I just booked a spring Black Bear hunt in Quebec Canada at the Portneuf Wildlife Reserve. One of my buddies has been going there for a few years and told me about the amount of bear in that area and how fun the trip was. The trip is June 10-15. I am so pumped up I can barely think straight.
This is my first guided trip. I talked to the guide and I feel he understands the differences in stand setups and differences in distances between compound and traditional bows, and seems highly committed to helping me get a bear with my traditional bow. I might be in a tree stand or on the ground. He flat out told me that I will be his first hunter hunting with traditional bow and that he will make it work.
Having never hunted there I don't want to show up and be lacking critical gear. I believe I have my bow setup down, but I do not feel I have the other stuff as finely tuned as I want it.
Can you guys recommend must have/good to have gear for that area and time frame? What do I need for the lodge. What do I need while hunting? Space is a factor since my buddy and I will be driving one vehicle up there from Maine.
I am talking Thermacells (are they worth it), bug head nets, broadheads, clothing for that time of year, bear spray? Just gear in general. I don't want to spend a fortune, but I don't want to ruin a trip do to being a rookie.
If anyone has any advice hunting black bear that always appreciated.
Jeremy
Im not in Quebec but do bear hunt in Saskatchewan at same time of year, same boreal zone. I would bring Canadian bug shirt, this time of year will have lots of mosquitos and black flies. I can be very warm or cold, especially in evenings. other equip would be personal choice
Bug suit. Two thermocells. I've done ALOT of bear hunting over the last 30 years and it was a godsend when Thermocells came out.
You don't need a lot of hunting-specific clothing (it's not like deer hunting where scent is critical) but you will need to be able to stay out in pretty hot temps, getting jacket-cold in the evenings. Also take rain gear if you have it. Tall rubber boots, too.
Two Thermacells? Both running or one as a backup?
Jeremy
Thermacell with extra pads and butane.
Quote from: dresnor on January 06, 2019, 02:35:03 PM
Two Thermacells? Both running or one as a backup?
Jeremy
I used one as a backup. Easier to start the second one than change fuel cell or pad.
That is a great idea. Chances are I will need two eventually. The wife will steal the first one. :biglaugh:
Jeremy
X3 on two Thermacells!!!!! I hunted New Brunswick this spring, I used both when I first climbed into the stand, then when the skeeters thinned out I shut one off, and saved it until later. Clothing wise I wore long johns under my wool pants, long sleeve t-shirt, button up flannel shirt with a fleese jacket, with an extra in my pack just in case it got colder at night. I hunted the first week of June, and was comfortable with this, also a rainsuit just in case. Something else to consider is some black latex gloves, the skeeters can't get to you through them!!! Not sure about where you're staying but where I was at we had all meals cooked for us, we had to bring towels, and bath stuff, and blankets for the beds. I also bought Shannon Bug Tamer head nets for me and my wife, they worked great!!! They cover your neck well, and you can either have it down over your face or roll it up to have a clear view, with the Thermacell running I was able to leave mine rolled up so as to not interfere with being able to draw my bow and shoot. Good luck with your trip!!!
Jason
Thermacell like others have said is the best thing since sliced bread! I won't go bear hunting without one. They work great and I like starting mine up on the way to stand so that it's hot and running full strength once I'm seated. The weather could be frosty once the sun is set but a couple layers should be plenty. Depending on the size of bear you're hoping for, they can be very difficult to judge. A small bear can really fool you when you're excited. Take your time, you should have plenty of time and opportunities if the baits are active.
I do both Thermocells at the same time. One high and one low. But I stagger them. So I don't have both go out at that golden hour. Last thing you want just as it's getting dark is to have them go out with an hour left of shooting light. You don't want to be moving around changing out a pad or a cartridge or swatting away skeeters and black flies as the big guys are moving in.
Like everyone said bring two thermacells for mosquitoes.
I have not had good luck with a thermacell working on black flies. If they are bad you'll need other stuff. Bring a couple of the black headnets that have the elastic band you can put your arms through to create a tight seal the flies can't crawl under. Wear the headnet over a boonie style hat to keep the net off your skin where flies can bite you through the net. Make sure the headnets are black. They effect your vision less than green or camo. Don't forget to practice shooting with the headnet on. Have a light base layer and pull your socks over the base layer. That will keep black flies from crawling up your pant leg and chewing on you. If the flies are really bad you may need to duct tape your shirt sleeve to keep them out. I've hunted in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Quebec and the worst black flies I encountered were in Quebec.
Be prepared for temps from 40-80 degrees. I always take a stocking hat and a wool vest with me to the stand.
Rain gear
I like to have a flashlight and a headlamp
Treestand harness
Don't miss an opportunity to hunt bears off the ground if the set up allows it. It's a lot of fun
I agree w the thermocell. I used a Shannon's big tamer as well.
I'd also recommend a GPS.
In 2016 on Bear Quest, Gary Hall, Matt Yacca, and I were tracking a bear that was hit the night before. We lost blood and eventually started just walking in the direction the bear went hoping to find something. When we finally gave up the chase, I said "Which way is the stand?" Thank God Matty had a GPS with him otherwise we'd have been lost. Thick vegetation and terrain that all looks the same makes it easy to lose your sense of direction.
A bit of advice no one is talking about, I skinned for two bear camps. I've also hunted them from Maine to Alberta and southward. Been on hundreds of recoveries. They die extremely easy when hit well. There's no need often to even track, at least not far. Commonly less than 40 sometimes under 20 and they expire almost in front of you. But, learn the anatomy. Do not listen the nonsense advice of aiming for the middle of the middle. A bears vitals are up towards the shoulders. A quartering shot is best. I'll be honest, at times even w track dogs all bears were not recovered when hit just back from forward.
The guide will do/should do most tracking for you. If you're responsible for recovery and you feel you may not have made a perfect shot a way to return to stand is a great idea. It's often very thick. Most guides do most work especially for newbies but you won't get as much out of a hunt imo if you don't contribute. That means baiting, recovery, helping skin, etc.
Bear hunting is great fun I hope you do well. Don't sweat little details. Get yourself ready for the bugs, bring your gear, including a target cause there may not be one there, flashlight, extra batteries. You know something else some guys do. I'm not a druggie type guy, nor do I believe in taking things for every issue but some outfitters have you sit a long time. Some fellows bring some caffeine pills (no Doz) for the occasions where they need it. Also idk the camp but if you're gonna see multiple bears learn to estimate size. Believe me it's hard. Ask the guide what to expect and what you should consider shooting.
As stated already don't forget your harness.
As a former full time taxidermist there are methods that are easier w every animal. Bears have lots of hair most times, the mountable ones anyway. You can ask someone how they want hide prepared but don't expect camp to have an expert skinner. If a mistake is made or directions not followed don't sweat it. Bears hide mistakes easy.
Good luck. Oh and one more thing. It's one of the best meats to eat so don't leave it.
I have hunted Ontario a bunch One items I always recommend to friends is a tree stand umbrella it always rains, and if you are in your stand and a storm comes in you will be way more comfortable. Also it seems to help hold the themacell scent around you better
Thanks for all the tips guys! I found some decent deals on Thermacells. Plenty of time to buy. I plan on buying more refill kits than I think I need. Someone else in camp may need a refill and chances are I will use them down the road anyways.
As for the meat. There is no way I am leaving it. I haven't eaten much bear meat, but what I have had was GOOD!
I hope to get a big bear. I am not sure if I have the patience to pass on many.
I hope to help bait and track to try to learn as much as I can. After all I am still new to hunting and I have some serious catching up to do.
Please keep the tips coming.
Jeremy
Several years ago when I flew from New York to Alberta to hunt bears, the gas cartridges for the Thermacells were not allowed on the plane and were confiscated. We spent quite a lot of time driving around to find them in Calgary before we took off on the trip. Is that still the situation?
Last I went the thermocell butane wasn't allowed on a plane but I think the op said they're driving over. The other option is shipping them there
Big broadheads make big holes.... bears bring on an excitement that only bears can bring! No whitetail ever got my heart pounding like my first bear.
Flashlights. .... yes, plural. 2 is one and 1 is none. It gets BLACK out in the Canadian bush at night.
I don't know about Quebec, but Ontario would NOT let certain sprays in country. The border guards thought we were nuts bowhunting bear without any kind of backup. ....we have never taken any firearms of any kind, nor bear sprays.
Good luck, shoot straight and God bless,
Rodd
Take lots of pics! !!!
I have hunted Quebec twice. Black flies and duct tape is what I remember best. They were so thick that we used duct tape around our pant legs, wrists and head nets to keep them out..
Thermocell for sure. Lots of good advice so far. I wear a 3/4 face mask over the back of my hat and tight under my eyes. Spray the bill of my hat and the mask with spray while running a Thermocell and had good results. This keeps you from having to shoot thru a mask. I have seen it go from 80 degrees and sunny to 30 and snow in one day so prepare for everything. Always wear a jacket. Another thing to think of is a rod and reel. Canada has some amazing fishing and if you kill one the first day you may find a lot of idle time on your hands. You may ask the guide what type of bug spray he uses. The bear get used to smelling him at the bait sights and will have less of a spooking effect. Ask the outfitter the average shot distance to the bait and stand height and get good at that range. Usually 10 yards or less and they can ruffle your feathers at single digit yardage so make it automatic!! Hope this helps.
John
Thanks for all the help guys. Still a long ways to go but I want to be as prepared as possible.
Does anyone have any advice for raingear? Looking at the Frogg Toggs rain gear. Looking to keep the price low. Chances are if I buy expensive rain gear it will be sunny any warm the entire trip.
Any other advice it welcome.
Jeremy
Frogg Toggs, at least all I've seen are way too noisy. Don't think of the rain gear as a one week investment. Think of it as an investment period. Get good, quiet gear. It's gonna matter of you need it. You'll use it here as well I'm sure
Lots of great advise posted. One thing I would try on my next trip(hopefully soon) is to have my clothes treated in Permethrin. It works on ticks and they claim it works on black flys too. Defiantly take "2" thermo cells. I like the idea about the tree stand umbrella. It would hold the thermo cell around you better! :thumbsup:
You will have a blast, and it is not like deer hunting, most of these bears know your there. They don't really care. They are just hungry
Quote from: TUFFHEAD on January 14, 2019, 07:26:22 AM
Lots of great advise posted. One thing I would try on my next trip(hopefully soon) is to have my clothes treated in Permethrin. It works on ticks and they claim it works on black flys too. Defiantly take "2" thermo cells. I like the idea about the tree stand umbrella. It would hold the thermo cell around you better! :thumbsup:
You will have a blast, and it is not like deer hunting, most of these bears know your there. They don't really care. They are just hungry
Just a FYI on permethrin. I've used the can stuff and it pretty much worked but not 100%. Tractor supply sells a concentrate in their horse section for livestock. It's a concentrate and you dilute it.
I run my dogs all year long through thick brush with lots of wet spots and standing water. Since I've done so not one tick has made it on me or dogs. I spray my chaps, the dogs, my buddy sprays beehives, etc. The bottle comes w directions for dilution and an ounce measuring device. This aids in mixing. For 10-20 bucks depending on size it's great stuff. I can't say I've tried it on blackflies but if you were gonna try it this is great stuff
I was wondering about permethrin. Thanks for the tip about the Tractor Supply permethrin.
To the Thermacell users. Does anyone use/recommend the earth scent pads? Are they needed?
Jeremy
I used the earth scented stuff. I'll be honest I saw no difference. Maybe other guys had dif experiences though.
If you are asking about the earth scented pads for cover up scent, then no, not needed. Scent control is not really an issue hunting black bears out of stands with bait.
Fall, spot and stock...yes, play the wind!
However, I don't use cover scents...
Be sure to take something with you to help occupy yourself in the stand, a couple books to read, or a electronic game of sorts. I borrowed a battery charger from my daughters for my cell phone, it's basically a battery you charge then you can use it to charge your phone. We didn't have service in the stands, but was able to play solitare to help pass the time. We were usually in the stands by 1-1:30 so we had plenty of time to kill. Also be sure to tell the guides, outfitter if you're not comfortable waiting in the dark to be picked up. The outfitter I went with put 3 hunters per guide, so first one dropped off was last one picked up. I was with a father and son both older, but the Dad was deathly afraid of the dark, said he has been like that since he was a kid. They made sure he was last one out, and first one picked up, which made my wait close to 45 minutes in the dark. It was no problem for me, but a bit unnerving also.
Jason
Outfitter I used let us on our own. We got to get to and from the stand sites and bait on our own. I kind of liked that. I like "semi" guided hunts in Canada. I like to be in control.
However, I agree with Jason above. I have heard of a lot of outfitters taking forever to pick you up.
Last post was funny. Least it brought back funny memories., I've been in many bear camps for the season or most very often. Each time no matter when you go guys are afraid of the dark, the bears or climbing trees. Seems they picked the wrong game.
One fellow taped a big mag light to his rifle barrel and said he was so scared he was seeing the flying monkeys from the wizard of Oz. Think about this now. Point every gun in a safe direction. What would he do if you crunched leaves approaching him? He'd swing that gun w light attached at you. Another fellow was so scared he'd get into the truck w a barrel tip outside, the door mostly shut and unload. Two pretty unsafe and one illegal maneuver.
Tracking a badly hit bear one night some afraid of the dark guy came w us. He had the lantern. He was 6'5" mind you. He saw blood and freaked. Thinking the site would attract bloodthirsty bears and coyotes. He just up n ran out w the light. Looked like a comet going through the woods. Now someone had to walk out w a tiny light and meet him to get lantern.
Another guy in Alberta where the bears are truly aggressive at times shot one climbing his tree w the bow in the arm. A few days later he got enough nerve to re-enter the woods w a rifle. He saw a black blob approaching and defended himself. He wound up killing the biggest bear that week.
My cousin shot a bear he said was huge. I helped him go get it. He had a rifle he wanted me to take it for our protection. I informed him I only had a bow tag. He had rifle when the leaves shook in the breeze. He hipped the gun wildly. I told him I'd carry it. Better than someone carrying me to hospital. The bear wasn't huge. Maybe 150. There were holes everywhere and not just in the bear. Man imo don't bear hunt if all these type fears go through your head!! It's dangerous for others.
Pic is the bear the guy shot cause he wanted nothing black near him
Too funny. I am not afraid of the dark, but have a healthy respect for bears. I don't plan on putting myself in a position that could be dangerous. Things do happen though.
I have no idea how the drop off/pick up thing will go. I just want to be on stand for as long as needed to get a bear.
Thanks again for the tips and stories. More is always welcome.
Jeremy
Funny.
Well, I love spring black bear hunting. I can not wait to go again!