With the kick off of the 2026 fall bear season in sight, it feels like a good time to reflect on the Washington Chapter's Black Bear Bonanza event.

 

Held April 10–11 at the Wenatchee River Institute in Leavenworth, the event brought together a diverse group of conservation organizations, hunters, wildlife professionals, families, and community members for a weekend focused on black bear education, conservation, and coexistence.

 

 

Washington BHA was proud to partner with the Wenatchee River Institute, and Virginia Shoup. The entire WRI team were outstanding to work with throughout the planning and execution of the event.

 

 

The weekend began on the evening of April 10th with a screening of Valley of the Bears followed by a panel discussion that drew over 20 attendees for an engaging conversation on bear ecology and conservation. A rainy PNW spring morning didn't put a damper as conditions improved through the afternoon and attendance remained strong, with many families and first-time participants joining throughout the day.

 

 

The Bonanza featured over 20 exhibitors and partner organizations, including WDFW, WA DNR, USFS, Yakama Nation, Colville Tribe, BearWise, PNWild, Mule Deer Foundation, Washington Trails Association, Cascadia Conservation District, Home Range Wildlife Research, and many others representing a broad spectrum of wildlife conservation, recreation, education, and outdoor communities. Educational seminars covered topics ranging from bear biology and habitat needs to conflict prevention, hunting regulations, bear-safe hiking, field processing, and cooking.

 

 

One of the highlights of the event was the strong family participation and hands-on learning opportunities for kids. The vendor bingo passport activity encouraged children to visit booths and interact with exhibitors, ending with raffle prizes for participants who completed the challenge. WA BHA also hosted a popular bear spray demonstration that gave attendees practical tools and confidence for recreating safely in bear country.

 

The Black Bear Bonanza successfully created a welcoming space for education, collaboration, and community-building around black bear conservation in Washington. Thank you to our friends in the Arkansas BHA chapter, we couldn't have done it with out you!