Black Bear Hunting

[Submarinokotbw]

Hey All,

First... This site is great!

Second... I would like to go on a black bear hunt, with my trad bow. I have only ever hunted whitetail before in Missouri and Illinois. In fact i am fairly new to hunting in general. Since there are so many seasoned hunters here, i was wondering if i could get some advice on how to prepare for a bear hunt. Specifically...
1. How much should I expect to pay for a guided bear hunt?
2. Where should I go? US? Canada?
3. Should I go with a group?
4. Equipment Choices... I have a 45# Bear Montana longbow and 50# Black Widow PCH Recurve. Are these adequate? 2,3 or 4 bladed broadhead?
5. Spring, summer or fall?
6. How many days should i budget to be sucessful?
7. Wanna take/teach me?     Just kidding...but i wouldnt say no either...

Just trying to get a feel for how much time and money i will need to budget. Im on a teacher's salary and schedule, and grew up in a non hunting family so i feel a bit behind the 8ball so to speak.
Thanks yall!

[bear track]

My hunters shoot all sorts of bows and never really thought the person shooting a 40# bow was any less equiped to kill a bear than the guy with an 80# bow.
We're in Manitoba and lots of bear opportunities.
Most weeks by Thursday everyone has seen the bear they'd like to shoot and have taken it.

[Sean B]

This is my post from my bear hunt with Roger & Toby of Black Widow and Squapan Mt Outfitters:

 http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=119965;p=4

[Sean B]

If you're looking for a spring hunt, give Tom Philips a shout

[pruiter]

Both your Bows will kill a bear, bears have thin skin, Sharp 2 blade works just fine

 Best pelts are from spring bear. Depending on where you are Hunting April or May, How long very hard to say, I've never hunted over bait,  spot and stocking bears it can be a day to a season.

If there are bears in your own state, would hunt bears there. if you want big bear, Jim shocky, on vancouver island. no idea the cost

[Ibow]

I posted the same thing on your thread in the Pow Wow but love to talk bear hunting!    
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1. How much should I expect to pay for a guided bear hunt?
I think the most important thing to remember is that it’s about like anything else. You get what you pay for. I’d be very wary of bargain priced bear hunts.

2. Where should I go? US? Canada?
It’s all a matter of preference but seeing is you’re from the Midwest, I’d do Manitoba, Saskatchewan or Alberta. If you’re stuck on the US, Idaho. All things considered, I’d pick Manitoba.

3. Should I go with a group?
Groups are good if your outfitter can accommodate. Having a good buddy along is hard to beat, yet I’ve done it alone as well. Preferably having a good buddy along is best.

4. Equipment Choices... I have a 45# Bear Montana longbow and 50# Black Widow PCH Recurve. Are these adequate? 2,3 or 4 bladed broadhead?
Either bow is fine with any SHARP broadhead – whatever you’re most accurate with. Redundant as ever but put it through both lungs, you’ll have a very, very short tracking job.

5. Spring, summer or fall?
Spring is best, fall is good to. I’d prefer spring.

6. How many days should i budget to be successful?
You don’t really “budget” days. Most hunts are 5-6 days and you’re in camp for the duration. Sometimes you finish on the first day, sometimes the last. Camp life is definitely one of the most enjoyable aspects of bear hunting.

Once you do commit and go, you’ll be hooked. Bear hunting is far and away my absolute favorite hunting activity. If you have specific questions, feel free to PM or email me. Best wishes in the decisions you’ll be making down the road!

[Prof]

It was suggested to me by a guide that 45# is a good minimum for black bear.  Of course, a sharp blade and good shot placement is always vital.  If you are hunting over bait, there is not much of a learning curve.  I would suggest that you practice exactly as you will hunt.  If you plan to use a stand, practice from that same height and expected distance.  I did not have a shot opportunity while on my only bear hunt (thus far).  A few bears were taken, and a few hunters failed to make good shots.  I recall a couple wishing they had practiced more from an elevated stand.  As for the costs, don't foget to factor in travel, meat processing and shipping, mounting, and tip.  If you get your bear, those items could be 2-3 times the price of the hunt.  I can say that my bear hunt was a lot of fun.  I met some wonderful people and had a great time hunting and at camp.  For me, it was worth every cent.  Best of luck.

[Arwin]

My friend Brian Pelham helps run Northland Bear Outfitters in Searchmont, Ontario.

 They take a very limited number of hunters each season and success rates are high. It would run about $1200-1500.

[Etter]

It all depends what you're looking for.  Bait?  Hounds?  Spot and stalk?  It's all up to you.

I've chased em sixteen times from Canada to Georgia.  If I wanted to bait em, I'd go to Saskatchewan or Alberta.  If I was spot and stalking, I'd want to go to British Columbia or Alaska. If I was wanting to chase em with hounds, I'd call Korell Outfitters in Idaho.  I doubt there's a better bear hunting outfit in the western US anywhwere.