Bear hunt?

[Colorado Osprey]

1) Is it difficult to get a tag? Am I going to have to wait a few years and build up preference points?

No, no wait. Usually there are left over bear tags in most areas.

2) I don't desire to use dogs. Is this viable?

Very viable.
Just remember that bait is a No-No in Colorado. I see bears almost every time I visit a few areas. They are around and in good numbers.

Sorry on the last, don't know any good books.