First time bear hunt, Tips and advice.

[hills of texas]

This year a buddy and I are going to go after black bear in Arkansas. Neither of us has ever hunted bear so any and all advice is welcome. I hunt a lot of hogs and had planned on using the same tactics, hunting water, food sources and trails keeping the wind in my face.

[JimB]

I think you have a good plan.In the late Summer through Fall,bears are geared to eat 24/7 so prime food sources are very important.They will travel many miles to get to some prime seasonal food source so understanding what they eat,that time of year is a must.As you mentioned,water can also be very good,especially like small,isolated springs,when the weather is dry.They have to drink daily.In hot weather,they need to dunk themselves to cool down.I find that the springs don't get much activity for a few days after a rain.

Bears have a nose as good as a bloodhounds and that time of year,spend a lot of time traveling in to the wind,looking for food.They just about always leave plenty of sign where they are feeding regularly,scat,broken branches,hair in the bark of trees and scuffed ground or tracks.

There should also be "marking" trees on prominent trails they travel.They will rub,scratch these trees and often take a bite out,as high as they can reach.Multiple bears will visit these trees.In my country,cedar is a favorite for rub trees,especially any that lean into the trail.

Good luck.Sounds like an interesting trip.

[SKITCH]

I went last fall for a few days right across the border in OK. Went in on the first day of the season on Oct 1 st.  If you don't find any while doing the a above....pack a decent predator call...you'll see bears.  Just be ready when they come looking!  I did not get a good shot but I saw bears. It was a lot of fun. Wonderful animals.  
Good luck.

[hills of texas]

Thanks guys. Im pretty pumped up about the trip, and trying to get a good understanding of what I need to focus on.

[buckster]

First... hunt as late as you can legally hunt & can see to shoot.  Second, in my limited experience, the bear usually will look at you, know you are there, but he can't resist the urge to feed.  So... don't get in a rush & wait for a good shot opportunity.

Also... I'd rather forget my bow than my Thermacell when hunting in Canada this time of year!!!  Finally, if it's your first hunt, shoot the first decent bear your get an opportunity on.  It may be the only one you get a chance at.

Good luck & have fun!

[woodchucker]

Nothing really "stands out" like white feathers, on a Back Bear!!!!!

[hills of texas]

Thanks guys. Woodchucker, I shoot big white banana cut feathers, it should show up nice!  Im excited about the hunt. I bought some no mercy single bevel broadheads and sharpened them up, but now Im thinking I might want to try some of the Simmons heads.  The holes those things make look great.