Well Jake I'm sorta self taught. My first year I had a nice bear coming during daylight per my trail cam. Was packing up the truck for the 3 hr ride and my wife stumbled off the porch and broke her arm. Hunt over.
Then 2 yrs later I secured a 2nd tag but health issues stopped me. I had about given up and a neighbor gave me a spot to hunt. Trail cam pics of good bears.
So I sat.
One late afternoon after many days of seeing nothing I lost focus and moved ever so slightly because of a skeeter.
Well 31 yds in front of me was this big black shape with no distinguishing legs or head. It just wheeled 180 and sorta floated away fast WITHOUT AS SO MUCH A BRANCH BUSTED, and that spooked me.
What did I see? That day was overcast.
The next day was sunny and as the sun set it illuminated the forest floor at timest and yes I saw a bear.
That was as close I've gotten.
Now I've had several within mere arms reach sitting in my Turkey blind.
But that episode spooked me.

So
This year I'm attacking it.
I have secured 3 properties where bear have been taken and one new one to prospect.
I'm all over this county.
I'm looking for 2 more.
All private.
I do have lots if public to explore but will concentrate on private.
And it has been there for the askin'.
To date no tresspass fee. But I'll place kringles or SCJ product or a bottle as a thank you.

JW