Black bears spring or fall?

[sigpros]

As a lot of you know I am trying to put together a couple of hunts this year with my son. A spring turkey hunt is on the list as well as a sage grouse hunt. I am thinking about either a bear or deer hunt. I don’t know anything about bears and don’t understand what are the pros/cons of each season and why we should look into either one? And any general information or tips for a couple guys who have never hunted bears or seen one

 

[Sask hunter]

I prefer spring cause nothing else to hunt then. Plus bears rut in the spring.

 

[Sytes]

Spring for Montana are best. Beats the flavor of fall berry infused rump roasts.

No clue what a donut, sugar flavored, bait can bear tastes however, I'd rather it be a Wagyu bear than a monster energy drink flavored yogi.

 

[Mato]

If I had to pick (which gladly I don't have to....I'd take spring. Generally a longer window of opportunity for good hunting. IMO

 

[Gut Shot]

Depends on where you want to hunt. Some states have no spring season. Alaska's bears can taste like crap in the fall if they've been eating salmon. For me I'd like to hunt both, spring in AK or MT and fall in WV or WI.

 

[sigpros]

Thats the thing I don't know when to hunt. Just trying to see what season and then look at where to go and tag options etc. The boy did just text and let me know he and his sister both made national honor society so that was some great news. I really want to do some more hunts with him, and build some more memories before he goes off to the military. And bear hunting is something he and my wife have always talked about doing. heck I don't even know where to start on skinning one out

 

[Mallardsx2]

My advice would be to find a state where there is a chance to track one in the snow. It's so much fun. I absolutely loved snow tracking bears.
You'll learn more about all of the animals in the woods tracking a bear than you could ever imagine.
It's amazing the places you never knew about that they will show you. They know them all well.

 

[brymoore]

Spring. Bear hunting in May is enjoyable. Bears graze grass like Angus in the evenings.

 

[sigpros]

So now the next loaded question
What state to try for and why?
Again I know nothing about bear hunting

 

[INMT]

Thats the thing I don't know when to hunt. Just trying to see what season and then look at where to go and tag options etc. The boy did just text and let me know he and his sister both made national honor society so that was some great news. I really want to do some more hunts with him, and build some more memories before he goes off to the military. And bear hunting is something he and my wife have always talked about doing. heck I don't even know where to start on skinning one out

Great video on skinning and proper transporting to a taxidermist:

 

[sigpros]

Great video on skinning and proper transporting to a taxidermist:

Thank you I will go watch it now

 

[mevertsen]

So now the next loaded question
What state to try for and why?
Again I know nothing about bear hunting

Looks like Missouri has a short fall season. Get out and learn about bears now, scout and be ready for next fall.

 

[elkhnter]

I went to Saskatchewan this spring for the best outfitted hunt I’ve been on.
Lots of big colored bears, great outfitter and great food. It wasn’t cheap hunt, but worth every dollar and planning on going back.

 

[Clintos1980]

I did my first bear hunt in VA in December of 2022 with a great group of people and hounds. Ended up harvesting a 225 pound sow on the last hour of the last day. Not a monster trophy by any means, but it was such a great time, and it was delicious meat. We rendered the fat down as well, and we're working on the last jar of it now. The price was reasonable for me. If you're interested, I'd be happy to share info.