Bhansen50

I've lived in MT my whole life and have never gone bear hunting before. I'm eager to go for my first Bear this year and wanted to try fall (and spring if I don't get one) bear hunting. I am living near Butte and any tips/tricks and areas to try are great!

hardcastonly

(1)call and talk to the local game department biologist, and game wardens
ask about what the bears eat in your area, at this time of year,
and where they travel, and population density's
(2) get a topo map of the areas you intend to hunt (get out and scout and start exercising)
(3) personally Id suggest you use a high quality scope , with decent low light optics ,
on a rifle that has at least about 2700 ft lbs of energy with a 150-250 grain bullet
think 270 win, 308 win,358 win or a bit more.
(4)practice shooting from field positions, not off a bench rest , once the rifles zeroed in correctly
(5)get a copy of the local hunting regulations
(6) learn bear anatomy
(7) bears have a great nose, use scent killer on clothes and boots



https://www.fieldandstream.com/answe...t-baiting-them

https://www.outdoorlife.com/blogs/hu...t-bait-or-dogs

http://fwp.mt.gov/hunting/planahunt/...r/default.html

http://fwp.mt.gov/eBook/hunting/regu...ear/index.html

Bhansen50

Thanks for all the great tips! I have done a few of those things but I wouldn't have even thought of the others! Much appreciated!

Berserker

Start saving food scraps when you know you are going. Old bread, ect.

I do debate about to much meat cause it might bring wolves in. Also if they are not active it rots. So no meat until hit.

Used fryer oil is big. Need to check laws.

Fish.

popcorn. Find bear bait shop. They will have bulk expired stuff.

mrbb

MAKE sure baiting is LEGAL first before you put anything out, as baiting is illegal in many places

NEXT bear this time of yr are TRYING to get as many calories as possible winter is coming, so scout for places that have good desirable food
acorns, any nuts, or fruit trees!
your local bear biologist that works for the state game dept in areas you might hunt should be able to tell you what the most favorable foods are this time of yr and can even IF WANTED< give you tips as where they more common!
lots of folks I know drive logging roads and access road and spot and stack bears in MT, scanning meadows and other food sources then put a stalk on them

Berserker

That is why I said check
. Some states don't allowant meat. Laws on how placing. Barrels to keep dry and varmints out. Hole with logs on it where not legal.

some laws on scents.