The Bear Facts – Your Options When Hunting Bear
Most hunters begin their hunting adventures by pursuing locally available species. Depending on your geographic location, these typically include mule deer, whitetail deer, elk and all types of waterfowl and upland game birds. As we start to tick off our “”bucket list”” of huntable game, our interest eventually turns to bear hunting. There are several species of bear to hunt, but here are the most popular, in no particular order:
1. Black Bear:
The name Black bear is really a misnomer as this bear comes in several colors, not just black. Color phases include blond, brown and cinnamon. The most populous of all the bears, it is estimated that their population is twice that of all other bears combined. Common in all areas of North America, this is a great choice to begin your bear hunting career with. Professional bear hunting outfitters are abundant, and many areas have multiple bear limits. Expect to pay $2,500 for inland bears, up to $6,000 for big Coastal black bear.
2. Brown Bear:
These behemoths are truly the king of bears, rivaling the Polar bear as the largest member of the bear family. Distributed through much of Northern Eurasia and North America, this bruin can grow to 1,700 pounds and in excess of 10′ tall. With population estimates of 200,000 these bear are plentiful and are one of the most stunning trophies any bear hunter can have. Look to Alaska and Russia for the best Brown Bear hunting. Expect to pay $9,000 to $12,000 for one of these giants.
3. Grizzly Bear:
Actually a subspecies of the Brown Bear, this bruin is found in the interior areas of North America. The term Grizzly bear comes from the distinctive brown coats with gray or “”grizzled”” tips on the end. Smaller than the coastal Brown Bear, the Grizzly bear typically weighs about 800 pounds and stands 8-9 feet tall. Highly adaptable, the Grizzly can be found in mountain pine forests, temperate rain forests and arid scrubland. Look to British Columbia for great Grizzly hunting and expect to pay $8,000 to $10,000 with a reputable outfitter.
4. Polar Bear:
The least populous of our huntable bears, this giant is found only in the Arctic Circle and is the largest of all the bears. With its elongated skull, adapted for hunting seals in open air holes, this bear is born on land, but most comfortable at sea. It’s scientific name actually means “”maritime bear””. Polar bear hides are not currently importable into the United States due to CITES restrictions. Hunting of Polar bears has been sharply curtailed over the past few years, and finding a current hunting outfitter can be difficult. Costs for this bear will run in the $30,000 range, but could be higher.
Well that is a quick rundown of your choices for all you new, and you old, bear hunters. Check out our quality bear outfitters to find the bear hunt you have been dreaming about.
Remember, time in the field is a gift. Savor it!
Until next time, Happy Hunting.