[killzone]

I am hopeing to take off for my first blackbear hunt, any experiances that could give me some idea about it. What caliber, what gun? What are some good bating tactics?

[c_yeager]

I was hoping for gun porn :(

[kudu]

killzone, you might want to edit for spelling. Bare = Bear ;)

[scubie02]

yeah, I was expecting something else haha

as far as bear hunting--best check to make sure baiting is legal in your state--in many it is not. If it is--I know guys hwo like to go to bakeries and get old/leftover sticky buns, doughnuts, whatever and just pile them out there. Bears really do go for sweets I guess (never tried this myself as its not legal in NY, but a friend of mine goes out of state and hunts bears alot and thats what his buddies there do apparently). As far as rifles--he says nothing dramatic needed--a 30-30 works fine, slugs work fine. Of course they often hunt with dogs as well (again, depends on the state for legality) and so shots are often on treed bears too.

But from what he says, you don't need the Hammer of Thor.

[pcf]

Old restaraunt grease works as a base for bait, it stinks to high heaven, it's free (used to be, most places sell it nowdays), and bears love anything with a high fat content. Mix with old produce (fruit and corn work well), available free from local grocery store.

DO NOT mix or store bait in your camp, or leave extra in a vehicle while hunting, if you get it on your clothes or boots don't store them where you sleep in camp or in a vehicle.

[ACP230]

I killed a bear several years ago.
My Browning BAR .30-06 worked just fine.

[TMM]

12gauge slug... perhaps not the longest range, but it packs a whallup and makes a big hole. should down a black bear especially easy because they are small.

~TMM

[critter]

Ruger #1 in 45-70 for baited bear.