Hunting & Fishing bear hunting tips

[thejim2]

I am planning on getting into bear hunting this year, the season starts mid September. Does anyone have any tips on scouting, where to set up, best times/places to set up, etc.

Thanks for any help,
Jim

 

[Ammo dog 2311]

Re: bear hunting tips

Where are you hunting ? I have hunted in Canada with 24 north outfitter , guides name Phillip chalifor, many times.
We mostly hunted late afternoon into the evening. Clean the soles of your boots to remove any smell. If you can't bait then try sent sticks. For black bear a 30-06 or bigger is fine. Get as high up a tree as you can. I have been up 40' in a pine tree smoking a butt while the bears were eating from the barrel. When your high up the bears can't see, hear , or smell you. Trust me on this I could eat me lunch and smoke and the bears never reacted. Also gives you time if the bear wants to come up and get you. That happened to my hunting partner ! It was a female and he shot her 5' from his stand.
Bring a Big flashlight for the walk out. Bring food and water for you will be up in the tree for a long time. Know wich tooth to take out if you do get one. We would also use skunk sent, dip a few sticks in it and leave them at the bottom of the tree to cover any sent you left.
Bears make almost no sound so use your eyes to scan the area. Remember to aim a little low if your up high in a tree. Make a LOT of noise as your commin down and headin out when it's dark. Don't forget a knife to skin with if you do get lucky.
If your new to hunting black bears most guys shoot the first bear they see without looking at the bear to see if it's a shooter. Small bears have long front legs and a small chest. If it waddles when it walks like a girl with big hips then it's probably a shooter. DONT shoot a cub. If you do see one look to see if there are cubs following mom !
Search game trails for scat. Bears leave a large pile check it out and see what it's been eating if you can. Black bears LOVE beaver so look around beaver ponds for sign.
If you do shoot one and it runs mark were you saw it last and go get a buddy to help you look for it. Searching for a wounded bear by yourself is risky to say the least.
Hunting black bears without a bait pile is not easy it's mostly luck. You may never see one but keep trying. If you do get one then you need a good taxidermist don't just bring it to anyone. I have seen nice bears shot and a real poor taxi job on it and it's expensive. May last half mount was $1400. Good luck !!!

 

[_RJ_]

Re: bear hunting tips

I've noticed over the years that if it was a full moon I only harvested bears in the later hours of the day.

Be in tune with what they are eating at the moment. Example; huckleberries are turning ripe where I'm at and I have seen several bear working those bushes in particular.

Look for sign near water sources if you suspect a bear, sweep the dirt smooth so you can spot fresh tracks when you return.

Another place to keep an eye out are edges of tree lines.

Never hunted in NY or in a tree stand so these are a couple spot and stalk tactics I use.

Good luck & happy hunting.

 

[Ammo dog 2311]

Re: bear hunting tips

Good idea about the water and clearing the area. I have done the same for coyote but not for bear. Dan I am dumb.
Also if you want to take out teeth the easiest way we found was to get a large pot of water and put on the fire to boil. Then put the skinned head in and stir for 3-4 hrs till all the meat is gone. The teeth come right out with out breaking them.
Forgot to mention , skinning the face is the hardest part especially around the eyes .Try an exacto knife there and be careful not to go through.leave the paws and nose intact for the mount.
We only ate the back straps, tastes like sweet pork chops.I wil be headin up north for early bear also, don't shoot my bear !!!!!!!!!