Bear Outfitters...Non Resident....HELP!

[st8tman]

Gentlemen,

                  I am interested in coming to your great state and pursuing a black bear. Quite frankly I am tired of spending my hard earned American Dollar across the North border, and have always wanted to try to take a Blackie with a handgun. I have done some research, but the literature from Minnesota guides is somewhat sparse. I am not into fancy, but in all probability I would need transportation to baits at a bare minimum, as I will probably fly up. I have come up with a few outfitters and was wondering what you folks think. Dick Reese (Horseshoe Guide Service-26/44) Dennis Udovich(Udovich Guide Service-24/25) Gary Martinson(Martinson Guide Service-Cook) Larry Emery(Blooming Valley Outfitters-No Quota) Brian Bachman(Arrowhead Wildnerness Outfitters-Pillager, and Bob Christianson (Minnesota Black Bear Adventures-#25). Any input you may have on these outfits, or any other suggestions you may have are certainly appreciated. Thank Each Of You For Your Time!

[Drae]

 I don't anything about the guide services you listed. I would pick someone who lives in the area he guides in. Here is a local guide I have heard good reports about. A wounded & lost bear counts as a taken bear to him. So make sure of your shot!
Bear River Guide Service  Guide Zones: 26 & 44 
  37670 Co. Rd 129  Guide Since: 1996
  Deer River, MN 56636   
  (218) 246-2226 

[st8tman]

Thank You DRAE for the response. I have come up with another outfitter who "appears" to put on a respectable hunt. Just wondering if any folks on here can add anything. His name is Mike Bissonette and he hunts in Area 31 near Babbitt, MN. Any information greatly appreciated.

[billyzink]

Thank You DRAE for the response. I have come up with another outfitter who "appears" to put on a respectable hunt. Just wondering if any folks on here can add anything. His name is Mike Bissonette and he hunts in Area 31 near Babbitt, MN. Any information greatly appreciated.

  The Babbitt area is excellent, we go up there every year, (last 25 years)we do our own baiting, I know this Mike well, he has been a pain in our ass for years, we think we found a new spot and bait it and find out later he is already baiting there. And for some reason the bears like his baits better!! This guy knows what he is doing, he was born and raised there.

[kody]

 I live in the NE tip of the state near Grand Marais and we have both bears and guides. Let me know by email what you want and I'll check and see if these guys are filled up. You can call me at 218-475-2240 and we can exchange all kinds of info faster than back-and-forthing with emails. The fly-in point is Duluth for scheduled airlines. Give me a call and we can discuss ground transport and lodging/meals. Unless you already know, I'll check on the out-of -state limitations ,cost , zone allowance etc.     Ken Lacey

[Bearman II]

  I know a few of the people you have mentioned.I have hunted area 31 for over 22 years.Call me 605-933-0516.