Bear Hunting Approaches
Depending on where you live, bear hunting can be done in a variety of ways. Some folks do the traditional “spot and stalk,” while others use bait stations or pursue them with hounds. My experience is mainly with spot and stalk, but we'll look at all the various options.
Spot-and-stalk bear hunting can take place in thick wooded forests or in open mountain canyons. Depending on the type of bruin you are after, you might need some serious firepower. Black bears typically can be hunted with the same rifles and calibers as deer, while brown bears might require a bit more energy and penetration – think a moose or elk rifle. The distances at which you plan to shoot will also affect cartridge selection.
Baiting bears into a shooting position gives you a much more predictable scenario. Typical shots to a bait station aren't as far as with spot and stalk, making cartridge selection a little easier. You also can anticipate the bear's approach and estimated location for taking your shot.
Bear hunting with hounds is also popular. Regardless of terrain, the hounds catch the scent of a bear, and when it's done right, the bear ends up in a tree. Once the bear is treed, the hounds keep it there until the hunters catch up. Shooting a bear from a tree is usually not a very far shot and could even be done with a handgun, if desired.
Pistol Calibers
If you find yourself shooting at a treed bear, rest assured it isn't a grizzly bear. Taking a grizzly out of the equation, there are plenty of good options for handguns. A .44 Magnum is always a safe bet; it has plenty of power for quickly subduing a black bear. You could also use something smaller like a .357 Magnum or my favorite, the .41 Remington Magnum. Whichever cartridge you choose, I would load it with heavy, hard-hitting bullets.
Big hollow points – say 240-grain – for the .44, or a 210-grain hollow point for the .41 Mag would be suitable. The .357 loaded to the gills with a 170 or 180-grain bullet would also be adequate. Not only because these bullet selections will work when needed, but also because if you are in bear country, it’s best to be prepared. Several of these calibers would do well in a Ruger Redhawk or Super Redhawk.
Another appealing feature of these pistol calibers is they are often chambered in popular lever-action rifles. A quick-shooting lever gun, such as a Henry Big Boy Carbine, would be handy for taking a bear from a tree with great accuracy.
Rifles and Bear Bait
When shooting from a ground or tree blind over bait, you are more likely to have the upper hand on the bear. This can allow you some dexterity in cartridge selection.
For example, threading a perfect shot on an unsuspecting black bear could be properly done using something small like a .243 Winchester. I know where there is an old Ruger M77 chambered in .243 that would be perfect for this. A .308 Winchester shooting typical big game bullets is plenty of medicine for a black bear, particularly up close.
If you plan to shoot something much bigger, like a brown bear, you would be much better suited with a magnum, whether it be a 7mm of sorts, or one of the many .30-caliber magnums.
If I were after a grizzly, I might go even bigger just to be safe. Obviously, overkill is a bit of a myth, so you could use these on small bears as well. A safe bet for heavy-hitting cartridges would be a classic rifle like the Winchester Model 70 Pre-64 in .338 Winchester Magnum.
Stalking Bears
Spot and stalking bears is my favorite way of hunting them. The open country of the West where I hunt can certainly test your patience and stamina, so I like carrying a lighter rifle, especially if I'm going to be on foot for very long.
Cartridges with more reach are a good idea in these mountains; I'd like a magnum for this as well. Since I enjoy my 6.5 and 7mm PRC, I'd probably take one of them. A rifle like the Fierce Carbon Rogue is perfect for something like this.
Stalking often gives you the option of approaching from a distance, which allows you to stay a safe distance away from these toothy creatures. Your favorite magnum might also come in handy for a long shot like that. A Seekins Havak in a .300 Magnum would be an excellent choice for this kind of hunting, offering power and precision.
Ammo and Practice
Using the right kind of ammo and becoming proficient with it is just as important as cartridge selection. Find a reliable source of good ammunition that shoots well in your chosen rifle and practice with it. Chasing a wounded bear is probably far worse than it sounds.
If you plan on the spot/stalk method, then go out and make field shots with your rifle. If you plan on shooting from a blind, then climb that tree and practice from your tree stand or blind. Comfort and familiarity with your chosen firearm will increase the chances of you making a good shot when it matters.
I've hunted bears with bolt-action 6.5 Creedmoor rifles as well as semi-automatic rifles chambered in .308 Winchester. Having a quick follow-up shot can be handy, as bears can move quickly.
Conclusion
Most of us will only ever hunt black bears, and for the most part, they can be hunted with pretty standard calibers and firearms. Don't think that just because it’s a bear, you need an overwhelming super magnum. The guns and ammunition we've mentioned here can serve as an outline for your next bear gun. Once you've settled on a plan, get after it, and make sure you share your results with us!
