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...