BEAR HUNTING TRIPS

For thousands of years, bears have been hunted for their fur and meat. Bear hunting is especially popular in North America and Europe due to their vast history with it. Hunting techniques varies based on the type of bear and location. As of recent times, big game hunters enjoy bear hunting because of its size and ferocity.
Bears are carnivorous large mammals with only eight living species. Bears are widely spread appearing in different types of habitats across the Northern hemisphere and partly in the Southern hemisphere . Bears hunting is mainly popular among big game hunters due to the size, sharp senses, ferocity and elusiveness of bears .


FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN GOING ON A BEAR HUNTING TRIP
1. LOCATION
Select a particular region to go on a bear hunting trip, it can be in the high mountains or relatively flat regions. Majority of the bears are located in regions with thick forests that provides beneficial living conditions. Bears are mainly omnivorous, that is, they are capable of eating plants, animals , berries and certain grasses , so select a location with any of these nutritious substances to go bear hunting.
The first thing to do after selecting your location is to analyze a map of the area to better understand the landmarks or places that might become dangerous. Find a topographical map and study the selected area to know the type of elevation to expect on your hunting trip . Take the location that you have already set aside on the topographical map and compare it to the local wildlife maps. Figure out the local bear population by searching the public records for previous bear hunting season
Professional hunters focus on south facing slopes and ridges. They also focus on places where there is new plant growth like cutlines, pipeline corridors and even backcountry roadside ditches. Bears search for food along drainage system and ridges.
2. SPECIE
It is essential to study the specific specie of bear you plan on hunting on your trip. Hunters that are new to bear hunting should spend as much time as possible to learn more about bears. One of the ways that hunters can gain knowledge on bears is by searching the internet. They can also ask professional bear hunters for tips and advice on bear hunting. Hunters can also learn more about the movements and behavior of bears from hunting guides and outfitters.
The specie of bear that you plan on hunting will determine how you will plan for your bear hunting trip, that is, the way you hunt a 1000 pounds kodiak bear is different from the way you hunt a 150 pound black bear.
3. SEASON
One of the most essential things to consider when planning a bear hunting trip is the season. The best season to go bear hunting is spring and fall, although spring is better for bear hunting because most of the bears just got out of their hibernation stage.
4. MENTAL PREPARATION
It is important to be mentally prepared for anything that you might encounter on your bear hunting trip.
5. PHYSICAL PREPARATION
The hunter's rifle is one of the most essential gears, fire it until you can make good groups consistently . This is done in order to give the hunter more accuracy when shooting a bear. Bear can be physically challenging even if all you are doing is to stand over a bait site. A normal conditioning program will help you adjust to the environment of the bear camp to prevent stress that occur as a result of being in a surrounding that is different from your home.
6. DOCUMENTS VERIFICATION
Correct documents are important in order to have a successful bear hunting trip, as this will save the hunter some time with border officials and custom. Hunters should bring along with them, the following documents;
• Passport
• License
• Firearms permit.
7. CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES
Clothing and accessories is one of the things to consider when going on a bear hunting trip. One of the most effective way to select the right clothing and accessories is by hiring a reliable hunting outfitters. Hunting outfitters are capable of providing you with the right clothing and accessories that are required for a successful bear hunting trip. Hunting outfitters can be found by searching the internet or by asking others that have had a direct experience with an outfitter. The important things to ask the bear hunting outfitters that you have chosen are;
• The number of hunters /non hunters that come in per week.
• Sleeping quarters /Lodging : The number of persons per room and the details and description of the accommodation .
• The kind of food that they are serving for the week.
• Do they have a good laundry facilities ?
• The required time for arrival and departure.
• The number of unhunted active bear hunting bait sites provided to individual hunters.
• Can you change the bear hunting bait site if you want ?
• Details and description of their bait sites and tree stand set up.
• The pick up times and departure times and the time the last hunter will be picked up.
• Can you hunt bears in the morning if you want ?
• Is their accommodation licensed ?
• The number of hunters per guide.
• The number of hunters per vehicle.
• Do they provide other recreational activities for hunters harvest their bears early in the week (that is other hunts, fishing, near by cities or towns).
• The kind of practice range they provide for both rifles and bows.
• Is there a near by local archery or rifles store in case your weapons malfunctions.
• Where will the harvested bears be registered?
• The type of person that will skin and cut the meat.
• Do they have a freezer on site?
• Is there a local taxidermist near by and do they provide a price list?
• Ask for references from both non-successful and successful bear hunters?
• Are there any extra fees?
8. HUNTING GUIDES
One of the most beneficial thing to consider when you are going on a bear hunting trip is hiring a hunting guide . A hunting guide is a person that provides assistance and direction to hunters that are planning on going on a hunting trip. A guide does require a license but must possess at all times, documentation issued and signed by an outfitter. This document shows that the hunting guide is acting as a guide for the outfitter . One of the best methods to find a reliable hunting guide is by searching online.
9. EQUIPMENTS
Ask the outfitter for the recommended list of equipments for a bear hunting trip and purchase the best gear you can afford. Examples of equipments and gears needed for a bear hunting trip include;
• Bug suit (if you are hunting during bug season)
• Thermacell
• Two way radio
• Camera
• Mosquito repellent
• Snack/ food items
• Knife and tool kit
• Compact foldable soft weapon cases
• Clothes for different weather conditions (sunny, rainy, cold and so on)
• Cooler and meat bags
• Non scented soaps
10. TEST YOUR GEARS
In order to prevent unfavorable situations due to unfavorable weather conditions, it is important to test your gears before going on a bear hunting trip. Gears should be checked at least twice before going on a bear hunting trip.