Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Bear Hunting => Topic started by: jtf on October 12, 2010, 12:10:00 PM

Title: how many of you have hunted Bear alone
Post by: jtf on October 12, 2010, 12:10:00 PM: i know it's not the smartest since they can be dangerous. I have just started hunting bear and am doing it alone due to the fact that all the guys i work with or know would rather play video games then wake up early, hump a hill, sit and call for hours in the rain and then see nothing but maybe some sign. i personally love the outdoors and would rather freeze my @ss of then sit in front of the tube.

Do all of you have a partner when you go out?

If ya do hunt alone what do you do different from having a partner?

here is what i do. give me some pointers please or tell me what i am doing wrong, besides hunting alone.

I like to be in a tree. more sight and safer in case one does walk up on my backside. i carry a rifle, 30-06. us it on clearings and glassing areas. as a back up i have a revolver, 454. us it when in thicket, walking tight areas or when vegetation/terrain favors <50 yard shots. i use cover sent sometimes and various calls.

what else should i be doing.
Title: Re: how many of you have hunted Bear alone
Post by: BlackRidge on October 12, 2010, 12:22:27 PM: You're off to a great start.

The -06 and 454 will definitely get the job done on a bear. Covering your scent will help, and most good distress-type calls will work (I didn't have any luck w/ them yesterday..). The clearcuts are probably your best bet, they really stand out from everything around them better.

Aside from that, there's not much more I can add, maybe keep an eye out for places where you know berries grow, watch for tree scrapes and well -traveled game trails

I went out alone yesterday after work. None of my buddies care about tagging a bear, so I have to go solo. I don't really do anything differently than i would if I went with someone else, just set up everything, call, wait and enjoy the outdoors. I usually try to find large clearcuts with stumps or piles of trees in the middle. Helps act as a blind and provide some good elevations for glassing.

I feel confident my .270 will get the job done, and in the 32 9mm +p rounds I'm packing as a backup.
Title: Re: how many of you have hunted Bear alone
Post by: h20hunter on October 12, 2010, 12:24:56 PM: Not much else you can already be doing. Know the area, learn the habits, keep your eyes and ears open.....anything else? The biggest worry is getting more than you bargained for when the time comes to clean and pack out your bear. Good luck out there.
Title: Re: how many of you have hunted Bear alone
Post by: STIKNSTRINGBOW on October 12, 2010, 12:27:37 PM: I always find it funny how everyone is afraid of bears.
I have had several close encounters, but unfortunately not during season.
They really are not that dangerous (my opinion), and 999 times out of 1000 they will run away.
If you have a weapon, there should be no reason to fear one.
Unless your "cover scent" is bacon and maple syrup.
It might be beneficial to have a back-up set of eyes when calling from the ground, but out of a tree, a .454 would keep them away (30-06 also)
In cover, unless you are acting like prey, you probably scare more away than you will will ever see.
Title: Re: how many of you have hunted Bear alone
Post by: bobcat on October 12, 2010, 12:28:06 PM: I would try to be not quite so paranoid, myself.

I don't see anything dangerous about hunting bears alone. At least, no more dangerous than hunting deer or elk alone. After all, you have the gun. The bear is unarmed. :chuckle:
Title: Re: how many of you have hunted Bear alone
Post by: Grizzly95 on October 12, 2010, 12:29:27 PM: Quote
what else should i be doing

Finding a bear... :rolleyes:
Tman and I have come to the conclusion that that we need to just plain cover ground. We have a couple clear cut that we found that a huge, 500+yards. We sit and glass, move a little and glass some more. We have spotted 3 bears in the general area. We are also convinced that it is a matter of the right place at the right time. Especially with the lack of berries we have been spotting. I am sure a bear can be patterned, but I also think they are pretty nomadic. But don't take our expierences as solid, it is only what we have seen in our short time bear hunting.
Title: Re: how many of you have hunted Bear alone
Post by: bow4elk on October 12, 2010, 12:29:50 PM: I killed my last bear on the ground at 10 yards...on my knees with my bow. No worries ;)
Title: Re: how many of you have hunted Bear alone
Post by: Jellymon on October 12, 2010, 12:31:55 PM: the black bears here are fairly easy to kill, none of our five bears went more than 10-20 yds with 30-06 and a 270, three of them dropped. You have plenty of gun. I have to say that I cant believe how quiet these things can be! My brothers first bear was at 10yds behind some tall grass before he knew he was there! That was on a very green grassy logging road though. I never even heard mine, it was only 50yds away. With all the bears out there now if you put in time it could happen fairly easily. :P
Title: Re: how many of you have hunted Bear alone
Post by: saylean on October 12, 2010, 12:33:28 PM: I hunt bears by myself all the time...calling ususally. The more you see bears, the more you see that they are fairly timid unless surprised, or the cubs are threatened....or the bear is wounded....
Title: Re: how many of you have hunted Bear alone
Post by: BlackRidge on October 12, 2010, 12:39:16 PM: Quote from: bobcat on October 12, 2010, 12:28:06 PM
I would try to be not quite so paranoid, myself.

I don't see anything dangerous about hunting bears alone. At least, no more dangerous than hunting deer or elk alone. After all, you have the gun. The bear is unarmed. :chuckle:

Yuuuup, aside from other hunters, you're the most dangerous thing in the woods at that point 8)
Title: Re: how many of you have hunted Bear alone
Post by: washelkhntr on October 12, 2010, 12:46:30 PM: If I have someone to go with great, but if not well I am out the door. I'm not sitting at home and not hunting just because there is no one to go with.
Title: Re: how many of you have hunted Bear alone
Post by: runamuk on October 12, 2010, 12:52:02 PM: Well I mostly hunt bears alone .... I have no one else to hunt with usually and this season has simply stunk I have no time to get out there. When I do I just grab the gun the calls and head out the door.....I haven't had success yet so we will see how I feel about this whole alone thing when I am trying to deal with large dead thing on my own :chuckle:
Title: Re: how many of you have hunted Bear alone
Post by: Kain on October 12, 2010, 12:55:28 PM: I hunt alone almost exclusively. Not to worried about bears. As soon as they see you or smell you they will be gone. The only time I get uneasy is when Im hand calling and that is just because I cant hear anything over the calling. Just keep your back to something if your calling and try to keep the wind in your face. If they come in from behind you the will smell you and run off.

Now cats get me antsy. They dont care about scent and I have had a two bobcats come into my calling from behind. One I didnt see until it was right beside me and staring right at me. The other came in right behind me and started growling. Both scared the crap out of me.
Title: Re: how many of you have hunted Bear alone
Post by: JackOfAllTrades on October 12, 2010, 01:02:24 PM: Take enough gun, (you're doing that), keep your wits, (you're doing that), and all will be well. Take some extra five rounds of ammo or so. The most dangerous bear is the wounded one. If disabled, you want to stop his/her misery. Sometimes tough in the thick cover because they will move at you if you get too close. They can still hurt you.

I agree that the hunter with the gun has the upper hand so we need not be peronoid. Cautious is the concept.

I hunt alone. Doesn't matter what I'm hunting. Leave a flight plan back at home with the miss's... We can all twist a knee at any time.

-Steve
Title: Re: how many of you have hunted Bear alone
Post by: 6packdad on October 12, 2010, 01:07:53 PM: I usually hunt bears alone, unless I have oppurtunity to take my son. I have harvested quite a few bears and only had company on a couple of successful hunts. My belief: Less people = less stink which = more bears. Scariest moment bear hunting for me too was a cat, I was hot footing to my spot a little late and came around a blind corner face to face with a big cougar.
Title: Re: how many of you have hunted Bear alone
Post by: Bofire on October 12, 2010, 01:13:40 PM: :)hunt em alone mostly, hunt most everything alone. I am too lazy to carry a pistol when I have a rifle. They can be a lot of work when dead and you are alone. Get a game cart with big wheels.
Carl
Title: Re: how many of you have hunted Bear alone
Post by: Michelle_Nelson on October 12, 2010, 01:22:58 PM: I hunt most of the time alone. I hunt with 3 other people off and on bu the majority of the time I am alone. Bears are not what scare me in the woods. :chuckle:
Title: Re: how many of you have hunted Bear alone
Post by: Annette on October 12, 2010, 01:30:42 PM: Hi, I hunt bears alone. The bears arn't that dangerous if you're careful. Watch out for the cougars :yike:.
I'd go to clearcuts liseten for the bears tearing up stumps, sneek in close and shoot him if he's the one you want.
If you're calling, use a decoy out about 20 to 40 yards that will draw his attention away from you. When calling you need to call almost continousaly or the bears loose intrest. Fawn distress bleats work best. 8) be prepared for anything and keep your back to a stump or tree. Kick brush throw dirt, make it sound and smell like a struggle.
Not enough excitement? Go after dark............... ;)
Title: Re: how many of you have hunted Bear alone
Post by: shedcrazy on October 12, 2010, 01:34:18 PM: I hunt alone most of the time. I like to hunt with others, but it seems I have better success by myself. Plus it's easier to be quiet, and control the situation.
Title: Re: how many of you have hunted Bear alone
Post by: D-Rock425 on October 12, 2010, 01:35:49 PM: I mostly hunt alone. Bears are big babies :drool:
Title: Re: how many of you have hunted Bear alone
Post by: addicted on October 12, 2010, 01:41:32 PM: unsuccessfully yes
Title: Re: how many of you have hunted Bear alone
Post by: Gringo31 on October 12, 2010, 05:44:32 PM: I've bow hunted Browns in Alaska with my bow alone.... :dunno:
Title: Re: how many of you have hunted Bear alone
Post by: rasbo on October 12, 2010, 05:49:28 PM: alone on all my bears..friends in the area,,but always by myself as a rule...
Title: Re: how many of you have hunted Bear alone
Post by: machine on October 12, 2010, 06:21:43 PM: Alone 90% of the time.
Title: Re: how many of you have hunted Bear alone
Post by: Forks_hunter68 on October 12, 2010, 06:25:06 PM: 50 50 when ever people want to go
Title: Re: how many of you have hunted Bear alone
Post by: alecvg on October 12, 2010, 06:25:41 PM: No need to be paranoid. Bears are not something I am ever worried about. And yes, I have been charged, but like already said, 99% of the time, they will run away from you.
Title: Re: how many of you have hunted Bear alone
Post by: Greg30-06 on October 12, 2010, 06:36:53 PM: Just dont be like the idiot I saw this weekend. Black sweatpants, black sweatshirt and hood, and even a black rifle. Could he look anymore like a bear??? :bdid:
Title: Re: how many of you have hunted Bear alone
Post by: Hunting Cowboy on October 12, 2010, 06:37:17 PM: As a general rule I enjoy hunting alone. I think I hunt better. But I also enjoy hunting with my brother and my sons when I can and for many years, my father. I have killed three bears hunting by myself and was with my brother when he killed his. On one of my solo bear hunts "butcher boy" (from this site) happened along and helped helped me pack it out. I never had met him before that day and I have to say that of the folks I have met on this site I am always impressed with the willingness of our members to lend a hand.
Title: Re: how many of you have hunted Bear alone
Post by: Wanttohuntmore on October 12, 2010, 07:15:51 PM: I hunt alone and with my dad, and with my boy from time to time. Never been worried about a bear, except when approaching the ravine where I last saw my bear this year, after I shot it. Was more worried about my 6 yr old getting trampled, so I kept him about 60 yds away from where I thought the bear was, and above it by about 30 feet. Just use height to your advantage when approaching a downed bear, and you'll be fine. It is amazing though, how fast a bear can move when it wants to!
Title: Re: how many of you have hunted Bear alone
Post by: CAMPMEAT on October 12, 2010, 07:27:43 PM: Alone, that way I don't have to argue with anybody ............... hahaha !!!
Title: Re: how many of you have hunted Bear alone
Post by: Wea300mag on October 12, 2010, 07:30:24 PM: Most of my trips this year have been alone.
Title: Re: how many of you have hunted Bear alone
Post by: zackmioli on October 13, 2010, 03:37:32 AM: the few times ive gone out bear hunting since a member of this site took me out for my first experience ive been alone. havent seen any bears yet but havent really been worried bout anything. like has been said im much more concerned about running into a cougar than a bear.
Title: Re: how many of you have hunted Bear alone
Post by: woodman on October 13, 2010, 04:39:43 AM: It is interesting to see this thread this morning. I ran into a bear hunter yesterday that I know and he shared with me his story of being attacked by a black bear here a long time ago and it took 3 hours of surgery to sew him back together. He said when the bear attacked him, it shook it's head viciously and tore the heck out out his leg. This was when hound hunting was legal and his dogs pulled the bear off of him. He is sure that he would not have made it if it were not for his dogs.

As far as myself, I like to hunt alone because I can change my plan on a dime and not worry about telling someone that the circumstances have changed. I have partners that have helped me after an animal has been downed to get the animal out.
Title: Re: how many of you have hunted Bear alone
Post by: Shootmoore on October 13, 2010, 05:39:15 AM: Both, I usually don't shoot bears for myself, but when I get the hankerin for bear meat I usually go out on my own and shoot one. Most of my bear hunting has been taking out friends who want to shoot a bear.

Which depending on my friend means sometimes I have to go into the brush alone after a hit bear because they were skeered. When I shoot my bear I usually anchor them where they stand saves me a trip in the brush.

Shootmoore
Title: Re: how many of you have hunted Bear alone
Post by: Jeremy S on October 13, 2010, 07:39:16 AM: I prefer hunting alone although friends in the same area can be nice......
Title: Re: how many of you have hunted Bear alone
Post by: ctwiggs1 on October 13, 2010, 08:37:46 AM: I'm more worried about the other peoples than the bears :)
Title: Re: how many of you have hunted Bear alone
Post by: agchawk on October 13, 2010, 09:29:05 AM: 99% of the time I hunt them alone. I can be a lot quiter, I don't have to argue about where we want to set up, and I love being out there alone in the peace and tranquility.
Title: Re: how many of you have hunted Bear alone
Post by: BlackRidge on October 13, 2010, 09:38:26 AM: Well, came up empty handed again yesterday :'(

Tried one spot and got that seriously eerie feeling while walking through the woods to the clearcut, I trust that sense, so I'm guessing cougar. Thats the only time I don't feel comfortable going solo
Title: Re: how many of you have hunted Bear alone
Post by: blackveltbowhunter on October 13, 2010, 10:05:57 AM: C'mon its just a bear! I can think of LOTS worse ways to go. LOL. Seriously tho I shot my first this year hunting alone on a spring tag. Have had lots of encounters up to that point including a few with my bow ( lil guys) never really gave it a second thought. Respect them but don't fear them has been my motto. But I will admit beating through devils club and salmon berry over your head while searching for a wounded bear did make me question WTF i was doing! As for hunting alone, be smart about it! know your capabilities, watch the weather, hypothermia and minor injuries are much more serious life threats than bears will ever be. Let someone know where your going preferably someone who knows the area, is responsible, and cares about you. The more remote your gonna be the more detailed your instructions should be.
Title: Re: how many of you have hunted Bear alone
Post by: HuntNFish on October 13, 2010, 03:04:38 PM: I hunt bear by myself most of the time, and have never really been nervous or to concerned. Guess I feel bears will run rather than fight unless its got cubs and the bear believes there is no way out. Still trying for my 2010 tag to get filled. Been twice with no luck. Just some scat here and there. My glock 45, and my 30.06 seems to put me at ease while in the woods.
Title: Re: how many of you have hunted Bear alone
Post by: boneaddict on October 13, 2010, 03:07:31 PM: Almost always, unless I pack my kids backpack with maplebars and send them out ahead of me. ;) (kidding)
Title: Re: how many of you have hunted Bear alone
Post by: carpsniperg2 on October 13, 2010, 03:19:02 PM: :lol4: :EAT:
Title: Re: how many of you have hunted Bear alone
Post by: Big10gauge on October 13, 2010, 04:06:04 PM: Out of the 23 bears I have taken 19 of which were with my bow all were taken while I was alone and was uneventful, and probably bben involved in at least twice that many while helping other people get their bear. The only time I ran into trouble was when my lovely wife shot a bear a litle too far back with her bow andI had to track it down. When both the bear and I encountered each other I ended up shooting it 5 feet from me with my 44, the bear slapped me around some before it bit the big one. I still have white hairs from that. Oh, I can say that bear had really bad breath.
Title: Re: how many of you have hunted Bear alone
Post by: boonerboy on October 13, 2010, 04:27:10 PM: headed out tonight with bow in hand. Looking for the biggest, meanest one on the mountain too ;)...almost always go alone. Last year I took my brother in law who hasn't hunted much. When we were puting a stock on a big color phase he was right on my tail with his pistol drawn the whole time. :chuckle: :chuckle:
Title: Re: how many of you have hunted Bear alone
Post by: carpsniperg2 on October 13, 2010, 07:13:54 PM: Quote from: Big10gauge on October 13, 2010, 04:06:04 PM
Out of the 23 bears I have taken 19 of which were with my bow all were taken while I was alone and was uneventful, and probably bben involved in at least twice that many while helping other people get their bear. The only time I ran into trouble was when my lovely wife shot a bear a litle too far back with her bow andI had to track it down. When both the bear and I encountered each other I ended up shooting it 5 feet from me with my 44, the bear slapped me around some before it bit the big one. I still have white hairs from that. Oh, I can say that bear had really bad breath.

give him the old right cross :boxin: i have been within about 6feet from getting my butt kicked by a bear. good thing the 300win mag with a 180 part has good stoping power :chuckle:
Title: Re: how many of you have hunted Bear alone
Post by: bighorns2bushytails on October 13, 2010, 07:22:51 PM: i bear hunt with a partner or solo. i dont worry so much about the bear getting me as i do packing it out. a good size bear is dead weight and heavy...

--bh2bt
Title: Re: how many of you have hunted Bear alone
Post by: Thenewguy on October 13, 2010, 07:24:22 PM: I have, no to concerned
Title: Re: how many of you have hunted Bear alone
Post by: lokidog on October 13, 2010, 07:56:21 PM: Quote from: bow4elk on October 12, 2010, 12:29:50 PM
I killed my last bear on the ground at 10 yards...on my knees with my bow. No worries ;)

Me too! :IBCOOL: Of course, it was 20+ years ago... and I was standing. :chuckle:

There might be more deer attacks on hunters than bear attacks?
Title: Re: how many of you have hunted Bear alone
Post by: huntnnw on October 13, 2010, 11:46:05 PM: you hunt deer or elk alone? bear knows no different in what your hunting there out there always. Never had any sort of a scare with a bear, unless wounded.
Title: Re: how many of you have hunted Bear alone
Post by: demontang on October 14, 2010, 07:36:47 AM: My first and only bear scared my Dad a little. I hit the thing right in the vitals at 70yds with a .338win and it turned and ran straight at me :yike: my secound shot rolled it at 35-40yds. I had new found respect for Bears after that but I still go out by myself hunting them. As long as you can keep your cool and make a good shot theres no worries :twocents:
Title: Re: how many of you have hunted Bear alone
Post by: skier2480 on October 14, 2010, 11:40:28 AM: Half the time when I go hunting it's by myself. I work retail so I have weird days off so when I want to go hunting everyone else I know is working. I definately don't go to some of my favorite spots by myself just because of the difficulty of the terrain and don't want to end up seriously injured in the backcountry.
Title: Re: how many of you have hunted Bear alone
Post by: Skyvalhunter on October 14, 2010, 11:53:08 AM: Half the time when I go hunting alone I am by myself the other half my other personality comes along!!
Title: Re: how many of you have hunted Bear alone
Post by: Bill on October 14, 2010, 09:56:19 PM: I have hunted Bear alone every year for past 10 years and never had a problem.Last year i shot two on the same day in the same spot 8 hours apart! ;) ;)
Title: Re: how many of you have hunted Bear alone
Post by: WestPlains_Drifter on October 15, 2010, 01:00:59 PM: Quote from: huntnnw on October 13, 2010, 11:46:05 PM
you hunt deer or elk alone? bear knows no different in what your hunting there out there always. Never had any sort of a scare with a bear, unless wounded.

Never really thought of it that way.....I guess if you go out after anything its the same. If a bear or cougar wants to :EAT:.... they probably aren't gona ask to see which tag your carrying first.
Title: Re: how many of you have hunted Bear alone
Post by: norsepeak on October 15, 2010, 08:02:36 PM: Do it all the time. What's the big deal? :dunno: Your the one with the gun, right? :chuckle:
Title: Re: how many of you have hunted Bear alone
Post by: runamuk on October 15, 2010, 08:05:15 PM: True we have the guns but from pics posted lately it seems the bears are taking over the treestands :dunno: this might change the whole thing
Title: Re: how many of you have hunted Bear alone
Post by: woodman on October 15, 2010, 08:07:35 PM: Quote from: runamuk on October 15, 2010, 08:05:15 PM
True we have the guns but from pics posted lately it seems the bears are taking over the treestands :dunno: this might change the whole thing
You will have to worry when they are in the tree stands holding the guns. :chuckle:
Title: Re: how many of you have hunted Bear alone
Post by: Greg30-06 on October 15, 2010, 08:30:17 PM: Cows With Guns (music by Dana Lyons, www.cowswithguns.com) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a5s5qGg01nE#)
Hey if cows can do it I'm sure bears can