Black bear in the US

[John Krause]

Always had a bear hunt on the bucket list but never done it. Almost went to Canada but the politics killed it for me.

That said, who are some trad friendly black bear outfits in the good ole USA?

Thanks!

[Wudstix]

PA would be my choice.  Always good for a couple bruisers every year.  Especially the Northern tier.  Perhaps a couple locals will have some idea.  PA Game News may be a good start.
 

[ESP]

Maine has a few.  I think the black widow guys go to one regularly.

[5deer]

  I would check out Weitas Creek Outfitters in Idaho.  They shoot trad. lots of big bears and color phase.     

[Chad Orde]

South East Alaska is king for sure in my opinion. More bears then people, you can DIY or go with a guide. We seen a nice male last night when we where out in the canoe. We have a spring and fall season.

[Sojurn]

Minnesota as well. We're thick with them.  Wisconsin always produces a big bear or two every year. 

[trad_bowhunter1965]

California had good population of black bears season run from August through December.

[Nomadstalker]

You're going to let politics get in the way of a hunt?

[lopey15]

I’m definitely in the market for booking a black bear hunt for next spring. If I don’t draw an elk tag next year the plan is to head to Idaho on a guided hunt or Montana for a DIY.

[jsweka]

PA would be my choice.  Always good for a couple bruisers every year.  Especially the Northern tier.  Perhaps a couple locals will have some idea.  PA Game News may be a good start.
 

The thing that makes PA hard is no bait and no dogs. Yes, we do have some BIG bears, but it’s tough seeing one in bow season which coincides with deer archery.  I always buy a Bear license each year - mostly as basically a lottery ticket just in case one comes by me while deer hunting.  Last season was the first time I actually saw one in bear archery season. It was a cub running like mad about 40 yards out. 

[SS Snuffer]

Minnesota, big bears, cheap lic.
Check with MN  DNR for guides list baiters and zones.

[dnovo]

I'm going by what I've read on some of this. Yes PA has some big bears but the season sturcture would make it very difficult to bowhunt them.
Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin have good bears too but I'm curious about having to self bait and hunt without other hunters interfering.  I would probably pick Maine as a good choice for a 1st time baited hunt.

[Orion]

A couple of folks have mentioned Wisconsin.  Wisconsin has a lot of bear, but it will take 4-8 years to draw a permit, depending on where you want to hunt. 

[Wudstix]

That is right John.  I saw more bear during turkey season.  Even had a couple "follow Me Out of the woods" a few years in Central Union county, on Paddy Mt, and near Bear Run.  Pike county or the northern tier of PA would be a good, hard hunt.  Probably would take a few years of research to get in a reliable location, up high.  Spending the night way back in may be the trick. 
 

[frassettor]

A couple of folks have mentioned Wisconsin.  Wisconsin has a lot of bear, but it will take 4-8 years to draw a permit, depending on where you want to hunt.

True. I’m on preference point 10 and the unit where I am looking takes 10-12 to draw

[Bowguy67]

If you’re looking for an outfitter I can’t recommend anyone in US but if you want the biggest bears in the highest concentration look in NJ. Nowhere has a higher density than north Jersey.
Last year was only a shotgun hunt but they’ve been having an archery hunt on/off. If you decide to hunt there let me know, I’ll help you and even show you areas. Too many bears around there. I’ve seen 11 one day alone, have a buddy who filmed 13 in a large cornfield same time.

[Wudstix]

Jersey does have a black bear problem.
 

[Tajue17]

Just heard locally we have a blackbear in Plymouth massachusetts,  ive never in my life seen or heard of any bears around here so thats pretty impressive how they migrate around especially with all the highways and construction going on.

[Wudstix]

Connecticut is on it's way to passing a law that citizens can shoot a bear that is threatening them or their property.  Not a hunting season, but a start.  Farmers will also be allowed to acquire Depredation Permits to protect crops.

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[frassettor]