As you all know, the time is now to be selecting you're favorite "niche" on you're quest for a spring " Blackie".  As a Professional hunting guide i can tell you that ya got to do you're homework. A lot of you know that there is a lot of black bears in most of you're home states in the northern lower 48.

Where you plan to hunt should be in an area that you already know or plan to hunt. At this writing I reside in West Virginia and I can tell you that there is LOTS of bears in WV.  Lets look at options,.. Do you want to hunt close to home?...or do you want to hunt with an outfitter.  as a professional guide I can tell you that where bait is legal....then bait. ( use a feed bag of smelly rotten fish suspended over a hole covered with 2nd hand jelly doughnuts bought from you're 2nd hand bread store.)

West VA does not allow bait for any season for bears, However they do allow hounds. If you have or plan to use hounds i suggest "Plott" Hounds or "Walkers". Hounds are the sure way to tag a bruin.....BUT. after 1 - 3 hours of running and climbing behind hounds that have more heart than you do,. I guarantee that by the time you get to that bruin that has been "treed" or set at "bay" , Mr Blackie can put ALL you're  $2500.00 strike dogs down for good.

One of the best states I've ever hunted for really BIG bears is Northern Idaho. There's an area around "Johnson's Mill",  on the Nez Pierce reservation that has a lot of really big bruins. In this photo is a chocolate phase that weighed 500lbs and killed 3 strike walkers by the time i reached him with my bow. I shot this bear with a #65 lb recurve with a cedar shaft arrow and a "Zulu" 2 blade broadhead at 35 ft up in a Tamarack pine.

The state of Colorado has some of the best bear hunting in the lower 48. Any hunter that buys a fall elk tag and for a few dollars more can obtain a bear permit. If you Deer or Elk "out" and still have a da*#m good chance to bag a great big bear during what time you have left in Colorado. In the state of Colorado there is a standard law that states that a hunter cant hunt over bait or with hounds. A gut pile isn't considered "bait". Spot and stalk in Colorado is the ONLY rule.

Closer to the mid west,..on the Canadien border is you're best bet. think the "Wolverine state", Michigan.  The shores of lake superior will not will leave  you dissapointed. 

I've got to  touch base on the water wonderland.."Michigan". I've owned property in "Pine Stump Junction" Michigan".  which is in Michigan's upper peninsula.  As an owner of "Back Woods Sports" in Pine Stump Junction , I can tell you that you CAN bait and RUN HOUNDS as long as you buy the permit from the Michigan Dept. of natural resources in Lansing Michigan. Their phone number is listed in the 1-800 information directory. 

If In Michigan's upper peninsula and a fellow feels the need to hunt the  ("UP") pronounced " the you pee" ,  There's only one outfit  for a really big  Black Bear and thats to look up "Leo Drollings". If the phone # is not listed in the      area code ,... the post office will fwd mail to him. Address you're letter to Mr. Leo Drollings,...C/O U.S.P.S Newberry Michigan  Once again,. do you're homework.

The only Outfitter in the North west that i can  recommend for GREAT BIG BLACK BEARS is "Duncan Outfitters" Located in Orifino Idaho on the "Nez Pierce" Indian reservation. You cannot bait in the state of Idaho but I assure you that Duncan Outfitters has a whole lot of Bear and Lion hounds and all are Walkers. I've done work for him , and his hounds mean business. George and his wife Marla run and own the  business and i can assure you that their operation is absolutely the best. With 1st rate bunkhouse accommodations including hot showers , 1st rate guides ,  and home cooked meals by his wife Marla. George offers "GUARANTEED" bear and Lion hunts with pistol , rifle , Bow , and black powder hunts. You can phone him at  (208) 476-4430.

Back to the "Meat" of the topic. Almost all of you're extremely big black bears in the lower 48 will come from you're northern most states bordering the Canadian / U.S boarder. Remember ,..Alberta , Ontario , Saskatchewan. Don't be hesitant to hire an outfitter , it may be the best way to go for you're hard earned money.

If you have any questions  regarding other areas and outfitters I've worked with , Please get an e-mail to ....jerry trophystory@technology-for-hunting.com