Hunting, North America

Where to Hunt Black Bears

Choosing where to hunt black bears go can be daunting. But there are some places that stand out. Which area you choose to hunt, depends on whether you want to hunt over bait, with dogs or spot-and-stalk. You need to also consider if you want a classic black coloration, or a color phase bear. Is trophy size important to you? If so, you need to hunt where big bears live.

In some states and provinces, bears are hunted over bait with the hunter in a tree stand or blind. Some states allow bear hunting with dogs, and in other regions, drives are a traditional and successful method. In western regions, hunts are typically spot-and-stalk, and calling can also be effective.

When you’re ready to start planning your hunt, just contact us. Be sure to let us know exactly what you have in mind, and we’ll do our best to help you find the perfect outfitter and get it booked.

Where to Hunt Black Bears

Alaska

When choosing where to hunt black bears, the first thing to look at is the overall population. An estimated 100,000 black bears inhabit Alaska. Statewide, the annual harvest increased steadily between 2003 and 2007, from about 2,500 to 3,250 bears. On an Alaska black bear hunt, color can vary from jet black to white. Another cool thing about Alaska is that you can combo a baited black bear hunt with other big game species, including brown bears.

Take multiple bears on one hunt.
Great coastal spot-and-stalk opportunities.
Big bear potential.
Combo with brown bears over bait!

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Alberta

Since Alberta has a two-bear limit, it’s a great destination for your hunt. Another great thing about Alberta that’s great, is that there are a good number of color-phase bears. In fact, our hunters average 25% on colored bears ranging from blonde to cinnamon or chocolate.

Spring hunting season.
Hunt over bait.
Two bear limit.
Color phase bears are common.

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Arizona

Very few hunters realize that the black bear hunting in Arizona is VERY good. With a great population of record book size black bears, it is a good place to hunt. When black bear hunting Arizona, keep in mind that the bears tend to run slightly smaller in body size than their northern counterparts but what they may lack in body they make up for with skull size.

Spring and Fall seasons.
Lots of color phase bears.
Unique place to hunt bears while they’re feeding on prickly pears in the desert flats.
Spot-and-stalk only.
Our hunt on the White Mountain Apache Reservations DOES allow hunting with dogs and over bait.

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British Columbia

Coastal British Columbia arguably has the largest population of black bears per square mile in North America. The mild climate provides the bears with a very long feeding season starting early in the spring and ending late in the fall on the salmon spawning rivers. With abundant food and low hunting pressure, it’s easy to see why coastal bears grow to such a large size.

Highest population density in North America.
Good numbers of trophy boars.
Great place to do a spot-and-stalk hunt in the spring.
Coastal hunting opportunities.

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Idaho

Idaho has a healthy population of black bears, with most of them being color phase. This state also has generous spring and fall seasons and hunters can hunt bears over bait, with hounds, or spot-and-stalk.

High numbers of color phase bears.
Spring and Fall hunting seasons.
Bear hunting with dogs is legal in Idaho.
Baiting is legal.
Some two-bear units.
Nonresident deer and elk tags may also be used to harvest a black bear or mountain lion.

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Saskatchewan

If you’re looking for an exceptional spring black bear hunt with the potential for the bear of a lifetime, Saskatchewan should be considered. This province offers a true chance for a book bear, and is affordable when compared to other bear hunts of a similar caliber.

High population densities.
Good numbers of trophy sized bears.
Spring hunts over bait.
Affordable when compared to other areas.

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Washington

Bear hunting Washington provides some of the best opportunity for trophy bear hunting in the country. The use of hounds or bait have been illegal for years now, and these bears have gone unpressured and get big!