Black Bear Beginner

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   Hello gang,
After reading, watching and hearing tales of black bear hunting, I think I'm gonna give it a whirl.  The question is how????
When you mention black bear, usually one of the following visions comes to mind: 1)  hunting over bait,  2)  using dogs,  3) stalking then on wide open ranges.  Well, that's not the way it can happen in the eastern US where I will be huntin.  Baiting is illegal, aint got no dogs, and the terrain is forested with the only wide open ranges being power and gas line rights of ways.  How would you tackle a black bear given these circumstances?     I was thinking of using scent baits like anise oil and such.  I'll probably be hunting with bow in the earlier part of the season since that's when most of the bears in my state are killed.  Never been bear hunting but decided to give it a try, just can't find any info on how to do it?   
Suggestions???

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The_Mountaineer Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List .416 Rigby West BY-GOD Virginian! Joined: 02 July 2003 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 2653	Topic: Black Bear Beginner Posted: 28 August 2003 at 03:08
	Hello gang, After reading, watching and hearing tales of black bear hunting, I think I'm gonna give it a whirl. The question is how???? When you mention black bear, usually one of the following visions comes to mind: 1) hunting over bait, 2) using dogs, 3) stalking then on wide open ranges. Well, that's not the way it can happen in the eastern US where I will be huntin. Baiting is illegal, aint got no dogs, and the terrain is forested with the only wide open ranges being power and gas line rights of ways. How would you tackle a black bear given these circumstances? I was thinking of using scent baits like anise oil and such. I'll probably be hunting with bow in the earlier part of the season since that's when most of the bears in my state are killed. Never been bear hunting but decided to give it a try, just can't find any info on how to do it? Suggestions???

Eagleye Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List .30/06 SpringField Joined: 10 June 2003 Location: Canada Status: Offline Points: 293	Posted: 28 August 2003 at 08:40
	Mountaineer; Are there any natural food sources that the Bears may be regularly visiting? [berries, old orchards, nuts, etc, etc] If so, you may be able to bushwhack one near those places, or on a trail they use regularly to get to them. Oats is another favorite of bears, as is corn "in the milk" Some farmers in our area are delighted to let Bear Hunters on their land to stop the devastation they cause to oats and young fruit trees. I have seen as many as 9 bears in an oat field at one time, and 7 in one orchard. Let us know how it turns out if you go. Regards, Eagleye.
	Never argue with an idiot. They will drag you down to their level & then beat you with experience!

NH_Hunter Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List .416 Rigby aka The Kid Joined: 13 June 2003 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 3508	Posted: 28 August 2003 at 10:05
	Hey Mountaineer, stay away from NH if you decide to bear hunt. Go to Maine. Best place i have heard of on the east coast. NH has a bear herd of about 3000 or 4000 and there are like .15 bear per square mile or something like that. I havent seen any bear sign where i hunt. Heck, i havent seen a bear in the wild ever. NH_Hunter
	Leverguns make me smile Proud Left Handed Shooter

The_Mountaineer Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List .416 Rigby West BY-GOD Virginian! Joined: 02 July 2003 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 2653	Posted: 29 August 2003 at 05:36
	NH_Hunter, I'll be hunting in West Virginia, my home state. Don't have the time or $$$ to travel up to Maine. But you are right, it is probably the best place on the East Coast to hunt blacky. In fact, a co-worker of mine is going up there this fall after black bear. Shame I couldn't go with him due to time and $$$.