Rustin you should plan on hunting this year. My suggestion is to target an area find a trail or landmark that is easy to find and slowly venture further off. I would use a map/compass and gps. As far as bear hunting find food and you will have a better chance. I have seen 3 sows and 6 cubs over the last 4 years. While I could have shot them I did not. None of these bears were in the same area so guess I may have got lucky. I'm hoping this year ill see a big boar. I hunt alone so I wouldn't worry about that. If you get a bear deep in the woods, you will have to quarter it out. I would just plan on that. I'm from the Albany area if you want to chat shoot me a pm. I do have pictures of the bears, I'll have to post them.