Some black bear hunting questions

[slabuda]

Ok 1st of all I know many dont eat them, but Ill try. I hear they are greasy...would spring bear be less greasy as they have worn off their fat stores?

2nd
What is better for hide/rug quality? Fall or spring bear?


Not sure Ill do it this fall as I want to hunt out of a tree stand and dont have one at this time but plan on saving for one for next deer season. My options are bow, .45 colt pistol of .270 WSM. Id prefer to do the bow or pistol route, but hey Id be happy to just get one anyway I can!!!!

I know of a couple of good spots and some other good areas to hunt them (near where I fly fish and same area I hope to see a mountain lion). Dont have a 4-wheeler to haul a drum but will work out a way to use left over bacon grease, jelly beans, oil of anise etc for a bait pile covered by some large dead fall logs etc.

This is very early in the thought process/planning stages, as I may decide to volunteer to deploy to Kyrgyzstan in the new year.

Thanks in advance!!

 

[sam700]

They are a bit greasy, but can be very good eating depending on what they have been feeding on. Berry fed bears are good eating. Something that's been hanging around a garbage dump or feeding on a dead moose probably wont be as apitizing.

If you're looking for good hide quality, hunt in the spring just after they come out of hibernation.

 

[Sunray]

"...many dont eat them..." It's all about how they're handled in the field, just like any other game.
As mentioned, what Yogi has been dining on, over a few days to a week or more, determines the quality of the meat. Lots of fish in his diet will produce fishy tasting meat. Carrion isn't as bad.
"...just after they come out of hibernation..." You'd have to be quick. Yogi rubs the winter coat off as fast as he can. Itchy. Late Fall, just before he heads to bed, might be better. A lot depends on the weather though.
"...volunteer..." A volunteer is somebody who didn't understand the question.

 

[Arkansas Paul]

I've never eaten bear, but my experience with deer is the same as mentioned above. Proper care in the field and proper butchering are both very important for good eating.
Of course proper cooking technique is important as well.

 

[TooTaxed]

Quebec black bear is fine eating. The meat is not marbled like beef...just trim off all fat when you butcher, fairly easy to do. I like to cook a chunk overnight in the slow cooker on the lowest heat setting, with a cup of red wine and a couple cloves of garlic, minced, for seasoning. Comes out tender and delicious.

 

[Psyco Tyco]

i love bear, it is greasy, but truthfully its grizzly no pun intended, a bear steak around here is a chewy chunky mess....thats why i turn the fuzzballs into chili or smoke the hell out of them for a day makes for very tender meat

never bow hunted them but the 270 will do fine if you put your shot in the right place
good luck and consider bringing an armed buddy, you shouldnt need a back up gun for black bear, but the reassurance is nice to have

 

[WTBguns10kOK]

Yes spring bear would be preferable to kill. The earlier the better. I'd recommend using your rifle, though it's more power than you even need. Then bowhunt or handgun the next year. Just get your first bear the easiest and most decisive way. And don't bait. Actually find one.