New Mexico Public Land Black Bear

[cmorris6]

Do you guys have any suggestions on DIY archery black bear in NM? The tags are over the counter and fairly cheap. What season do you prefer to hunt in (aug-oct)? Any strategies you guys recommend?

 

[dtrkyman]

Find water and food, acorns primarily.

Hunt before the dog season, quota fills fast once the dogs are turned loose.


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[NMJM]

I have tried it two years when I did not draw any other tags. First find the food then find sign then it is a waiting game. So far I have not been successful. Based on my limited experience bears are super hard to find in NM when looking for them.

 

[sstevens_1]

I can't help you a whole lot, but I was just in SW NM and there was bear scat everywhere. Never did lay eyes on one though. My plan was cover ground and hope to see one. Lots of burnt trees though, so there were black, bear shaped stumps everywhere.

 

[butcherboy]

Food, water, wait. The other option is to use predator calls. More specifically, a calf in distress works well.

 

[NMJM]

Food, water, wait. The other option is to use predator calls. More specifically, a calf in distress works well.

How do you set up when using a call in the fall?

 

[butcherboy]

Just like anything else I guess. Find a spot with good sign and set up so you can see all around you. They could come in behind you just as easily as in front. I even called in a big old Coyote one time with a turkey call and a turkey decoy. I watched that Coyote perk up and change course once I hit my box call. I shifted to shoot it but he caught the movement and took off like his tail was fire!

 

[Habitat#1]

I had a buddy that hunted 16A a couple times and said all you had to do was shoot and a bear would come running.They saw 6 one day after they shot an elk.