Category Archives: bear hunting

bear hunting

Exploring the Dangers of Bear Hunting

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For some reason, people seem interested in the notion of tracking down a bear through the wilderness and killing it. While it may seem strange, there is a small cult of people that follow bear hunting considerably and make it an active part of their lives. These people tend to find generalized hunting a little too “tame” for their tastes and instead lurk after the lumbering bears of the forest. Often seen as an attempt to prove their manhood, bear hunting is a dangerous and largely unnecessary sport that typically challenges all notions of natural balance and order. Instead, most bear hunting aspects lead to dangerous outcomes or to the possibility of extinction.

Bear hunting, while seemingly unnecessary to the average person, is actually a legal and monitored part of the hunting regulations in North America. Alaska is one of the largest places for hunting bears. Several times a year, Alaska can be found swarming with hunters trying to bag the big one and those just curious to watch the bear hunts. The danger and general excitement of the hunt is enough to draw on the very basic components of human nature and create a buzz around bear hunting. Unfortunately for the bears and for some innocent bystanders, bear hunting creates a chaotic and unfortunate scene.

It is argued by hunters that the bear population is quickly recharging and regenerating itself, leading to the moral validity of bear hunting. In other words, there are enough bears in the world and, furthermore, without bear hunting the population of bears in certain areas would be overwrought. While this notion may be partially true, it is also important to consider that bear hunters typically are not properly educated in the matter. Some bear hunters are not hunting for purposes of thinning out a particular species to maintain some sense of animal control in the area. This leads to many bear hunters callously shooting at anything that moves and taking down anything that looks like a bear, paying no mind to the species or importance of the bear.

For this reason, bear hunting is best left to the professionals. There are many within the wildlife community that are given the task of taking down the bear population by statistically represented and supported numerical values. These wildlife officials know what bears to look for and have identified the bears that are older and weaker, leaving the decision of hunting bears down to an actual representation of the bear community in a particular area and to actual natural law.

In that respect, bear hunting appears to be the domain of the testosterone-driven hunters. The hunters looking for the best possible kill are typically adrenaline junkies that are looking for danger and excitement. As many examples over time have proven, bear hunting can provide that danger and excitement in more than ample amounts. This leads to fatalities or injuries that are often results of people getting too close to bears or people getting too involved in the bear’s natural habitat. In short, people simply do not know when to leave well enough alone.

With all of this rhetoric around bear hunting, one would think that the very notion of how dangerous the sport is would be enough of a repellent. However, every season more hunters are flocking to alleged hunting sites and every season more needless waste is being done to the beautiful natural backdrop that bears and other animals call home. The amount of human-led damage to the forests and natural setting of Alaska because of bear hunting is staggering.

Regardless of any moral convictions, it is important to maintain a factual focus when discussing hunting of any kind. Whether we live in an age in which hunting is a necessity at all anymore is certainly up for dispute. Many argue for the sport aspect of it, but a more logical approach might suggest that the arguments for the sporting aspect of bear hunting are better left behind.

bear hunting

Judge your bear before you shoot

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One of the best ways to get the bear you dream of is to learn how to judge his size in the field. The biggest bears live in the prime real estate of any given hunting zone – smaller bears live on the fringes of these areas for their own protection, and are often easier to find because larger bears occupy the best hiding places.

To judge your bear’s size, watch him move. Big bears show no hesitation or fear in their movement – they’re practically cocky. Now consider the scale of things – how good are you at judging distances? A small bear near to you will look bigger than a large bear at a distance – experts recommend you get as close as you can to the bear before making your decision.

The older a bear is, the heavier he will appear. A big, mature bear will have a snout that’s broader, longer and deeper than any small or female bear around. Similarly, his ears will be set more to the sides than the top of his head. And you’ll notice the biting muscles bulging behind his forehead. Finally, big bears have massive front shoulders – with a wrist, foot and forearm that are all the same width.

bear hunting

Exploring the Dangers of Bear Hunting

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For some reason, people seem interested in the notion of tracking down a bear through the wilderness and killing it. While it may seem strange, there is a small cult of people that follow bear hunting considerably and make it an active part of their lives. These people tend to find generalized hunting a little too “tame” for their tastes and instead lurk after the lumbering bears of the forest. Often seen as an attempt to prove their manhood, bear hunting is a dangerous and largely unnecessary sport that typically challenges all notions of natural balance and order. Instead, most bear hunting aspects lead to dangerous outcomes or to the possibility of extinction.

Bear hunting, while seemingly unnecessary to the average person, is actually a legal and monitored part of the hunting regulations in North America. Alaska is one of the largest places for hunting bears. Several times a year, Alaska can be found swarming with hunters trying to bag the big one and those just curious to watch the bear hunts. The danger and general excitement of the hunt is enough to draw on the very basic components of human nature and create a buzz around bear hunting. Unfortunately for the bears and for some innocent bystanders, bear hunting creates a chaotic and unfortunate scene.

It is argued by hunters that the bear population is quickly recharging and regenerating itself, leading to the moral validity of bear hunting. In other words, there are enough bears in the world and, furthermore, without bear hunting the population of bears in certain areas would be overwrought. While this notion may be partially true, it is also important to consider that bear hunters typically are not properly educated in the matter. Some bear hunters are not hunting for purposes of thinning out a particular species to maintain some sense of animal control in the area. This leads to many bear hunters callously shooting at anything that moves and taking down anything that looks like a bear, paying no mind to the species or importance of the bear.

For this reason, bear hunting is best left to the professionals. There are many within the wildlife community that are given the task of taking down the bear population by statistically represented and supported numerical values. These wildlife officials know what bears to look for and have identified the bears that are older and weaker, leaving the decision of hunting bears down to an actual representation of the bear community in a particular area and to actual natural law.

In that respect, bear hunting appears to be the domain of the testosterone-driven hunters. The hunters looking for the best possible kill are typically adrenaline junkies that are looking for danger and excitement. As many examples over time have proven, bear hunting can provide that danger and excitement in more than ample amounts. This leads to fatalities or injuries that are often results of people getting too close to bears or people getting too involved in the bear’s natural habitat. In short, people simply do not know when to leave well enough alone.

With all of this rhetoric around bear hunting, one would think that the very notion of how dangerous the sport is would be enough of a repellent. However, every season more hunters are flocking to alleged hunting sites and every season more needless waste is being done to the beautiful natural backdrop that bears and other animals call home. The amount of human-led damage to the forests and natural setting of Alaska because of bear hunting is staggering.

Regardless of any moral convictions, it is important to maintain a factual focus when discussing hunting of any kind. Whether we live in an age in which hunting is a necessity at all anymore is certainly up for dispute. Many argue for the sport aspect of it, but a more logical approach might suggest that the arguments for the sporting aspect of bear hunting are better left behind.

bear hunting

Bear Spray

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Many of us love the great outdoors with a passion. Not much can vie with Mother Nature and all her wonders. But as much as we enjoy hitting the trails on our mountain bikes, camping out beneath the stars and hiking the countless wooded paths, we have to keep something in mind. The woods are not ours. They belong to the creatures who inhabit them. Some of these creatures are even a bit frightening if we encounter them personally. Have you ever come face-to-face with a Kodiak grizzly bear? This is no joke! If you’ve seen that flick “The Edge,” then you definitely know where I’m coming from. So here’s the deal; it’s time to go prepared. What you need for those bouts with the great outdoors is a can of bear spray. This stuff will get the job done!

Okay, you are probably not so likely to encounter a vicious bear in your lifetime, but it goes without saying that you’d want to be prepared if you did. Your very existence could certainly depend on it. Anyway, let’s step back into the more common urbanized jungle. The one you are familiar with. You trudge the streets and sidewalks of this habitat on a daily basis. And although you’re not likely to encounter a grizzly, you just might find yourself face-to-face with an assailant of some sort. Maybe he’s after your money and jewelry, or maybe he’s after your life. Either way, you need to be prepared for anything. This is why the bear spray, otherwise known as potent pepper spray, comes in quite useful. If an attacker leaps out, you can hose his visage with this powerful incapacitator. Bear spray is a wonderful equalizer.

Hey, if it will deter and/or take down a massive grizzly bear, then you’d better believe bear spray will put a man on his butt quickly. The trick in such circumstances is not hesitating. Have your pepper spray accessible and don’t be afraid to use it. After all, this is an individual who means you harm, and possibly even death. The bear spray isn’t going to kill him. It’s just going to stop him from attacking you, and allow you to flee with haste. Find all sorts of Mace and pepper spray products online at any time. It’s your right to be safe!

bear hunting

Black Bear Hunting – The Necessities

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Black bear hunting can be one of the best experiences of your life. However, you need to know bears, their body language, and their habits before you go off on your hunting trip. Most often, though, you will definitely need to listen to your guide in the wilderness, as they are often the experts on bears.

When you are black bear hunting, ask your guide if you are unsure if a bear is of proper size and age before aiming. Taking a smaller, younger animal can have dire consequences. Smaller bears are young adults and would be about ready to breed. The size and age you want is larger and considerably older. To the untrained eye, and knowing that black bears are smaller, you might accidentally mistake a cub for an adult bear.

If you are black bear hunting, you should know that black bears have longer back legs than most bears. They have small eyes, large body, rounded ears, long snout, and short tail. Their sense of smell is sensitive. They can walk on their hind legs; though prefer to walk on all fours. They also have a lumbering gait because they walk flat-footed. They are generally bigger in the fall as their bodies prepare them for hibernation.

Be prepared, when black bear hunting, for rough terrain and cold nights. Black bears tend to live in shrubby and forested areas, but also roam the wet meadows, ridge tops, high tidelands, riparian areas, burned areas, avalanche chutes, agricultural fields, conifer forests, and swampy hardwood. This is where your bear will likely be found.

Black bear hunting is strictly controlled because of the low reproductive rate of the females. Hunting permits and licenses may be more difficult to get at certain times of the year, so apply early to save some time and frustration.

If you are black bear hunting, you will want to learn how to read bear body language. Knowing that a bear can stand on its hind legs sniffing the air is not necessarily an aggressive posture and ultimately being aware that it could drop to all fours and charge you at any moment is knowledge well learned. Learn the other signs of aggression and be careful. Keep in mind that in the last century, there were only fifty-six confirmed cases of black bears killing humans.

Learning as much as you can about black bear hunting will only enhance your trip and make it one of your most memorable ones. Knowing you took down a bear will be exhilarating and will have people admiring you.

bear hunting

Alaska Bear Hunting, the Spinner of Daring Adventure Stories

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Alaska Bear hunting will provide you with some of the best hunting stories you could ever hope to imagine. An adventure most just dream about can become a reality for you with just a few clicks of the mouse and some time spent searching for Alaska bear hunting opportunities and locations.

Here’s something unique for an Alaska bear hunting opportunity, vessel based hunts – conducted off a floating base mobile camp. The floating base camp is a 60′ Little Hoquiam charter yacht. New areas for Alaska bear hunting can be found daily. Additionally you can participate in world-class bottom fishing for the likes of Halibut and Ling Cod.

This unique way to hunt is located in Homer, Alaska and they depart from that harbor to cruise the Kenai Peninsula. The usual routine is to glass the shoreline for bear as most are taken on the shoreline. These bears are spotted and then stalked in a fair hunt. With 18 – 20 hours of daylight each day, Alaska bear hunting can’t get any better than this. Your fish catch will be vacuum packed for freshness. Hunters are responsible for the cape and meat from their harvest themselves.

One thing to remember if you do book an Alaska bear hunting trip, is that Alaska is famous for its bad weather. So, arrive in Alaska a day or two before your hunt starts, and make sure to leave room at the end of the hunt as well for weather delays. This is more prevalent in the Spring, but Fall hunt can have its moments as well.

Other things to note for your Alaska bear hunting trip are: you stand a better chance of having a good hunt if you are not in bad shape. All staking is done on foot and a lot of rough ground is covered. You may also be out camping for several nights in spike camps. You should bring warm gear, but don’t necessarily need “arctic gear”. The most important item is a fur-lined hat with flaps to cover the ears. Some outfitters provide you with artic gear, and that saves you packing it. Check with your chosen outfitter before you leave for your Alaska bear hunting adventure.

Keep in mind that some Alaska bear hunting methods are perfect for a hunter who prefers close-range weapons like the bow, muzzleloader, or handgun. There’s a slight element of danger that makes it all the more exciting.

If you hunt with a gun or bow, whatever you’d use on deer works fine on bears. A low behind the front leg shot drops a bear within 50 yards just about every time. Remember, any shot you do get is often at close range under low light conditions. Sight your weapon accordingly.

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The Ins and Outs of Bear Hunting

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If you are looking for the hunting experience of your life, bear hunting is the thrill for you. Whether it is brown bear, grizzly bear, or black bear, bear hunting is a dangerous yet thrilling experience that excites most hunters.

If grizzly bear hunting is what tickles your fancy, travel to Alaska and hunt in the Management Unit 9. Grizzly bears dominate Unit 9. They dominate Unit 21 in Alaska, too. Grizzly bears are considered one of the most dangerous, unpredictable bears in the world, so considerable care is required when hunting these types of bears.

It has been noted that Grizzly bears and brown bears are interchangeable. Outfitters and guides will dispute this belief as they encounter bears – both grizzly and brown – in their day-to-day life. Those that travel on the shore line while bear hunting will experience more brown bears. Those bear hunting more in the interior will come across more grizzlies. Grizzlies are also smaller than brown bears, but genetically, they are the same.

Brown bear hunting is as dangerous as hunting grizzlies. Brown bears are physically larger because they live in a more temperate climate and their diet is high protein, high fat salmon. They are also distinguished by their coloring, which can be anywhere from blonde to brown, and even black.

Black bears, smaller than other bears, are not in any danger of becoming extinct. Their only major threat is poaching. Legal hunting – that is hunting with a licence – regulates the number of bears able to be harvested, which is extremely important to preserve the number of bears in the wild.

Before you go bear hunting, make sure you have the proper equipment to make your hunt successful. Your hunting rifle must be a 30 calibre or higher and the barrel must be channel glass bedded. The best rifle to use is one that shoots consistently in all types of weather. Outfitters will also tell you that you are responsible for your own gear – the ammo, sleeping bags, personal items, and your firearms permit. Make sure you carry that permit with you at all times when hunting. Alcohol is permitted in camp, but only in moderation. Excessive drinking and firearms are a dangerous combination.

Food banks are the recipients of harvested game animals. As a bear is a huge animal, you would not be able to go through that much meat on your own, so outfitters, who are required by law to salvage the meat, donate it. You can take some bear meat home, if you wish.

Learn the tagging system of the area you plan on hunting in. Knowing this information will allow you to hunt other kinds of wild game – pending that you have the right permit to do so – while bear hunting.

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Polar bear hunting

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It sounds strange, but it’s true – you can hunt for polar bears. The polar bear is a massive beast – reaching a weight of over 1320lbs, he’s on par with a Kodiak. And, given his propensity for withstanding the worst nature has to offer, he’s just as formidable as any of the other large bears out there.

Those who’ve done it, say the polar bear hunt is the toughest in the world. Generally, polar bear hunting expeditions are run from mid February to late April. With temperatures regularly bottoming out around -40¼F, it’s easy to see why. You’ll need to be at the absolute peak of fitness to stand up to the elements, and you’ll have to apply for some special permits before you go.

The good news is, there are scores of outfitters specializing in polar bear hunting trips. Some fly you near to the site you’ll hike toward, others lay on snowmobiles to get you to the right area – in either case, once you get to camp, you’ll have a tent and a pack stove and little else to protect yourself from the arctic air.

To avoid disappointment, look for outfitters who are open about the number of hunters they’ve led to success and brush up on the legalities of bringing your trophy home.