Black Bear Hunting - How to spot and stalk
Black bear hunting has changed significantly throughout much of “bear country” in the last 10 years and taking one requires preparation and much planning. An adult weighs anywhere between 250 and 300 lbs and stands two to three feet tall at their shoulders.
The most popular method of black bear hunting is called “spot and stalk.” There are a number of areas that are ideal for this type of hunt and others where it wouldn’t be useful at all. Spot and stalk works great for black bear hunting along coastal areas such as in Alaska where the bears are found along the grassy flats at the tide line looking for anything washed up from the beach. In other areas such as in Idaho, Wyoming and Montana, there are grown areas of dense blackberry and huckleberry thickets whose fruits attract hordes of bears from August to September.
The key to successful “spot and stalk” black bear hunting is simple… you have to see the bears before they see you! It’s been said that bears have poor eyesight but in my experiences, I’m not sure this is the case. In the past, I’ve had bears spot me from hundreds of yards away and get spooked as easily as a whitetail buck. On the other hand, I’ve also had bears walk underneath my treestand at 30 yards below without the slightest inkling that anything or anyone was even near them. I wouldn’t trust their eyesight. When I’m out black bear hunting, I’m aware of the wind and I try to keep it in my favor because of their extreme sense of smell and hearing.
“Spot and stalk” black bear hunting wouldn’t be as effective in states such as Colorado, Arizona and Utah where much of the habitat is covered with dense stands of timber or heavy brush.
During the late fall season, bears keep themselves busy by feasting on anything they can find and because of this, their digestive system works overtime to process everything. On top of this, they need lots of water several times a day to keep everything moving. If you’re out black bear hunting and you find a spring or creek with tracks nearby, you have probably found the best location to fill your tag. On top of this, if you think you have found the perfect site for black bear hunting, be mindful of your wind and keep it in your favor!