NM Black Bear?

[chewie146]

Hey all,

I've been hunting for a long time, but have never really done any of the predators.  I'm looking at getting a tag this year for black bear in NM.  I have the basic required gear, a rifle that is more than capable, etc.  What's the best method for getting a bear in NM without dogs?  The population around here is booming like mad. 

[tbodily]

Can you use bait?

[pastorp]

When I lived in NM you could not bait, but that was quite a few years ago. Spot & stalk was the way we hunted them. Dogs were legal if thats your preference......

Regards,

[tbodily]

If the population is booming like mad, like you say.  Find there food sources, you'll find the bears.  What do they eat in the spring down there.  Are there any closed off logging roads?

[chewie146]

Logging roads are everywhere, and yes, many are closed.  Dogs are legal, but that's one resource I don't have access to.  My brother in law knows someone, but I trust his friends as far as I could throw em.  I may just have to wait up Valle Canyon for something to pop up.  There is no shortage of sign up there, and that is one of the few places with water in this dry year we're experiencing.  Bait is illegal, but I'm hoping they'll change their minds on that one.  Electronic calls are illegal for a lot of predators as well, coyotes notwithstanding.  I may just see what I see.  I have no experience hunting bears, but I may just have to give it a try.

[GeneRector]

  Howdy! You might want to set up near that water source or spot and stalk close to it. Also, make sure you use lots of scent remover or scent cover, bear have a strong sense of smell. Good hunting! Let us know what you get!  Always, Gene

[chewie146]

Thanks for the help.  It's a little intimidating getting into predators.  I've always gone after the deer species for big game, with one Oryx hunt at White Sands to my name. 

[tbodily]

If there is as much bear sign as you say there is get out on them logging roads and you will find them, use alot of cover scent like the last guy said.  I have killed several bears on logging roads.  I have heard of some hunters in arizona using preditors calls with good success as well.

[chewie146]

That might be interesting too, but I might want to go ahead and get a mountain lion tag, considering the number of sightings this year.  Maybe I can get a twofer. 

[pastorp]

When I lived in NM I hunted in the Gila wilderness mostly. We had horses and packed our camp in. If it's real dry in the high country the bears will move down where they can get to water. Pick a vantage point and glass in the afternoons around the edges of meadows. Quality glass is your friend for this kind of hunting. Good luck,