Still-hunting for black bear

[JDArms1240]

Hey what do you all think of still-hunting for black bear?  Still-hunting is the way I like to hunt, for whatever I’m hunting for, I just can’t stand waiting somewhere.  I can’t imagine still-hunting for bear could have a very high success rate but I’ll probably still try.  What are your opinions, or tactics and tips for that matter, about still-hunting for bear?

[hunter399]

Two ways I know of.

A really good game trail. That you know is being used. Trail cam or other ways of knowing it is used by bears.

Some kind of natural food sources,such as old homestead apple trees or something similar.

[jrebel]

I think moving along a ridge that allows ample glassing opportunities can be very effective……more of a spot and stalk.   Still hunting, as I know it, usually involves denser forest and moving super slow/quiet.  I can’t imagine that’s an overly effective way to hunt them…..their noses are just to good.   

We sit on saddles or trails they use regularly.   We also sit and glass big bowls.  I have a buddy that rides ridges on horseback and glasses a lot.   Lots of ways to hunt them, but still hunting wouldn’t be my first choice.   

[RobinHoodlum]

Actually, I do this in the early season - like now. On managed timber ground in the first few years after a thinning treatment the green up response can attract bears. Still hunting areas like this on gated road systems can be very effective. Most of my encounters have been audible detections initially. Look for bark peeling from earlier in the year. And piles on the road

[hunter399]

Sorry ,didn't know the definition of still hunting.
Do now though.

Ya sometimes in the area I hunt.
You don't see any animals ,no matter how fast  or slow you walk.
Depends on terrain and where you think they are hiding.
Whether to try and bump them,or glass for them.
Cause if it's dog hair think creek zones and stuff.
Sometimes it's just better to bump them out.
Glassing your trying to go unnoticed,and sneak in for a shot.

[jrebel]

Still hunting is not sitting in a tree stand.  It is moving very slow….2-3 steps, stop and listen.  A lot of black tail hunters do it and they might cover an acre in an entire day.   Move slow….then move slower.  Listen, look, find them before the see or hear you. 

[nwwanderer]

Watch your back trail, as you still hunt them they are doing the same to you.  Not for a meal, they are just so curious they can not help themselves.  Maybe he/she will drop a donut

[hunter399]

Still hunting is not sitting in a tree stand.  It is moving very slow….2-3 steps, stop and listen.  A lot of black tail hunters do it and they might cover an acre in an entire day.   Move slow….then move slower.  Listen, look, find them before the see or hear you.

Gotcha
Yup I had that wrong.
I do that for deer season alot.
As to bear ,I'm trying to hit a glassing spot..
Glassed 4hr this morning in a new basin ,no luck.(walk in)
Then drove to different cuts trying to find one with no luck.

[rgcopk9]

I still hunt bears exclusively where I hunt. Not a bunch of “glass worthy” spots. I use trail cameras to get me in the right spots, hunt the food sources and get really, really good at reading the wind. I have been surprisingly successful over the years. When elk season rolls around, I am like the wind master!! Lol


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[JDArms1240]

Thanks for the input fellas.  I figured there’s GOTTA be someone out there who does it besides me, not that I’ve been successful   

The other day I was in the berries, hiking a trail with ~100 yards or less of visibility, with some bear sign.  So I figure it’s just a matter of crossing paths.

[O. Nerka]

The bear I killed last year was at 20 yards as it was walking towards me on a logging road.  Find bear sign, food and water and be sneaky and maybe things will work out for you.  Last year's bear was one of my fondest hunting memories.

[greenhead_killer]

There’s a few areas around me that I do this. Just move slow until I hear commotion. Had one tearing up a stump 5 nights ago, but it’s so thick I could never see him. Had been raining and was able to circle around and see fresh dry dirt on a tiny trail. So I know I was on the right path. Try to go back out tomorrow or Saturday. Fun way to do it

[h2ofowlr]

Hey what do you all think of still-hunting for black bear?  Still-hunting is the way I like to hunt, for whatever I’m hunting for, I just can’t stand waiting somewhere.  I can’t imagine still-hunting for bear could have a very high success rate but I’ll probably still try.  What are your opinions, or tactics and tips for that matter, about still-hunting for bear?

Find a good 3-4 year old clear cut with lots of food and some good beaten down trails and wait.  Or look for some heavily used game trails.  I also like to walk road systems that I know bear use and have encountered them on the road many times over the years.  You will find the bears walking the roads, eatting grass or berries along side it.

[boneaddict]

Pretty mcuh how I have always done it.   Yes I used baits before, but that was alot of work and yes I have run hounds, but most of all of my personal success has come from still hunting.

[JDArms1240]

Still-hunting old logging roads and through the woods… had an exciting morning!

[Boss .300 winmag]

See it works, nicely done.👍

[boneaddict]

There you go!  Well done

[bkaech]

I would never call my style of hunting bears as still-hunting. But I never sit and wait either. I'm usually on trails or ridges and might stop to glass for 5-10min but then I keep moving to the next spot/opening. Just go do it how you want, if you struggle with not being successful, mix it up.  The key to bear hunting in my mind is finding a food source that they are using and be in that area.