Author Topic: Spring bear in Ontario??? (Read 1180 times)

IronKnees · « **on:** February 20, 2003, 04:08:17 AM »

Can anyone tell me if Ontario ever braught back their June (spring) black bear season? I live in Indiana and would love to go on a good black bear hunt, but travel distance is a VERY limiting factor for me... The last time I went was in Blind River, Ontario, which is a 14 hour drive from my front door. It's about two hours east of Sault St. Marie... Hope I spelled that right... I went straight north through lower Michigan, crossed the bridge and turned east. Long drive, but not a bad one... If anyone has any suggestions for me on where (within a days drive) I could hunt black bear, it would be great... Thanks in advance... IronKnees

Mad Dog · « **Reply #1 on:** February 24, 2003, 07:49:13 AM »

Dave, I got the same trouble. To the best of my knowledge, Ont. hasn't brought the spring season back......yet. Myself, and a friend have been applying[to build pref. points] in the U.P. of Mich., and hope to get drawn in another year. Another possibility, check out Minnesota. It's a draw system, but last year they were allowing 2 bears on one license in some areas cause the bears were so thick! :eek:

IronKnees · « **Reply #2 on:** February 24, 2003, 10:02:26 AM »

Thanks Mad Dog... I have also been giving Maine some thought... however, to go that far, I still need to do some more work on getting my health better and save a bit.... after my stroke and the knee replacements, I didn't work for a couple of years and am only now getting back up to speed...

Graybeard · « **Reply #3 on:** February 26, 2003, 04:40:22 PM »

Dave, Maine is fall only. No spring seasons. Probably the best place in the US to go I think for a bait hunt and we have as our Bear Forum Sponsor Fish River Lodge up there in Maine.

GB

IronKnees · « **Reply #4 on:** February 27, 2003, 12:56:43 AM »

Thanks GB... I think I was under the impression that Maine was spring and fall.... Years ago, I was in email contact quite a bit with someone I met online that ran a lodge up there, but it's been so long that I can't remember who or where any more... they offered me a pretty good deal too...

But on the other hand, I can't remember what or who I discussed three days ago either... :cry: :oops:

Mad Dog · « **Reply #5 on:** February 27, 2003, 05:16:03 AM »

Dave, I'm not sure, but I think the only spring bear seasons offered in the lower 48 anymore, is Idaho, and Montana.

upnorth · « **Reply #6 on:** March 02, 2003, 10:15:41 AM »

If I may be so bold, quite a few of the american hunters who use to go to ontario are now coming to manitoba, which is right next door!!. We have a very liberal spring hunt, with lot's of quality animals taken each spring. With the way the u.s. dollar is sitting, ( 1 u.s. dollar worth roughly 1.50 canadian) you guys are crazy not to take advantage of it. If anyone's interested, let me know. I know quite a few good bear outfitters here.

sincerly,
upnorth.

IronKnees · « **Reply #7 on:** March 02, 2003, 10:27:01 AM »

Thanks... I will sure look into that. The only problem for me is the extra distance...

Mad Dog · « **Reply #8 on:** March 03, 2003, 04:08:02 AM »

upnorth, not in anyway to be disrespectful, most of the outfitters I have looked into for bear hunting in the canadian provinces, quote their bear hunts in U.S. FUNDS, not canadian. Therefore, I don't see the big savings. Just my thoughts......

upnorth · « **Reply #9 on:** March 03, 2003, 04:20:07 AM »

You are correct mad dog. But the key is to find an outfitter who is charging a reasonable price. I have guided for several years up here,and The most important thing to remember when your talking to someone at a sport show is that the best outfitters with the highest sucess rates don't need to attend sports shows . The best outfitters stay filled up year after year by repeat customers, and word of mouth. I guess it depends on the hunter. If your happy with a minnesota blackie that's great. If you want an adventure and a chance at some real big bears, then alaska and canada are the way to go. Food for thought; last fall the largest black bear in north america was hit by a car and killed 1 1/2 hrs north of winnipeg. It weighed over 900 lb, and we know this because the d.n.r. had to come and dispatch it. they seized the bear, and are having it mounted. just food for thought.....

bagger321 · « **Reply #10 on:** March 05, 2003, 11:01:59 AM »

upnorth,I am looking at a bear hunt in future.Ontario or Manitoba,drive is similar from home,what kind of lines have you got there?Thanks.