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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: BAK on June 16, 2022, 11:48:01 AM

Title: Who has bear hunted and did you like it
Post by: BAK on June 16, 2022, 11:48:01 AM

The talk regarding black bear hunting sort of piqued my curiosity.  How many of you have actually ever hunted bear, and if you did, did you enjoy it?  Why or why not?   :campfire:

Title: Re: Who has bear hunted and did you like it
Post by: BAK on June 16, 2022, 11:50:17 AM

I'll answer my own question.  I have hunted Black bear both in MN and Canada.  I have not been fortunate enough to have had a shot, but I'd go again in a heart beat.  I thought it was damn exciting.   :scared:

Title: Re: Who has bear hunted and did you like it
Post by: JakeD on June 16, 2022, 11:52:56 AM

I have been on one bear hunt.  I got lucky and killed one the last 30 minutes of my hunt.  I'd do it again in a heartbeat.  It was definitely different from deer hunting and I really enjoyed it.  We don't have very many bears around home, so it was fun to see and hunt something different.

Title: Re: Who has bear hunted and did you like it
Post by: supernaut on June 16, 2022, 12:05:02 PM

I buy a bear tag every year here in PA.

I have never had a chance at or even seen a bear during our bear season bow or rifle. But, I always have hope!

Going on a black bear hunt with my recurve in Canada or Maine or ? is something I AM going to do in the next couple years.

Title: Re: Who has bear hunted and did you like it
Post by: cacciatore on June 16, 2022, 12:15:38 PM

I have hunted bear in Saskatchewan a couple of times,I saw lot of bears and both times I was blessed with my trophies. I would come back for try on a big boar.

Title: Re: Who has bear hunted and did you like it
Post by: JamesD on June 16, 2022, 12:16:19 PM

BAK,
   
     I went on my first bear hunting trip last month. We had a blast!!! We have already arranged to go back in 2024.

Title: Re: Who has bear hunted and did you like it
Post by: Pine on June 16, 2022, 01:00:46 PM

My favorite big game.  :thumbsup:
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Title: Re: Who has bear hunted and did you like it
Post by: dnovo on June 16, 2022, 01:13:00 PM

I’d go every year if I could. I’ve been about 5 or 6 times. I hunted spot and stalk in Alaska off a boat we lived on for 5 days. I killed a small to average sized one there at 8 yards in the bush. Really cool hunt. I’ve killed a couple more over bait in Canada including my last one a monster at 410#. Bear hunting is a blast.

Title: Re: Who has bear hunted and did you like it
Post by: Cory Mattson on June 16, 2022, 01:27:12 PM

YES I went bear hunting.
YES I enjoyed it.
Hunted with some guys who ran Plot hounds mid 70s and loved that! 
Ran my own bait and got a bear off it in 1980
Stalked 11 after that and up until 1986
Then 1990 to 2005 hunted baits - ran my own baits and camps - saw hundreds and shot a few
Been a few times since with close friends but haven't shot one in a while.
Ya got me thinkin now might go this fall.
<><
<------------------<<<<<

Title: Re: Who has bear hunted and did you like it
Post by: two4hooking on June 16, 2022, 01:49:10 PM

I've done a lot of hunting for them, but not any shooting.  Maryland makes it tough with a week only October season, with no bait, no scents, no dogs allowed, not much chance to blunder into them unless there is a problem bear.  I've had them chew my turkey decoy in the spring gobbler season but never get sight of one during the short week even if I am lucky enough to draw a tag.  I've tried calls also but no luck.  Fun but frustrating when Sika rut is in at the same time. 

Title: Re: Who has bear hunted and did you like it
Post by: Trenton G. on June 16, 2022, 02:49:03 PM

Yes, this past fall was my first experience gear hunting and I absolutely loved it! I would do it every year if it wasn't so difficult to draw a tag!  It took a lot of work to balance everything out while going to school, but I loved having an excuse to go to the woods every single day to run baits and such. I also really enjoyed just sitting and watching them. When deer hunting, generally I see a deer and it maybe be around for a minute or two and then it's off. With bear hunting, I would have bears in front of me for an hour at a time so there's constant entertainment. Along with that the meat is fantastic!

Title: Re: Who has bear hunted and did you like it
Post by: Kelly on June 16, 2022, 03:02:11 PM

My all time favorite animal to bowhunt. Yes I like it and hope to do it again a couple times before I pass. Have hunted them in WI, Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho plus Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta. Hoping to try some new places soon.

Title: Re: Who has bear hunted and did you like it
Post by: Deertaker on June 16, 2022, 03:42:06 PM

I really like it! had an amazing time! Love watching so many bears and when the one you want finally comes in, wow does your heart start to pump!

Title: Re: Who has bear hunted and did you like it
Post by: ozy clint on June 16, 2022, 04:52:17 PM

I hunted bear in Alberta on a hunter host hunt with a friend back in the fall of 2018. Had a great time hunting field edges and stalking in the wheat.
Managed to ambush a good boar on his way to a field. Shot was 10 yards as he walked past me.

Title: Re: Who has bear hunted and did you like it
Post by: Bowguy67 on June 16, 2022, 05:28:16 PM

Bear was something I’d done yearly for a long time. Was prob my fav hunts. Totally different than the hardwood ridges I typically sit on,
Each morn id fish smallmouth, shoot a bow,  listen to moose grunt, loons cry, ravens sounding like Pterodactyls. At dog camps ready dogs, check strike baits. On stand hunts, ready them. Most guys like to sleep in. I require not too much sleep. Leaves lots time for practical jokes. The percentage of success was high so it was always relaxed environments. Nighttime was watching the northern lights, drinking a beer around a campfire if a northern camp.
 I skinned for two of the camps camps so had to work when success smiled on someone and was often in camp for weeks and would go home with 10-12 grand in my pocket. I was a taxidermist so bear hides, fish, skulls, coyotes or wolves could be in my truck or on a skin table. Really fun times and all a business trip. Life was terrible back than!

Title: Re: Who has bear hunted and did you like it
Post by: Bowguy67 on June 16, 2022, 05:30:09 PM

Quote from: Trenton G. on June 16, 2022, 02:49:03 PM

Yes, this past fall was my first experience gear hunting and I absolutely loved it! I would do it every year if it wasn't so difficult to draw a tag!  It took a lot of work to balance everything out while going to school, but I loved having an excuse to go to the woods every single day to run baits and such. I also really enjoyed just sitting and watching them. When deer hunting, generally I see a deer and it maybe be around for a minute or two and then it's off. With bear hunting, I would have bears in front of me for an hour at a time so there's constant entertainment. Along with that the meat is fantastic!

The meat is fantastic. Bear is one of my fav meats. Glad you mentioned that

Title: Re: Who has bear hunted and did you like it
Post by: Bisch on June 16, 2022, 06:02:15 PM

I’ve been bear hunting twice. Once I got a bear and once I didn’t get a bear. It was fun both times. I would bear hunt again.

Bisch

Title: Re: Who has bear hunted and did you like it
Post by: STICKBENDER98 on June 16, 2022, 06:27:36 PM

YES!!!!  It is a rush like no other, I have been fortunate to have taken one here in the UP of Michigan, filmed my buddy shooting one out of the same bait set 3 years later, we were putting in for points to be able to draw a tag.  I went to New Brunswick with same buddy and we were both fortunate to take bears there also. It always amazes me at how quiet an animal that weighs so much can move so quietly.  While in stand in NB, I had a sow with 2 cubs come into the bait, it was so comical watching them sit right down at the barrel and have a good ole time, the sow never came into the bait, she stayed back and kept an eye on things while they ate. I would go on another bear hunt in a heart beat!!!


Jason

Title: Re: Who has bear hunted and did you like it
Post by: Sam Spade on June 16, 2022, 06:45:11 PM

When bear hunting,  just seeing one is worth it! I never hunted them 'pay for play' so it was extra special.  I hope to go on a paid hunt soon though, as I need a break!!!

Title: Re: Who has bear hunted and did you like it
Post by: STICKBENDER98 on June 16, 2022, 06:45:47 PM

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]


My wife sent me this a week ago yesterday on my way to work, she was so excited to watch it walk through our yard!!!


Jason

Title: Re: Who has bear hunted and did you like it
Post by: Dave Pagel on June 16, 2022, 09:34:44 PM

I truly enjoy it.  I have taken bears in BC, Michigan and 4 in Manitoba.  Going back to Manitoba in 2024.  Great fun and a bit more exciting to be around than deer.

D.P.

Title: Re: Who has bear hunted and did you like it
Post by: GCook on June 16, 2022, 10:11:51 PM

I went to Newfoundland and it was a bad year.  Very late spring.  No bears seen in over 30 hours on stand.
Not sure I'll ever go again.  Not because of that hunt.  Just don't feel like killing a bear is something I need to do.

Title: Re: Who has bear hunted and did you like it
Post by: Steelhead on June 16, 2022, 10:27:26 PM

I like the spot and stalk hunts like you have in Alaska.

Title: Re: Who has bear hunted and did you like it
Post by: JimB on June 16, 2022, 11:16:31 PM

Bears are one of my favorites.I have hunted them over baits in Canada and have spot and stalk plus stand hunted them here,even more.The more I learn about bears the more fascinating they become and the more questions I have.Some great memories there for sure.

Title: Re: Who has bear hunted and did you like it
Post by: durp on June 17, 2022, 12:19:54 AM

Been hunting em for 56 years now...killed my share...love the meat...killed one last night and stopped to chk it in this morning and bought a second tag...seems funny to now pay for what was once free

Title: Re: Who has bear hunted and did you like it
Post by: Phillip Fields on June 17, 2022, 07:35:24 AM

Hunted a few times in Maine. Have taken 2 bears, both from a ground blind. Loved it and am going back this fall.

Title: Re: Who has bear hunted and did you like it
Post by: Bowwild on June 17, 2022, 07:52:17 AM

I've hunted black bear four times; Ontario twice in the 80's (2 for 2), New Brunswick (goose egg), and Idaho (1st day bear).

Before 1985 I had been invited to bear hunt in Ontario with a very good friend from Lafayette, IN.  I turned him down 2-3 times because I didn't think sitting over stale doughnuts would be any fun. In 1984 I gave in. Killed a PY bear. It was very exciting and so different from anything else I'd ever hunted. I really liked it.

Last bear hunt was a guided affair (Ontario was DIY) in Idaho. I couldn't believe the steepness of the one "mountain" I had to climb to the bait, wow I was not in shape for that. I killed a bear that first night in the stand with my Blacktail Sitka. My son killed one the next day and my brother the day after.

I don't know if I'll go again, but if I did it would be in a big bear rich Province. No plans for now.

Title: Re: Who has bear hunted and did you like it
Post by: Michael Guran on June 17, 2022, 08:06:16 AM

I really like bear hunting.  I realize that I got spoiled shooting a 400b bear with my longbow on my first trip to Canada, but I’m hooked.  My plan is to concentrate more on bears here now that I live in the mountains.  It’s a very challenging hunt without dogs or baiting…

Title: Re: Who has bear hunted and did you like it
Post by: Stringwacker on June 17, 2022, 08:13:33 AM

A bear trip is a totally unique experience; more so than almost any other hunting. I've only made three bear trips, but have always planned to make more bear hunts as I get older. I don't know any other hunt that you can sleep until 8am, eat a hearty breakfast, and hunt to past 10pm each day. The loons, northern lights, sights and sounds of the far north (I always hunt in Canada) are so memorable when your home turf is the land of Dixie.

Though I have taken two bears; none have been record class so it gives me a goal to look forward to in the future. Ironically, though I don't like the aspect of baiting..... for some reason I give a pass to my ethical viewpoints on this type of trip. I guess I lump bears into the same category as things like coyotes and pigs. That's not to degrade the status of the bear as a game animal as much as just saying they are sometimes an aggressive predator. It just makes me look at them differently.

Title: Re: Who has bear hunted and did you like it
Post by: flntknp17 on June 17, 2022, 09:31:04 AM

I hunted bears one time and that is probably enough for one lifetime for me.  I had the opportunity to go to an absolutely amazing place in Saskatchewan and was blessed with a very large boar (over 400lbs) with a thick and beautiful coat.  The whole experience was epic, but if invited again, I would gladly go along and fish/cook/help out, but one bear is enough for me.  I think it might be different in places where spot and stalk is the norm, but the hunting over a barrel of cookies and used frying oil wasn't the most aesthetic thing I've done.  I would strongly recommend everyone try it once, because it was a great adventure, then decide from there was your own priorities are. 

Matt

Title: Re: Who has bear hunted and did you like it
Post by: Dave Lay on June 17, 2022, 09:54:46 AM

I have but as usual, made it very hard on myself with personal limitations, I’m not sure why I always do that to myself. Lol
       I wanted to kill a bear in my home state, using a trad bow, with no bait and on public ground. It took me quite a while but I finally got it done , killing a 425 lb P&Y boar. I had passed a few smaller bears and wasn’t really holding out for a book bear, rather just a good mature one. Then something odd happened, I kinda lost interest , I dunno if it’s from fulfilling a fairly difficult goal or what. I’m sure if a good big one gave me a chance while deer hunting or something, I’d probably take it, but I’ve kinda lost interest in chasing them . There’s nothing wrong with baiting and it’s how probably 95% of our bears are taken, it’s just not my thing

Title: Re: Who has bear hunted and did you like it
Post by: ron w on June 17, 2022, 10:46:19 AM

Went on a Bear Quest hunt with guys from here on the site. That was in 2015, I shot a150 boar, my first trad kill. 6 yard shot,  very exciting, great experience !! It is the bear in my avatar!!

Title: Re: Who has bear hunted and did you like it
Post by: MnFn on June 17, 2022, 11:26:50 AM

I’ve hunted bear 6 times. Two in Mn, two in Ontario, three in Manitoba.  I ‘ d go every year if I could. This past spring I saw around thirty bear in four days, (Manitoba Stickflingers)
In Ontario each time I only saw one bear. MN similar.

Stickflingers is the place to go. I’ve shot yei bear there, one was nearly 7 ft squared. It’s a blast!

Title: Re: Who has bear hunted and did you like it
Post by: Todd Cook on June 17, 2022, 11:56:03 AM

My reply will be a little different than most. I've been once to Canada bear hunting and had a great time. Went with friends and it was a very good week. I killed a really nice bear (big sow) and have her tanned hide here beside my desk.  But I have no desire to go back. The baiting bothered me some, and the fact that the bears knew you were there bothered me more. I've ran into several bears elk hunting in the past, and probably would be interested in a spot and stalk opportunity. But not another over bait.

Title: Re: Who has bear hunted and did you like it
Post by: BowMIke on June 17, 2022, 12:38:36 PM

I have been to Stickflingers in Birch River, Manitoba several times. It is a terrific experience and I always see many bears. It is a blast to watch the many bears interact.
Ryan Derlago runs a truly great bear camp. There are numerous color phase bears and opportunities for some truly massive boars. Shots are close!
You should try this at least once!

Title: Re: Who has bear hunted and did you like it
Post by: Gun on June 17, 2022, 03:30:15 PM

I've hunted them in Wisconsin, Ontario, and here in Alberta. Mostly bait and all DIY. Baiting is like running a trapline. Fun to see what shows up. There's also a science behind setting up a GOOD bait.

I've only killed 5 Bears (2 P&Y class). I got turned off of the meat years ago, but it wasn't properly prepared. Just recently found a new trick in smoking them. Delicious! I have a friend that guides in northern Alberta and with a standing invite to weed out sows. Didn't work out this year because of shoulder surgery but hopefully next year.

Bear hunting is a blast no matter how you do it!

Pix is of a smoked Bear tenderloin wrapped in Bacon I did for our men's Bible Study and breakfast. A few were surprised but everyone loved it.

Title: Re: Who has bear hunted and did you like it
Post by: gregg dudley on June 17, 2022, 10:59:44 PM

I made one bear hunt to Saskatchewan around 20 years ago.  It was a remote area that we accessed by boat.  We travelled to hunting areas by boat and fished every day.  We did not see anyone that was not associated with the camp the entire time we were there.  I enjoyed everything about it.  I was fortunate enough to kill a nice boar that just missed PY.  I have thought several times about hunting bears again. 

We have a growing population of bears in Florida.  I have bears frequent my property in the Ocala National Forest on a regular basis.  They are a fun animal to watch and photograph.  There is not currently a season for them here.

Title: Re: Who has bear hunted and did you like it
Post by: Doug Treat on June 18, 2022, 12:28:18 PM

I kinda like it!!!

Title: Re: Who has bear hunted and did you like it
Post by: Doug Treat on June 18, 2022, 12:29:08 PM

…and we absolutely love bear stew!!!

Title: Re: Who has bear hunted and did you like it
Post by: beemann on June 18, 2022, 12:32:51 PM

Love bear hunting.  I have been going to Saskatchewan every chance I get.  Boat based wilderness hunts are what I enjoy the most.  Fishing for huge pike in the morning and eating fresh fish in the evening after sitting for bear what could be more enjoyable.  Not a better way to get in some hunting before fall seasons begin... Country is beautiful  and you don't see many people...  Perfect way too make some memories.  If you never did it you should try it.   [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Title: Re: Who has bear hunted and did you like it
Post by: GCook on June 19, 2022, 08:29:12 AM

I think a hunt like that would be a fun hunt   the fishing and eating and being there would be worth the money and time and a great memory.  If I went again that would be a great type of trip to go on.
   

Title: Re: Who has bear hunted and did you like it
Post by: Terry Lightle on June 19, 2022, 05:36:44 PM

Killed one in Northern Maine in 99 with a selfbow I made,then another 6 years or so ago in Alberta with a Black Widow.Was a lot of fun and sometimes get the urge to go do it again.

Title: Re: Who has bear hunted and did you like it
Post by: mnbwhtr on June 19, 2022, 08:58:21 PM

Killed my first one in 1973, first year out of the service. Hunted them maybe 20 times since, I live in Mn and so we did all the baiting ourselves and find that as exciting as the hunting. Have hunted with guides in Ont. and Manitoba now that I'm older. I like the meat and have shot a dozen or so, still get excited every time one sneaks in!

Title: Re: Who has bear hunted and did you like it
Post by: Terry Green on June 20, 2022, 03:54:42 PM

Since GA season is so long, I give up deer during bow season to hunt bears.  I'll shoot a deer or a hog if given the chance, but I'm hunting bears.  Either in the Cohutta Wilderness or Blue Ridge Mgt area in GA.
If I get to stalk just ONE bear or not, the season is worth it.  I LOVE the anticipation of 'what might happen' every time I go in the woods. :campfire:

Title: Re: Who has bear hunted and did you like it
Post by: Walt Francis on June 21, 2022, 10:53:35 AM

I used to hunt them hard every spring, now only when I happen across them while hunting elk.  Once every couple of years I have a bear come by my treestand but the land owner doesn't allow me shoot any of them.

I don't like baiting them so all of my bear hunting is spot and stalk.  My all time favorite hunt is Alaskan brown bear, there is no feeling that matches stalking to within selbow range of an Alaskan costal brown bear.

Like Terry, my thoughts are:

"If I get to stalk just ONE bear or not, the season is worth it.  I LOVE the anticipation of 'what might happen' every time I go in the woods."

Title: Re: Who has bear hunted and did you like it
Post by: David Mitchell on June 21, 2022, 11:41:05 AM

I have hunted bears and love the excitement when one is coming in.

Title: Re: Who has bear hunted and did you like it
Post by: F. Dobbs on June 22, 2022, 03:14:25 PM

Great thread!

Title: Re: Who has bear hunted and did you like it
Post by: Bow man on June 23, 2022, 06:28:33 AM

To me bear hunting is awesome. Bears are amazing creatures. From my first hunt I was hooked. Tracey and I are heading to Ontario again this fall. Hoping for some more bear roasts for the slow cooker

Title: Re: Who has bear hunted and did you like it
Post by: BigJim on June 23, 2022, 09:35:00 PM

Both my wife and I have hunted black bears many times and would do so many times again. We have each taken four bears. All of mine have been taken with archery equipment.

I have taken two bears in New Brunswick Canada, a cinnamon bear in Saskatchewan, and a black bear in Alaska. The Alaska bear was the only one not on bait. They were all great hunts.

With just a little bit of luck, I will be hunting Brown bears with bow next June in Alaska. I know a guy  :goldtooth:
BigJim

Title: Re: Who has bear hunted and did you like it
Post by: Wudstix on June 29, 2022, 12:13:39 PM

 :campfire: :archer2: :campfire:

Title: Re: Who has bear hunted and did you like it
Post by: amicus on June 29, 2022, 01:46:19 PM

I used to hunt Alaska coastal blackies every year in Sept. We would launch from Wittier and Island jump from there. The season used to open on Sept 1st when the Salmon were still running. We would anchor close by and then take the zodiac to shore and just wait on the flats. Salmon would run up the drainages and the bears would come down the mountain on to the flats. It was really nice to see these black spots coming off the mountains. We would just pick a bear and start a stalk. If you blew it we just wait and pick another and start again. It was a lot fun. I was able to take two Black bears with my recurve. Game and fish changed the opening date to the Sept 10 or so. But by then the fish were gone and so were the Bears. You could still find them but it was a lot more difficult. I really miss those days.

Title: Re: Who has bear hunted and did you like it
Post by: trad_bowhunter1965 on June 29, 2022, 01:50:11 PM

I have killed one Black Bear with my compound years ago behind a pack of hounds and I get a Bear tag every year. California has a bear problem.

Title: Re: Who has bear hunted and did you like it
Post by: dklug on June 29, 2022, 11:04:04 PM

If you like having an adrenaline rush you'll love it. Just be sure to get yourself under control before you take the shot.

Title: Re: Who has bear hunted and did you like it
Post by: Doug S on July 09, 2022, 12:30:24 PM

   Only still hunting in the Salmon streams of Alaska. Yes I liked it, because of the adrenaline rush.  12 and 17 yards

Title: Re: Who has bear hunted and did you like it
Post by: todd smith on August 03, 2022, 04:16:49 PM

When I lived in AK, it was spot and stalk. Never got one but thoroughly enjoyed the process and of course, the great land.
Since moving back to the states, I have hunted in Canada and in the UP. Have only gotten one with the bow, but it was from a ground blind and exciting as could be. I like bear hunting a lot. Give it a try!

Title: Re: Who has bear hunted and did you like it
Post by: fmscan on August 03, 2022, 05:42:25 PM

Two words, JERRY RUSSELL - he is a great outfitter from Ga. but has a hunt in Quebec, he told me he would get me close, 6 yards close on the ground, VERY exciting. He works hard for his hunters. Every guy in camp had an opportunity.

Title: Re: Who has bear hunted and did you like it
Post by: Hoytman on August 07, 2022, 11:24:47 AM

Ive hunted bear in Wisconsin, Ontario, and Manitoba. Ive killed 4 bears out of 6 hunts. Bear hunting over bait is perfect for bow hunting. I love it. Id give up whitetails for bear if I lived in a good bear area and could get a tag every year. And the meat is delicious. Just get it cooled down quickly. Good luck.

Title: Re: Who has bear hunted and did you like it
Post by: hill boy on August 07, 2022, 03:30:42 PM

Here’s one I let walk 2 years! It’s a shooter in Arkansas but it was my wife and I anniversary and there was a storm brewing. I opted to have dinner with my wife instead of skinning a bear in a thunderstorm. But to answer your question yes it’s fun but I have only harvested one.

Title: Re: Who has bear hunted and did you like it
Post by: Basinboy on August 09, 2022, 01:14:47 PM

I’ve been twice to Ontario and enjoyed it! Was fortunate to take a good bear on both trips. One Black and the other a cinnamon  :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Here’s the video of the cinnamon hunt. The other bear hunt video is on my YouTube as well

https://youtu.be/c634_c_L-eQ

Title: Re: Who has bear hunted and did you like it
Post by: Kelly on August 09, 2022, 03:35:52 PM

Hill Boy, I’d be hard pressed to pass up that bear!

Are my eyes deceiving me or was that bear chocolate brown color?

Title: Re: Who has bear hunted and did you like it
Post by: fmscan on August 09, 2022, 07:57:25 PM

Corey, Quality video and super bear, thank you.