Bear Vs. Bow: The Bear Hunting Best Practices

For many bow hunters, Bear Season is the favorite time of the year! Whether it's the spring or fall hunt, it can be one of the most challenging hunting experiences, and also one of the most rewarding. (Who doesn't want the big bear skin rug on the wall or floor?) 

I find that hunting bear with a bow (or crossbow) can be extremely effective, and also very ethical. With the proper setup, tips, and practice, you can be on your way to harvesting your next big bear with your favorite bow. Whether you're hunting out of a tree stand or a ground blind, over your favorite bait (Jelly doughnuts) or over a food source, these tips will surely give you the edge that you're looking for!

Let's start with the three S's... 

#1- SMELL: While bear hunting, you need to be scent free. ALWAYS set up on a prevailing down or cross wind. A bear's fantastic sense of smell can ruin your hunt before it even begins. 

A bear will test the air and smell all around, staying just out of sight, ready to come in once he is totally confident that the coast is clear of all danger. If he gets even one whiff of you, he (or she) is gone- you won't even see it. 

Most of the time they are completely silent, so you usually don't even hear them come in or leave. I like to call them 'ghost-like', because they will only let you know they are coming if they want to! They make some noise when they are trying to scare off another bear or show dominance. Otherwise, keep your eyes scanning your surroundings, because they can end up right next to you before you realize they are there!

#2- SIGHT: The bear doesn't have great eyesight, but it is able to pick up movement from your stand all day long. As I stated before, a bear will usually hide out while checking his surroundings before he enters your killing area. Not only is he smelling for danger, but he is looking for it as well. I recommend using a Thermacell or some SERIOUS (Deet anyone?) repellent to control the mosquitoes, especially during the spring. It' will keep you from swatting mosquitoes instinctively, giving away your location to the bear. Using these types of products doesn't seem to affect bear at all, so get comfortable and let the woods come alive around you!

I always wear camo gloves, face mask, and a hat, along with the rest of my camouflage gear, so to stay hidden, move slowly and stay calm. If you are hunting over bait, let the bear come to your shooting lane and get comfortable before you grab your bow and moving into your hunting position. 

When a bear first comes in, he is at the height of awareness- he is very alert. Let him step in and get comfortable, and then slowly make your move. The bear will almost always look right at you, whether you are in the blind or up in your tree stand. Don’t move- FREEZE... let him go back to what he was doing before he noticed you. You definitely have time, so don’t rush your draw or your shot! They will usually give you a good shot broadside, or a quartered-away shot... Just wait for the perfect moment!

#3- SOUND: Again, the bear will make very little sound, if any- they just appear out of nowhere! Make all of your noise when you first arrive at your blind or stand. Arrive to your hunting spot early, and take your backpack off, get your safety strap attached (if hunting from a tree stand), put your on your gloves, release, hat, and face mask, set up your chair and unzip your window (if in a blind), pull up your bow, nock your arrow, and do whatever else you need to do to be ready for the shot. 

Use your first 5 - 10 minutes to get situated and ready for your hunt, and then melt into your surroundings. If you are dropping bait when you arrive, don't be afraid to make some noise- it can be very helpful! (I know, right?!) Bang the bucket or barrel on the ground and make sounds- this becomes like a dinner bell to the bear! (Be sure to wear gloves to mask the scent).

Walk your bait bucket out, then I get scent free and walk back in. Remember- if you leave your bait container near your tree or blind, there is a good chance that the bear will get up-close-and-personal with you- don't be surprised if you have a close encounter of the hairy kind!

#4- PRE-HUNT PRACTICE AND SET UP: Everyone has heard the phrase "Practice Makes Perfect", and in bear hunting this is the GOLDEN RULE! Prepare for your bear hunt by practicing and nailing the 15-25 yard shot. This is the typical distance you will be shooting. Seem to close? That's ok- remember that your blind or stand doesn't have to be any farther away than that! Some of the largest bears have been shot between 10 and 15 yards away, so set up your practice spot and practice that shot... Make it count!

I set up a single pin sight set at 20 yards, and I practice that shot from my tree stand set up in my back yard. It's good to get practice from that angle if you plan on hunting from a tree. Multi pins are fine too, just remember to use the top pin in the heat of the moment!

Modern bows are extremely fast. If you have any trouble pulling back smoothly (and without being seen by the bear), lower the draw weight. Test your draw by sitting in a chair or in your stand and taking your feet off of the ground. If you struggle to do that smoothly, your draw weight is too high. Many hunters shoot at 64 lbs, but go as high as you can without struggling. I also like to use a quality broadhead for more penetration and blade durability.

A bear is a big game animal with a thick hide and lots of mass. Make sure your arrows are also high quality. This is no time for discount or cheap arrows and broadheads! I prefer carbon arrows for less drag and more penetration. Hunters will often times break the cheaper arrows going through these big guys! 

I also like to shoot a lighted nock on my arrows. Many times it's a low-light situation, and these lit up babies helps your shot placement! 

#5- SHOT PLACEMENT:

A bear's vitals are NOT like other animals that you are used to hunting. (especially not like a deer!) A perfect deer heart shot on a bear will do nothing but wound him and ruin your hunt. You need to aim higher on the body to hit the vitals- they are actually more like a hog. Your shot should always be behind the shoulder. If you're in a treestand, aim for two-thirds up the bear's body, and if you're in a blind on the ground, you should aim half way up the bear's body. The phrase is "Aim High & Let It Fly!"

Remember- a bear doesn't bleed much, due to the thick layer of fat under it's tough hide. When you land a shot, listen closely to where the bear runs off to... and put a mental marker in the location you last saw it run so you can find it when it goes down. 

Never push a bear once it is down- especially at night! Even a small bear can be very dangerous when it feels impending doom. Be patient, take your time, and let the arrow do the heavy lifting for you.

Have fun, good luck, and don't forget your jelly doughnuts!