9 expert bear-hunting tips from outdoor TV host Keith Beasley

#9  SPOT AND STALK IF POSSIBLE

If you are fortunate enough to hunt along coastal waters, open mountain ranges or tundra settings with berry patches or other food sources, spotting and stalking is another great way to hunt black bears. Glassing and patience are critical, and finding great vantage points and moving along with the wind in your face certainly ups the odds.

For this type of hunting, knowing how to field judge really pays off once you do spot bears and have to choose which one to pursue. And that’s when the challenge and fun really starts. A boar’s eyes are good, but his nose is even better, so pick a route that angles toward him with the wind in your face. Move quickly when the bear’s head is down, but when it goes up, be sure to stop—and get ready for that shot if you’re in range.