Hi there.

I've been scouting for deer, and found a lot of black bear activity in my hunting area. Here in Vermont we have a long black bear season, which starts September 1st. I have never hunted black bear, but since I've seen so much activity, why not try?

Here is the catch though. We are not allowed to bait or use any attractants. All I have is a compound bow and a tree stand to hunt. I do have a hunting rifle, but the scope is broken and I really don't have money for a new scope since I just spent ton of money on kayak fishing and I just bought a lone wolf hand climber ($350). We are saving money to buy a house and my wife would kill me if I spend more money on outdoor stuff.

So if I go on a bear hunt it would be with my bow and treestand, and hope to get the bear in bowshooting range. Since I am quite inexperienced hunting black bears. Is this even worth it? where would I place my treestand to be as close as possible to the bear? I know they move many miles, so it might be too difficult to get the bear in range for bowhunting.

I could also stalk with my shotgun and slugs, or with the iron sights of my rifle. But being inexperienced I doubt I would get close to a bear on the ground, and I am also a little scared of shooting a bear with a long gun at close range.