Mark,
I didn't hunt Wisconsin but I hunted the UP for fall bear several years ago. Three of us use .44 Mag. revolvers from tree stands. It was very stimulating to say the least. The meat is still top on my list of great meals, right up there with moose.
Bill
The 30-30 would probably do, but might be a little short on range if a shot across a clearing presents itself. The .338 and .375 would be fine, but are unnecesarily powerful.
I agree with you, regarding calibers I think the '06 is pretty much optimum for whatever I would encounter. However, the long story of why I would consider the 30/30 is that it was my first ever centerfire rifle I had ever purchased, and back then it was the biggest and baddest gun in the world for me.
And I always wanted to take it bear hunting (well black bear hunting at least...)
So that is why I'm considering it. It took me a long time to save up the money to buy that gun, and now I spend more than that when I go out for dinner somewhere and don't bat an eye....
Would it be too much to ask for you to write a little of your experiences in the UP?
Thought about using handguns but I think we are going to use them on hogs instead...
HEY...... Anyone want to swap a bear hunt for Ill. whitetail or turkey?
There isn't a whole lot to tell.
We had dinner one night in the early spring in the UP with a guide. He suggested that we try bear hunting with revolvers. Good idea, right? I had some misgivings. He had some tags. I was outvoted.
We (the 3 three of us) bought .44 Mag revolvers with factory ammo and components for reloading. We worked very hard on the loads and target reaction timing with the shooting. You cannot (as most hunters know) prepare for the surprise of the arrival of your animal of choice especially when he has teeth and claws!
Since we were hunting out of tree stands, there was a limited amount of security. Fifteen feet between me and 400 pounds of teeth and claws is not nearly enough. The weather was clear and cool with very little wind. We had 2 days of switching stands morning and evening. Bow hunters understand the problem of boredom and maintaining alertness while sitting in a tree stand with your behind going to sleep. This was no different.
Two of the three of us harvested our bears on the third day, both towards afternoon. Our third member got his bear on the morning of the fourth day. We all had the hides tanned with the hair on and we all opted to butcher the meat. In my opinion, bear meat is truly one of the most enjoyable bar none. It has an incredible richness and fullness of flavor. The only downside was the immediate purchase of a new freezer.
Bill