Black bears are typically North American animals. Their population is estimated at over 400,000 in Canada. Black bears live in almost all kind of habitats, from the dense southern forests to the northern arctic tundra. The average weight of a mature black bear goes anywhere from 200 to 450 pounds, although some trophies weigh over 500 pounds. In the wild, black bears can live up to 15 years. The sow has a low reproduction cycle, and gives birth to 1 or 2 - sometimes 3 - cubs once every 2 years.
How do you Hunt Black Bear?
We prefer to set up baiting sites deep in the thick spruce forest, where the black bear's density is at its highest. This technique is one of the most productive, although not as easy as one may think. We bowhunt from tree-stands or ground blinds set up near baits. We start our baiting shortly after the spring thaw and feed our bears constantly during the 3 weeks prior to the hunting season. For the experienced black bear archery hunter, still hunting is an alternative way to hunt bears and quite a challenge in itself. We have an ideal territory in British Columbia where you are able to locate and stalk feeding bears in the open.
Click here for our spot'n stalk bear hunts
What's the Best Bow for Black Bear?
Recurve, longbow or compound, the best hunting bow for taking a large bruin should have a draw weight of - at least - 55 pounds at 28 inches. Personally, I recommend 60 pounds or more.
The Best Hunting Arrow?
Penetration is the name of the game when it comes to bear hunting. Therefore, the most efficient and deadly hunting arrow for black bear is a heavy arrow mounted with a large broadhead. I must also say that we had quite some good results with carbon arrows. The arrow has to be powerful enough for a complete pass through when shot in the chest, this will leave a large exit hole even after hitting or breaking bones.
Arrow speed means very little when hunting bears. Unlike the whitetail deer, the bear doesn't jump the string. A last tip, mount your arrows with bright colored fletching.
What's a Good Broadhead for Shooting a Bear?
Broadheads have to be strong and razor-sharp in order to remain in one piece and cut thick hide, layers of fat, strong muscles, rubber-like sinew, lungs and cartilage. They should be 125 grains or more. We have found that using lighter broadheads results in too many wounded and lost bears, so we do not accept any model of broadheads weighing less than 125 grains. We also recommend large hunting heads with 2, 3 or 4 blades otherwise the arrow's exit hole may soon be blocked by fat and fur, leaving the tracker without a blood trail.
Please don't hunt bears with mechanical broadheads, they are not allowed in our camp
How High are Your Tree-stands?
Average height of our tree-stands is approx. 15 to 20 feet.
What's the Average Shooting Distance?
Most of our baits are within 15 yards from our stands.
Can Bear Hunting be Dangerous?
Hunting bears from a tree-stand is not dangerous. What can be is to leave your tree-stand and walk around. We pick-up our hunters after their evening hunts at their stands and also look for hit bears and get them out of the woods for you.
Is Bowhunting Bears From Ground Level Dangerous?
Are you kidding? Yes it is, at least if hunting with guides not really knowledgeable when it comes to archery hunting. That's why it is so important to choose experienced bowhunting guides like us.
How Hong do we Hunt?
When over baits, we usually hunt bears from 3:00 or 4:00 PM till dusk. The rest of the day is for fishing, relaxing, target shooting and having good time.
When spot'n stalk bears, we basically hunt morning till evening.
What Equipment Should I Bring?
Appropriate bowhunting equipment is very important. Everything has to be camouflaged and quiet. Any little man-made noise will spook a bear as they have a very keen sense of hearing.
Once you book your hunt, you will receive a well explained hunt preparation document, including an equipment list that covers this question pretty well.
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