Maine Bears

[Hedgelj]

So a friend called me up out of the blue and asked me about a bear hunt in Maine. He's got the outfitter picked out, its within miles of Canada (4 hours from Bangor) and over bait the first week of the season. My dad and I are going to go, possible my brother in law depending on how many the guide can take that week.

Anyone do this before?

Its any implement so I'm leaning most towards my 444marlin with a back up idea of the 7mm Rem mag I've been eying. Guide says the shots will be within 75 yards but he'll set the stands/blinds around the bait based upon the weapons we're going to bring. For my Dad I'm thinking I'll get a red dot on his 1100 12 gauge, or his 450 bushmaster should work also.

 

[Boarhead]

Do it with a bow! Much more enjoyable up close and personal.

 

[Fletch]

Do it with a bow! Much more enjoyable up close and personal.

Gotta agree with Brian... Nothing like a bear at around 10-15 yds ...
Most bear outfitters take you out in the afternoons to your stand, so bring a fishing pole as some great fishing up there...
Get a good bug spray, because you don't want to get bitten up by black flies... You will have bites lingering for months...

 

[Hedgelj]

Do it with a bow! Much more enjoyable up close and personal.

I have never shot my bow at anything yet (and its a crossbow). Also the only bears not recovered last year that got shot from this outfitter were bow shots. I'd rather stack things in my favor the first time and then get more interesting like my 44 mag pistol or a bow for the second hunt.

 

[Hedgelj]

Yes fishing is a planned for most mornings. Planning on lots of permethrin and deet to be packed.

 

[Fletch]

Yes fishing is a planned for most mornings. Planning on lots of permethrin and deet to be packed.

Can't stress enough about those black flies... While I was there this one guy thought he was a macho man and didn't need any bug spray... He hunted one day and then spent some time in the hospital....

 

[Sgt Fury]

Black flies are real bad in the spring...I’d recommend a bug suit...highly recommend!! Also bring a piss bottle...some sits are 6-8 hours in the afternoon/evening. If using a bow, wait for a good angle...bears go down surprisingly quick with a double lung shot...not nearly as tough as deer.

 

[Boarhead]

What Sarge said. You hit em good they won't go far...first one I shot in Alaska with my bow only made it 30 yards.

 

[Hedgelj]

Black flies are real bad in the spring...I’d recommend a bug suit...highly recommend!! Also bring a piss bottle...some sits are 6-8 hours in the afternoon/evening. If using a bow, wait for a good angle...bears go down surprisingly quick with a double lung shot...not nearly as tough as deer.

Fall hunt, Aug 30th

 

[giles]

I agree about waiting for the right shot. Black bears are bigger pussies than button bucks. I've seen plenty of warning shots kill them on river banks

 

[Sgt Fury]

Fall hunt, Aug 30th

Flies shouldn’t be a problem then...bring a fishing rod....and a shotgun for grouse.

 

[nathan.luthman]

I would definitely bring a camera. More times in my life now I wish after I was done with something with friends or family I wish I had a few photos of it. While we were in the moment. I take pictures a lot now on our hunts with friends. I have fond memories associated with that particular picture. Some with my family some with friends. Someday when you are sitting around you can look at a picture of you and your dad and possibly brother in law and reminisce on the hunting trip that you took with them. There may not be a bear killed but you will always have a reminder of the time you tried and had the trip of a lifetime with people you love.

 

[xbowguy]

I'd want to use my bow as well.

 

[Hedgelj]

Which would you use on a black bear at under 100 yards over bait?

My concern is the bullet moving too fast and not staying together at that short of a range.

 

[5Cent]

I'd use 175gr. and your dad the .450BM

 

[giles]

That Winchester has a bear on it!