Best Times for Black Bear Hunts

The American black bear is the smallest of the three species found in North America. These animals live and hunt in solitude, minus a mother bear and her cubs. However, they can be found in groups when food is sparse.

When should you plan your hunt? Keep reading to learn the best times for black bear hunts!

Why Hunt Black Bears?

Many people believe there is no good reason to hunt bears. If we leave them alone, they will leave us alone. 

However, there are plenty of good reasons to hunt black bears ethically. Many hunters enjoy bear meat. Some say it's similar to beef; one black bear can provide enough for burgers, steaks, backstraps, and more. 

Another good reason to hunt bear is for the adventure. They can be challenging to track and often lead hunters through remote locations and tough terrain. Mastering predator calls and learning how to maximize your time when it's bear season is all part of the fun.

Lastly, there are plenty of bears to hunt. Left uncontrolled, the black bear population can become a threat to livestock and crops, as these omnivores eat fruit, nuts, and almost any animal they can kill, including deer.  

What to Consider When Hunting Black Bear

So, if you're thinking about adding a bear hunt to your hunting bucket list, make sure you go when the time is right! Here are a few variables to consider when planning black bear hunts.  

The Location 

Black bears can be found from Alaska to Mexico, across most of Canada, and in about 40 states in the U.S. They are highly adaptable animals, which is why they have continued to thrive in almost every habitat in North America. 

You'll have the best luck tagging out on a bear hunt if you plan your trip in these states:

• Alaska
• North Carolina
• Wisconsin
• California
• Idaho
• Pennsylvania
• New Mexico
• New Jersey

As you target the best hunting locations in your HuntWise app, look for heavily forested areas with plenty of food variety. 

The Solunar Calendar

Do moon phases affect bear activity? Is it something to consider when planning your hunt? 

Most hunters don't believe that the Solunar calendar significantly impacts bear movement in a way that should greatly influence how or when you plan your hunt. However, in general, predators don't like to be seen. 

So, on a night with a full moon, you may be less likely to see bears out and about than on a night with less moonlight to illuminate their surroundings. 

The Time of Year

Black bears can be hunted in the Spring and Fall months, although the state or province dictates specific hunting times. While many locations offer springtime hunting, the best time of year to hunt black bears is in the fall when they are constantly on the move for food in preparation for their long winter sleep. 

However, don't discount the spring as an excellent opportunity to plan your bear hunt. 

The Time of Day

If you are hunting in the fall, you will likely spot a black bear at any given time throughout the day. However, as a general rule of thumb, the best time to hunt black bears is in the morning or early evening when they are most certainly on the search for food. 

The Temperature

As mentioned above, black bears are extremely adaptable animals and live in many different climates. However, as temperatures begin to fall, bears are more actively in search of food to bulk up for the winter. So, during the cool fall temperatures can be an excellent time to hunt black bear. 

The same can be said about the cool days of early spring when bears wake from their hibernation and are ready for a big breakfast (or dinner). 

The Barometric Pressure 

Black bears do not seem to be affected much by changes in barometric pressure. However, as with most animals, bears tend to be the most active during the coolest times of the day. 

General Weather Conditions

Black bears are resilient animals. Rain and other unpleasant weather conditions do not seem to affect their movement dramatically. 

However, weather conditions involving strong winds should be avoided, as a black bear's sense of smell is estimated to be seven times stronger than that of a bloodhound. 

The Wind 

The wind can impact almost any hunt. It is said that a black bear can smell an animal carcass from as far as 20 miles away. Therefore, the wind is one of the most important factors to consider when hunting black bear. 

It is important to position yourself downwind because of their keen sense of smell. 

Use HuntWise to Plan the Best Times for Black Bear Hunts

We hope these insights help you plan your next (or first) hunt for a black bear! In addition to these tips, make sure you download the HuntWise app to help you bring home your trophy. 

With HuntWise, you can track the wind using our WindCast feature. You can also e-scout land before you get there, marking potential locations for your hunt. Once you arrive at your hunt area, use markers to track where you see bear activity and your path back and forth to your track. You never know where a bear hunt could lead you, so be sure you mark your trail in the app!

Download the app today and try it for free for a week. We hope you find success on your black bear hunts this season!