I have applied for a Colorado black bear tag and I am looking for hunting tips. I will be hunting forest service land at around 9000 ft elev. in heavy aspen and pine forest. Any tips or suggestions would be appreciated.

ElCal,
Is this a spring or fall hunt? What are the season dates? Will you be hunting for other species as well? Need more info, I'll give it a whirl, sure-shot

Do they allow bait or scents to be used. Calling can work well try and find a natural food source. Winter kill elk would be fine.

It is a fall hunt. Sept. 2-30, I will be there earlier rather than later in the month. Food baiting is not allowed however I can find no restrictions on scents. I know the area that I will be hunting well and will be hunting with a friend that is a local.

[This message has been edited by ElCaballero (edited 03-31-2002).]

Have your friend start scouting. Find tracks and areas bears may be crossing either trails or roads. Begin narrowing food sources and have him check again as the hunt approaches. Nothing beats knowing where to concentrate your efforts. Good luck.

ElCal,

Concentrate on available food sources and bear sign. Fall bears are intent on putting on weight for the winter. In this type of bear hunting as in most others, knowledge of the area is everything.

You might try calling but be advised this method is spotty but can be added or used as a last tactic. I killed my largest bear by calling but I was extremely persistent, carry plenty of spare reeds(Circe Jackrabbit) and call aggressively and loud. You have to keep the racket up or the incoming bear loses interest quick. Call from a high vantage point where the thermals carry your scent up and you can scan below. If you get a bear coming in, don't stop calling, you will be suprised how close the bear will approach(poor eyesight) The call does carry farther out in the high country though a big plus. Good luck, sure-shot

[This message has been edited by sure-shot (edited 03-31-2002).]

If you can bait them get your self some bait what ever is legal in CO. find serval likely places a few miles apart. Put out some bait and scent. If there are any bears in the area they well start working your bait just keep feeding them then when season opens wait over thew bait. If you haven't shot bears before I would recommend some way of sizeing them when they come in to stakes at about 4.5 feet apart a large log. I have seen to many bear hunter shoot small bears. After wards saying they sure do look big in the woods.

Thanks for the info. The scouting will be no problem as my freind will be in the immediate area of our planned hunt all summer. I think we will have good luck.