Fall bear hunting has become one of Bearpaw's marque hunts. From August 25 to September 12, the serious bear hunter has the best opportunity to harvest a true trophy Black Bear.

Our spring average of 6', 200 lb + bears is an excellent average however, fall hunters have traditionally averaged 6'6" and over 250 lbs. In the spring season 1 out of 6 clients will harvest a 7' bear. In the fall, 1 out of 3 will harvest a 7' bear.

Due to the long winter shortly ahead, bears go into a feeding frenzy, both on bait stations as well as in farm fields; wheat and oats being primary attractions. This hunt offers the hunter a wide variety of hunting opportunities. All daylight hours are productive hours on stand as well as the enjoyable spot and stalk hunting for bears along drainages and farm fields.

1998 fall bear season produced 20 bears for 12 hunters. One client was unsuccessful but saw 12 or more bears. Joe Barno harvested a 7'6", 500 lb, 20 1/2" skull Pope and Young bear. Mike Gibson arrowed a 6'4", 300 lb, 18 2/8" skull and a 6'9" brown bear in 3 nights of hunting. Randall Pierce took a monster 7'6" brown bear with a 20" skull with veteran guide Mike White with his knight smoke pole.

Michigan's Ron Dingerson hunted hard to take a trophy home and was rewarded with a 7'5", 20 4/8" skull swamp bear with rookie guide Chris Gilbert. The smallest bear taken in the fall season was a 6' brown, the largest "5" over 7 1/2' for an average of 6'8" close to 300 lbs. These are exceptionally large bears.

Peace River has long been known for its exceptional black bears. Due to limited numbers of non resident permits, we have been able to consistently harvest old age bears, well above the average bear taken by our competitors.

Fall Black Bear 1998 - References

BEARPAW OUTFITTING CO.
Scott Taylor
Box 3002
St. Isidore, Alberta, T0H 3BO Canada
Telephone 780-624-4400