Black bear bowhunt options

[Jorge]

Hi from Spain

Two spanish bowhunters are searching for a place for an incoming hunt, 2026, for Black bear. We prefer hunting over bait vs stalking

We would love a place with big bears and remote, don’t care if is a lodge or a tent camp. Any good traditional friendly outfitter?

[Ryan Rothhaar]

Hi Jorge

You will get lots of recommendations for Stickflingers in Manitoba, Ryan is a good option for a drive-to traditional minded camp. Plenty of bears for sure. Depends what you are looking for in “remote”. Really remote for a baited bear hunt can mean fly in hunts on a float plane. Jason Lambley has fly in options in both Manitoba and Alberta. I’ll be hunting in Jason’s main camp in Manitoba in 2026. There was or is a traditional friendly fly in camp in northern Saskatchewan, I don’t recall the name. Rob Nye in Saskatchewan hunts with a traditional bow himself and would be another good option.

I’ll drop you a PM about another potential place.

Your biggest issue could be finding 2 openings in 2026, the better camps fill up fast. If you want 2026 you better be making some calls right away.

R

[Jorge]

Thanks Ryan, very helpful

[stevem]

Can recommend both Stickflingers and Plum Lake.  A week ago or so Plum Lake posted he had openings at his new south camp.

[Bow man]

Never been to Stickflingers but have heard great things about it.

Another option and where we go is Bear Creek Outfitters in Armstrong Ontario. heading back in 2026 there are 10 trad guys in our group this time. Dusty also supports Compton with a hunt donation every other year at their Big Game Classic. If you talk with him mention me.

http://www.bearcreekoutfitters.com/

[Darren]

You can look at Black Jack Outfitters in Manitoba. I’m their head guide and I’ve been guiding for over 30 years and I’ve also been a trad bowhuhter for 30 years. When booking with an outfitter make sure you ask lots of questions and get them to give you a reference list from past hunters. Good luck with your hunting adventure!

[Jorge]

Thanks guys !! I appreciate your time to reply !!

Darren, many thanks, I will check the site

[Herdbull]

I can also recommend Stickflingers. I have gone many times. For other outfitters, ask questions about shot distance to bait, ask about height of pre-set stands, and ask about type of tree stands used (whether they have hang-on, ladders-stands with or without side rails, large platform stands with or without rails). Bear hunting can result with very close shot, it's best if don't have any rails that impede five yards shots or closer.  Some outfitters are set up for longer range shots (25 to 30 yards) but then when a trad hunter comes to camp, they drag the bait closer without acclimation and without a safety tree between you and the bait. If you are hunting where lots of bears are attracted to site, then conflicts may result in bears climbing the first tree, which may be the tree the hunter has stand in. If you want big bears held, ask about average volume and type of bait used. There may be a waiting list for some of the good outfitters. If you want to go, don't put it off, have fun and enjoy watching bears.  Miike

[MnFn]

There are probably lots of good bear camps out there. Dusty (Bear Creek Outfitters) has a nice camp and is a great guy. He definitely treated a good friend of mine right. He had to cancel a hunt due to a family emergency (life or death issue for a grandson. Dusty graciously gave him credit for his down payment and we hunted the following year. Plus he allowed us to add another hunter at the last moment, (returning vet from Afghanistan). Those two guys both got their first bear there.

Having said that, I personally have had three great trips to Stickflingers.  I have had opportunities to shoot great bears each time. I also had over twenty bear come into my bait in four or five days. Every year. It is an unbelievable place to hunt.

Very active baits, big bears, multiple color phases, great stand placements, thermo cell takes care of the few bugs, great guides; what’s not to like?

For me, hunting at Stickflingers is like going back to hunt with family. Ryan and I bonded from the first day. Its very doubtful I will ever get to go back but, oh the memories I have! They will last forever.

[Jorge]

Thanks, stickflingers sounds great but is fully booked for 2026 and just few spots for 2027

[Gib]

Jorge sent you a pm. Gib

[Hermon]

Jorge,  Ryan recently posted there are 3 openings for this June.  I don't know if they have been filled yet.