Montana Spring Bear Season

Black Bear Spring Hunting in Montana: Black Bear Hunting at its best!
Montana is known for its hunting opportunities, and one of the most popular hunting experiences in the state is black bear spring hunting. Black bears are abundant in Montana, with a population estimated at around 15,000. The spring season is the perfect time to go hunting, as bears come out of hibernation and are more active and easier to spot. In this blog post, we will explore the ins and outs of black bear spring hunting in Montana and provide you with everything you need to whack a black bear.

Getting Started: Laws and Regulations

Before you start planning your black bear hunting trip, it is important to familiarize yourself with Montana’s hunting laws and regulations. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) regulates all hunting and fishing activities in the state, and it’s essential to follow their guidelines to ensure a safe and legal hunting experience. Here are some of the key regulations to keep in mind the FWP does not screw around make sure you are ready!
– Black bear hunting in Montana is legal from April 15 to May 31.- A black bear hunting license is required for all hunters, and they must be purchased before the season begins.- Hunters must complete a bear identification test before purchasing a license. This is actual important you should know the difference but subtle things about the difference can save you from embarrassment- Hunters are allowed to harvest only one black bear per hunting season.- Hunting is allowed with a firearm or bow and arrow, but baiting and dogs are not allowed.- It is illegal to hunt cubs or sows with cubs.
Planning Your Hunting Trip
Once you have familiarized yourself with the laws and regulations, it’s time to start planning your hunting trip. Montana offers an abundance of public lands where black bear hunting is allowed, including national forests, state parks, and wildlife management areas. You can also hire a guide service or outfitter to help you plan your trip and increase your chances of success.
When planning your trip, it’s important to consider the following factors:

Location:

Montana is a vast state, and black bears can be found in various regions. Research the areas where black bear hunting is allowed, and choose a location that best suits your needs and preferences.- Timing: The spring season is the best time to go black bear hunting in Montana, but the weather can be unpredictable. Be prepared for changing weather conditions and plan accordingly.

Gear:

Make sure you have all the necessary hunting gear, including a firearm or bow and arrow, ammunition, binoculars, and appropriate clothing and footwear. Lets talk about rifle! I use a 7mm PRC Stealth Vision long range package with a 3-18×44 scope. If you are running a can I use Canco Armory 33 cal “Dirty Harry”. If you aren’t running a can use the ESP hearing protection I use the wind proof and they are amazing! use the SV light weight range finding binos. Pack I use the Rokman Pinnacle 2500 pack its waterproof and lightweight! Bino harness Rokman I use the 10mm holster that mounts to this in case I need to plug a grizz. Clothes this is a big topic here is what I will say Kryptek by far has the goods make sure you are layered it can be cold morning and warm afternoons. For the best boots this is easy SCHNEE’S boots Jon and Michael are not only the real deal they make a really awesome boots!Sign up with Dispatch Hunts and I will send you my exact list!

Accommodations:

If you’re planning an overnight trip, consider where you will stay. Montana offers a variety of lodging options, including hotels, motels, campgrounds, and cabins.- I recommend checking out Dispatch hunts for a privatre ranch experience with a great guide Stefan Ziolkowski these hunts start at $5,800 US.

Safety:

Black bear hunting can be dangerous, so make sure you take all necessary safety precautions, such as carrying bear spray… ha just kidding carry a weapon like a 10MM and knowing how to use it. Black bears won’t get you the grizzly’s will! Hunt with a min of two people.

Tips for a Successful Hunt

Black bear hunting in Montana requires patience, skill, and a bit of luck. Here are some tips to help you increase your chances of success:
– Scout the Area: Before the hunting season begins, scout the area where you plan to hunt. Look for signs of bear activity, such as tracks, scat, and claw marks on trees.- Use Calls: Black bears are curious animals and can be attracted by calls. Use predator calls or bear vocalizations to draw bears closer to your location.- Be Patient: Black bears are elusive animals and can be challenging to spot. Be patient and persistent, and don’t give up too soon.- Be Quiet: Black bears have excellent hearing and can detect even the slightest noise. Move quietly and avoid making unnecessary noise that could scare off the bears.- Be Prepared: Black bear hunting. Look for those grassy spots they like to feed! Glass ,Glass, and Glass!