Big time strategies for Big Time Black Bears

Ethan Ruby

Big time strategies for Big Time Black Bears

Spring, for most hunters, is just part of the countdown to the fall hunting season; but for many, it’s the start of one of the most adrenaline-inducing hunts in North America.

Addicting from the start, pursuing black bears in the spring will get even the most dedicated hunters excited for the challenge. Finding an elusive world-class bruin is no easy task as these creatures will keep you on your toes and constantly second-guessing yourself. Here are the tips to help put the odds in your favor.

Find food. Find bears.

Spring is prime time for hunting black bears with big boars coming out of the den in search of food. With food on the brain, it often lends an opportunity to the hunter to close the distance, as the bear is more focussed on filling up, than being aware of their surroundings.

Finding food sources during the spring is the easy part, but finding the perfect spot is not. Target secluded grass flats packed with dandelions and clover, a favorite for bears emerging from the den. Flats that back onto thickly wooded areas are perfect for early season bears, as traveling is just not on their minds. Pipelines, Cutblocks, and deactivated roads are all great examples of this. Pay close attention to these spots as bears will often be laying just outside of the treeline, gorging themselves on greens.

Keep your binoculars on you as southern facing slopes are also an early-season hot spot as bears venture along these steep valleys looking for fresh grass shoots. Keep an eye out for slides in these valleys as they will most likely have the first of the new growth. Open hillsides, canyons and riverbanks are all great spots to break out the glass and start looking for bear activity.

Targeting bears in these areas is very time-sensitive, with the best hunting coming in mid-afternoon until dusk. Every spring I've used these tactics successfully to harvest a multitude of bears.

Find Ungulates.

Starting in mid-May, calves, and fawns start to drop in the woods, and with that, the bears start to move in search of an easy defenseless meal. Believe it or not, black bears are a leading cause of calf mortality and will never pass up the opportunity for protein as they emerge from hibernation. Targeting calving areas can yield great results on the bear front, as elk alongside moose often move to lowland areas to raise their newborn calves. Follow the ungulates vicariously at this time of the year, especially in the early mornings, as bears move alongside herds looking for an opportunity. This may be the perfect chance to fill your tag and help the ungulate population along the way.

Call them in.

Calling bears may seem like an off the wall tactic or a last-ditch effort, but it really does work. Using a fawn distress call can entice even the most hesitant bears into range or out into the open to inspect what's going on. It is truly a piece of equipment that every bear hunter should have on them. Call early and often, even on bears that you don't plan on harvesting as this can be a great tool to gauge reactions in real-time. Calling from a vantage point with long lines of site can also be a great tool on learning how bears in your area react. Short intervals are best, giving 10-15 minutes per stand before moving on. Set yourself up with the wind in your favor, preferably with a 360 view and you're good to go. Last season I used these calling methods effectively in many different ways, leading to a first harvest for my fiancé. It works and can be incredibly addicting getting that adrenaline rush as a bear comes into range.

Combining these tips and tactics should surely give you a starting point on where to immerse yourself in bear hunting or find that giant bruin you’ve been after.