| Hunting black bear can reap big rewards. Here are | | | | - If you plan on drinking in your camp the night |
| a number of tips you will want to learn about | | | | before you hunt, choose beer rather than other |
| before you head out to bag the very first bear: | | | | forms of alcohol. The next day as the alcohol |
| - First, you should learn as much as you can on | | | | dissipates from your system, it will make you |
| black bears: what do they eat, when do they eat, | | | | smell like bread instead of chemicals. Studies have |
| what are their usual behavior patterns? | | | | shown that bears love bread and other |
| - Once you're familiar with their habits, take some | | | | carbohydrate- laden foods. |
| time before hunting season if you can to scout | | | | Feeding Station |
| out the territory. If this is not possible, you might | | | | If you choose to use a feeding station when |
| still be successful, contact an Outfitter! | | | | hunting black bear, do your research. Most bear |
| - Among the most important things for you to | | | | hunters who use feeding stations are highly |
| remember is to remove your scent as much as | | | | serious about their hunting. |
| doable. Bears possess a strong sense of smell, | | | | If you've ever seen bears eating at the dump, |
| and they are aware of what people smell like. | | | | you'll notice that they choose breads, pasta, |
| They can smell your shampoo, your soap and | | | | pastries and any carbohydrates they can find. |
| whether you have been smoking. Instead of | | | | To prepare a feeding station, you'll want to load it |
| wandering right by you, they'll turn and go the | | | | with these same kinds of foods that attract them |
| other way. In order to do this, make use of | | | | most. While the bears will realize these are human |
| unscented soap, shampoo and deodorant. | | | | foods and will still desire to prevent contact with |
| - When hunting black bear, wash your clothing in | | | | humans, many can't resist this temptation. |
| unscented laundry soap and then wash them | | | | Before you choose to use a feeding station, be |
| again in plain water. | | | | sure to check the regulations for hunting black |
| - Don't wear your hunting clothing around camp, | | | | bear to determine if this technique is legal in the |
| where you could be likely to smoke or drink. | | | | region you plan to hunt. |
| You'd be surprised at how many scents your | | | | Spot And Stalk Hunting |
| clothes can pick up. Don't wear any cologne, | | | | Spot and stalk hunting is another strategy that |
| aftershave, perfume or hair spray or gels. | | | | works well for bears. This approach works |
| - If you are in a hunting stand, don't smoke or | | | | especially well in the coastal areas. The key to |
| eat anything that may give you a detectable | | | | successful spot and stalk hunts is to spot the |
| scent. If you have to, use a nicotine patch while | | | | bear before he spots you. |
| you are hunting to help curb your urge. Bears are | | | | This tactic is very successful in the fall when |
| clever enough to smell tobacco, and they know | | | | bears are extra focused on discovering food than |
| tobacco comes with people. | | | | watching what is happening around them. |
| - Stay still and silent. Bring some cough drops or | | | | Watch for bear tracks close to water sources: if |
| throat lozenges in case your throat gets dry or | | | | you find them, you know this is a good place to |
| scratchy. Clearing your throat or coughing will | | | | find your bear. Bears must drink a lot during this |
| frighten off your quarry when hunting black bear. | | | | time to prepare for hibernation. |
| Mint is a good choice for your throat drops, your | | | | Calling black bears may be either very exciting or |
| tooth paste and your mouth wash. Bears truly like | | | | very dull. When it works, your heart is going to be |
| mint, so it may help attract them in addition to | | | | pumping extremely quick as you attract nearby |
| covering up any scent on your breath. | | | | bears. . |
| Movement will let the bears know you are there. | | | | Make sure you position yourself somewhere |
| Their visual acuity is based on movement for the | | | | you've got a good field of vision- the last thing |
| most part, like many animals. | | | | you want is to be surprised by a hungry bear. |