Cost of Typical Canadian Black Bear Hunt??

[Nala]

Hey all,

I've never been on a big hunt or anything like that. I have been thinking that it would be something I'd like to try.
Pretty much what comes to mind is an elk hunt in Colorado (cheaper) and a Canadian bear hunt.   I'd like to go somewhere and experience true wilderness for a week or so. That sounds about as remote as I can afford right now....maybe.
I don't know when the seasons are in Canada or much more about it. I'm probably not in good enough shape to do an elk hunt right now anyway.
So, I'd like to get an idea on what a bear hunt like that would cost and whether there are options to spot and stalk on the same hunt.
Anything else you can toss in, feel free. I don't know hardly anything and am trying to talk a couple friends into jumping in.
Nalajr

[Whip]

There is a wide range on this one, as is the case for most guided hunts.  You can probably find some starting at $1,500 or so, and they can be decent trips for that price. Like most anything in life, you generally get what you pay for, and the more you pay the better the quality in terms of size and quantities of bears,  accommodations,  meals,  etc.
Get into the $2,500- $3,500 range and you could find a really good hunt.

[R. W. Mackey]

I agree with Whip, you get what you pay for. I have been on a $2800 hunt and shot a bear, but only saw three the entire week. Went on a $3600 hunt last year, didn't shoot but had six
Within easy shooting range and saw 16 during the week. I have a $4000 hunt booked this spring, trophy hunt they say, we will see. I have also know guys that went on a $1500 hunt and didn't see a bear in a week.
 Do some research, there are several good hunts out there.
If I ever get the money I would love to go on a bush hunt
In northern Saskatchawan with Rob Nye, long time Trad
Bowhunter, really big bears.
RW

[Sean B]

Ill bring The Bear Quest thread to the top, contact Tom.

[karrow]

2700$ great food great lodging tons of bears.

[joe ashton]

I just got home from the Internation Sportsman expo and it seems  the cost is from $2800 to 3600.

[Mike Vines]

Prices are relative.  What might be cheap for one guy is a once in a lifetime hunt for another.  It all comes down to priorities and what you are really after.  

When I was younger, I had a choice.  Hunting is a heck of a lot cheaper than sitting in a bar, and in my opinion, a whole lot more fun.  How many people can Truthfully claim they smacked a bear on the butt as it climbed the tree next to them?

My choice has not let me down in the entertainment category.      

[Brock]

I am going on my second hunt.....prices have gone up the past decade but so has everything.  My last hunt saw 20+ bears...different bears.  From all indications from past hunters the new camp also in Saskatchewan I am going to in June also has high density of NICE bears.

I think there is a slot or two open if interested...drop me a PM.

[goingoldskool]

I've been up to Ontario 6 times to Bear Paw Landing and I'm batting .500..... 3/6 and had a wonderful time on each.... it's  not about the killing. Fishing has always been good.  $2000-$2500 has gotten me up and back.

Canada is a REAL good time! Headed back in 2016 to take my son when he hits  legal age to hunt.

Good luck and God bless,

Rodd

[dnovo]

I've been on a couple in Ontario where the hunt is $1400-1600, but we had a cabin to rent and did all our own cooking. But we enjoy doing it that way and save some money. With food, travel, licenses, etc it came to about $2000 per person. I don't think you can get much cheaper. Last time there 9 of 10 of us killed bears and the one guy that didn't had 2 opportunities he miffed.

[Nala]

Thanks all for the info.

One of the bad things I have to deal with is my Hunting "Buddy" that I have hunted and fished with for 20 years, always has an excuse for not wanting to do things.  I no longer live close to him, but I suggest hunts, fishing trips, and such, and he's always got a problem with them.  Can't go, kids stuff, too busy, etc....  Hes got plenty of money, that's not the reason.  The reason is that his wife has his NARDS in her pocket-book and won't give them back.  Heck, she's had them for 10+ years now anyway.  I was just hoping that he would finally DEMAND them back and gave him a year to plan for it.  Heck, I WANT him to bring his 22 year old son and 17 year old with him.  I watched those boys grow up.

Nothing doing though.  He just ain't got it in him anymore....or he doesn't like me too much anymore.

The end result is the same....I've either got to hunt alone or find new hunting friends.  Some that wouldn't mind a new guy coming along and helping out with the chores, cooking and good for some laughs.

So, I am just going to nose around for Bear hunts with nothing set in stone and save money and get ready.  I guess the fall is the best time to get a BIG bear cause they are fattening up for winter.  So...I just need to be able to go when a chance comes up...either alone or as part of another trip.  I don't know how these outfitters prefer to deal with singles instead of groups or pairs.....

I'll find out soon enough though...I expect.

Thank you all for helping and giving me an idea.

Nalajr

[Tajue17]

do any of you guys go on spot and stalk bear hunts or is it only in a stand over bait for those prices?

[hunt it]

Canada is a big place. Black bear hunts run from $10,000.00 on Vancouver Island to $1,000.00 in Ontario. Typically Ontario and Quebec will be cheapest hunts. Biggest bears on average are on Vancouver Island. Newfoundland has a lot of good bears. Can't go wrong with Alberta, Manitoba or Saskatchewan either. New Brunswick has some good bear hunting but only a few outfitters hunting Bears.

Consider wherever is closest for you if your driving. If considering Ontario, check out Kapriver Outfitters.

[tracker12]

I hunted Saskatchewan a few years ago for 6 days of bear and 3 days of goose hunting for $1800.  Killed plenty of geese and a nice bear.  Lots of good deals out there you just have to look for them.

[goingoldskool]

I've  only hunted bears over bait.

Good luck,
Rodd

[bucksakemmer]

Talk with Jerry Russell, Russell outdoor guides, He's a sponsor on here,
I've hunted a lot of places including Canada, great guy great guide and great friend.
Will be hunting with him again in June, his camp is mostly trad guys.
As far as hunting with a partner, I gave that up 25 years ago, most hunting buddies are all talk and no go. I have mad some great friends in hunting camps that I booked solo. DONT let it stop you your missing some great memories.

[Tajue17]

Originally posted by bucksakemmer:

As far as hunting with a partner, I gave that up 25 years ago, most hunting buddies are all talk and no go. I have mad some great friends in hunting camps that I booked solo. DONT let it stop you your missing some great memories.

agree with what he says here,,, most of my hunts everyone who was going backed out and now I prefer to book them alone.... too much of a hassle in the end unless you have a good partner.

[MnFn]

Yes to the above.  Sadly one of my very best friends and I talked for two years about elk hunting and each year he backed out.  I  think it had more to do with what the wife didn't want him to do.

Really sad because now he is physically and mentally unable to do it.

[JohnV]

If you wait and rely on your hunting buds to go on an out of state adventure you most likely will sit at home and never go anywhere.  Decide what you want to do, book the hunt, and then let your buds decide if they want to join.

[beemann]

Wow I thought I was the only guy who had to book alone.  Went hunting with Rob Nye in northern Saskatchewan two years in a row and had a blast thinking of going back this year.  He's getting 5100 and hunts the month of june.  I went the last week in june both times.  Good times cool country.  don't wait