Traditional Bow Hunting for Black Bears

Black bears are typically timid creatures who avoid human contact. It is this elusiveness, as well as their striking appearance, that make black bears a prized trophy for big game archery hunters. Black bears are a common step-up for bowhunters, as the equipment used to hunt deer is also used to hunt bear. In addition to proper equipment, bowhunters must know how to track the bear, how to eliminate their human scent to avoid detection, and to familiarize themselves with the bear's anatomy so they can execute an effective kill shot.

  1. Equipment

    • Bow hunters who hunt black bears must have the right equipment. For ammo, they must use broadhead style arrows and keep them sharp for maximum penetration and damage. Hunters must also use a bow with a minimum draw strength of 50 lbs. Anything less might not penetrate the layers of thick fur and hide that protect the bear's vital organs. Proper clothing must also be worn. Not only should it meet state safety standards, but also must make minimal amounts of noise. Loose zippers, buttons or rough fabric can make noises that startle bears when the hunter draws the bowstring.

    Scent Elimination

    • Black bears have a keen sense of smell. As a result, hunters must take extra precautions to mask their odor so they don't alert the bears to their presence. Hunters should avoid scented bug sprays and deodorants. Scent-blocking clothing and boots are useful additions to a bow hunter's wardrobe. A number of scent-eliminating sprays are also on the market to help mask the smells your clothing picks up on the way to the hunting site. Also, bow hunters should avoid touching too many branches and trees when setting up their hunting stands.

    Tracking the Bear

    • The best equipment in the world doesn't do a bow hunter much good if he can't find a bear to shoot. The most popular tracking method among bow hunters is baiting. Hunters must place attractive bait for black bears (dog food mixed with vegetable shortening is popular), and also place it in an area that carries the scent on the wind. Some hunters use dogs, but this is becoming less popular, as it is difficult for hunters to find a clean kill shot on a bear that is actively fleeing or fighting dogs. Some hunters find their bears the old-fashioned way -- following tracks such as paw prints or claw-marked trees.

    Anatomy of a Bear

    • Bow hunters who are skilled enough to find a black bear must know how to take it down quickly and efficiently. This means practicing on a black bear target marked to indicate the vital areas on the bear. Generally speaking, hitting a bear with a broadside shot should damage internal organs, but the difference between a stomach shot and a lung shot can be hours of tracking for the hunter and a lot of suffering for the bear.