Quebec Black Bear Hunt Gear Lists, Tips, Advice, Sugguestions.

[dresnor]

I just booked a spring Black Bear hunt in Quebec Canada at the Portneuf Wildlife Reserve.  One of my buddies has been going there for a few years and told me about the amount of bear in that area and how fun the trip was. The trip is June 10-15. I am so pumped up I can barely think straight.

This is my first guided trip. I talked to the guide and I feel he understands the differences in stand setups and differences in distances between compound and traditional bows, and seems highly committed to helping me get a bear with my traditional bow. I might be in a tree stand or on the ground. He flat out told me that I will be his first hunter hunting with traditional bow and that he will make it work.

Having never hunted there I don't want to show up and be lacking critical gear. I believe I have my bow setup down, but I do not feel I have the other stuff as finely tuned as I want it.

Can you guys recommend must have/good to have gear for that area and time frame? What do I need for the lodge. What do I need while hunting? Space is a factor since my buddy and I will be driving one vehicle up there from Maine.

I am talking Thermacells (are they worth it), bug head nets, broadheads, clothing for that time of year, bear spray? Just gear in general. I don't want to spend a fortune, but I don't want to ruin a trip do to being a rookie.

If anyone has any advice hunting black bear that always appreciated. 

Jeremy

[Hummer3T]

Im not in Quebec but do bear hunt in Saskatchewan at same time of year, same boreal zone.  I would bring Canadian bug shirt, this time of year will have lots of mosquitos and black flies.  I can be very warm or cold, especially in evenings.     other equip would be personal choice 

[Sean B]

Bug suit. Two thermocells. I've done ALOT of bear hunting over the last 30 years and it was a godsend when Thermocells came out.

[huntryx]

You don't need a lot of hunting-specific clothing (it's not like deer hunting where scent is critical) but you will need to be able to stay out in pretty hot temps, getting jacket-cold in the evenings. Also take rain gear if you have it. Tall rubber boots, too.

[dresnor]

Two Thermacells? Both running or one as a backup?

Jeremy

[Rick Wiltshire]

Thermacell with extra pads and butane.

[Hermon]

Two Thermacells? Both running or one as a backup?

Jeremy

I used one as a backup.  Easier to start the second one than change fuel cell or pad.

[dresnor]

That is a great idea. Chances are I will need two eventually. The wife will steal the first one. 

Jeremy

[STICKBENDER98]

X3 on two Thermacells!!!!! I hunted New Brunswick this spring, I used both when I first climbed into the stand, then when the skeeters thinned out I shut one off, and saved it until later.  Clothing wise I wore long johns under my wool pants, long sleeve t-shirt, button up flannel shirt with a fleese jacket, with an extra in my pack just in case it got colder at night.  I hunted the first week of June, and was comfortable with this, also a rainsuit just in case.  Something else to consider is some black latex gloves, the skeeters can't get to you through them!!!  Not sure about where you're staying but where I was at we had all meals cooked for us, we had to bring towels, and bath stuff, and blankets for the beds. I also bought Shannon Bug Tamer head nets for me and my wife, they worked great!!!  They cover your neck well, and you can either have it down over your face or roll it up to have a clear view, with the Thermacell running I was able to leave mine rolled up so as to not interfere with being able to draw my bow and shoot.  Good luck with your trip!!!


Jason

[Joeabowhunter]

Thermacell like others have said is the best thing since sliced bread!  I won't go bear hunting without one.  They work great and I like starting mine up on the way to stand so that it's hot and running full strength once I'm seated.  The weather could be frosty once the sun is set but a couple layers should be plenty.  Depending on the size of bear you're hoping for, they can be very difficult to judge.  A small bear can really fool you when you're excited.  Take your time, you should have plenty of time and opportunities if the baits are active.   

[Sean B]

I do both Thermocells  at the same time. One high and one low. But I stagger them. So I don't have both go out at that golden hour. Last thing you want just as it's getting dark is to have them go out with an hour left of shooting light. You don't want to be moving around changing out a pad or a cartridge or swatting away skeeters and black flies as the big guys are moving in.

[Matt Quick]

Like everyone said bring two thermacells for mosquitoes. 
I have not had good luck with a thermacell working on black flies.  If they are bad you’ll need other stuff. Bring a couple of the black headnets that have the elastic band you can put your arms through to create a tight seal the flies can’t crawl under. Wear the headnet over a boonie style hat to keep the net off your skin where flies can bite you through the net.  Make sure the headnets are black. They effect your vision less than green or camo. Don’t forget to practice shooting with the headnet on.  Have a light base layer and pull your socks over the base layer. That will keep black flies from crawling up your pant leg and chewing on you. If the flies are really bad you may need to duct tape your shirt sleeve to keep them out.  I’ve hunted in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Quebec and the worst black flies I encountered were in Quebec. 
Be prepared for temps from 40-80 degrees.  I always take a stocking hat and a wool vest with me to the stand.
Rain gear
I like to have a flashlight and a headlamp
Treestand harness
Don’t miss an opportunity to hunt bears off the ground if the set up allows it.  It’s a lot of fun

[Bowguy67]

I agree w the thermocell. I used a Shannon’s big tamer as well.

[jsweka]

I'd also recommend a GPS.
In 2016 on Bear Quest, Gary Hall, Matt Yacca, and I were tracking a bear that was hit the night before.  We lost blood and eventually started just walking in the direction the bear went hoping to find something.  When we finally gave up the chase, I said "Which way is the stand?"  Thank God Matty had a GPS with him otherwise we'd have been lost.  Thick vegetation and terrain that all looks the same makes it easy to lose your sense of direction.

[Bowguy67]

A bit of advice no one is talking about, I skinned for two bear camps. I’ve also hunted them from Maine to Alberta and southward. Been on hundreds of recoveries. They die extremely easy when hit well. There’s no need often to even track, at least not far. Commonly less than 40 sometimes under 20 and they expire almost in front of you. But, learn the anatomy. Do not listen the nonsense advice of aiming for the middle of the middle.  A bears vitals are up towards the shoulders. A quartering shot is best. I’ll be honest, at times even w track dogs all bears were not recovered when hit just back from forward.
The guide will do/should do most tracking for you. If you’re responsible for recovery and you feel you may not have made a perfect shot a way to return to stand is a great idea. It’s often very thick. Most guides do most work especially for newbies but you won’t get as much out of a hunt imo if you don’t contribute. That means baiting, recovery, helping skin, etc.
Bear hunting is great fun I hope you do well. Don’t sweat little details. Get yourself ready for the bugs, bring your gear, including a target cause there may not be one there, flashlight, extra batteries. You know something else some guys do. I’m not a druggie type guy, nor do I believe in taking things for every issue but some outfitters have you sit a long time. Some fellows bring some caffeine pills (no Doz) for the occasions where they need it. Also idk the camp but if you’re gonna see multiple bears learn to estimate size. Believe me it’s hard. Ask the guide what to expect and what you should consider shooting.
As stated already don’t forget your harness.
As a former full time taxidermist there are methods that are easier w every animal. Bears have lots of hair most times, the mountable ones anyway. You can ask someone how they want hide prepared but don’t expect camp to have an expert skinner. If a mistake is made or directions not followed don’t sweat it. Bears hide mistakes easy.
Good luck. Oh and one more thing. It’s one of the best meats to eat so don’t leave it.

[Bow man]

I have hunted Ontario a bunch One items I always recommend to friends is a tree  stand umbrella it always rains, and if you are in your stand and a storm comes in you will be way more comfortable.  Also it seems to help hold the themacell scent around you better

[dresnor]

Thanks for all the tips guys! I found some decent deals on Thermacells. Plenty of time to buy. I plan on buying more refill kits than I think I need. Someone else in camp may need a refill and chances are I will use them down the road anyways.

As for the meat. There is no way I am leaving it. I haven't eaten much bear meat, but what I have had was GOOD!

I hope to get a big bear. I am not sure if I have the patience to pass on many.

I hope to help bait and track to try to learn as much as I can. After all I am still new to hunting and I have some serious catching up to do.

Please keep the tips coming.

Jeremy

[2wfstlhunting]

Several years ago when I flew from New York to Alberta to hunt bears, the gas cartridges for the Thermacells were not allowed on the plane and were confiscated. We spent quite a lot of time driving around to find them in Calgary before we took off on the  trip.  Is that still the situation?

[Bowguy67]

Last I went the thermocell butane wasn’t allowed on a plane but I think the op said they’re driving over. The other option is shipping them there

[goingoldskool]

Big broadheads make big holes....  bears bring on an excitement that only bears can bring!  No whitetail ever got my heart pounding like my first bear.
Flashlights. ....  yes, plural.  2 is one and 1 is none. It gets BLACK out in the Canadian bush at night.
I don't know about Quebec,  but Ontario would NOT let certain sprays in country.  The border guards thought we were nuts bowhunting bear without any kind of backup. ....we have never taken any firearms of any kind, nor bear sprays.
Good luck, shoot straight and God bless,
Rodd

Take lots of pics! !!!