Hunting America's Bear

The black bear, Ursus americanus, was a creature of legend and mystery among Native Americans. When the first European settlers arrived, it is estimated that two million black bears roamed across North America, but by the early 1900s the bruin had been hunted, trapped, poached, and killed almost to extinction. In many parts of its native range, the black bear had, indeed, disappeared. Today, the black bear has come full circle. It has now returned to much of its native habitats, and about one million are now found across the United States and Canada. In HUNTING AMERICA'S BEAR, the author takes a look at the bruin's relationship with man, its natural history, and what makes it such a popular quarry. Specific chapters take a look at the bear's habitat; where to locate and how to recognize bear sign; baiting; hunting with hounds; the different ways to successfully hunt the bruin; how to select the best rifles and calibers, bows and arrows, handguns, muzzleloaders, and slug guns for hunting this animal; what to expect in bear c& and many other helpful hints. The black bear is a fascinating and challenging big-game animal, and this book will not only help make hunting them more interesting and productive, but will also help develop a better understanding and appreciation for America's bear.