Welcome to our Bear Hunting pages

Bear Hunting Equipment Top 10

list of equipment needed for an Bear hunting trip

1. Good Boots - Make sure you have a good tested pair of boots. Most bear hunting will occur in the summer months, however rugged terrain can almost always be expected on a bear hunt. Be aware of the importance of support and comfort. If you will be hunting in damp areas make sure you bring two pair of boots with you. Make sure your boots say 'waterproof' not water-resistant. Don't be fooled by the price-tag, One of my (haven't leaked yet) best pair of boots only cost $40 when a $200 pair from cabelos leaked the first day. A 100% money back guarantee won't help much on 'day 2'. Make SURE your footwear is adequate prior to your hunt.

2. Ammo - Use the best bullets you can find and bring plenty. Bear are very tough animals and require a heavy load with a solid bullet (read the bear bullet story ). Don't believe the manufacturers review. Make sure your ammo has been proven to penetrate and hold together on contact.

.3. Scope - a rifle scope of 3x9x40 is suggested but not necessary. If you are 'hound hunting' for bear, open sights are ok. If you are hunting a canyon, a rifle scope will be of great advantage as well as a spotting scope or good pair of bino's.

4. Rifle - .30 caliber magnum or larger (if hunting with a bow, you're on your own). Get familiar with shooting your gun prior to your hunt. Not just on the 'bench' at the 'range', try taking your elk hunting rifle 'rabbit hunting' or similar event. (30-06 & 300 Win Mag are local favorites).

5. Rifle sling - A durable, lightweight, adjustable rifle sling is suggested. Without a good rifle sling you will be limited in both focus and endurance on your hunt.

6. Rifle Holster - A Must for all All Bear Hunter's (see rest of website)

7. Backpack - You will need a backpack, whether it's hauling the gear you will need for your hunt or hauling up to 500lbs of Bear out of the woods. Don't be fooled by the backpack manufacturers BS sales pitch. Here are some things to look for in choosing a backpack for Bear hunting. (a) weight & size - establish your needs before picking a pack. Look at the items you will NEED, do not look at your 'new super pack' and say "I still have room for more". At the end of the day, you will feel every ounce of that "extra gear'. Make sure your back pack has a waist strap that you can mount items you will need often like your knife, rangefinder, ammo, compass, water, etc., a whole lot of pack makers don't even consider it. (b) waterproof - don't worry about having a "waterproof" pack, just make sure it wont get heavy when wet. Anything that has to be dry, (TP) put in a plastic bag inside of the pack. Not only are the true "waterproof" packs more noisy but they cost a whole lot more. If you are planning to "pack" into an area, you might plan on having 3 packs available, 1. Large transport pack 2. small hunting pack 3. frame, meat hauling pack. A 100% money back guarantee won't help much on 'day 2'.

8. Range Finder - There's not much worse than a wounded bear in the bush, especially if you are hunting in the evening. If you don't know your true range you cannot expect to 'place' your shot correctly, no matter how 'on' your gun is at the range.

9. Survival / First Aid - Ample supply of food, water or water treatment supplies (2 or 3 days) if possible. Have a lighter, flashlight and a small first-aid kit with you at all times.

10. Clothing - Layered clothing is suggested. Temperatures will be dramatically ranged. Weatherproof pants and coat is suggested if hunting in wet areas.