it pertains to black bears, bringing in more Grizzlies would no doubt lower the black bear population in some areas due to competition for resources and territory, as well as predation by Grizzlies on young Black bears. So, the folks pushing for Grizzly reintroduction must acknowledge that the Black bear populations are high enough to sustain the reduction.
Posted by:
cascadekylie on Aug 19, 2020 11:02 AM
theleo91386 on Hidden Lake Lookout
Serenity on a trail that gets pounded by tons of people daily, with a trailhead where you struggle to find a parking spot because of the amount of cars? Those are some mighty fine rose colored glasses you got on. Most hunters avoid such trails as a matter of being polite to the crowd that "just don't like hunting" but there's some out there that feel their rites as a law abiding to be there are just as valid as yours.
Posted by:
theleo91386 on Aug 19, 2020 12:04 PM
theleo91386 on Hidden Lake Lookout
Serenity on a trail that gets pounded by tons of people daily, with a trailhead where you struggle to find a parking spot because of the amount of cars? Those are some mighty fine rose colored glasses you got on. Most hunters avoid such trails as a matter of being polite to the crowd that "just don't like hunting" but there's some out there that feel their rites as a law abiding to be there are just as valid as yours.
Posted by:
theleo91386 on Aug 19, 2020 12:04 PM
onewhohikes on Hidden Lake Lookout
The area is open to hunting and he has every right to hunt there just like the area is opened to hiking and you have every right to hike there. You have to remember that most of the trails in WA were built, maintained, by hunters and trappers and still are. If you don't like the fact that there are other recreational activities out there then I suggest you stay home in Seattle.
Posted by:
onewhohikes on Aug 19, 2020 09:08 AM
Maddy on Hidden Lake Lookout
Oh right, you think people will stay home just because there is a small handful of stubborn hunters that are trying to prove a point. Not gonna happen in this lifetime!
Posted by:
Maddy on Aug 19, 2020 09:13 AM
onewhohikes on Hidden Lake Lookout
They have every right to be out there like you so you either learn to live with it or quit whining.
Posted by:
onewhohikes on Aug 19, 2020 09:18 AM
Maddy on Hidden Lake Lookout
Signing off now. We unfortunately have no common ground here. We will just agree to disagree. Happy trolling😅
Posted by:
Maddy on Aug 19, 2020 10:18 AM
Bears
all I did was ask for information. And got some. No need to call me a hypocrite because I'm concerned about conservation and I eat burgers and fried chicken. If hunting is necessary fine. No need to say I have rose colored glasses either. First someone says there usually aren't any bears on popular trails, but if there is hunting, don't be upset. Whatever. If it's legal can't blame the participants. I.jut love the mountains and the wild, shoot me.
Posted by:
wade63 on Aug 19, 2020 12:34 PM
theleo91386 on Hidden Lake Lookout
Wade63, you never said people were there for serenity either. so I'm not sure why you're jumping in front of that particular shot. My opinion is it's a multi use area and that if someone doesn't want to see any part of hunting going on, that they should spend their time somewhere that activity is not permitted. My comment was for anyone that says people are seeking serenity hiking on packed trails after trying to find parking at full a trailhead. Your willingness to have a respectful conversation over the original subject is quite refreshing. I ain't going to shoot you for that.
Posted by:
theleo91386 on Aug 19, 2020 02:46 PM
🐻
Most of my hiking is off trail orders traveled, For serenity And I do see 🐻 occasionally. Thanks for not jumping on me, I may not like hunting bears but not going to get crazy if it's helping. Last year I had a face to face with a bear,he moved a little ways from me and turned around and we just looked at each other. It was as if to say,leave me be and I will also, a beautiful experience for me to look in those eyes as I kept walking.
Posted by:
wade63 on Aug 20, 2020 10:25 AM
onewhohikes on Hidden Lake Lookout
7 bears in the town of Skykomish, never had more than 1 in the past and it was usually a juvenile. They need some thinning out for sure.
Posted by:
onewhohikes on Aug 20, 2020 01:26 PM
onewhohikes on Hidden Lake Lookout
7 bears in the town of Skykomish, never had more than 1 in the past and it was usually a juvenile. They need some thinning out for sure.
Posted by:
onewhohikes on Aug 20, 2020 01:26 PM
twiz11 on Hidden Lake Lookout
Not going to lie, I am an avid hunter, but also an avid hiker. I apologize that you had to see this on your hike for it is not a good look for hunters like myself. Same reason why hunters shouldn't throw an animal carcass on the hood of a truck like they use to. Are both of these legal to do, yes... But not a good luck for hunters I must say. Having the deceased animal on a trail like this can be considered disrespectful to some hikers so once again, I apologize you had to see this. With all this said though, expect to share trails with hunters. Most hunters like to take trails a mile or two in before getting off to go hunting. It's just easier to get out into the true wild more. Now just some information for everyone here:
1. Hunting is the most humane way to get truly organic food
2. Over 70% of Wildlife funds come from Hunter's fees
a. This allows all non-hunter to enjoy the wilderness with maintained trails, and access to all these trails
3. Bear populations have been increasing across most of the state. An average of 1400 bear were harvested last year by hunters. About 25,000 bear are across the state. Assume half are female and they have 2 cubs every other year, math says about 12,500 cubs are born each year. Assume 1/5 of these cubs make it to adulthood (the real rate is about 55%), than hunters (only true predator to adult black bears)will still not harvest enough to keep the population the same. Throw in loss of habitat because of us humans, that's less livable area for more bear every year. No wonder more and more black bear encounters are occurring in the suburbs.
4. Not all hunters are good people, or abide by correct hunting morals. I speak for the whole hunting community in the terms of, "We don't want others to think bad of us" so hopefully in the future this won't be an issue for you.
Remember, everyone on this website is on the same side... We love our public land for EVERYONE to use!
Posted by:
twiz11 on Aug 20, 2020 02:20 PM