HUNT: Idaho Spring Black Bear Hunt
CONSULTANT: Outdoors International
June 13, 2011
I got back today from my 5-day black bear hunt in Idaho. Talk about a roller coaster of emotions! Out of all 5-hunters that were with me, I actually had the best opportunities. The first day Matt was with me, and we only saw one bear, and it never gave us an opportunity to shoot.
The second day of my Idaho black bear hunt, I hunted in the morning by myself and saw six bears, and one of them was pretty big.
I actually ranged one and put my crosshairs on it, but I didn’t feel good about the shot. That same evening Matt wanted to sit with me in the same area and a nice cinnamon colored bear gave me a pretty good shot. I ranged the bear about 245 yard and Matt was able to stop it broadside. I was shaking like a leave and pulled the trigger so hard that I shot behind it. Matt thought maybe I hit it, so he went looking for blood, but without any luck. I thought for sure I just screwed my only opportunity to harvest a black bear. The third day was a bummer and I was feeling sorry for myself.
The fourth day we all went out again and I actually saw two more bears, but just didn’t have a shot. That evening Matt and I went back to the same spot and about 30 minutes before dark Matt just barely caught a chocolate boar going into some trees. We both ranged it and it was going to be about a 450 yard shot. We both knew I wouldn’t be able to take that type of shot, so Matt acted quickly and said “let’s get down there closer” so I packed up and started hiking behind him.
We got within 300 yards from where we thought the bear was going to come out at. I set up and got ready. Just a few moments later it presented itself in a small clearing. I put my cross hairs right on it and it moved again. At this point we were short on light and it wasn’t looking very promising.
Just then, it moved out in a small clearing again, Matt predator called, and it stopped just long enough for Matt to say “what do you think, take the shot if you can” and just like that I squeezed the trigger. It went down immediately! We sat there for a few minutes to confirm the kill and with no movement from where it rolled to, we started to climb down to it.
By the time we got to where we could see blood it was completely dark. Even with both of us with flashlights it was hard to see in all the trees and brush. We looked everywhere and could never locate the bear. We decided to leave and come back in the morning with more help.
We went there the following morning with 7-people and looked all over where I shot the bear and couldn’t find it anywhere! Right when all hope was lost one of the guides noticed a little blood down lower on a ATV trail. We followed the blood trail about 200 yards and notice it started to go back up hill. The guides looked at me and said this is not good.
Apparently if a wounded animal starts to go up hill that means its not hurt that bad. Matt decided to follow it anyways and about 50 yards up the hill under a tree, there she was! it was a great filling to see her there.
Anyway, that’s my bear story. Hope all is well and I told Matt I would be talking to him soon to schedule the cougar hunt he still owes me.
Sincerely,
“Black Bear Hunter”
THE OI DRAW
Apply to win a trip with one of our fully vetted outfitters.
Each drawing is capped making your odds better, and fully transparent. Apply as many times as you want, in essence creating your own odds.
Step 1
Browse the active draws below and apply for any trip(s) that interest you, and purchase as many chances as you want to increase your odds.
There are a limited number of tickets available for each drawing.
Step 2
Share with your friends!
This seems counter-intuitive, but we only draw a winner once all of the tickets for that drawing have been purchased.
Step 3
When all tickets have been purchased for a drawing, we'll announce the winner live on our YouTube channel. Be sure to subscribe so you get notifications.
You should also follow our Instagram page @theoidraw so you can stay in the loop.
OI DRAW WINNERS
I am so grateful for the opportunity
"Thank you to Outdoors International, all the PHs and their awesome staff. I made some new friends and will be back to Africa to see them again 100%."
-Brye Mangum | 2023 Winner
Thank you Outdoors International
"Very excited for the trip! I’ll be bringing my dad along with me. If you haven’t put in for the OI draws you should these guys are legit!"
-Tyler Kirk | 2018 Winner
It was the trip of a lifetime!
"I won an OI Draw and it turned out to be one of my most memorable and rewarding hunts. I always dreamed about Africa, but never thought it'd be a reality for me."
-Dason Lasater | 2018 Winner
Thousands of people have trusted Outdoors International to help plan their hunt.
We have a team of hand-selected hunting experts to help you book your next trip. Our job it is to help you in researching, booking and planning a great adventure 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
