Getting started with black bear

[Docrock]

I tried to find some resources on the forums about getting started hunting black bear but couldn't turn up any reading material and I was wondering if anyone could help point me in the right direction. I'm open to either archery or rifle. I will be hunting in Colorado as well.

 

[weekender7]

Number one rule in bear hunting is NEVER MESS WITH A SOW WITH CUBS. Don't try to get closer to them for a better look. Just give them a wide birth and move on to somewhere else.

In spring bear hunting, the bears will seek out the areas which are first to green up with lush grass and clover. In fall bears will seek out all kinds of berries and cherries. Find areas where you can see a good amount of terrain. Use your binos and spotting scope to locate bears. Then approach from down wind. Look for tracks and scat to know you are in areas that hold bears. If you have no clue what areas to choose, contact the F&G biologist for CO and ask for pointers.

Getting archery close to bears comes with a degree of serious danger. Carry bear approved pepper spray and a side arm. People carrying pepper spray and or firearms are injured or worse every year by bears. It can happen so fast you might not have time to react.

If you plan to try baiting, first start by fully researching what the laws and regulations are for the area you plan to bait. If you are going to archery hunt bait, do it first from a tree stand. Hunting from a tree stand gives you some security but not total security. All black bears can climb trees, REALLY FAST. If a bear approaches the base of your tree, be prepared to make noise either verbally or stomping the stand to alert the bear of your presence. I have had bears stand on my ladder many times and 3 times I have had bears start up my ladder. This bear made it to the top rung before I could jab it in the nose with my arrow to get it to go back down. It could have killed me easy.

 

[ColeKira]

If you plan on baiting with barrels, its a TON of work. While up in Quebec I spent many long hours setting up 7 bait sites over the course of a long weekend and maintaining them during the hunting week. It's back breaking work to run several bait sites but you can attract the largest bears in the area and keep them coming back regularly.

 

[kickemall]

Burn this into your brain - find the feed, find the bears. Whether its acorns in the fall, salmon in rivers and streams, berries, grass in the spring or whatever, find the feed. Bears are going to keep moving until they find something to eat. You find their feed source and you will find them.

 

[Arrowslinger]

Burn this into your brain - find the feed, find the bears. Whether its acorns in the fall, salmon in rivers and streams, berries, grass in the spring or whatever, find the feed. Bears are going to keep moving until they find something to eat. You find their feed source and you will find them.

This is THE best bear advice you will ever find. Period.

 

[idahohikker]

There are some good podcasts out on this. Check out the one from Eastman's. But, the main food sources were already outlined above--grass in the spring, and berries in the fall for my area. Call the local bio. Do some scouting. You'll be in good shape to find one glassing, which is my favorite method.

 

[Docrock]

Thank you all for the information it was very helpful.