Bear hunting is one of the most thrilling experiences you can ever have.
Deer hunting is a classic sport, and nothing compares with a fall afternoon knocking down waterfowl, but a bear hunt is completely unique.
There is something special about taking down a predator that could, given the opportunity, cause serious injury and even death. It challenges your nerves even more than your shooting skills.
Before you head out hunting for your bear, let’s take a look at some of the most important things you need to remember.
Understand the Specific Regulations
Bears are some of the most highly regulated game in North America, so you need to be completely up to date on all the regulations for the state or providence you are hunting in. Know exactly what you can and can’t do, and be sure about licensing requirements and other legal restrictions. Baiting is a common practice for bear hunts, but it may not be legal in your area, and illegal methods can land you in big trouble with the authorities.
Practice Your Kill Shots
Hitting a bull’s eye with your arrow is one thing, hitting a bear in the woods with the perfect kill shot is another. Don’t just practice with a standard target, purchase a bear target and rip it to shreds with practice. A quick kill shot to the vital organs is the most ethical way to hunt, so don’t start until you know exactly what you’re aiming for.
Remember Your Scent-Reduction Tactics
A bear’s eyesight is not great, at least not compared to deer and other wild animals. Their sense of smell, however, is impeccable. You should give added attention to your scent reduction techniques, including sealing your hunting clothes, avoiding gasoline and other contaminants, and using the right apparel to keep your odor down.
Bait Hunt in the Evening
Bears will meander towards a baited area any time of day, but the most common time is the evening. If possible, time your hunts so you are set up and ready to shoot by the early afternoon. This will ensure your not walking around and making a ruckus during prime hunting hours.
Approach Baits with Caution
Whenever approaching a baited area, approach with caution and patience. Bears are constantly feeding, and you might just stumble upon one having a meal at your bait. Startling a feeding bear is bad news, so be ready whenever you approach the baited area.
Practice Calling Techniques
Using calls can be a handy technique for bringing in bears, especially for archery hunters who generally need a shorter shot. There are many calls that you can work on, including grunts, chomping sounds, and cries. Some biologists have cautioned against cub-in-distress calls, however, as these can trigger aggressive responses from mama bears.
The Perfect Outdoor Apparel for Bear Hunting
Are you looking for the perfect bear-hunting apparel? Then visit the online store from NOMAD and checkout our complete lineup of layered hunting garments. From early season to the frigid temperatures of winter, we have the perfect apparel to keep you hunting all season long.