I've got the bug, or at least the beginnings of an all out fever. I want to go bear hunting. I've never been before so I was wondering if any of you guys that have can offer some advice. I'd like to know what are some good places to go? You know ones that aren't booked solid for the next 5 years and are reasonably priced. Also any that have a nice size bear population. Since it's all new to me any help would be great! Oh and what season you prefer... spring?? fall??
It's a big subject.
Last year I got invited along with a group to Black Brook Cove Guide Service up in the corner of Maine, New Hampshire, and Cananda. I thought they weren't a serious bear hunting outfit because they were so inexpensive. I found otherwise. Google their place. The web-site doesn't look like much, the cost is less than a grand, but Jeff puts bears in front of hunters. The man is crazy with putting bears in front of people.
Others complained about Hurricane Irene on various websites, but our group of 7 put 6 bears on the ground.
Maine is fall hunting over bait.
Manitoba and Alberta are better, but much more expensive. Although, I'm not sure how I can say it's better considering we took so much bear meat home.
Pay attention to the bear quest thread. About this time of the year a guy or two might have to bail out at the last minute. Its a great hunt and perfect first bear hunt.
Ck
I like Eldon Jandreau at Hunters Point Guide Service in Portage Lake,Maine.He is also a sponsor here.
www.hunterspointguidewervice.com (http://www.hunterspointguidewervice.com)
Ive hunted in a number of provinces and states and I started a camp in north western Manitoba and hunted it for 16 years . Manitoba was the best and the people are so nice, thier logo is friendly Manitoba . You cant go wrong there if you pick the right outfitter, some are on tradgang they are the ones I'd go with. Spring you wont have competion with a large berry crop as can happen in the fall . I always found the the first week of June to be the best hunting I shot some really big bears at that time, late May could somtimes be a challenge .
X2 on Bear Quest. Great hunt with tons of bears, and you would share it with a bunch of other Trad Gangers.
I've also heard nothing but good about Eldon's operation as well, and Stickflinger's is another great sounding hunt.
Squapan Mountain Outfitters in Maine, Tony and Lynn are great people and work hard to put you on bears and treat you like a long lost friend. Been there three times and am going backas soon as possible. Jim Pyles
I hunted with Ridgerunner Outfitters last spring and shot 2 outstanding spring bears. We are going back this June for my second trip with them , with a full camp of Tradgang hunters. For 5 full days of hunting your license, 2 bear tags
1 wolf tag , use of shower , they will get you to your baits and back and help get your bears out, bring your own food , tent , ect. but you camp with them in the main camp ( you can see all this on his website ) they have 16 baits. Total price is like $1250 , plus how ever much it cost you to get there it is his econo bear hunt. Tell him Sam the recurve guy told you about it so he will know what kind of set up you will need ( I have been the only Trad hunter he has ever had ) but we will be there with a full camp of curves and longbows in a few weeks. Send me a PM if you want any more info and I will give you my number............
,,,,,Sam,,,,,
He has spring and fall hunts...^^^^^^^^....
,,,,Sam,,,,
Lots of good info. I'll have to check em out when I get a chance.If anyone else has any suggestions I'd love to hear em. Thanks!
Mike,let us know where you end up going
Talk with mark at bowhunting safari consultants. He can give you a bunch of options so you get the kind of hunt you dream about. I have booked a few hunts through him and have always been pleased.