Matchbook454

What are the advantages and disadvantages of each? How do success rates vary?

hardcorehunter

Spring the bugs are TERRIBLE and there is the chance that the fur has been rubbed. Look them over before you shoot. The spring coat is usually nicer than a fall coat as long as it hasn't shed and or started rubbing. I think the bears hit the baits a little better in the spring in my experience.....The fall has WAYfewer insects and I think the fishing is better in the fall. Ontario, which has the largest population of bears, doesn't allow spring bear so make sure that spring bear is an option where you want to go. Let's just say that I have been bear hunting6 times and only one of them was in the spring and I would never do a spring hunt again. BUGS EVERYWHERE. BLACK FLIES, TICKS, AND MOSQUITOS .

SCOTT78

I think it depends on where you hunt also. Iwent on a spring black bear hunt in alaska last may and didnt have any problem with bugs and shot a nice bear.

Matchbook454

Scott78, Where did you hunt in AK and how big of a bear did you get? Did you hunt with an outfitter? I am thinking about doing a DIY hunt up there next year.

SCOTT78

I hunted near Ketchikan and i did have a guide. I used Dalin Charters and i had a great time. My bear squared out at 7-4 and the skull is 20". I was talking to my guide and he said the bear i killed is bigger than most of the residents from the town. I asked why is that and he said simple, most of them dont have access to a boat like his. We took an hour boat ride and we were like 35 miles from town and the residents cant get there because there are no roads. So you may want to keep that in mind if you have a boat you can cover alot of ground and see alot of bears

Matchbook454

Did you hunt with a rifle or a bow? Do you have info for the Charter/outfitter? Cost, phone number, website, etc,???

SCOTT78

I used a 300 weatherby mag and the shot was 90 yards. I could of taken him at 200 but i didnt want it to end that fast and at that time i didnt feel comfortable with that far of a shot. Here is the website

http://www.dalincharters.com/

if there is any more info thats not on the website let me know andi will tell you what i can

Sniper151

I prefer fall bear hunts. The coats are thicker, more evenand the bear have put on weight from spring and summer feeding.

hunter_jere

if you are hunting for meat go for the spring almost no fat on them and that makes them almost as easy asbutchering a deer. because if you know what a bear is likein the winter butchering is jsut gross

stubblejumper

If you hunt as early as possible in the spring,there are no bugs and the hides have longer hair and are not rubbed.