The closer guarantee on black bear US or Canada?

[KyFried]

No doubt we (the US) have plenty but for some of you that have hunted both where should I plan a black bear hunt that has the most numbers and the best chance at a trophy? Not necessarily looking for a world record but a decent sized bear with the most shot opportunities. Include a reputable outfitter if you know one.

 

[92xj]

If you’re wanting to spend the money and do an outfitted hunt, I’d do a 3rd week in may hunt in mid BC. Primitive or copper river.
I’d rather walk the fresh grass and see new stuff daily. If you wanted to hunt over bait, I’d still go to Canada but would look at Alberta outfitters. It would be real hard to come home from a spring hunt in Canada without a bear

 

[Coveyleader]

The average guy doesn’t live in a state where they can hunt bears. If you’re looking for a one and done big bear opportunity Canada for sure is your best bet over a bait.

Alaska draws in the big bear areas have become slim, and at just about the same cost, and much better hides, Canada is again the answer.

This outfit would be high on my list if I wanted a big bear.https://mikesoutfitting.com/

 

[StupidLightweight]

Hunting over bait isn't my favorite past time, but if the goal is a big bear in one trip, northern Alberta is the place I suggest. Ten years ago, I hunted with WL Guide Services. While I shot a nice bear (6 foot, 8 inches head to tail), another guy in camp shot two monsters, one being an 8-footer that was way bigger than the average grizzly killed. I didn't know blackies got that big.

Black Bear Hunts - W&L Guide Service

W&L Guide Service is a full service outfitter operating out of Northern Alberta, Canada. We are famous for our world class black bear hunting.

wlguides.com

For spot-and-stalk, the ID or MT backcountry is a blast. It's physically hard and trophy size is much smaller, but if you're fit and enjoy adventures, it's a hunt you can do every year for cheap. For the money, spring bear hunts in the Rockies are hard to beat.

 

[Coveyleader]

Hunting over bait isn't my favorite past time, but if the goal is a big bear in one trip, northern Alberta is the place I suggest. Ten years ago, I hunted with WL Guide Services. While I shot a nice bear (6 foot, 8 inches head to tail), another guy in camp shot two monsters, one being an 8-footer that was way bigger than the average grizzly killed. I didn't know blackies got that big.

Black Bear Hunts - W&L Guide Service

W&L Guide Service is a full service outfitter operating out of Northern Alberta, Canada. We are famous for our world class black bear hunting.

wlguides.com

For spot-and-stalk, the ID or MT backcountry is a blast. It's physically hard and trophy size is much smaller, but if you're fit and enjoy adventures, it's a hunt you can do every year for cheap. For the money, spring bear hunts in the Rockies are hard to beat.

For sure, but If a big bear is what you’re after, that will take some time in the Rockies as evidenced by all those YouTube orange/blonde bears where the guy is sitting in Montana and the bear is in Idaho when the picture is taken.


If one makes the decision they want to hunt bears every spring, then the mountain west is the answer. A one and done, Canada or SE Alaska would be the place.

 

[StupidLightweight]

For sure, but If a big bear is what you’re after, that will take some time in the Rockies as evidenced by all those YouTube orange/blonde bears where the guy is sitting in Montana and the bear is in Idaho when the picture is taken.

I get what you're saying. Perspective in bear photos makes a huge difference. My favorite bear to date was a tiny female from the Idaho wilderness. She may have been small but she was old (aged 20+ by the biologists) and took me three trips to get. In my eyes, all that work makes the wilderness bears the ultimate trophy.

 

[Coveyleader]

I get what you're saying. Perspective in bear photos makes a huge difference. My favorite bear to date was a tiny female from the Idaho wilderness. She may have been small but she was old (aged 20+ by the biologists) and took me three trips to get. In my eyes, all that work makes the wilderness bears the ultimate trophy.

I get it. I’m at the point I’ve been around enough dead bears, that the last thing I want to deal with is a small bear. I’d rather not shoot one, but to each there own. If the original poster wants a bear in the 6.5 into the 7 foot range, that is going to be a long shot for the typical mountain west hunter. That would be a very do-able task in Canada, or SE Alaska.

A 5 foot bear hide on a wall or floor looks like a door mat.

 

[ridgerunnerrron]

Alberta bait hunt. Almost 100% chance to take a nice bear… and then you can have another chance with your second tag for another!
I never hunted out with Mike, but have followed his threads for years. He definitely is methodical with his high success process.

 

[Ericmoore195]

I’d definitely second the guy who recommended primitive. I hunted with Jeff last spring and took a gorgeous chocolate that came out to 6’10” I believe.

 

[medvedyt]

a big bear vancouver island otherwise big bear can be found as well on baiting stations but do not ignore manitoba and the duck mountains area but again baiting is different. i guided and took bear on bait and also on spot and stalk and it is not the same ...

 

[wildwilderness]

Where are you from? KY? Like your handle says?

Lots of very affordable Canada options especially baited with high success rates, probably cheaper than driving west. Eastern provinces are generally cheaper than western ones, but average smaller bears.

There are many big bears killed in the eastern US- look at NJ! I don’t know how hunting is there but may be worth a look, as well as a number of other eastern states that kill big ones.

Personally I dislike western spot and stalk bear hunting. Mostly just an excuse just to get out in the woods after a long winter. I much rather run baits especially if I want to kill a bear with a bow.

 

[Coveyleader]

I love sitting baits I’ve set up myself, the whole process reminds me of trapping. I’ve cruised roads for them, and glassed cut blocks, which is my least favorite as a bowhunter. My favorite hands down is going over the side of a boat along the inner coves and bays of the Pacific. I love hunting them in a maritime environment hands down. Those areas in my experience are less “buggy” as well which is a plus.