camo for bears

[ozy clint]

would ordinary camo be good enough for black bear spot'n'stalk? i have a leafy suit but it's a pain to shoot in sometimes but it's really effective. is normal camo more than sufficient for getting close?
i've been told they have similar eyesight to that of pigs. i've been real close to pigs without leaf camo. are bears on par with pigs in stalking difficulty?

[manfromthepast]

I've killed two on spot and stalk hunts.  Would say leafy suit not necessary.  Don't think any camo is really necessary, but I did wear it anyway.  Keeping the wind right and avoiding noise are way more important.  More opportunities are blown by going too slow and getting screwed up by swirling winds than charging ahead quickly but quietly into the wind, even without great cover, especially if bear is feeding.

[wingnut]

yep I'd go with camo but not the leafy suit unless your real comfy in it.

The bear will tolerate anything but smelling you.  Get the wind right, use cover, and get close.  Shoot him like a pig and you'll do great.

Where you hunting?

Mike

[bowmaster12]

have only hunted bear from tree stands normal camo was fine alot of people recomend black clothing when stalking they see black think another bear good luck shoot straight

[Dave2old]

Don't even need camo. Dark plaid top and dark pants is more than enough (for not only bear, but everything else as well that lives in dark forests). Just stay quiet and downwind ... that nose is amazing even by whitetail standards. And congrats on choosing to take it on this most challenging and exciting and rewarding way! Dave

[Dick in Seattle]

I think camo for bears is a great idea... make it more challenging.   Problem is getting them to wear it!   :^)

[Teacher_of_the_Arcane]

Hi All,

When I got my bear, I was wearing a red and white check flannel shirt, blue jeans and a brown fedora!   Shot was taken at 24 feet.

[ozy clint]

wingnut- hopefully the guide i'm going to work for will let me hunt one. purcell wilderness area B.C.

[vermonster13]

Why would a bear need to wear camo?

[Daddy Bear]

There is an old saying about a leaf(it may have been an acorn) that falls from a tree in the forest; The hawk can see it fall, the deer can hear it fall, the bear can smell it fall.

If you get busted by a bear, my money is on his nose what found ya first:)

[pine nut]

I always heard the above as an old indian saying:

Shoot an arrow into the air.  When it falls a turkey will see it, a deer will hear it, and a bear will smell it!

[zwickeyman]

Like every one has said, camo not even needed at all. Poor eye sight, decent hearing but a nose better than a Bloodhounds. Their nose is amazing.

[Charles Sorrells]

Standard camo without the leafy contrast will suit this task fine.  Camo vs No Camo is another topic.  Be confident in the camo you have used in the past and have a go at it.

Let us know how it turns out.

By the way, I have seen several of your post and really like your ingenuity in the items you adapt by your own design.  Thank you for sharing Ozy.

[ozy clint]

charles- thank you, that's a great compliment. it's a pleasure sharing ideas here because i know people appreciate it.

turns out i probably won't be hunting bears or anything for that matter. i've got to be here for 12 months to be considered a resident to be able to DIY hunt. and i certainly can't afford a guided hunt. ah well, i might have to go home save money for next time.

[Schultzy]

The one thing a bear does have for a weakness Is It's eye sight. You don't need to spend a fortune on camo, just get something that breaks you up nice with the environment your In.

Edit: I just saw that you won't be bear hunting, sorry to hear that!

[PAPA BEAR]

bear needs camo to hide from momma bear

[Gordon martiniuk]

Don"t think you need leafy camo try Bacon in your pockets that will get you close to Bears

[Daddy Bear]

pie nut, I found the saying I referred to:

An eagle will see the leaf fall

A deer will hear the leaf fall

But a bear will smell the leaf fall

[R.W.]

Clint,

What area of the Purcell Wilderness Area will you be hunting?

I would think that you will be "spot and stalk" hunting, as "baiting" isn't (or wasn't) legal in the southern part of BC.

Drab green or brown clothing should work well, as long as you cover your face and hands.

If you are guiding rifle hunters, the camo isn't really necessary. Getting with rifle shot range is a heck of a lot easier than getting within arrow range.

[JimB]

Keep in mind that bears can see movement and can recognize an upright figure from quite a distance.Most bears are very afraid of other ,larger bears unless maybe you are stalking the dominant boar in the area.Any shape that resembles another bear9or human) on all fours or upright,can put them to flight.Recent work suggests that they can see some blue and yellow.