Bear Hunts
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| At Elevation Hunting, we pride ourselves in all of our outfitted hunts. But we take a special pride in our guided bear hunts. With a large hunting area just outside Vanderhoof British Columbia, bears are plentiful and each year sports a good harvest. |
Our Trophy Black Bears are between 6' and 7'6" long with skulls measuring 18"-21". Bear hides are prime in the spring with fur up to 4" long, making phenomenal rugs or mounts.
Color Phase Bear Hunts
Check our our Color Phase Bear Hunt Video.
Black Bear Hunt Season
The abundance of Black Bears ensures a high quality hunt with great success.
Location
Success Rate
We consider it an opportunity on a tag if the hunter wounded, or missed a bear, but not if he passed it up. The follow table shows our statistics since we began offering Spring Bear hunts in 2002:
| Year | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | TOTAL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| # of Hunters | 4 | 11 | 4 | 11 | 15 | 16 | |
| # of Bear Tags | 8 | 19 | 7 | 21 | 27 | 28 | |
| Kills | 7 | 14 | 7 | 12 | 24 | 26 | |
| Missed or Wounded | 1 | 2 | 0 | 8 | 3 | 2 | |
| % Opportunity On First Bear | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100% |
| % Opportunity On Second Bear | 100 | 63 | 100 | 90 | 100 | 100 | 92% |
Necessary Equipment
- Hunting Rifle
- 2 boxes of premium ammunition
- Gun Scabbard or Case for transportation
- Shooting accessories such as a bi-pod or shooting sticks
- Sleeping Bag
- Pillow
- Clothing suitable for dressing in layers - moderate temperatures
- Camouflage outer clothing, quiet in brush
- 2 pairs of waterproof hunting boots
- Warm Hat
- Gloves
- Binoculars
- Hunting knife
- Flashlight or headlamp
Optional Equipment
- Spare Rifle and ammunition
- Rangefinder
- Compass or GPS
- Radios
- Camera
- Spotting Scope
- Gun cleaning supplies
- Raingear
- Backpack, day pack, or fanny pack
- Coolers for hides
- Fishing Gear
- Scent
- Predator calls
- Trail Snacks
Firearm Information
There are many considerations to make when deciding what firearm to bring on your bear hunt. Here are several thoughts to help you make your decision.
If you have a firearm you are comfortable with, you probably ought to stick with it. Black bears are not large animals, though we recommend you bring a minimum .270 calibre rifle, with .308 more desirable. You will want to purchase and practice with premium ammunition. Don't blow your hunt on cheap ammo. Barnes X, Nosler Partition, or Winchester Fail Safe are a few examples of good bullets. The weight of the bullet will depend on the calibre you are shooting, though 150 grains is a minimum and 160-180 grains is more desirable.
Sight your rifle in appropriately to your calibre and bullet weight. We want you to be prepared to shoot 300 yards without hesitation, meaning you will need to sight your rifle in with a 200 or 250 yard zero and practice shooting 300 yards on the range. We also suggest you bring two rifles in case you should damage your rifle in an accident while hunting.
The outfitter's favorite rifle for bear hunting is a .338 Win Mag with 225 grain Barnes Triple Shock bullets, zeroed at 250 yards. However, this rifle is not for everyone, so don't take this recommendation as bear hunting gospel. We can loan a firearm to anyone who does not want to bring one across the border.
Border Crossing Information
THE BORDER (Firearms)- You will need a firearms declaration to bring your rifle into Canada. This firearm should be locked and secure when you cross the border. We will send you the declaration with your paperwork about a month before your hunt starts. Fill out the necessary information on the declaration but DO NOT SIGN it until you are in front of a Border Guard. This firearms declaration may have 3 firearms listed, and will cost you $25 CDN at the border. If you wish to see this form you may download this form (CAFC 909) at:
www.cfc-cafc.gc.ca/online-en_ligne/form-assistance/indiv_forms/909_e.asp.
THE BORDER (Documentation)- You will need a passport if flying into Canada or if driving you will need atleast a Government issued photo ID and Birth Certificate. The following is taken directly from the US Customs and Border Protection website:
THE BORDER BY LAND- "Beginning January 31, 2008, U.S. and Canadian citizens 19 years and older who enter the U.S. at land and sea ports of entry from within the Western Hemisphere will need to present government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license as proof of identity, along with proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or naturalization certificate, or a passport. Children age 18 and under will be able to enter with proof of citizenship. Verbal claims of citizenship and identity alone will not be sufficient to establish identity and citizenship for entry into the United States. "
THE BORDER BY PLANE- "If you are traveling by plane to Mexico or Canada, please keep in mind that the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative requires all travelers to and from the Americas, the Caribbean, and Bermuda to have a passport or other accepted form of documentation to enter or depart the United States. Note: Children age 18 and under will need to present a birth certificate, naturalization certificate or a passport to enter the U.S. "
THE BORDER (What will keep you out)- If you have a felony you may be denied entry into Canada. In Canada, drunk driving is considered a felony and may prevent you from entering the country. If you have any questions regarding this, we recommend you contact Lucy Perillo at their website : www.bordercrossing.ca/border/index.html