The Best Caliber For Deer: Our Top Picks For You

Most people itch to bag a trophy deer; they are the most popular animal to hunt in North America. So, what is the best caliber for deer hunting?

This question has been debated for years, and many hunters have particular cartridges they pledge great loyalty toward. We wanted an answer to the question, what is the best caliber for deer? We reviewed some of the cartridges that consistently come up in the conversation, knowing most of them will get the job done every time. Which one is the best of the best?

Comparison Table

Product

Image

Price

.270 Winchester

product photo of 270 Winchester

Image Source: Winchester.com

.223 Remington

product photo of High Performance Rifle

Image Source: Remington.com

.30-30 Winchester

product photo of 30 30 Winchester

Image Source: Winchester.com

.308 Winchester

product photo of 308 Winchester

Image Source: Winchester.com

.338 Federal

product photo of Trophy Copper 338 Federal

Image Source: Federalpremium.com

6.5 Creedmoor

product photo of Creedmoor 6.5 Creedmoor 142 Gr Matchking Ammunition

Image Source: Creedmoorsports.com

.257 Weatherby Magnum

Product photo of .257 Weatherby Magnum

Image Source: Weatherby.com

7mm Mauser

product photo of Hornady Superformance

Image Source: Hornady.com

.257 Roberts + P

product photo of Hornady .257 Roberts + P

Image Source: Hornady.com

7 mm Remington Magnum

product photo of Nosler Trophy Grade Ammunition 7mm Remington Magnum

Image Source: Nosler.com

Product FAQ

1. What Does Caliber Mean?

2. What Is a Cartridge?

3. What Is Recoil?

How We Reviewed

a man reloading a hunting rifle

Image Source: Unsplash.com

We reviewed ten of the best caliber for deer hunting cartridges based on an overview of the product along with pros and cons and cost.

We tried to look at a wide range of cartridges because we know there are a wide range of deer hunters with their own gun-related needs and preferences. For instance, some cartridges feature the best caliber for deer hunting with short-action rifles. Others are only available for long-action rifles.

Other hunters have preferences for range. Certain cartridges are feature the best caliber for deer hunting at inside 150 yards, while others offer long-range power and accuracy.

Still others are ideal for deer as well as smaller game, while their counterparts can kill a deer, a bear or even an elephant. So, whatever your needs and preferences, we know there is a perfect caliber and cartridge for you.

Overall Price Range

There are many factors that affect the price range of the best caliber for deer hunting. The quantity of cartridges you purchase affects the price per round. Like many things, the larger quantity you buy, the less you may spend on the price per individual item.

Some cartridges are more common and cheaper than others regardless of quantity. The price of cartridges can also be affected by buying options, such as whether or not you buy brass bullets.

We tried our best to compare apples to apples. We broke down the price per item with similar ratios based on the quantities available for purchase. We also consistently tried to use price based on the simplest options.

In general, the price range among the best caliber for deer hunting range from about 20 cents per cartridge to about $2-and-a-half per cartridge. If you purchase high-end brass cartridges with other perks, you can spend much more.

What We Reviewed

  • .270 Winchester
  • .223 Remington
  • .30-30 Winchester
  • .308 Winchester
  • .338 Federal
  • 6.5 Creedmoor
  • .257 Weatherby Magnum
  • 7 mm Mauser
  • .257 Roberts + P
  • 7 mm Remington Magnum

.270 Winchester

product photo of 270 Winchester

Image Source: Winchester.com

The .270 Winchester is among the best caliber for deer hunting. This cartridge necks a .30-06 Springfield cartridge down in order to shoot .277-inch instead of .308-inch diameter bullets. The smaller bullets fire at greater velocity with a better trajectory.

The .30-06 still has more downrange carry, but the .270 is plenty powerful for deer. They also cause less recoil.

Pros

  • Good velocity
  • Flat trajectory

Cons

  • Less downrange carry than some wider competitors

.223 Remington

product photo of High Performance Rifle

Image Source: Remington.com

The .223 Remington rifle cartridge has been around since 1957 and has spent time as the standard US Military rifle cartridge. It remains the most commonly fired centerfire cartridge today.

The .223 Remington is deadly to midsize game with its 40/50-gran bullets, but it is not legal in every state for deer hunting. It can certainly take out a deer, but it should be fired inside 150 yards when deer hunting.

Pros

  • One of the world's most popular bullets

Cons

  • Not legal in every state for deer
  • Need closer range for large game

.30-30 Winchester

product photo of 30 30 Winchester

Image Source: Winchester.com

The .30-30 Winchester was one of the original smokeless powder cartridges in the US. Even though it is weaker than many modern cartridges, it has a century of deer hunting to back up its ability.

It is considered one of the best deer cartridges from close range; usually under 150 yards. In addition, it is handy with its quick pointing lever action.

Pros

  • Long history of successful deer hunting

Cons

  • Weaker than some competitors
  • Most reliable from short range

.308 Winchester

product photo of 308 Winchester

Image Source: Winchester.com

The .308 Winchester is another of the best caliber for deer and other big game. It combines accuracy and versatility to make it a very popular choice among deer hunters.

The .308 is an efficient cartridge that can be chambered in countless rifles. Its accuracy is second to none among the best caliber for deer. It meets military standards for handloading brass, and it is easily accessible and very affordable.

Lighter bullets around 125 grain are sufficient for deer at close range, though 150-grain rounds can be used for extra might. The .308 Winchester can be effective at long ranges, especially with 170-grain or higher cartridges.

Pros

  • Easily accessible and affordable
  • Can be chambered in most rifles
  • Long or short-range accuracy
  • Very accurate

Cons

  • Shooters who prefer a flat shot find a flatter trajectory in some competitors

.338 Federal

product photo of Trophy Copper 338 Federal

Image Source: Federalpremium.com

Since 2006, this joint effort between Federal and Sako has provided one of the best caliber for deer. The .338 Federal is a lightweight cartridge especially effective in short-action rifles.

A .308 Winchester was essentially necked up to accommodate .338-inch bullets. It is not ideal for the heaviest bullets within the caliber, but those anywhere around 200 grains are perfect.

The .338 Federal is one of the best caliber for deer, but it can also tackle bear and other big game.

Pros

  • Great in short-action rifles
  • Can stop a bear

Cons

  • Not ideal for the heaviest bullets within the caliber

6.5 Creedmoor

product photo of Creedmoor 6.5 Creedmoor 142 Gr Matchking Ammunition

Image Source: Creedmoorsports.com

The 6.5 Creedmoor has become popular as one of the best caliber for deer since its release in 2007. It is noteworthy for its chambering that generate great ballistics for unequaled downrange capability.

It is best suited for short action rifles and produces limited recoil. The recoil is great for beginners, and the downrange performance makes it a favorite of veterans.

Pros

  • Among the best downrange capability
  • Limited recoil

Cons

  • Though it can handle more, it is most efficient with 130/140-gran rounds.

.257 Weatherby Magnum

Product photo of .257 Weatherby Magnum

Image Source: Weatherby.com

The .257 Weatherby has a popular place among the best caliber for deer because of its light recoil and chambering in a variety of rifles.

It is at its best for light and midweight game and can be effective from a respectable range. For larger game, the .257 is not ideal, but it can get the job done. Some hunters prefer a heavier cartridge.

Pros

  • Light recoil
  • Can be chambered in a variety of rifles

Cons

  • A bit light for larger game

7mm Mauser

product photo of Hornady Superformance

Image Source: Hornady.com

The 7mm Mauser is among the best caliber for almost any size deer, not to mention bear and lions. It can tackle almost any game in the right conditions.

Also known as the 7x57, the Mauser is a cartridge that has existed for over 100 years. It began as a military cartridge. Despite its incredible wallop, it has a reasonable recoil and great long-range capability.

Pros

  • Can stop any deer and even larger game
  • Reasonable recoil relative to power
  • Long-range capability

Cons

  • Requires a long-action rifle

.257 Roberts + P

product photo of Hornady .257 Roberts + P

Image Source: Hornady.com

The .257 Roberts finds its spot on the list of best caliber for deer for maintaining mild recoil even with the heaviest loads. It is more than able to stop deer with 115/120-grain bullets and also makes an excellent small-game weapon with lesser-grain varmint bullets.

The .257 Roberts has been lost in recent years among the best caliber for deer discussion, but they remain some of the best dual-purpose rounds available for light and midsize game, including deer.

Pros

  • Mild recoil even with the heaviest loads
  • Great options for light game as well as deer

Cons

  • Less popular with hunters than some .243s

7 mm Remington Magnum

product photo of Nosler Trophy Grade Ammunition 7mm Remington Magnum

Image Source: Nosler.com

In the search for the best caliber for deer, the 7 mm Remington Magnum is among the best long-range deer hunting options. The bullet fires at a high muzzle velocity with a flat trajectory. It is arguably more than a lot of deer hunters need, operating well beyond 250 yards.

It has less recoil than the 7 mm Weatherby Magnum, and that adds to its popularity.

Pros

  • One of the best long-range options
  • Less recoil than similar competitors
  • Considerable power

Cons

  • More power and range than many weekend hunters need

The Verdict on the Best Caliber for Deer Hunting

red deer antlers hanged on the wall

Image Source: Pixabay.com

We know that among all the cartridges and various calibers we have considered, there are a number of variables that are personal to each hunter. Our favorite does not have to be your favorite, just like your needs and preferences as a deer hunter are different than those of the person across the street.

Having said that, we decided to give our official nod to the .257 Roberts + P. This Roberts has a storied history of success, and, quite frankly, we cannot figure out why options like the .243s have surpassed it in popularity.

In 1943, this cartridge was born as a 7x57 mm cartridge that was necked down to 25 caliber. The shoulder was moved forward, and the shoulder angle was changed to 20 degrees. It was originally going to be called the 25 Roberts, but it was ultimately coined as the 257 Roberts. This is an excellent dual-purpose cartridge for varmints--a 75-grain bullet can travel 3,400 feet per second--as well as for deer. Even the 100-grain bullets can travel at 3,000 feet per second.

It can consistently stop a deer from 275 yards. Our top choice, the 257 Roberts has a standout combination of accuracy, power, and efficiency.

Economy Choice

For hunters with a slightly tighter budget, we also want to mention the .257 Weatherby Magnum. This cheaper cartridge can drive heavy .25 caliber bullets while maintaining efficient velocity.

Despite the modest price point, the cartridges are made with high-quality brass that helps with accuracy and very few of the cartridges malfunction.

Featured Image Source: Unsplash.com

Everything You Need To Know About Idaho Elk Hunting

For hunters in North America, there is no more rewarding game than the elk. For as long as there have been hunters in North America, they have hunted the elk for its massive yield of meat ,which is considered one of the leanest sources of protein from any game animal. Such a great trophy animal can't be taken down easily, however. Elk are truly one of the most magnificent game animals, and Idaho elk hunting is top class for serious hunters wanting to give their best shot at hunting these creatures.

Tracking elk is a difficult task that requires preparation, planning, and if you're serious about bagging a top-notch bull, even some exercise is an absolute must. An estimated 120 thousand elk are roaming throughout Idaho's diverse habitat, which is divided into 28 elk management zones and 96 management units. So if you're planning an elk hunt in Idaho, let's take a look at some things you'll need to know before setting out.

Elk 101: About These Majestic Creatures

Elk were abundant in the days before European colonialism in North America. An approximate 10 million elk roamed the country during that time. However, by the turn of the 20th century, it was estimated that only about 50 thousand elk remained, and 2 species of elk had gone extinct. Elk had disappeared from all but the mountainous regions of the U.S. and Canada.  

Efforts by conservationists, which included Teddy Roosevelt, led to a resurgence in elk herd populations. Today, organizations like the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, founded in 1984, see to the protection of these incredible creatures in the U.S. Elk have been reintroduced east of the Mississippi where they used to dominate the habitat, and have been introduced in new areas such as New Zealand and South America.

Elk Sizes

Weighing in at an average of 700 lbs, elk are one of the largest game animals in North America, just after the moose. With all of that lean meat in a 5 foot high (at the shoulder) by 8 long foot frame, it's no surprise that they're so frequently sought after by serious hunters. Given their difficult-to-reach locations, and with antlers that can reach 4 feet in length and 4 feet apart, anyone can see why these massive animals are considered one of the top trophy animals in the world.

Elk Behavior 

Elk travel in herds of mostly single-sex groups during the majority of the year. During the mating season, known as rut, bull elks will follow groups of female (cow) elks in order to compete for a harem, or a group of cow elk that a bull has laid claim to for mating purposes. Bull elk seen fighting are often fighting for or defending their harem from an opposing bull. 

Rut season in North America typically lasts from mid-August to mid-October, but can vary slightly depending on the exact location and variations in climate or season. Elk can be found sticking close to water during the rut season, and will spend more time than usual bedding down and resting.

Elk communicate and attract cow elk with a verbal call known as "bugling," and it is considered one of the most recognizable sounds in nature. The high pitched, drawn out bellow is also used to establish dominance over rival males, making bugling a handy skill for any elk hunter as it can draw in a large, curious bull.

Elk Habitat 

Elk tend to reside in mountainous, high altitude areas, which adds to the degree of difficulty in hunting them and is another reason they are so highly regarded by serious hunters. What this means for you is that you'll need to stay in shape for your elk hunt. Tracking elk can be arduous and will undoubtedly require miles of hiking, often in steep environments, all while carrying equipment and, if all goes well, several pounds of meat.

With an estimated 120 thousand elk living in Idaho, the state boasts a healthy population and 28 management zones, ensuring these magnificent animals are preserved, and that Idaho elk hunting remains one of the top experiences of hunters.

Common Questions About Idaho Elk Hunting Answered

What Is the Best Weapon to Take Down an Elk? 

That answer is entirely up to you. Hunters use both bows and rifles to hunt elk, so it entirely depends on the preference of the hunter. The important thing is to choose a bow or firearm that suits you. You need to be proficient with it when the time comes, so this means owning a weapon that you can practice with often.

If you do use a firearm, a good rifle with heavy enough caliber to take out a large animal is a necessity. Typically, a bolt action rifle with a mounted scope is preferred in elk hunting, as it is in any type of big game hunting. You don't need a .50 caliber, but a varmint caliber won't work, either. Standard .308 or .30-06 used for deer hunting are the most common for elk. Whitetail deer hunters who are used to using .270 ought to upgrade to a .30 caliber round.

The tool you use to bring down your game is up to you, but it is a must that it is in proper working condition, you are proficient with it, and you are capable of hitting vital areas. Ensure you are caught up on elk anatomy, and possibly even try to acquire elk targets to practice on.

Can Non-Residents Acquire Tags in Idaho? 

Yes, General Season tags are available to non-residents, and they can be bought over the counter each year, so residents and non-residents alike can take part in Idaho elk hunting. They are, however, available on a first come, first served basis, and it is possible for them to run out.

Is It a Good Idea to Hunt with a Guide?

If you think you might need a guide along your hunt, then it's possible that you do. Guided hunts are a great idea for those either inexperienced or ill-equipped for an elk hunt. These hunts can be an especially good idea for those who are traveling from outside of Idaho and don't necessarily want to haul their equipment across the country.

Aside from having the obvious benefit of a guide, guided hunts are often well equipped (at cost, of course) for the experience. If you have the money and don't mind an extra person along, guided hunts can be a great way to experience Idaho elk hunting. Check out businesses such as Boulder Creek Outfitters if you think a guided hunt is the right idea for you.

Tips and Things You Should Know before You Go

Bugling 

Learning the elk's call will be a very useful skill to draw attention from nearby bulls. As with your weapon, it requires practice to perfect, so no time is too soon to start. Keep in mind, bad bugling can just as easily send an elk running, so ensure you've perfected the art before you use it in nature.

Scents

Elk scents can be purchased online or at most outdoor outfitters. Scents can help in 2 ways: 

1. To mask your own scent, which can spook and elk if it ends up downwind from you

2. The scent can bring them closer to investigate 

Learn what scents work best for the particular time of year you are hunting during, and use them accordingly.

Exercise

It can't be said enough that elk live in difficult areas, and being out of shape and unable to track your game can ruin your trip, as well as anyone else's trip that you're hunting with. Doing anything from cardio, weightlifting, or even hiking in your local area with the pack you intend to use can be great ideas while preparing for your hunt. Of course, getting plenty of sleep and a healthy diet go a long way as well.

Laws and Rules

Ensure you check with the Idaho Department of Fish & Game and are caught up on the rules and regulations regarding Idaho elk hunting.

Field Dressing 

As discussed, an elk is a large animal with a huge yield in meat, so be prepared and equipped to haul that meat out of the field. If you're in a far, remote area or are camping, you'll also want to make sure you have a way of storing the meat properly until you're home. ATVs and horses, where available, can be great resources when hauling out an elk.

Prior knowledge in elk anatomy and general field dressing of animals is important before setting out on your elk hunt. The last thing you want after all your efforts to land an elk is to lose the meat because you were logistically unable or unprepared to handle it.

Final Thoughts on Idaho Elk Hunting 

The thrill of an elk hunt can be a rewarding experience, and Idaho is one of the best places you can take that adventure. Whether it's in the thick timber ridges of the north, or the rugged mountains in the central state, Idaho elk hunting is among the best in the country, and anyone who considers themselves an avid hunter shouldn't skip out on the experience of tracking one of the most exciting game animals in the diverse, sprawling habitat of Idaho. Plan your elk hunt in Idaho, and you'll thank yourself for the experience.

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How to Hunt Elk Skillfully using Favorable Tactics?

Elk Hunting

Nothing can be an amazingly big game like hunting an Elk. Elk is one of the largest mammals with native habitat in North America and Eastern Asia.

For the best quality and the safest hunting of Elk, you must know how to do it flawlessly. If you are an expert then it might be easier for you. However, if you are novice and didn’t hunt any giant animal ever before then properly grasp these useful aspects of Elk hunting.

For archery to rifle hunt of Elk, you must be accompanied by skilled professionals for safe, legal and humane hunting. Elk hunting is quite a popular and thrilling sport across the globe. People love earning pleasure by taking part in this one of the most exciting hunting competitions. Moreover, in United States, many individuals prefer spending their leisure time in hunting preferably Elk because of its tasty and quality meat with relatively low fat.

Another reason hunters go after Elk is that it is one of the most challenging hunt they can ever had in their lives.

Major Attributes You Must Know:

Hunting appears to be a plain job with hi-tech firearms and good expertise. However, if you talk about Elk, it is one of the toughest hunt in which hunters are required to walk for miles on rough tracks and bad conditions. From the Rocky Mountain Elk to the coastal giant Roosevelt Elk of the Pacific Northwest, you can have immense number of opportunities to hunt down your favorite specie in United States.

There is lot more involved in accurate and the safest Elk hunting. Let’s probe what you need to discern and understand for hunting an elk.

  • Where you can find Elk’s subspecies of your choice?

Elk in form of herds usually live in high altitude areas or you can say high mountainous terrains like Bob Marshall wilderness in lush and timbered Swan Range, rain forests of Pacific Northwest, Rocky Mountains, subalpine forests, and in some ranges of Western North America.

For the case of point, you can find the smallest subspecies among all the North American elks named ‘Tule elk’ only in the state of California. Rocky Mountain elks as name suggests are commonly found in the Rocky Mountains and the neighboring ranges of Western North America.

During winter you can easily find elks in open forests and in low-elevated areas while in summer they usually migrate to alpine basins and subalpine forests.

  • How to locate, chase and get close to the Elk?

With help of footprints, and other tracking signs in winters especially, you can easily find elk’s whereabouts. Rut calls of an elk will also help you in chasing it.

Elks appear to be talkative and very much communicative. The way these incredibly vocal animals call upon or talk to each other actually helps the hunters to locate, chase and get elk closer to their shooting point.

  • What is the good time and season for Elk hunting?

From novice to seasoned hunters, knowing the best suitable time of elk hunting is the must thing. Fall and spring are considered the most favorable seasons for Elk hunting. But, some people think that no other season is best suitable as the hot temperature of the Oregon Coast for elk hunt.

  • What hunting equipment and accessories you should take along?

Depending on your choice and hunting expertise, you can go for bow hunting or rifle hunting. Accordingly, you will take the hunting equipment along with you. Compound hunting bows are the optimal choice for archery hunt of the Elk.

On the other hand, for the backcountry elk hunting, you need finely accurate and typically lightweight rifle with a good rifle scope mounted on it. Binoculars will help you in finding the elk.

  • How to prepare and plan for the Elk hunting?

To aim for Elk is the major part of the hunting game. You have to prepare yourself, your hunting gears and plan ahead before starting your elk shooting venture. Learn about elk and elk hunting terminologies, and get yourself trained in how to call, target and shoot an elk.

Guided or unguided hunting, in both scenarios you must realize what you are up to. Plan smartly and cover all essentials of do-it-yourself elk hunting. You can earn great success if you setup your strategy vigilantly. From selecting hunting location to scouting in pre-season and making yourself physically strong and fit enough to set out for elk hunting.

  • Educate yourself on local hunting regulations.

Prior to all, you should know hunting laws and regulations. Every state has its own rules and permissible timings and seasons for elk hunting. You can consult the concerned department to collect all important information in this regard.

Commonly Used Tactics for Elk Hunting:

Presently, there are three most preferable ways to bring down the elks. These include:

  1. Spot-and-stalk

Use high quality optics like spotting scopes to search the landscape for elks. Dawn and dusk hours are prime times to spot elk. After reaching the spotting point, you have to wait for the first light with your ears all open because you can easily locate elks by hearing their bugling sounds before dawn. As soon as daylight arrives, set your binoculars to mark elk’s location. Once spotted, you can execute your planned stalk.

  1. Calling Elk

Out of two basic types including mouth calls and reed calls, you can choose the most suitable one and get your job half done. Elk in the nearby area will surely respond to your calling.

You can use different sounds made by elks to get advantage while hunting. Learning these sounds means now you can distract the elks and get them to your desired place. You can also use man-made devices in order to imitate the elk vocalizations.

You can make bugle sound to locate elk. It is a bull elk call which these animals commonly make during pre/post rut. When close to the herd, you can use excited ‘Cow elk Call’ in order to lure elk towards your shooting spot. You can also use Alarm bark sound anytime for stopping the spooked elk long enough to get a perfect shot.

  1. Ambushing Elk

You can trap elks using ambush from tree stands or ground blinds. Carefully setup your ambush for the premium results. Ambushing elk is commonly setup around waterholes for hunting elk during the drought periods. Ambushing elk is a good backup in case you get tired of all other tactics.

Tips for Flawless Elk Hunting:

Elk hunting might be a tough endeavor when you want to do it on public lands. But, it is not impossible at all. Practice and knowing all significant aspects of elk hunting will certainly assist you in immaculate shooting and killing the found elk down. Following the below listed tips will help you greatly in elk hunting:

  • Study your Prey and learn about elk like its habitat preferences and diet.
  • Select right hunting rifle or bow and do not forget taking accessories along with scopes, and binoculars.
  • Shot placement is the most important thing to be practiced extensively. Your outclass weapon will be of no use if you are unable to take perfect elk hunt shot.
  • For proper and humanely shooting of the elk, you should learn about the state’s currently enforced laws in defined areas of elk hunting.
  • It is essential to cover your scent when locating the elk for the hunt. For, this you can use commercial scent eliminator.
  • Make appropriate use of elk calls to bring elk close to the location wherein you are all set for hunting. Learn and practice different calls to bring in male or female elk. Bugle call is designed for male elk while for the female elk, cow call works greatly.
  • Explore the areas before the actual hunt begins because Mother Nature is fast enough to alter the landscape of any area.
  • Always do scouting in your selected hunting area no matter how many times you have been there to kill elk.
  • Know the elk movement time and get to hunting location before them. Or else, elks already in the area will be startled and surely run off to the safest hide.
  • Remember, Elks are more active in twilight. You can observe their maximum movement during first few hours after dawn and the few hours before dusk.
  • For the perfect bringing down of an elk, your shot must be placed properly. If your shot missed the expected mark, you will only have a wounded elk that can be more dangerous.
  • If you have not done elk hunting before then the best thing is to start out deer hunting and then proceed to hunt elks.

Do elk hunting yourself only if you are expert enough of hunting large land mammals. Or else, hire professional guide and this will help minimizing the odds of elk hunt and coming home with one.

Keep all the useful tools and tactics in your arsenal.

How to Go Bear Hunting

Bear Hunting

Besides pleasure, meat and fur are the most tempting factors for hunters to go after bears. From grizzly to black bears, bear hunting is a common activity since the prehistoric times. Today, it is one of the legally accepted hunts worldwide including United States.

Throughout the northern hemisphere, different bear species are widely spread appearing in varying habitats. Across the globe, bear is one of the most privileged big game animals. In areas where bear hunting is done quite frequently, they turn out to be purely nocturnal.

If you want to go for bear hunting, you must take appropriate measures and make proper arrangements. Moreover, you should have suitably developed skills and all understanding about safety tactics because bear hunting can become intense. Predatory bears are fully capable of fighting back the hunter when startled and can be extremely dangerous.

What to Ensure Before Hunting:

Make sure that you are fully equipped with the knowledge, skills and firearms prior to set out for bear hunt. But, the most important thing to be considered is that how much you are familiar with bear species, their habitats, population quotient, regional variations, food etc. In addition, you must know what season is the most suitable for bear hunting.

General habitats of bears are located in Northern America. You can also find large densities of black bears in the heavily timbered forests situated near agricultural lands.

Depending on local hunting regulations, you can hunt bears during spring or autumn seasons. In contrast, black bear hunting is allowed in about half of the fifty states including south, Midwest and the east coast areas. However, in most of the eastern states, black bear hunting is prohibited but opens sometimes for the limited seasons.

This is the reason, it is always recommended to go with the flow and always consult the hunting authorities of the state you want to hunt bear. Otherwise, you may be caught and penalized for illegal hunting during the off season

Spring and fall are the most favored times of the year when you will be legally permitted to hunt black bears. Fall is the most typical and general season when the most bears are hunted.

If you setup your hunt based on following ideas, you will definitely earn an unforgettable life experience.

  • Learn about bear and their habitat
  • Educate yourself on bear hunting basics
  • Know and practice scouting techniques
  • Learn and practice stalking techniques
  • Choice your firearm wisely with complete accessories

Covering up these key aspects will actually assist in making your hunting endeavor great

  • To know about bear populated areas, you can use topographical maps or can look into public records usually maintained by wildlife agencies.
  • You may need special permits from local authorities looking after legal and benevolent bear hunting activities in the state.
  • Knowing the bear hunting basics means how much you are aware of the safety measures and hunting jurisdictions in your selected area.
  • Ensure that you have right optics and weapons for spotting, stalking and targeting the bear.
  • Practicing all significant scouting and stalking techniques is the must-to-do thing if you really want to take pleasure in impeccable bear hunting.

What to Do During Hunting:

All you need during bear hunting is exactly following the carefully planned strategies. This planning is all dependent on the tactic you choose for bringing the bear down.

It is critical to bring into play different tactics to hunt bears. As soon as you make an educated decision to opt for the most appropriate tactic for particular hunting situation, chances will be higher for the premium outcomes.

Four Essential Bear Hunting Tactics:

Hunters often use below listed four shooting tactics to take on bear’s life. An incredible bear hunt is only possible if you recognize and employ the best suitable method all the way through your hunting venture.

  1. Spot-and-Stalk Bear Hunting

Spotting and stalking method is popularly practiced in western areas wherein hunters can see at longer distances because of the mixed vegetation and open lands. In Alaska, hunters prefer using this tactic from boats and after spotting the bear, they find out a proper place to go ashore for stalking.

First, locate yourself at vantage point providing a clear view of the surroundings and then scan the entire area using hi-tech binoculars or spotting scopes. Now spot your desired bear and wait for the shooting opportunity. Execute the stalk right at the moment it comes in your shooting range.

Spot-and-Stalk method is preferable over others because it offers great efficiency leading you to cover large area with little effort. It offers you ease of selecting and hunting the bear of your choice because you have enough time to evaluate them.

It also helps you in avoiding undesirable situations as you do not have to walk through hunting area. Hence, leaving no scent behind and there will also be no noise to spook bears out of the area.

  1. ‘Baiting the Bears’ Hunting:

If you want to observe the bears behavior or you want to select the bear of your choice to hunt then bait hunting is the best option. Using this tactic, you will surely delight in the high-percentage shots with confidence because you will be situated at manageable and close point.  Hunters using close range weapons or bow and arrow for bear hunting prefer this mode.

All you need is to set out bait preferably meats for attracting bears at your preferably selected spot. You can easily ambush the bears using tree stand already set at 20-30 yards of distance from the bait. After setting up the trap, just wait for the bear to be lured by bait and then shoot it. This method is legally accepted in few states while totally banned in some other.

  1. Hunting Bears with Hounds

You can also use dogs for bear hunting though it is outlawed in many states of the country. This is the method most of the hunters might not be able to experience yet. Hunters are not required to walk for long, instead they go for road drive with hounds in their trucks back.

The moment dogs smell bear scent they start barking and hunters get alert. Chase begins after hunters mark the real trials of bears. Hounds take the hunters to the exact place of the bears.  

  1. ‘Calling the Bears’ Hunting:

Wounded game calls along with many other types of calls are often used by hunters to draw the bears into their selected area for perfect shooting. You can use this method in combination with spot and stalk method for outclass results. Always keep the backup when using this method because bears come close to you as fast as they can and often looking for the fight.

Knowledge and skills are everything to come up with the most successful undertakings. Same holds for bear hunting and you have to know all essential attributes to avail yourself for this venture. You must not forget that having and using right hunting equipment is not only important but a vital thing-to-do for effective and safe bear hunting.