The Elusiveness of the Canadian Black Bear

Canadian black bears aren’t magicians, yet find ways to elude hunters on many occasions. With their large size and black fur it is a mistake to think they are an easy mark. Naturally cautious, it takes great skill to reign in these masters of escape. Any error on the hunters part will send the bear running in the other direction, and any off smell will put the bear on high alert. Respecting their elusiveness will ensure that you’re on top of the game when it comes to hunting a black bear.

The black bear’s hearing is always going to be part of its main defense. As they get older, their abilities for stereoscopic hearing matures. The shape of their head and direction of their ears lead to hearing that is four times as sensitive as human’s. The Canadian black bear becomes a hard target at this point, as every movement mistake by the hunter becomes a caution for the bear. This is why the old and mature black bears are so sought after, as they have perfected this ability. A better challenge and a more fair fight all around, it leads to a greater hunting experience.

But the Canadian black bear also has a weakness that has turned out to be a strength, their sight. A regularly aged black bear has normal color sight that gets worse as they get older. As they mature they get near sighted, losing perception for long range. In order to make up for this vision loss, they become more sensitive to colors. The balancing act in a bears vision pays off, as even a camouflaged hunter can set off alarms if he chooses the wrong colors.

However, it is their sense of smell that really makes up the bulk of their elusiveness. The best way to measure a black bears sense of smell is to compare it to a blood hound. And even in that case it would take 5 blood hounds to match the receptors of 1 black bear. Black bears add to their impressive noses with the ability to taste the air. This part is especially important for the hunter, since separating natural smells from unnatural will be like child’s play for the bear. If you think that grabbing a quick smoke while waiting won’t alert the prey, then think again! Anything out of the ordinary will alert them, and then it’s back to tracking or resetting your position.

Where to Shoot a Black Bear in New Brunswick

New Brunswick is a very fun place for black bear hunters and has many options to consider. There are several outposts, hunting companies, and just generally hunter rich areas. Some of them may even be undiscovered if you’re lucky enough, so why not give it a look? New Brunswick is where to shoot a black bear if you want the best experience, and if you want the most options.  The thousands of acres of land will be one of the many reasons that keeps bringing you back each season.

Virgin country is where to shoot a black bear if you want big mature prey rather than small underdeveloped ones. A prize really earns its place when it is a fully mature adult that is hundreds of pounds. These areas enforce the sows with cubs’ law, which is in place to keep this circle active. The most northern part of New Brunswick holds areas like these, and during the hunt you can expect to see several more bears than on a normal hunt. Virgin country does hold some advantages in this regard, and as long as the rules are followed the bear count will continue to be plentiful.

Salmon River and surrounding areas in New Brunswick are overlooked. It is also home to one of the better known outfitters for Black Bears, and they would know more than anyone where to shoot a black bear. The company has been operating out of the area for years, and can even lay claim to being near the infamous Miramichi River. This nice landmark is also a place for plenty of wildlife to get hydrated, which in turn equals plenty of opportunities for hunters to get close.

Since 2013 Upper Kent has shown some promise as a place that hunters are interested in. It’s not the most popular place in New Brunswick to start hunting for black bears, but if other areas are busy, this is a nice alternative. Having a backup is never a bad thing, so Upper Kent makes a fairly nice option for people in a bind. There are a couple of outfitters in the area if you don’t want to go at it alone, so that’s a plus for some people. And as a side note, it is home to some of the best spring black bear hunts you can have in New Brunswick.

Guided Bear Hunts in New Brunswick

Sometimes having someone experienced along can help with the hunt. This is mostly true for hunters that are experienced with other game but have never hunted black bears before. Guided bear hunts in the New Brunswick area are no different than in any other area. There is a huge market, with everyone trying to upsell you on why they’re the best. Depending on how involved you want them to be, the decision can be a little confusing. Understanding the basics of what takes place in guided bear hunts will narrow down your needs, and make a simple matter less complicated.

Location, location and more location. Guided bear hunts take place in specific spots that the company has scouted beforehand, which can be as little or as much as they want. So while one company may only cover 30 miles in the New Brunswick area, the company down the street may double that in the same area. The better deal is usually going to be the company that covers a wider area. You’re not going to be the only hunter on grounds, and they aren’t going to be the only guides. A wider area is a better return on investment and ensures a less crowded experience.

Pay attention to how many days are spent hunting. There is a limit to how many days are offered, and can be as little as 4 days total for the hunt. The companies in New Brunswick are very generous with lodging, transportation, skinning and other amenities. It’ll all be included in the original price, and if not will be clearly laid out in fine print. Guided bear hunts are less stressful than going on your own, although that is something that applies more to a first timer. So if you’re going for the experience and not a speed run, then try to keep your company choice to the ones that offer at least 5 days for a hunt.

Booking a company for the hunt with a nose for preparation, increases your kill chance. Many have higher recorded levels and rave reviews backing them. With such a high rate of success it’s becoming a preferred option for hunters that haven’t had previous time to scout the land. That lack of preparation leads to lower kill rates, and overall extended hunting sessions. A guided bear hunt is the great equalizer that still keeps the sporting challenge intact.

Survival Guide for Bear Hunting Trips

Bear hunting trips are not all about having the necessary tools on hand. It comes down to multiple things, all of which can make the difference between a successful hunt and a bad one. Some of the more difficult hunts take place by way of the hunter, handicapping themselves as a way to make the challenge more appealing. Gamesmanship aside, forgetting ammo for your rifle would not be one of those situations. A seasoned hunter will be prepared before hunting season arrives, and on the day of, already be a step ahead of his prey.

As boring as it may sound to beginners, bear hunting trips start with scouting. It can be tempting to skip this portion and go in ignorance, but by doing so you are missing out on a key survival option. Animals are creatures of habit, and knowing their patterns in the respective environment puts you at a huge advantage. Scouting is such an integral part of the trip that most experienced hunters do it weeks before the hunt even starts. So it’s no surprise that their kill ratio is higher and efficient compared to those that choose to wing it. On a side note, scouting will also give you an idea of how busy the area is with other hunters, and if there are other viable options.

Sight, sound and smell will be major points to focus on when on one of your bear hunting trips. Out of all of the animals on earth, black bears have the best sense of smell. And if for some reason that wasn’t impressive enough, they have the ability to taste the air with an additional organ in their mouth. Giving off the wrong scent will keep your prize away from you for the entire hunt, so plan accordingly. That includes avoiding sudden movements or clothes that rustle when they move.

The last tip is important, but may not be what most expect. Understand the bear hunting laws of whatever place you’re in. Surviving a bear hunting trip can go perfect up until the point you’re fined for breaking a law. Hunting laws vary from place to place, so do your due diligence and reprise yourself. This is another reason why scouting is important! Keeping this tip handy along with the others will make for a pleasurable hunt where everybody wins.

How to Best Utilize the Black Bear Bow in New Brunswick

The plentiful game to take down with a black bear bow is in full action during the spring season in New Brunswick. When using a stand, expect to be about 20 or more yards from the target, so adjust accordingly. In fact adjusting is the hardest part, and not shooting like everyone would have you believe. Prices are also not a concern, as black bear bows have become quite a competitive market. That competition has led to a lot of innovation, but even the best equipment won’t have an effect unless you are utilizing it properly for the hunt.

Hunting with a black bear bow takes skill, and even with the correct skills the wrong shot can get taken. This is because the spot to aim on a black bear is difficult compared to other types of game. Besides being a large blob of black fur, they come in different sizes and can stand on their hind legs. A bears vitals can be missed if you hesitate, and even if you hit it expect them to scurry off for a few miles before dying. Knowing all the angles and the level of penetration you can make will all but guarantee a good hit. There are plenty of black bear targets in New Brunswick, but that doesn’t mean you get a shot at all of them!

When purchasing a black bear bow don’t focus too much on how light or heavy it is. When it all comes down to it, hunting black bears with your bow will come down to execution more than the actual equipment. If you’re comfortable with lighter equipment, then adjust accordingly with targets. Knowing the black bear anatomy and penetrating them consistently is the goal. With enough kinetic energy you could even pierce your target from over 40 yards away. This is bow supremacy at its finest, and a level that any hunter would be proud to boast about.

Many love New Brunswick for the variety of areas in their black bear hunting. While other hunters may use guns or other weapons, black bear bows are still popular since the skillset is hard to master. Even the greatest bow won’t do you any good in hunting if the attached stabilizer doesn’t do its job. To utilize the more advanced features of your weapon, then the stabilizer has to be top notch. So when choosing to splurge on any part of the bow, make sure the stabilizer is top of the line.