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Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Group Forum: Hunting in the BWCA :: Bear Hunting?
 
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Dogpaddler
05/24/2023 01:27PM
  
Any advice for bear hunting in the BWCA?
Honey burn, calling, general areas, scouting advice?

Not expecting anything specific, hoping to hear from some experience BWCA goes / bear hunters.

Any information would be much appreciated. Thanks!


 
Finnboy
05/31/2023 07:55PM
  
Here’s my take on this. I don’t bear hunt but I do come across quite a bit of bear hunting activity. This is what I see on the periphery of the BWCA(within 10-15 miles)
Most hunters are not far from some low lands. Think alder and black spruce. Beaver ponds are popular.
If you climb out of these low areas and see downed logs and ant hills tore up there is a good chance there was a bear in the area.

 
gravelroad
05/29/2023 12:02PM
  
If you look at the annual harvest reports from the DNR, you will find that there are very few people who are successful. I’ve been bringing the average down annually since 2019. :-)


Some conclusions from that experience:


1. Block out as much time as you can and then add some more. My partner and I have cut two hunts short because of wind conditions and we’re sure it hurt our chances. It will take time to draw a bear to your location, whatever method you use.
2. Be ready to deal with meat care in abominably warm temperatures. I launched last September 30th and watched my thermometer climb to 82° during the day. We came out several days later in snow flurries.
3. Be ready to protect the meat from other bears. Here is my approach:

Bear Fence specs

4. Here’s the DNR publication on BWCA bear hunting:

BOUNDARY WATERS CANOE AREA WILDERNESS BEAR HUNT INFORMATION

 
bobbernumber3
05/29/2023 02:47PM
  
Talk to outfitters about customer concerns with bears during the paddling season. They will give you insight about nuisance bears at campsites, which would be a good place to start.