The Best Time to Hunt Black Bear (2025)

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!

Updated 10/28/25

Why Hunt Black Bears?

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

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

Another good reason to hunt bears 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.  

The Best Time to Hunt Black Bear

When should you plan your hunt? Timing makes all the difference, much like hunting other species. Let's look at some of the best times to hunt black bears and why it makes sense that these are optimal times to potentially bring home a trophy. 

Spring Hunting (Mid-April through June)

Spring typically marks the start of bear hunting season in most states that offer these hunts. This time of year is when black bears emerge from their dens and begin actively searching for food. 

It's a great time to spot bears since vegetation is still sparse, offering good visibility. By late spring, bugs are fewer, and boars are more active, making it an excellent period for hunters targeting large males.

However, spring comes with challenges. The weather can be unpredictable, ranging from warm, sunny days to sudden snow or rainstorms. Additionally, meat from spring bears tends to be leaner due to their long winter fast. Hunters must also be cautious of sows with cubs, which are common in this season.

Fall Hunting (Late Summer through September)

Fall bear hunting is often favored for those seeking quality meat. During this time, bears are feeding heavily to build fat reserves for winter, resulting in better-tasting, richer meat. Another perk of a fall hunt is that bugs are typically fewer, and the weather is more stable.

The downside is that bears can be harder to locate. With thick vegetation and an abundance of natural food sources, spotting them requires patience and experience. Stalking through dense cover can also make for a more physically demanding hunt.

If you plan to use baiting to further influence bear feeding schedules, make sure it's legal in the area where you plan to hunt. 

Choosing Your Time

So, which is the best time to hunt? Spring can offer more sightings, but fall can be ideal for better meat. 

Here are a few factors that can influence your decision based on your goals: 

• For hunting large boars: Aim for late spring, when mature males are most active and visible.

• For the best eating quality: Choose the fall season, when bears are fattest and the meat flavor peaks.

• For ease of hunting: Mid-spring offers a balance. This timing can offer a nice combination of good visibility, active bears, and manageable conditions.

Ultimately, the ideal season depends on your goals, whether it’s trophy hunting, filling the freezer, or simply enjoying time in the field.

What to Consider When Hunting Black Bear

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 using the mapping feature and layers 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, though the state or province may set specific hunting seasons. 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. 

Understanding black bear feeding times can help you pinpoint the best times to be in the field for a hunt. 

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. It's the best tool to boost your chances of a successful bear hunt this season!

Content most recently reviewed and updated October 28, 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

We have answers to your questions about the best time to hunt black bears!

Q: What is the best time to hunt black bears?

A: Fall (Sept–Oct) is the best time to hunt black bear, when bears feed heavily before hibernation. Spring (Apr–Jun) hunts can also be good as bears emerge hungry.

Q: What time of day are black bears most active?

A: Bears are most active at dawn and dusk. In hot weather, they may move after dark to stay cool.

Q: What is the best state to hunt black bears in?

A: Top states include Alaska, Maine, Idaho, Montana, and North Carolina. They're all known for strong populations and good harvests.

Q: What is the 3 Color Bear Rule?

A: The origin of this rule comes from a saying about bear behavior and the various species, "If it's black, fight back; if it's brown, lie down; if it's white, good night." However, more recently, it means don’t judge a bear only by its color (i.e., black bears can be brown or blonde).