How Much to Spot and Stalk Black Bears?

[Nala]

Hey all,

I would like to get an idea of what Spot and Stalk Black Bear hunts cost.

Lets say you really want a shot at a NICE, BIG TROPHY size Black Bear and you want to spot and stalk him.  Where would you find the really BIG Black Bears and how much would it cost?

Lastly, if you didn't care much about how big the bears are and you just wanted a great hunting experience stalking black bears, where would you go and how much would it be?

Just a good idea of price is good enough, I'm not looking for exact numbers.

Thanks for your time and help.

Nala

[L. E. Carroll]

You want a chance at a BIG bear "spot and stalk?
Check out my post for one more hunter for a hunt with Homer Ocean Charters Bear Hunt for next spring.

I was told by HOC that a 6' square bear is very possible with big one going 7'

I have all of the cost minus air fare to AK listed on the post.  Still have 1 opening to fill the six slots on the boat.

Gene  

[Whip]

If I had the cash Gene wouldn't still have an opening on that trip!      Better grab it before I get tempted to just take out a loan!

Really, for spot and stalk bears I don't think you could find a better opportunity.  It's high on my list of dream trips.  
Someday!  

[Steve O]

Guided are going to be $4-8000 depending on your location.  H.O.C. has a good reputation and you are not going to find one any cheaper than Gene's.  I am already committed to too many other things so my post is a copy of Whip's!

I want to go on one of those boat hunts so bad I can taste it...wait a minute; that is exactly why I want to go on one of those boat hunts...for the meals!

[Zbearclaw]

California, Eastern Oregon, Colorado, Arizona, etc.

DIY and five days of hunting and you will see bears in a whole bunch of areas.  

The northern wilderness areas of CA are home to a ton of beras, CA has the second largest population of black bears next only to AK if I am not mistaken.

I have glassed four bears within a mile from one location within minutes, and in the thicker areas where glassing wasn't as easy because of the timber.  

For guided I have no idea, besides AK tidal flat hunts and possibly BC for the logging units.

Good luck

[Don Thomas]

Coastal Alaska is a great place to stalk black bears--I've been doing it for 30 years. And HOC is an excellent outfit. But if cost is the big concern, you don't need a guide or an outfitter. Rent one of the numerous Forest Service cabins on the coast between Ketchikan and the Kenai Peninsula, and you'll be out airfare to your jumpoff point, air charter to the cabin, and a NR license and tag, which will be around $400. If that's too much, load up the truck and head west to any of the locations mentioned previously. Forrest Service land in western MT holds plenty of black bears for those willing to be a bit of hiking. Don

[bohuntr]

Nice to see you on here Don! Reading your books has been one of my strongest influences in wanting to do a spot and stalk black bear hunt in the coastal areas of Alaska.  Any more bow hunting books in the works? I also greatly enjoy you writing on upland bird hunting with labs.
          Dan