Black Bear Hunting: 7 Tips for a Successful Hunt

Black bear hunting is an excellent choice for hunters who hate freezing in their blind or stand at the end of autumn. It’s also an opportunity to taste a deliciously exceptional type of meat, which can be used in all sorts of ways and in all kinds of recipes. But before you can enjoy it, you’ve got to get prepared. If you’re new to hunting, no need to worry! Follow our tips and you’ll have everything you need to embark on this unique adventure.

This article was written in collaboration with Born To Hunt.

Black bear hunting

Planning for a better hunt

Black bear season begins in May in Quebec and Ontario. But if you want to go hunting in May or June, you’ll have to start preparing well in advance. Bears are creatures of habit, and you must take good care before the hunt if you hope to see one appear near your blind.

Martin Marion from Born to Hunt also points out the importance of carefully choosing your hunting grounds. “You have to do some research before you go,” he explains. Examine the area, look for elements that might favour the presence of bears (swamps, water sources, mature trees, etc.), see if there are access paths, and so on. The hunting pro recommends using satellite images from tools like Avenza or Google Maps to get a detailed and accurate view of the territory.

Attracting black bears with a good bait setup

The black bear is an omnivore and, as Martin puts it, “an opportunist”: berries, plants, insects, rodents… it feeds on whatever it can find. If you set up a good bait and maintain it consistently, you’ll be able to attract bears to your site and keep them coming back throughout the season.

Take a cue from the Born to Hunt team and use the bait barrel technique:

• • In a barrel of about 45-50 gallons, make 10 to 20 small holes, each no larger than ¾ inch.
  • Seal the holes so that the contents of the barrel can’t fall out too easily.
  • Attach the barrel to a tree with about 15 feet of strong rope.
  • Fill the barrel with nutrient-rich foods that will attract bears (corn, oats, molasses, etc.).
  • Return every 2 to 3 days to restock your baiting site.

To make your bait barrel even more effective, you can add attractants (scented lures, sweet jellies, etc.). Spread some around the site as well, going about 100 metres in each direction. With its acute sense of smell, a bear can detect good bait from up to 2 km away. By creating these “scent lines” around the site, you enhance the attractive effect.

Aiming with precision

In addition to attracting the bear, you need to prepare to shoot. Unlike other species like deer or moose, black bears don’t have a clearly defined shape. That means it can be challenging to assess their vital areas. How can you place an ethical and effective shot in this blurry black mass that appears before you? Martin highlights the importance of taking your time before shooting and, most of all, getting to know the anatomy of your target: detailed images, cross-section views, descriptive documents… Do your homework before you go bear hunting!

The right weapon with the right scope

You can use a firearm, bow or crossbow for black bear hunting. Rifles have a range of about 50 metres (depending on the calibre). At that distance, bears are less likely to pick up on smells and movements, which gives the hunter a slight advantage. This is the option Martin recommends for beginners. With a bow or crossbow, you need to be closer, about 25 metres from the target. That might make staying undetected more challenging, but it boosts shooting efficiency, which also makes it easier to find your harvest after a successful shot. Regardless of the weapon you choose, a good scope is an absolute must. It gives you a clearer, more precise view of the target and helps you place your shot correctly.

Analyze, observe, and be patient

Black bear hunting is very unpredictable, but with proper preparation, you can tilt the odds in your favour for a successful harvest. Martin recommends placing two or three hunting cameras at different spots around your baiting site. You’ll be able to see bears in the area and observe their habits (number of bears, times of passage, frequency, etc.), giving you valuable information you can use to plan your hunt.

When setting up your lookout station, make sure you’re at a shooting distance that works for your skills and the weapon you’re using. Also, keep in mind that you will need to minimize noise and movement for several hours—so don’t overlook comfort! The rest is mostly a matter of personal preference. Martin likes using a hunting blind on the ground to stay protected from the elements and mosquitoes while being right in the middle of action. If you prefer to have some distance and a broader view, a tree stand is also a good option.

Gearing up right

During black bear hunting season, daytime temperatures are usually warm, but evenings can still get chilly. Dress accordingly by bringing several layers of comfortable, light and breathable clothing. Since it’s also mosquito season, make sure you have everything you need to stay protected (more on that later). In addition to the gear we’ve already discussed, there are a few items you should always carry with you to be well equipped when you hunt.

Odour eliminators are at the top of the list due to the black bear’s keen sense of smell. Masking any unusual scents is essential and helps you stay undetected. You will also need a good hunting knife (or preferably more than one) to handle your harvest. And if you want to increase your chances of harvesting, using game calls can be an excellent tactic to attract bears to your baiting site. This technique is not widely used for black bear hunting, but it can be quite effective. As Martin explains, “It adds action, and the more action there is at the site, the more bears will come.”

Camouflage in a safe way

Black bears have acute senses and a cautious nature, so hunters must be able to blend in with their environment. Choose predominantly green camo patterns to disappear among the leaves and buds, and conceal your face with a hunting balaclava, mask or face paint to eliminate any contrasts that might attract the attention (and suspicion) of bears.

One of the challenges you will face is that there’s bound to be stinging insects flying around. If you keep squirming to ward them off, you risk scaring the bears away too. You can’t rely on your usual creams and sprays either, as their smell is too strong. For effective, discreet protection, opt for long clothing, high boots and a good net. Martin is also a big fan of the odourless and noiseless Thermacell devices. Another one of his pro tips: wrap duct tape around wrist cuffs, pant hems, boot tops, and any other point where mosquitoes might get in.

Stay silent

According to Martin, the key to successful camouflage is wearing silent clothing. Pay attention to the materials and prefer fabrics with a smooth finish. Put on your hunting clothing before the big day (including your orange vest if you need to wear one) and walk around a bit to make sure the friction of the fabric isn’t too noisy. Think about the rest of your equipment as well: boots, backpack, etc.

When hunting, try to keep movement to a minimum. Make sure you’re comfortable for long periods of stillness and position your hunting weapon strategically to avoid unnecessary movement. A comfortable chair, a well-organized blind or lookout, and a shooting rest for your hunting weapon can all help you limit movement and noise.

Controlling odours

Black bears not only hear very well, but they also have an acute sense of smell. Odour-eliminating soaps and sprays (fir, spruce, etc.) are your best allies here: put some on your skin, hair, clothing, and all your gear. Use these products every time you go to your hunting grounds, whether for scouting, maintaining your baiting site, or hunting. Since it can often get hot during black bear season, be sure to reapply several times throughout the day to mask any body odours. At the start of the season and between visits to your site, store your clothing and equipment away from any sources of unusual smells for bears (such as perfume, laundry detergent, food…).

Beat the heat

Another important factor to consider way before shooting is the heat. Hunting in the summer means that every minute counts for finding your harvest, recovering the meat and keeping it fresh. Prepare yourself by watching the FédéCP’s video about evisceration and skinning techniques for black bears. Although it may seem difficult to carry out for various reasons, the evisceration step is essential; consider having someone with more experience accompany you, especially if you’re unsure about doing it alone. Remember to freeze a few containers of water before you leave so you’ll have ice on hand to cool the animal’s carcass.

Please note that this video contains scenes that may not be suitable for everyone. Viewer discretion is advised.

Hunting essentials

Here are a few essentials for your black bear hunting trips:

• • Valid hunting licence
  • Visibility clothing, when needed
  • Mosquito net and repellent device
  • Odour eliminator
  • Sharp hunting knives
  • Latex gloves
  • Nylon ties
  • Headlamp or flashlight
  • First aid kit

Gear up for hunting Black bear hunting gear