Spring Black Bear Gear List

Spring black bear hunts take place in May & June and the weather can range from 32 degrees to 80 degrees. It can rain, snow, sleet then be very sunny and hot all in the same day. Hunters must be prepared for almost anything. Most of the bear hunts are done out of a 4×4 suburban so you will always be comfortable & you can pack a wide range of hunting clothing . We recommend light wool pants for maximum silence as this is the most important quality that hunters will need when stalking those huge BC bears. Camo is not required except for archery hunters. We also recommend soft soled leather boots for quiet stalks.

A fly or small spin cast rod is also recommended as the lake fishing at this time of year is unmatched anywhere on the continent. Rainbow trout ranging from 1 to 4 pounds will keep you busy during the mornings and early afternoon until your departure on your afternoon hunt. Waders and float tubes will be provided but if you have your own gear please is sure to include this in you gear list.

CLOTHING

  • Wool or fleece pants
  • T-shirts, long and short sleeved
  • Personal gear
  • Light wool or fleeces jacket
  • Soft sold leather boots
  • House slippers
  • Head net
  • Sleeping bag *not required

EQUIPMENT

  • Archery 70lb
  • 100+ Grain broadheads
  • Binoculars
  • Rifle, 30cal up to 300 win mag
  • 180 Grains Barns X
  • Bug Dope
  • Rangefinder
  • Blackpowder – 250 grain
  • 2-38 Qt Coolers – if taking meat
  • Rain gear (light)
  • Camera/video

The list is very basic. I find that most of the clothing and gear can be purchased at Sportsman’s Warehouse; they have locations throughout North America. However some items you can pick up at your local Thrift stores or Value Village locations. Hey, you don’t  have to shop at some of those other stores and pay hundreds of dollars on items you can pick up for $15 or $20 bucks or even less. I myself would rather spend my money going hunting, or putting gas in my truck for a day out scouting.

Light wool or fleece pants, I find Columbia Brand gear to be more than adequate and very inexpensive, you can find this at your local Sportsman Warehouse, or I often take a trip to Value Village to pick up light wool pants for $5 bucks and tee shirts as well. Same goes for the jackets.

Foot wear is another story, I find Rocky boots to be the most inexpensive boots to buy, soft soled  archery type boots for stalking those huge bruins in the spring is vital, running shoes work, or if archery hunting wool socks . QUIET & SILENCE is essential to harvest that 7 foot bear. Sportsman’s has a wide variety of inexpensive foot wear.

Weapons are a personal preference, but what I have listed in this gear list is the minimum that is required. I do not look forward to going after wounded bears, not even a little bit. When it comes to bears, I prefer “BIGGER IS BETTER.”  Marlin makes the best bear guns on the market and it is more fun to get close, 50 yards or under is fun. But like I said, this is a personal preference.

OPTICS, we’re running Sig Sauer Optics and they’ve earned their spot. Clear edge-to-edge clarity, dependable in rough weather, and built for long days behind the glass. When the terrain is big and the light gets low, it pays to run gear that keeps up. If you’re investing in one piece of gear that can make or break a hunt, this is it.

Well this should get you started, have a safe trip and good hunting.