Ok guys, got the news from my local DEC officer that Black Bears have made a home in my hunting grounds. I'd like to get a bead on one, it's been a passion for me to one day hunt bears but they were never really in my area.
What tips can you give me on finding them. We are not allowed to use bait or dogs in NY. So I'm interested in finding out what type of terrain they prefer, what foods should I look for. My hunting grounds are abundant with hills, adjacent to power lines with small creeks close by. What sign should I look for.
Spring bears love berry patches. If you can find patches of blackberries or wild raspberries then set up on those. It is real easy to tell if the bears are into them.
Fall bears are a whole different kettle of fish. If you can't bait then you need to be lucky rather than good. They do, however, like old apple orchards and corn fields and they also love beech nuts. So, which are you hunting, Spring or Fall bears?
I don't know which plants you have in NY early spring but the first grass will attract every bear in the area... They love sticky buds in the trees as well.
Fall-- mast, poke berries, bugs (look for freshly overturned rocks) ripped up insect nests, even their claw marks on white oak tree trunks where they climb the trees...
Sunny spots where they bed,, trails, especially around a water source. You will find their sign. Setup watching the wind just like you would for deer...
JDS III
Just ttted ya one....is info on hunting GA bears, but you might find it useful.
Predator call them in. Blackies respond well to the screaming rabbit almost anytime, and this time of year the fawn bleat is really hot. Just hold on to your socks when one finally comes, they are coming to eat and can at times get a little testy.
Thanks Terry that really helped.
Forgot to add folks, No Spring hunting for bears in NY either. Bottom line most get a bear during deer season waiting for a deer to pass by when they are surprised by a black blob shows up.
accorns!! when i hunted my bear here in wisconsin my baits and friends baits didnt get touched for two weeks once the accorns started dropping. If you can find an oak ridge that comes out of or meets a low land swampy area or near a creek that would be a good place to start
Good luck. I have yet to see one while hunting. The DEC says locate food sources and put your time in.
I hope to be successful this fall too.