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Author Topic: wanting to bear hunt for the first time  (Read 917 times)

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Offline marbill

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wanting to bear hunt for the first time
« on: November 19, 2009, 03:45:33 PM »
I am wanting to hunt for my first black bear. I have a couple questions.
#1. spring or fall ? #2 I will probably only be able to do this once, would I be better off hunting in the states or would it be better to go to Canada? Money is a factor for me. I live in Missouri so I will have to travel. I am wanting to plan for a 2011 hunt. Any advice or suggestions will be appreciated. Also any recommendations of outfitters. I do not want to base my selection on internet ad's. Thank you.  Bill
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Offline kody

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Re: wanting to bear hunt for the first time
« Reply #1 on: November 19, 2009, 04:49:32 PM »
We live in the NE tip of Minnesota and have a lot of bear in our area. There are a half dozen bear guides in this area that I could lead you to. A lot would depend on how much time you could devote to a hunt and what you would expect of the guide. Get back to me with an email ,a PM or call 218-475 2240. I'm away from home until next Tuesday. Ken Lacey
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Offline mirage1988

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Re: wanting to bear hunt for the first time
« Reply #2 on: November 19, 2009, 05:04:41 PM »
Start applying for a minnesota bear tag. It took me two years to get my tag, it might take two, might take three. You might get one your first year, but you probably won't, so if you want to hunt in 2011, apply next year, you should get one in 2011.

You could hunt in a no quota area- the tags there are OTC, but the bear numbers are a lot scarcer.

 My father-in-law has a cabin in prime minnesota bear country and we deer hunt in NE missouri, if you have access to good deer land we might be able to work a trade-out or something.
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Offline Redhawk1

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Re: wanting to bear hunt for the first time
« Reply #3 on: November 19, 2009, 05:11:53 PM »
I have been to several black bear camps and I highly recommend Wild Country Outfitters in Wade Maine. Pete Koch will put you on bear. I have seen some Hugh black bear hunting with Pete. I had a 400 Lb sow in front of me 20 yards away hunting in a ground blind. I was waiting for the perfect shot that never presented itself, but that was worth the cost of the hunt alone. You want a hunt of a life time for up close black bear, This is the place. http://www.mainewildcountryoutfitters.com/index.html
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Offline marbill

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Re: wanting to bear hunt for the first time
« Reply #4 on: November 19, 2009, 08:55:04 PM »
Kody I will pm you ! thanks.

mirage I do not have a place to offer in trade for a hunt. Thanks for the tip on the application process .

redhawk 1 Thank you for the reference I will send a email to him.
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Offline theoldarcher

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Re: wanting to bear hunt for the first time
« Reply #5 on: November 20, 2009, 02:57:27 AM »
From MO, you might also look into Colorado.  Draw system, but fairly easy to get a tag.  Lots of colored phase bears; many big bears.  I can put you in touch with someone in the southwestern part of the state if you decide to look into it.

Also, here in MI, we have a draw system, but for units in the UP, it is usually only a two year wait, so there is a liklihood of a tag for 2011.  If that sounds interesting, I can put you in touch with my friend in Vulcan, who has bear leases up there.

Arch
missions4him@hotmail.com
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Offline drdougrx

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Re: wanting to bear hunt for the first time
« Reply #6 on: November 20, 2009, 04:22:31 AM »
I donno guys...a first hunt...drawing tags.....

I think you should go to an outfitted hunt which is uaually a Sunday to Sunday proposition.  The outfitters will handle food, lodging, transportation to and from the bait site, game care afterwards and all of the little things that can ruin a trip.  I've taken bears in both the Spring and Fall in different places.  Spring bears have the best coats as the fur is long after the winter.  If you go late spring, you may need to be concerned with rubbing and thin/bald spots.

Fall bears are usually bigger as they are preparing for winter.  The fur is supposedly shorter as the winter growth is coming in, but, I've never been able to tell the difference on any of my bears.  

Redhawk suggested Maine...great place to hunt...I use the Oxbow Lodge, a great place with nice people, just another option, can't go wrong with either.

http://www.oxbowlodge.com/maine_bear_hunting.php

GL and let us know what you decide.
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Offline marbill

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Re: wanting to bear hunt for the first time
« Reply #7 on: November 20, 2009, 07:19:40 AM »
Thanks to everyone. i have contacted the outfitters recommended. I have also replied to the offers of the others to reply. I am looking forward to the decision making. This is something I have wanted to do since I was a kid.
I am kind of leaning towards a spring hunt. But nothings etched in stone.
Thank you all.   Bill
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Offline kody

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Re: wanting to bear hunt for the first time
« Reply #8 on: November 20, 2009, 10:19:56 AM »
Minnesota is fall hunts only. I will ck with the MN  DNR about wait times  for out-of-state applications . WE had 2 bear limits a couple of years ago due to the surplus so that should have required no wait at all but situations do change so you can't bet on anything for 2011  .   Ken Lacey
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