Hi folks -

I am researching where to go on a black bear hunt. Spring baited hunt. Rifle hunt.
My goals are a high quality experience, beautiful location, seeing multiple bears, seeing other wildlife, excellent fishing opportunities, and of course bagging a large bear with a beautiful pelt to make a rug.

Maine is interesting, and we have spent much time in the North Woods, but the potential for what I am seeking may not be there.

So far Manitoba and Alberta look good. But what outfitter? I will be traveling alone. Some outfitters either don’t like that or charge a premium fee.

Recently Bernie documented his recent guided bear hunt in Maine. That is an example of what I want to avoid.

So, please suggest anything helpful. Thanks in advance!

Vancouver Island?

Saskatchewan ??

I’d look up Bernie on here

I suggest looking for an outfitter in Manitoba. One who outfits up against Riding Mountain National park. It is a huge area of no hunting.
I hunted there with an outfitter who was also my friend and has since passed 8 different times. I personally saw 5 different bear there killed over 450 lbs. with the largest I saw was 530. He brought all bear in and weighed them before gutting.
Lots of color phase bear. I killed a cinnamon and chocolate. Largest was 415. His largest bear killed in the spring was a 685 blonde.That bear would’ve been over 900 in the fall. Largest fall bear was 835.
I have video of 4, 250 lb. plus bear on the bait at once. One year I saw what I believe were 28 different bear in 4 days based on size, coloration, and white markings.
One year of 6 guys hunting 4 killed bear the first night. Smallest 380 . Largest 530 killed by my friend in the first 2 hrs. He ever hunted bear.
His success rate hovered beyond 99%. Only guys looking for 500 lb. plus sometimes ate a tag. In my 8 years I saw 100% kill with never less than 5 hunters.
Because that park isn’t hunted there are some old bears killed. Manitoba ages all bear killed and sends you the result. My oldest was 28 years, and they said the oldest on record was 32.
Subscribe to Bear Hunter magazine there are outfitters who advertise there from that area.
Outfitters from Meadow Lake Saskatchewan have tons of color phase bears and big bears. I hunted there as well.
I will say that finding an opening for next year is not likely. Those areas are booked out for 2-3 years.
Expect to pay $3,500 +.

Southeast Alaska.
Third week of May.

To add to my post there are just an unbelievable amount of bears in that area. Most nights I had bear on the baits in less than 10 minutes of being dropped off. The reason is Riding Mountain National park. It has only one road through it I believe with a visitor center.
No hunting.
Ed my outfitter baited up against the park on private lands.
It was non-stop activity.
Any outfitter baiting against the park would be the same.
I believe the set back for a bait was 50 meters from the park. If shot bear got back into the park he could retrieve them.
I have an addiction to bear hunting since 1980. Hunted them all over the place.
Now I hunt them out my back door on National Forest. No color phase and most are much smaller, but they taste good!!
Good luck

Check out Sugar Loaf Outfitters in Manitoba.

Not to dish anyone else but if I was allowed to guide and outfit on the land I trap I could put you on some big bears but the mnr is so full of it that they can't even look after themselves around here.

Wow! Exciting info.

From what I have seen, Vancouver Island and SE Alaska are both probably out of my price range.

Saskatchewan might be doable.

Depending on where and distance, I may drive to see some new country. Or, may fly.

I like the report about Manitoba! Will do some reading. That sounds exciting! Are you anywhere Spruce Knob? Hunted near there 46 years ago. Beautiful!

Will look at Sugar Loaf.

Did not know about Bear Hunter magazine. Will look.

Ontario would be great - I have heard from others about problematic regulations.

Bernie reported a lousy deal on his Maine Bear hunt. He may have suggestions when available.

This will be my first bear hunt. I have seen plenty of black bears - all black. Quite a few brown bears too and at very close range - by their doing, not mine. Some real whoppers that walk like they rule the world. One wanted to be on a magazine cover so it took a swipe at us as we flew over very low. Sorry I missed the photo, but have the memory.

Sincere thanks to everyone!

Ontario, hard to beat Pine Acres in Vermillion Bay, Chris, Lottie, and Saxon will treat you right and work hard at. Chris is my best friend and started guiding at 14 and been doing it ever since. Hes 61 now. Huge area. I have been hunting with Chris since 1983, when we became friends. Bernie fishes this same area.

Agasizz outfitters Manitoba. Check out there site. I'm going moose in 24 with them as well.

Desjardins Outfitting Manitoba, great people and camp as well.

I second the vote for Pine Acres Camp in Ontario. I've hunted with them many times and both my wife and I have been very successful there.

The fishing is good too. I doubt you'd find anyone around that can out-fish Lottie when it comes to catching them walleyes!

Great people and a great camp. It's been my experience they will do everything they say they will, you can count on it.

Good luck!

Bear and C -

I will check out these places.

To all - I have been reading and watching videos from and about all of the locations. This is exciting!

What do you know about and think of Book your hunt .com?

Thanks to everyone for your suggestions!