New to Bear Hunting

[Mike89]

Howdy!

I'm new to hunting in general, but I'd like to learn how to hunt bear. I just purchased a .30-06, which I know many would not recommend (though from what I understand if you hit the bear in the shoulder, where the round goes through the heart or lung, it gets the job done).

I went to the range the other day and got the scopes fixed for a 100 yards. It's a bolt-action Mossberg. First, is a 100 yrs. far enough or should it be further? Second, with regards to the ammunition, what's the difference between the 150 grain versus 165 versus the 180? Finally any tips, advice, etc. for black bear hunting?

I'd appreciate whatever help I can get. Thanks!

[ICEMAN]

Wow, asking a wide range of stuff.
 
First, I would go read everything on here about bears...
 
The rifle is more than adequate for bear...either round, whatever shoots best in the gun.
 
For good info search the following: Bear (Posted by; Billythekidrock)
 
Lastly, search areas for sign of bear feeding. Then, sit quietly nearby....wait....don't go calling for bears until after you have failed many many trips, and you finally find someone who can show you the ropes of calling.
 
I only have two bears, found em both with my naked eye, no calling, just got myself in an area where hungry bears were feeding...

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

Lots of time to learn as much as possible before season, then expect to spend a lot of time putting the puzzle together.
Nothing wrong with an /06, but spend some time learning anatomy so you know wher to put the bullet.

[D-Rock425]

The 30/06 is a fine black bear gun.  I would shoot a few rounds and see what one shoots the best for you.

[TheHunt]

Where are you planning on hunting bears?  West side or East side
Did you get a spring bear permit? 

Depending on the longest distance you want to shoot a bear you might want to extend the distance.  Sighting in the rifle 2 inches above center at 100 yards might provide you a better distance of shooting at 200 yards.  But you need to be comfortable with shooting that distance under pressure so you do not wound the bear.

[alecvg]

30/06 is more than enough gun.  I dropped my bear on the run this year with my 30/06.  No problem. 

[oldleclercrd]

Maybe you should try a guided hunt first off before you go on a big adventure on your own. There are plenty of guides around, try asking BearPaw he seems knowledgeable and you might just learn some stuff off those experienced guides. Goodluck

[D-Rock425]

I wouldn't recommend bear hunting alone at least until you get a few hunts under your belt.

[brew]

'06 is a great cartridge...i'd opt for better bullet consruction over overall bullet weight.  as said previous sight in for about 2 1/2" high at 100 yds and you're good.  anything longer than a couple hundred yard shot you should be able to get closer just by paying attention to wind direction.  i've only killed 4 (2 in the heart and 2 in the lungs) none have gone further than 40 yds but I know how the heart gets pumpin when looking at black fur through your scope and the crosshairs can get a bit wobbly...aiming for the shoulder is a good bet to anchor the animal in the spot....i've seen bears take some "good" shots and keep going-they are tough...keep shooting if it is moving-following a blood trail on a bear through the brush is no fun. if you can afford a guided/semi-guided hunt may not be a bad way to go...the information you learn can be invaluable.  Either way hunt the areas where the bears are feeding.  A bear has to eat a lot in the summer/fall to survive the winter so putting in some miles hiking and glassing these areas should put you in a position to find them.  Bear sign in these areas are pretty easy to see  (chewed up brush/berry bushes, matted down grass, popped stumps/logs, actual "scat") concentrate your efforts on the areas and have PATIENCE.  if you think a bear is working the area pull up a lawn chair and your shooting sticks and be ready 

[Boss .300 winmag]

My friend, find the mast crops ie.. berry's any kind will do (blackberry, blue berris, moutain ash berrys). Try to stay away from the rivers when salmon are running, bears love this easy high fat diet that will end up making them stink and taste fishy. All of my bears have been taken very near or in berry patches like I descibed above. Good luck

[CAMPMEAT]

Head shots on bears work too. Usually I use a rock or knife to kill 'em. I just jump on their backs and keep my fingers crossed.

[D-Rock425]

Head shots on bears work too. Usually I use a rock or knife to kill 'em. I just jump on their backs and keep my fingers crossed.

he said he is new to bear hunting.  That is for trained professionals like you and i

[KillBilly]

Howdy!

I'm new to hunting in general, but I'd like to learn how to hunt bear. I just purchased a .30-06, which I know many would not recommend (though from what I understand if you hit the bear in the shoulder, where the round goes through the heart or lung, it gets the job done).

I went to the range the other day and got the scopes fixed for a 100 yards. It's a bolt-action Mossberg. First, is a 100 yrs. far enough or should it be further? Second, with regards to the ammunition, what's the difference between the 150 grain versus 165 versus the 180? Finally any tips, advice, etc. for black bear hunting?

I'd appreciate whatever help I can get. Thanks!

Wait, wait, wait... using a rifle is cheating... you must be a newbie.      You need to start with a half gallon of Honey and a half pound of bacon. right after sunup you find a nice warm spot an spread the bacon around. Then you cover yourself in honey and 

[Huntbear]

Howdy!

I'm new to hunting in general, but I'd like to learn how to hunt bear. I just purchased a .30-06, which I know many would not recommend (though from what I understand if you hit the bear in the shoulder, where the round goes through the heart or lung, it gets the job done).

I went to the range the other day and got the scopes fixed for a 100 yards. It's a bolt-action Mossberg. First, is a 100 yrs. far enough or should it be further? Second, with regards to the ammunition, what's the difference between the 150 grain versus 165 versus the 180? Finally any tips, advice, etc. for black bear hunting?

I'd appreciate whatever help I can get. Thanks!

Wait, wait, wait... using a rifle is cheating... you must be a newbie.      You need to start with a half gallon of Honey and a half pound of bacon. right after sunup you find a nice warm spot an spread the bacon around. Then you cover yourself in honey and 

Now, I know why I have never hunted with you ......   

[rasbo]

bologna thong and bacon earrings...I use a 150 grain core-lokt outta of a 308 works fine...they think with their tummies in the late season,and their other head in late spring...

[CAMPMEAT]

In all seriousness, I hunt bear naked and scare 'em to death. Who needs a knife or rock anyhow.

[Gutpile]

At least you found the right place to ask...
150 gr is light for bear, they have a heavy shoulder and way more fur and fat than a deer. 180gr hits hard due to the rounder nose, is less likely to be destabilized when shooting through brush and penetrates deeper. 165gr was designed for to be the best of both worlds with good long range trajectory and energy. A fast bullet seems good on paper, but a heavy slug moves less in the wind, and actually drops less at long range. Just learn to sight in 2 1/2" high at 100 yds, called sighting in for maximum Point Blank Range. Out to 245 yards, no worries about hold over. Sighted dead on at a 100 means you gotta guess how high to hold if he's out past 200. Be  absolutely positive of your target, many things seem for sure like a bear from a distance. Bear really shouldn't be shot at past 250, especially important to get steady, and pick a little tiny spot to aim at. Tracking a wounded bruin is another thing that sounds better on paper than in the woods. Shoot bears right on the point of the shoulder, rather than just behind, as you would on a deer. Craig Boddington's books are great tools for bear hunters.

A 30 caliber 150 grain bullet is not to light for bear. We're talking Washington state blackys here, not Grizzlies. 

There are far more point 180's than round ones. And any of them WILL destabilize in the brush, that brush bullet theory is a myth.

Sight in 1-1 1/2" high at 100

 At average hunting ranges, 200 yards or less, wind is not going to be that big of a consideration and a complete beginer should not be shooting past 150 yards or so.

Shoot whichever weight is most accurate in your rifle. Dont forget the bologna thong for best results.

[rasbo]

In all seriousness, I hunt bear naked and scare 'em to death. Who needs a knife or rock anyhow.

this post is just fine without pics

[Woodchuck]

If you aren't comfortable with the bologna thong, I have found that pastrami works well to. You can not however skimp on the bacon earrings. 

[rasbo]

mike89,shooting through brush should not even be considered for any reason.A clear unobstructed shot is the only shot one should take..Gutpile is right what ever shoots best through the gun you are using is fine..Main thing as a beginner would be to let your heart rate slow,and squeeze off a good shot.Then mark the last place you see n the bear in your mind,and listen and watch....let yourself calm after the shot,rethink the shot,then pursue your animal..A bear can be lost very easily,if your unsure mark the spot and get some help,more eyes and brains working the better at times,,,,

[CAMPMEAT]

In all seriousness, I hunt bear naked and scare 'em to death. Who needs a knife or rock anyhow.

this post is just fine without pics

I tried posting my picture but it said " image too large ". 

[rasbo]

In all seriousness, I hunt bear naked and scare 'em to death. Who needs a knife or rock anyhow.

this post is just fine without pics

I tried posting my picture but it said " image too large ". 

:chuckle:not sure if your bragging or complaining

[CAMPMEAT]

In all seriousness, I hunt bear naked and scare 'em to death. Who needs a knife or rock anyhow.

this post is just fine without pics

I tried posting my picture but it said " image too large ". 

:chuckle:not sure if your bragging or complaining

I guess bragging, my wife doesn't complain...............about my gut.

[crow360]

Find the Blueberry's and you will find the blackbears. Just do a lot of glassing on the logging roads and you will find them. Also if you see lots of dead trees check out the trunks and if you see bear claw marks you are in the right area. If you find skat look for what types of berry's they are eating. Your 30-06 will definitely do the job and 1/2 to 1 inch at a 100 yards is perfect. If your on the west side PM me and ill point you in the right direction.

[Bearhide]

like everyone else said already /06 is more than enough for a black bear even 140gr bulleet.  Just aim in the right place youll get the job done.  And like any other hunting, any animal you have to do your homework, asking around is good to, but you have to put in alot of time in alot of time scouting and youll find them.  Took me 3 years to finally find my bear spot, but now i know where i can see a couple atleast a day.  Scout and it will pay off.

[1Shot2Kills]

I wouldn't recommend bear hunting alone at least until you get a few hunts under your belt.

Being new, I don't want to act like I'm trying to point the way; however, this is the best statement in this thread. You really want to make your first few trips with someone who has had previous experience hunting black bears. Now, don't waste money on a guide, but instead try to find another avid hunter like yourself with the experience. Local hunting and shooting clubs are a good place to start.

In all seriousness, I hunt bear naked and scare 'em to death. Who needs a knife or rock anyhow.

If it's so effective may I get a copy of a picture for my next hunt? 

[Jingles]

Your 06 is more than enough for a WA blacky as long as you are proficient with it.  180 gr is enough to knock down any animal  on the North American Continent as long as you can shoot.  I got my 8' squared blacky with a 243 Win using 100gr Nosler partitions.  Would I recommend it NO but it is what I had with me when the opportunity presented itself.

[BOWHUNTER45]

I only shoot bear in the shoulders ..If you shoot behind the shoulders you will be chasing your bear ..if you want to drop him shoot a little high in the shoulder and  story over and if you need to shoot twice so be it but at least he wont go no where... I use a .270 140 gr hornaday and its responsible for 18 out of the 21 I killed .. and some to far to brag about ..     
        here is one my son shot at (8yrs old)at about 200 yrds one shot 140 gr dropped like a rock !

[BOWHUNTER45]

You can also see what we hunt in on the westside so if you have to go chase one thats what your looking at .. brush over your head !!