blake
Life Member
5 Tips for Spot-And-Stalk Bears
Spring bear seasons will be here before you know it. Here are five tips to consider when you go.
Play the Wind: Bears have an incredible sense of smell. If you don’t have the wind in your favor, don’t try to get close to a bear — you’re wasting your time. It would be like trying to sneak up on a whitetail with the wind at your back. It is not going to happen.
Watch Your Movement: Bears do not have the best eyesight, but they pick up movement very well. Only move when a bear has his head down feeding or is looking the other direction. Use the terrain, such as a rise or mountain ridge, to hide your approach.
Keep Quiet: Bears have very good hearing. If one is feeding on something or chewing, you can get away with a little noise. Watch for barnacles and seashells when hunting coastal areas; loose, rolling rocks or fallen limbs inland. They can make it very difficult to get into range of a black bear if you have to walk across them for a stalk.
Judging a Bear: One of the toughest big-game animals to judge in America is the black bear. Look for a bear with broad shoulders and a large head. If the bear looks long and lanky, it is probably a young bear. Look for a bear that looks like his stomach is close to the ground, but when using this method don’t overlook length. Some two-year-old bears that have a lot of weight on them look bigger than they really are. Observe where the ears are on the head. If the ears look long and floppy or are more on the top of the head than slightly off to the sides, it is more than likely a small bear.
Have a Good Rest: When you are stalking black bears, always be on the lookout for old trees that have blown down or large rocks for a natural rest. Carrying a good set of shooting sticks in case there is not a natural rest available is a wise move. When hunting with a muzzleloader, you need to make your shot count. Your shot had better be on target, and to do that, your firearm must be steady.
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