first bear hunt (maybe)

[rex6666]

i live in TX, don't see many bears here other than about 2 am Sunday mourning
where would be a good place to start looking for a bear hunt, and what should i expect to pay.

[drdougrx]

That really depends on where you are interested in hunting.  IF you come to the northeast, you'll pay about $1,000 to $1,500 for a weeks hunting.  I'd add another $1,000 to cover non-residence license, flights, tips, taxidermy deposit and incidentals (providing you don't go loopy buying equipment).  I can't speak for Western hunts, the other guys in this forum may be of some help.   Here's where I'm going Sept. 2008, http://www.oxbowlodge.com

Good Luck!!!!

[theoldarcher]

From TX, look into over the counter tags in NM, or look into the draw for bear tags in CO.  Both states have good numbers of big bears and a high percentage of color phases other than black.

Costs really depend on if you use a guide or DIY; camp or stay in a motel, resort, etc.; drive, fly; and on and on.  Lots of variables.

Bears are addictive, though, so just be forewarned.     

Best of luck, Arch

[teddy12b]

You can find hunts in Maine and Ontario for around a $1000, give or take about $300 including licenses.  After that it's your costs of gear and travel.  I'm guessing from texas you'll have just less than $2000 by the time you get a outfitter, lodging, food, licenses, and especially traveling in your case.

[rex6666]

i understand the addictive.
i went black powder elk hunting with a friend that lives in NM in OCT. he had a bear tag
$60.00 res.
in NM you can run bears with dogs but can not bait.
Mt friend has a son that is a guide in NM and has a pack of bear dogs so that is probably what i will do next year.
we saw lots of large bear tracks while elk hunting, some around camp one mourning.
thanks guys for the info.