Well, some buddies and I signed up for a black bear hunt in Maine the first week of September. Its with an outfitter, but none of us have ever hunted bear before. Would love to hear any tips, recommendations, and other info from those with more experience. For instance, camo recs, guesstimates on temps, mechanical broadheads ok? Its over baited sets so we won't be spotting & stalking. Thanks in advance!
Your going to have fun! Is this going to be over a bait? If so you'll hopefully have a chance to look over alot of bears, so learn how to judge them. I generally look at the ears, if they're big ears it's more than likely a small bear. Also most bears with a "creased" forehead will be on the bigger size. Don't judge on overall body size. I can't even begin to count how many guys have told me a "normal" black bear weighs 400#'s. BS. Their hair length is very deceiving. My advice would be to talk with the outfitter about this, see what size bears they are expecting. If your in the stand be on the constant lookout, these things will float in like a ghost! It's truly amazing how quiet thay are. If you see a shooter bear show up, then just turn around and walk off just be patient, don't rush a shot. A lot of the time a bear will come in from downwind, check the bait out, then approach from a different direction. Also, the vitals on a bear are different from deer/elk. They sit back a bit back, here's a great photo for reference. This was photoshopped by Woody Sanford of Magnus Broadheads. As far as broadheads go, yes you can use a mech. I personally don't like them, for bear, solely for the reason of that big shoulder blade. Due to a bears longer hair they do not bleed as fast when shot so you need something big. When shooting from a stand I prefer a big two blade, like a Magnus Stinger or Muzzy Phantom. Whatever you choose you will be fine with, like always, it's shot placement. Good luck! and have fun
The temps should be decent then but may cool down as sunset comes. Bears dont have the best eyes but dark camo, if your guide lets you keep stand low for the shot angle. A sight with a fiber optic pin is a must since you will be in a dark spruce forrest more than likely. If the shooter doesn't show up first night give it some time, if there is big bear sign he will probably show up. Most guides run two baits for each hunter so you should have some options. Listen to your guide, most know their bears, and most of all have fun! You will be in some pretty country, stop in to Kittery and buy your mom some candles!
Wow guys! Thank you so much for the info. I never would have expected to learn so much from just 2 responses. BC, I'm thinking of using Rage 2 blades or G5 T3's for my hunt. Main reason being that I've only been bowhunting for a couple of years and broadhead tuning is like a foreign language to me. I'm still enjoying the comfort of "it flies like a field point". UP, thanks for the info on the camo, is Realtree AP too light? That's what I tend to use around here for deer, but if necessary I can invest in something darker. We're hunting in "the Western Mountains of Maine", 7 miles west of Rangeley with Bear Mountain Outfitters. Yes, we will be over bait. Will bugs be a big issue that time of year? I know you can never forecast that sort of thing... Do you need a sidearm or bear spray or anything or is it generally pretty safe? Thanks again for the advice!
Of your two broadhead choices I would choose the T3, personally. I have seen some great photos of them on bear's this year. Don't be afraid to try to tune a fixed blade, it's really very simple. With the machining tolerances of today most heads need little to no adjusting. Not sure on bugs to be honest. I don't think you will need a side arm or spray, ask your guide. I personally don't pack either, have never had an issue with a bear, nor believe I will. If I had to, though, it would be spray.
The bugs shouldn't be an issue. I'm sure most camo would be fine just pointing out you will be in dark spruce trees for the most part. Bears aren't known for their eye sight. Waterproof boots, it will more than likely be close to water where your guide sets you up, and the walk in will more than likely also be in deep moss, if it rains it will be wet for a while. The hunts will also be an evening thing mostly, so look into doing a little fishin in the mornings, or ask to help your guide run baits, you will learn alot about bears running the woods with these guys for a few hours a day. I see you are from Kansas so you will be 180 degrees from what you are used to up there, enjoy it and have fun!
UP- Yeah, definitely different from flat, open Kansas whitetail hunting to mountainous, dark forest Maine Black Bear hunting! Just hoping to have a good time and learning something new. Tagging a bear would just be extra icing on top! Thanks again for the advice. Any other tips and tricks and equipment recs would be more than appreciated.
