[rayborbon]

in reply to: Spot and stalk black bear? #31326

I have not used a guide or outfitter.

I have used spot and stalk for all my black bear hunts. To date have shot one with a bow at 17 yards, one with a rifle at 60 yards and one this year with a rifle at 125 yards. Next year going back to the bow.

Spot and stalk is a great way to take the bears. In fact the terrain around where I live I think it makes it the best way to do it. I can see bears almost a mile and one half away when glassing in the mountains on ridge tops. They often times like to stay in the berry patches near the tree line. Bears do not seem to pattern and do not seem to follow any specific trends on times of day.

Good luck on your hunt. If you come out to Washington I can give advice for DIY on the western part of the state.

Here’s the jughead on a black bear I shot a few weeks back.
Bear

[rayborbon]

in reply to: Conflicting Emotions about gun hunting… #18702

I hunt with guns every year.

In fact for bear season. I usually wake up and take whatever weapon I feel. Kind of like making the decision to wear what pants for the day.

I feel no remorse shame or anything negative for harvesting animals with guns. I feel glad that I do not have to strictly adhere to archery or gun hunting. I’m glad I live in a free country where I can make these choices.

For elk , I strictly bow hunt.

I harvested a good black bear about 10 days ago with my rifle. I was pleased

[rayborbon]

in reply to: Interesting Bear Situation #38867

I’d still hunt the ridge. Using the mobile or makeshift ground blinds is not a bad idea at all. Quietly and slowly walk through the target area and then periodically crouch or sit and wait for movement or animal sounds. If you have seen that many bears in a short time I think it will work out for you. Especially since it is a hard area to get access to. That’s one of the reasons the bears are probably there. Besides using the trees for a scratching post and to chew on. 😆

I have never hunted bears any other way besides on the ground. Getting the last few yards to the bear seems to be the hardest part sometimes. Depending on the terrain and how loud the foliage is on the ground as well as the wind. Sometimes waiting to see if the bear will come near you is a good idea too.

Good luck.

[rayborbon]

in reply to: Longbow Strings #37645

I use D97 on most of my bows. It’s quieter than B-50 and has less stretch than B-50.

Never used FastFlight.

[rayborbon]

in reply to: Bear hunting #36436

Hello,

I do not live in Maryland but will offer my experiences bear hunting.

First – I found there are no real secrets to finding the bears.
Second – Look or the feeding areas. Bears like to eat. Especially berries this time of year out here.
Third – Find a place that has water and a reason for the bears to stick around.
Fourth – Look for bear sign. Scratches on trees, turds, footprints, hair, anything. (maybe even a live bear 😈 )

I have been hunting bears only about 3 seasons. I spent countless days and time looking for good bear hunting locations in my home state and have settled on about 3-4 places which I visit. They become really reliable by late August.

I passed on a small black bear last weekend and saw another one that day in the same meadow, a larger bear the week before which I blew the stalk on and look for one more chance this weekend.

I agree, pay attention to scent and wind direction.

Good luck on your bear hunting.

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