Next year want to plan a Black Bear hunt

[ChrisK]

I wanted to hunt bears some where next year. I am afraid this year is not going to work because I have not put in my vacation time and I am not really sure where I want to go hunt. I just bought a .257 Weatherby and that is prolly what I would be using. To me stalking on would be great but I am not opposed to baiting. I actually have a buddy at work that traps and I usually get 6-10 beavers a year that he traps. I could easily double bag them and stick them in my deep freezer next year instead of feeding the local stray dogs and coyotes. I have hunted a few times in Texas with a friend I was able to make on a couple of other forums. I was kind of hoping that I would be able to do samething and end up hunting black bears this time. Like I said before, I really don't know where I want to hunt bears and what method I would use I just know next year I would like to make it happen and would really like someone a long that knows what they are doing and could offer some good advice or guidence.
Thanks,
Chris Kiefner

[chefjeff]

Where do you live Chris? Some folks will not like your caliber choice,but I have seen two killed with a 6mm.Personally use an '06 180gr. Killed a 500# three years ago, my biggest,but mostly they are smaller. A sow over 300# is rare in eastern NC.

[swifty22]

CK- you have plenty of rifle for blackie's as long as you use a proper bullet. Use a Nosler partition fast and you will have no problems. Black's need one through the lungs/top of the heart in the center of the shoulder just like a deer (1/3-1/2 up from the bottom of the chest and that's it) I have shot lots of them and the last was w/a 270 win. with a 130 sierra BT at about 80 yds through the top of the heart (as above) and he didn't even move out of his tracks.  Most blacks aren't very heavy and a fast opening bullet that penetrates well is the key, just place it as above and hope he/she isn't in a swamp and right at last light!- good luck-Muddy PS-MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A GOOD FLASHLIGHT.

[ChrisK]

Thanks guys, I live in Indiana. No bears here.

[SHOOTALL]

try eastern north carolina for big bears , tenn has some as does Va. find a good guide and check his ref.

[ChrisK]

I still do not know where I want to hunt. I have a 6.5-20x50 scope on my rifle so I would think that I would want most of my shots @50-100 yards. I don't care if I hunt bait or if I hunt bears where they frequent field edges to feed. I am not really wanting to hunt bears with dogs. I know I am in no shape to keep up with dogs.
I know when I hunt hogs and javi's in S.Texas we trickle corn in the roads to get the critters out of the brush. Has anyone tried anything similar hunt black bears? I don't even know if it would be legal to do in most places so if it isn't legal to do in your area don't bash me for asking about it
I was wanting to get some beavers from a guy that traps them here and save them. Drag them to a bait site or two where I would have the beaver tied up on a limb about 6ft. off the ground to judge size and try to get left overs from a local Chinese restraunt. I have a deep freezers so I will store most of my bait in the freezer and then transport it to a site.
Just want to know where the best place to try this or if I could get more ideas. I have a year to plan for it.
Chris Kiefner

[drdougrx]

Hey Chris,
 
I'd suggest that you just go north to pne of the Canadian provinces or to Maine....I've had good luck with Oxbow Lodge.  Redhawk1, another member here has had great luck with another outfitter there.  I would probably suggest a lower powered scope however if you are hunting baits. 

[ChrisK]

I have that scope on my rifle because I shoot coyotes in my field behind my house. I had a 3-10 but it broke and was sent back to the factory. I really liked the scope that I bought. It is pretty clear and really zooms in on critters. When set on 6.5 it isn't that bad up close.

[Sourdough]

I use a .35Whelen, a .350Rem Mag, 45-70, or a .338Win Mag.  Not for the Black Bears I kill, but for the Grizzlies that sneak in and leave us no other option.

black Bears are easy to kill, just like said earlier.  1/3rd of the way up on the shoulder.  Use a good penetrating bullet like the Nosler Partition. 

ChrisK:  Want to make life a real adrenaline rush.  Save up your money and come to Alaska.  My hunting partner will only hunt bears with me if he can be 15ft up in a tree stand when I start calling.  I purchased the Wood Wise, Black Bear Talking call.  It comes with a warning "Do Not Use If There Is A Possibility A Grizzly Might Answer The Call".  It's a rush when a Grizzly comes in with a big rush ready to kill something.  Grizzlies kill any Black Bears they find in their territory.  You do not want to be on the ground when a Grizzly comes tearing into your area.  I've had guys scream when the Griz hits their tree.  the Griz comes in so fast and with so much power, it's frightening to some people.  Makes my heart pound, and I've done it more than a few times.

[ChrisK]

I am sure that would be a rush. Cost of the flight alone to Alaska is prolly more than I could chew on. Calling a bear anywhere would be a rush I would think.

[Steeleman]

   If you want to shoot a black bear, I would recommend you talk to Ron Slipp, Slipp Brothers Ltd., 5834 Route 101, Hoyt, New Brunswick E5L 1Z3,  Telphone Number (506) 687-4625.  Ron and his brother Duane are trappers in the winter and run a Bear Camp in the Spring and Fall.  They are reasonably priced and you hunt over bait.  I have been twice and shot a bear both times.

[ChrisK]

thanks, I will try and check into them later today.

[Redhawk1]

I have hunted with Wild Country Outfitters up in northern Maine 4 times.  We have seen some big bear up there, and taken some nice size bear.  Hunting is from a ground blind over bait, and shots are from 10 yards to 20 yards.  Canada is nice also, but I would rather give my money to someone in the US. I recommend Wild Country Outfitters, Pete is a great guy and guide.

[muznut 54]

Maine has the largest population of black bear in the lower 48. I have used a 308,450marlin single shot but my fave is a BLR 358win but this year I'm going to use a muzzy or bow.

[muznut 54]

I have to adjust my statement, Maine has the most black bears in the continental U.S.

[1911crazy]

There was a guy here who advertised a hunt in nova scochhia  (poor spelling)  he puts you up on his farm and feeds you too.  Then he guides your hunt too.  Thats a good deal.

[1sourdough]

 Here's another idea for a reasonable cost bear hunt. As a non-res it may take you 6-7 years to get the points built up for a prime MI 1st period bear license. The application period is the month of May, it cost $4 to apply for the point, all done online at the MI DNR site. This hunt would most likely take place in the U.P. of MI(lower MI takes more points). The average cost now can be $800-$1,000 over a bait pile, don't know much about the hound option.

  We've been doing just 2 or so hunters on our land in the U.P. for the 1st period. The largest bear last Fall was #433.

   Yes, 6-7 years is a ways off, but someday, hopefully, it will be here & so will you. You need to keep your points under the same 'sport card number' you will be assigned when you apply. Providing we are still doing some hunts I'd be glad to line up a guy.

[ChrisK]

thanks