Calling Bears ??

[hunter399]

https://www.themeateater.com/listen/cutting-the-distance/ep-8-calling-all-black-bear-with-douglas-boze probably worth a listen if you have time. I've had two sits calling this season, no luck so far but definitely didn't call for long enough the first outting.

I will definitely give it a listen.
I used a foxpro today,with an hand call also at times.
For about an hour and half this morning.
No bears in the area,or they didn't like what I had to offer.

[Cougartail]

What distance are most shot opportunities when calling? I'd like to kill one with my muzzleloader.

Sure would hate to pass one up due to a distant shot.

[hunter399]

https://www.themeateater.com/listen/cutting-the-distance/ep-8-calling-all-black-bear-with-douglas-boze probably worth a listen if you have time. I've had two sits calling this season, no luck so far but definitely didn't call for long enough the first outting.

Just listened,picked up a few things from it.
I guess I'm just gotta stay at it.
Thanks for the link👍

[hunter399]

What distance are most shot opportunities when calling? I'd like to kill one with my muzzleloader.

Sure would hate to pass one up due to a distant shot.

I'm not an expert.
But a lot of people call them into a 100yards or less from what I hear.
Haven't called one ever,so my knowledge is just what people say.

[revoa4]

Thought I would share this article, and a safety reminder for solo bear hunters!

"It’s not for everyone, but I do a lot of my hunting solo. Even with that statement, I cannot recommend predator-calling bears solo. Calling can be highly unpredictable. Bear calling takes patience and persistence. It can take multiple setups and calling attempts to entice a bear to a distress call, and bears can respond in several ways to your calling. They can stalk in over long periods of time, charge in ready for action, or anything in between. I have found that distress calling will many times trigger a bear to go on the move. He may not respond directly to the call, but he could reveal himself in a spot-and-stalk scenario. I use this tactic a lot. Don’t discount the fact that the very nature of blowing on a distress call has made you the prey. Those bears are coming for dinner; don’t forget that." Mark Livesay.

Link: https://www.gohunt.com/content/skills/black-bear/predator-calling-tactics-for-black-bears

[ducks4days]

What distance are most shot opportunities when calling? I'd like to kill one with my muzzleloader.

Sure would hate to pass one up due to a distant shot.

I'm not an expert.
But a lot of people call them into a 100yards or less from what I hear.
Haven't called one ever,so my knowledge is just what people say.

I missed my best opportunity last year because my scope was zoomed all the way in from the last time I used it. Bear popped up 40 yards away ready for action and caught all 3 of us off guard.

In my experience, when calling works things happen fast and you better be prepared.

[hunter399]

I did one setup yesterday with just a hand call.
Still no luck, cause of game cams,I know a few bears come through a few times a month. And water is available there.
Which it has been very hot.

But ya still haven't seen it happen yet.
But it's something to do when glassing and hiking gets boring.
I guess it's the last ditch effort for me ,before I take off and go home.

[hillbillyplumber]

I saw a bear last year while archery elk hunting. He was across a ravine eating Salal berries probably 150yds away. I started wailing on my elk diaphragm trying to sound like a wounded animal. He stood up on his hind legs turned around and looked my way. He dropped on all fours and came right across that ravine to me. Unfortunately I didn't get a shot. I picked the spot I thought he was gonna come out and drew my bow and at the last second he took a different path and circled around to my left. He stood up nine yards to my left while I was still standing there with my bow drawn waiting for him to pop out.

[mcrawfordaf]

I recall a few members mentioning they had unintentionally called in bear/cougar using the new ez-sukr while elk hunting last year. I've been working on trying to mimic a lost calf with it but when I had a sit last week there happened to be an elk herd down where I have bear on cam  so no luck so far. Trying again this weekend.

[hunter399]

I recall a few members mentioning they had unintentionally called in bear/cougar using the new ez-sukr while elk hunting last year. I've been working on trying to mimic a lost calf with it but when I had a sit last week there happened to be an elk herd down where I have bear on cam  so no luck so far. Trying again this weekend.

Yup,this weekend I'll be trying again.
In the mourning for sure ,when the weather is cooler.

[ganghis]

I'm definitely in the 'depends on the bear and situation' camp.  I've called to bears that haven't responded at all, but have also had one that I suspected was hidden in a basin come out and show himself (and presented a shot, should I have been properly set up).  It's a bit of a hard call when you know there's a bear present, whether to just be patient and let him amble around until he's visible, or whether to lay on a call in hopes of him coming out (but knowing where you are).  Probably depends on the terrain.  I think it also depends on how happy they are with their current food situation, how far away you are calling from, whether you're calling to it from an uphill or downhill direction, etc.  Regardless, I'd definitely heed the often cited advice to have your back to something where a bear/lion can't come up from behind you.

[PointBlank]

My experience with calling is either that com in hot and loud or they sneak in. 2 bears hand calling and they came charging in making noise and all until the wind ruins the set. Third bear was down wind and snuck in really quiet until he busted us 30 yd away… go figure…. I think it comes down to playing the wind when you call in the thick stuff. Tricky but it’s do able!

[Machias]

What distance are most shot opportunities when calling? I'd like to kill one with my muzzleloader.

Sure would hate to pass one up due to a distant shot.

Mine have averaged about 15 yards.

[LDennis24]

Don't call this bear...

[LDennis24]

I've never actually tried to call in bears. How often do you spot a bear and then start calling hoping to bring them closer? And out of those times how often do they respond and come into your set? We usually just spot and stalk. It gets scary sometimes when they disappear on you... 😆