Where to Hunt the Biggest Black Bears in the World

If you’ve ever wondered where the world’s biggest black bears are harvested, you might be surprised. We were. The overall size of a bear can vary based on age, sex, time of year and overall health. Genetics, abundance or kinds of food sources, competition, hunting pressure, etc. All determine where the biggest black bears live.

Factors that play a role in the size of a black bear

Then there are several different points of views as to what defines a “big” bear.

There are several stories about the largest black bears recorded but most are unsubstantiated.

  • There was a 880 pound bear in North Carolina
  • An 830 pound New Jersey bear was shot in 2011.
  • Minnesota supposedly had a 876 pound one taken a few years ago.
  • Pennsylvania was rumored to have six 800 pounders killed in the last fifteen years.
  • There was “The Cattle Killer” shot in 1921 on the Moqui Indian Reservation in Arizona that they say weighed in at 899 pounds.
  • There was one in New Brunswick in 1972 that supposedly weighed 902 pounds dressed. That’s an almost 1,100 pound bear!

While stories like these are fun, we like to look at the facts when helping our clients plan their black bear hunts.

Saskatchewan Black Bear Hunts LLO2
Check out this great black bear hunt in Saskatchewan, where a big boar is expected.

Where to Hunt the Biggest Black Bears in the World

The World Record black bear in the Boone and Crockett All Time Records book was picked up in Utah in 1975 and scored 23 10/16″. There are 1,790 entries in the record books meeting the minimum of 21 inches. 619 of the Boone and Crockett black bear entries were in the last 10 years. That means that 34.5% of all entries in the all time Boone and Crockett record books for black bears happened in the last decade. 

  • 26% of those entries were from Wisconsin  Wisconsin is responsible for 24 of the top 100 black bears of all time, and 28 of the 100 biggest black bears in the last 10 years.
  • 13% of the entries were from Pennsylvania – Pennsylvania boasts 29 of the top 100 largest black bears of all time. 22 of the top 100 in the last 10 years.

*We initially wanted to talk about black bears in all the different states and Canadian provinces, but if you’re looking for the biggest black bears in the World then Wisconsin and Pennsylvania are the best choices, and it’s not even close.

If you REALLY want to take a big bear though, it’s not ONLY about hunting the right area. You’re also going to need to be able to field judge them.

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Outdoors International has a team of hand-selected hunting experts to help you book your next hunt. Our job it is to help you in researching, booking and planning a great hunting trip with one of our amazing outfitter partners around the world.

My hunt was absolutely top notch.

The outfitter is a fantastic man and incredibly hard working and knowledgeable, there is no doubt he will do everything within his power to make peoples hunts successful and enjoyable. I plan to do it again with him next year for sure.

Wade Zuver

Our hunt was excellent.

We saw bucks every day along with all other sorts of wildlife. Mountain goats, bears, and foxes were common sights. Fishing and crabbing was special bonus. The food was excellent, the crew was amazing. Outdoors International did a great job of finding exactly what we were looking for.

Jesse Neveau

What an amazing experience!

The hunting lodge was out of this world!, Rooms, food and the scenery were all A+. Our guide was exceptional and had us on Shiras moose all five days. We saw over 30 total with at least 10 bulls. They had a plan for everything including taxidermy and game processing.

Kayla Redmon

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Outdoors International
Whether it’s hunting, fishing, wingshooting, or outdoor adventure travel, our goal for you is a safe, worry free, successful trip from start to finish. Our continued success depends on giving you good advice.