New to bear hunting

[MIsteelworker]

So I’m going to apply for a bear tag for the western UP of Michigan. I’ve never bear hunted before and really don’t want to hire a guide if I draw. So I was wondering what to look for as far as area to look for mostly on maps since I won’t be able to go up there much this summer? And good threads or videos?

[dan]

Personally I would look for thick swamp edges that border hardwoods or thick clear cuts... There are some good DIY bear videos from Minnesota on my youtube channel if you skim thru, the link is in my signature.

[Ol Split ( ) Toes]

I generally focus baits on the edges of swamps white thick cover, around beaver ponds also makes great habitat for bears. Using satellite images can be great way to get a general location of a bait site, but I have had numerous times were I pick a spot out, put boots on the ground and find someone else has a bait there (Northern WI).

As far as videos go there is a lot of good info out there, Dan has some videos, BowhuntingRoad those two should be enough to keep you busy for ahwhile

[Mike Foss]

So I’m going to apply for a bear tag for the western UP of Michigan. I’ve never bear hunted before and really don’t want to hire a guide if I draw. So I was wondering what to look for as far as area to look for mostly on maps since I won’t be able to go up there much this summer? And good threads or videos?

One of the best to talk to about bear hunting in Michigan on here is Bear Magnum. Contact him (Matt you out there?) and he will fill your ear on what you need to know. Good Luck

[MIsteelworker]

Personally I would look for thick swamp edges that border hardwoods or thick clear cuts... There are some good DIY bear videos from Minnesota on my youtube channel if you skim thru, the link is in my signature.

I started watching your bear or bust series again yesterday it’s what’s making want to give bear hunting a try. Being from SE Michigan were we dont have bears in the area and not personally knowing anyone that does the diy bear hunts Ive got a lot to learn. thank you for the reply

[MIsteelworker]

I generally focus baits on the edges of swamps white thick cover, around beaver ponds also makes great habitat for bears. Using satellite images can be great way to get a general location of a bait site, but I have had numerous times were I pick a spot out, put boots on the ground and find someone else has a bait there (Northern WI).

As far as videos go there is a lot of good info out there, Dan has some videos, BowhuntingRoad those two should be enough to keep you busy for ahwhile

Thank you I’ll take a look

[MIsteelworker]

So I’m going to apply for a bear tag for the western UP of Michigan. I’ve never bear hunted before and really don’t want to hire a guide if I draw. So I was wondering what to look for as far as area to look for mostly on maps since I won’t be able to go up there much this summer? And good threads or videos?

One of the best to talk to about bear hunting in Michigan on here is Bear Magnum. Contact him (Matt you out there?) and he will fill your ear on what you need to know. Good Luck

Thank you

[Mike Foss]

MISTEELWORKER.... One thing about bear hunting that I have learned is no matter where you go it will be different as far as what works best goes, in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Canada or other parts of the country might not work as well as in Michigan. Your best plan of action is to find a reputable bear hunter in the area you're going to hunt and start asking questions. Starting on here was a first good step though

[johnwilson008]

Hi Dear

[Bear Magnum]

So I’m going to apply for a bear tag for the western UP of Michigan. I’ve never bear hunted before and really don’t want to hire a guide if I draw. So I was wondering what to look for as far as area to look for mostly on maps since I won’t be able to go up there much this summer? And good threads or videos?

One of the best to talk to about bear hunting in Michigan on here is Bear Magnum. Contact him (Matt you out there?) and he will fill your ear on what you need to know. Good Luck

Thanks Mike.

My first question is, what season are you planning on hunting? 1st season is a completely different hunt than 3rd season. Those 2 weeks make a huge difference in where the bears are, what they’re willing to eat, how active they are in the daylight, etc.

Not to be self promoting, but I run the Bear Hunting Podcast, and have put out hours of conversations about all the details about how to kill a bear in the UP. I would recommend giving those episodes a listen if you get a chance. Myself and my guests give more details there than I could ever write on here.

[MIsteelworker]

I am planning on the 1st season and it will be on public land and I will definitely be checking out your podcast

[Rjcleven]

I am no means an expert, but I also had the best luck on the edges of swamps. In my limited experience it was easy to find bears, harder to find an area that didn't already have a pile in it. I also planned for prevailing winds entering and exiting the bait site. My best bait was 50 yards from a small spring. So good in fact someone else decided at the end of august he wanted a pile there too. I personally thought baiting was more fun than actually shooting the bear. 9 more years and I’ll get to do it again!