Ontario...first time hunting blackbear

Just not something I hear tell of. Seems like people either have land, permissions, or get an outfitter.

The most daunting thing seems to be picking where to go without any local knowledge or experience.
 
Shwaggy said:
Can a guy pack up his truck, take a week off work, and do a DIY hunt on crown land for spring bear? With no bear hunting experience?
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Sure. It's a matter of expectations. a)Are you looking to go out and get some hunting time in with a possible side bonus of a bear? b) Are you after a trophy animal?If it's a), read up on bear habits, get some bait (some guys swear by popcorn, some guys use old doughnuts, it's like guns - everyone has their favourite they swear by) head out, and enjoy.

Personally, if I were going out for 1 week, I'd go for something aromatic - bacon grease, honey burn, etc.

Something that will help increase your chances is if you know of a fairly fresh burn area, the new growth will get them in. Power lines are also a fairly good place to watch.

Some places we used to see and get bears was along creeks where suckers spawn and kids go to spear/snag/net them. I have never seen them in the creeks like you see grizzlies after salmon, but they will go to eat the ones left on the bank.

If you are looking for a fun hunt, though, a late summer/fall hunt in blueberry patches is a lot more fun and you have a lot more chance of success.
 
It is easier with your own land.

Crown land is first come first serve. If you bait a spot for a week. When you actually show up to hunt, someone else may already be parked there and you have to let them take the bear that shows. Private land means you can build a nice shack/stand and bait. You can also have trail cams. You leave trail cams on crown land, it follows finder keeper rules. It is just easier and better when you got private land.
 
Am I understanding the Ontario regs correctly that where some WMU's for whitetail example are Shotgun/Muzzleloader only, but for black bear those rules don't apply?
 
I am also looking to get into spring bear this year. Any insight on best calibers to use for stalking? I am looking to stalk up in Sudbury area.
 
rkm456 said:
Am I understanding the Ontario regs correctly that where some WMU's for whitetail example are Shotgun/Muzzleloader only, but for black bear those rules don't apply?
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That's correct. Shotguns only apply during the deer hunt. There's a couple of exceptions in WMU's of south western Ontario's controlled hunts. Just be sure to check the regs. Even in areas of the province where no rifles of caliber larger than .275 may be used for hunting small game,we may use larger rifles for BIG game (Black Bears). Most of us stick with .270Win in those areas simply for hunting Coyotes at the same time. .270 is plenty powerful enough for Blackies.
 
Trimmer 905 said:
That's correct. Shotguns only apply during the deer hunt. There's a couple of exceptions in WMU's of south western Ontario's controlled hunts. Just be sure to check the regs. Even in areas of the province where no rifles of caliber larger than .275 may be used for hunting small game,we may use larger rifles for BIG game (Black Bears). Most of us stick with .270Win in those areas simply for hunting Coyotes at the same time. .270 is plenty powerful enough for Blackies.
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Generally any WMU that has Controlled Hunts/shotgun hunts for deer does not have a bear population.
 
Quote Originally Posted by hoytcanon View Post
I can send you a tutorial that I wrote up for CGN and saved on file... if interested, PM an email address and I will get it sent.

lanis said:
Could you kindly send one, my way as well?
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I will take one too please, always looking for a good read. Thank you
 
Trimmer 905 said:
That's correct. Shotguns only apply during the deer hunt. There's a couple of exceptions in WMU's of south western Ontario's controlled hunts. Just be sure to check the regs. Even in areas of the province where no rifles of caliber larger than .275 may be used for hunting small game,we may use larger rifles for BIG game (Black Bears). Most of us stick with .270Win in those areas simply for hunting Coyotes at the same time. .270 is plenty powerful enough for Blackies.
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Just wanted to make sure before I put myself in hot water. I've got an old 7mm Rem Mag that shoots really well so I'll probably be going with that. I might need to switch the scope off of it though.
 
yomomma said:
Generally any WMU that has Controlled Hunts/shotgun hunts for deer does not have a bear population.
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That's absolutely right. It's really important to pay strict attention to the regs.

rkm456 said:
Just wanted to make sure before I put myself in hot water. I've got an old 7mm Rem Mag that shoots really well so I'll probably be going with that. I might need to switch the scope off of it though.
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IIRC,7MM is .284. That means you need to be mindful which Regional Municipality or County you'll be hunting in that fall under the ".270 rule". A full listing can be found in the small game reg section of The Summary.
 
Trimmer 905 said:
IIRC,7MM is .284. That means you need to be mindful which Regional Municipality or County you'll be hunting in that fall under the ".270 rule". A full listing can be found in the small game reg section of The Summary.
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Maybe I'm looking in the wrong place, but this is all I could find:

A person hunting small game may not
carry or use a rifle of greater calibre than a
.275-calibre rifle, except a muzzle-loading
gun, in the geographic areas of Brant,
Chatham-Kent, Durham, Elgin, Essex,
Haldimand, Halton, Hamilton, Huron,
Lambton, Middlesex, Niagara, Norfolk,
Northumberland, Oxford, Peel, Perth,
Toronto, Waterloo, Wellington or York.
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