First Time Bear Hunting Question

[waiting4fall]

I've never hunted bears, before. I have a friend who trains/uses bear dogs, he's invited me to hunt a bear this December. Should i take the opportunity to experience this type of hunt? Of course it will be on public land, i just am not sure about using dogs, but i admittedly don't have any experience regarding this subject. Thnks for your input.

[pdk25]

Don't know why I'm offering an opinion that I know I'll be blasted for, but here goes.  I think it would probably be alot of fun.  Out in the woods chasing the dogs, looking to shoot something.  I would go.  I just have never understood the fascination with hunting with a bow, compound or otherwise, if you are using dogs.  I guess I enjoy target practice as much as the next guy, but for me if you are gonna use dogs to hold something in place for you to shoot it you might as well use a gun.  Nothing wrong with using a bow.  Just don't know how satisfying it would be for me.

[pdk25]

JMHO and 2cents, not even worth that.

[longbowben]

Well i have hunted with dogs and it was a blast.But you will be worn out at the end of the day.Hunting over bait is easy hunting with dogs is physical.I spent half a night trying to find the dogs and my lost ass.And bait also holds them in place.Dont knock something till you try it,i didnt think i would like it until i tryed it.And the bears just dont sit in the tree and let you shoot them they jump out and run and the chase is on again.

[longbowben]

And waiting4fall i hunted with brad shoulders of beverly WV.

[fatman]

I'd do it in a heartbeat. I love huntin' dogs, and I think it would be a gas.  The kill may be anticlimactic after the chase; but you will be able to make that decision when the time comes.  With dogs, it's all about the chase and hearing the hounds sing....

another $.02

fatman  

[SouthMDShooter]

Id do it. Thats a way of hunting ive never experinced and id be more than willing to try it. I think the most exciting part would be the chase.

[Jesse Minish]

Do it! Hound hunting is fun. The shot is just as exciting as shooting something on a waterhole, bait or feeder but a lot more work. You need to make your shot count and it isn't always an easy shot.

[FerretWYO]

Hunting with dogs is a blast. Keep in mind though the hunt is not made by the kill. If you have never hunted with dogs you will be hooked.

[WidowEater]

i really get the feeling the anti bear people are going by the old maxim of if you cant say anything nice dont say it

anyway hunting with dogs is fun and is in no way unsportsmanlike, you can be the judge of that when you go

[pdk25]

If I came across as sounding like hunting with dogs was unsportsmanlike I definitely apologize.  I think hunting with dogs would be fun.  I would also shoot a bear with a bow in that scenario.  I guess I would just as soon use a gun for that purpose.  I do draw some distinction between hunting over a waterhole and using dogs, but that is for another day.  If you enjoy it, go for it.

[PV]

I do it. I enjoy it. It's your decision

[Longbowz]

Ferret said it right.  There is alot more to it then a shot at the end,  You have to EARN that "easy" (LOL) shot.  Funny how those that have never done it are quick to make it sound oh so easy.

[doug77]

go for it

[Rooselk]

I wouldn't hesitate for a moment in accepting the opportunity to hunt bear with hounds. Do it - and be sure to take pics and share the experience of your hunt with the folks here at TradGang.

[stabow]

A friend of mine has hunted a lot of bears with hounds when it uses to be legal in this state. He told me a lot of stories, it sounds like fun. I myself am to far out of shape to be chasing anything for several miles up and down mountains. All I will say is you need to be in good shape because whoever said it was easy must have never done it........stabow

[ron w]

Do it, worst case is if you don't like it you never have to go again. If you do next thing ya know you might be purchasing some Walkers,Redbones,or Plotts. Try it!!!!!

[waiting4fall]

I've got 2 pure bred Weimers, but all they're good for is eatin & sleepin   . If i decide to go the whole thing will be on quality video, i'll definitely share it w/ you all.Thanks very much for your input.