Black Bear Hunting

The bears here in Southern California seem to eat Manzanita berries year-round. The Manzanita berry seeds are a dull brown about 1/4 " in diameter (see pic on left). Gooseberries, which are favorite fall treat for bears, have smaller seeds like the blackberries we all have eaten. When berries are in season, scat will be loose like a cow dung. Scat can be in piles or logs. Logs about 1 1/2 inch in diameter (a little bigger than Baby Ruth candybar size), are from a decent bear. When the logs get to about the size of a coke can, you have a very large bear.

Bear claw marks on a tree can give you an idea about the size of the bear by how high the reach and how wide the paw is.

Bear scat. This guy was eating the acorns like mad.

Hunting Bears

Spot and Stalk

If you're in a area that has a good bear population, you can set up with good optics to glass up a bear. Places to look are berry patches when the berries are ready, oak flats or benches just off brushy canyons or drainages. Once you've found the bear you want, you can then plan your stalk to get in closer for a shot. Remember to watch your wind, as bears have fantastic noses. If the bear is foraging, you will hear the bear when you get close usually. Whether you have a rifle or bow, try to get in position for a rear quartering away shot. A bear has massive shoulders and you do not want to try a shoulder shot. Instead, let the bear take a step forward with the near side leg, this will expose the vital heart/lung area.

Calling Bears

Another way to hunt bears is to call them in with a varmint mouth call. I recommend you only do this with a partner to watch your backside because even a big bear can slip in on you in the oak leaves pretty darn quiet. If you have an area that is choked with brush and a known bear loafing or bedding area, setup downwind with a good raised view of any approach if you can. A deer fawn bleat call or even a turkey call can get the bear's attention. Be alert for other animals like cougars or coyotes to barge in on your party too.

Ambushing Bears

Sometimes a bear will have a pattern that you can figure out. Maybe a favorite trail or berry patch at a certain time of the year. You can set up an ambush using whatever cover you have available, even a treestand will work. One big bear I was on with a partner one year you could set your watch to. Every morning at 7:30 am he showed up on a trail in a clearing. My partner blew his first chance, and I didn't think the bear would show the next morning, but right on schedule he appeared and he made a clean kill. Again, when you set up, consider the prevailing winds, and watch your approach to your hide as not to alert the bear of your presence. Use full camo and try to keep the fly swatting and nose scratching to a minimum. Bears do not have great eyesight, but they can spot movement good enough to ruin a long wait in the woods for a shot.

Bear Biology 101

Size - Ursus americanus, commonly known as black bears range from 89 to 102 centimeters (35 to 40 inches) tall when on all fours and have a length of 140 to 180 centimeters (4 1/2 to 6 feet). The weight of a black bear, which is highly variable, ranges from 57 to 272 kilograms (125 to 600 pounds) with males within a geographic area on average about a third larger than females. It has small eyes set close together, rounded ears, a long tan or grizzled snout, a large body, and a short tail. The largest American black bear to date was found in Riding Mountain National Park in Manitoba, Canada. It weighed in at 365 kilograms (805 pounds). Bears have forty-two teeth. Permanent teeth are normally in place by the time a bear is approximately two and a half years old. Black bears have premolars and molars for grinding their food.

Predators - The black bear's primary predator is man. It is the one bear species which seems to have the greatest capacity to live in close proximity to man. The only animal known to kill a black bear is a porcupine, when the bear gets the quills stuck in his tongue after trying to eat them and then dying from starvation. Bears can trot up to 30 mph in short bursts and are powerful swimmers. Will climb trees for food or protection. Rugged terrain and dense shrubs provide escape cover and den sites for black bears. Black bears also seek den sites under fallen trees, in hollow trees or caves, or in previously occupied dens. When possible, black bears will choose streams with dense bankside shrubbery as travel corridors to and from food sources. Primarily nocturnal, although it may be seen any time, day or night. Their curved claws are highly adapted to tree climbing and all black bears are agile tree climbers.

Lifespan - The life span of black bears in the wild can be twenty-five years or more. The oldest known black bear was 30 years old. (1985)

Color Phases - The fur color of the black bear is often, in fact, black but color phases can also include light brown, dark brown, cinnamon, beige, and even a blue-white color. There is evidence to suggest that in areas of relatively high rainfall, black bears predominate while in the drier inland areas of the continent, brown and blond bears are more common.

Diet - Eating virtually anything edible, it has been determined that more than 75% of their diet consists of vegetable matter including, berries, flowers, grasses and sedges, herbs, tubers and roots, and nuts of all kinds. For the remaining portion of their diet, animal matter such as decaying animal carcasses, fish, small marine animals, ants and other insects, honey, elk and moose calves and a variety of other small mammals (e.g., ground squirrels, marmots, etc.) are consumed. Black bears like to feed in the cool of the evening or in the early morning. During the heat of the day, they will often seek shade in the dense underbrush.

Senses - Excellent sense of smell. Good hearing and thought to have poor vision. Recent studies have shown that a bears eyesight is fairly good. A bears eyes are reflective and mirror the slightest light like a deer.

Breeding - Black bears reach breeding maturity at about 4 or 5 years of age, and breed every 2 to 3 years. Black bears breed in the spring, usually in May and June, but the embryos do not begin to develop until the mother dens in the fall to hibernate through the winter months. However, if food was scarce and the mother has not gained enough fat to sustain herself during hibernation as well as produce cubs, the embryos do not implant (develop). Black bear cubs are generally born in January or February. The blind cubs weigh about 1/2 to 3/4 of a pound at birth, and twins are most common. By spring thaw, when the bears start leaving their dens, the cubs are fur-balls of energy, inquisitive and playful. They are weaned between July and September of their first year, and stay with the mother through the first full winter. They are usually independent by the second winter.

Cub survival is totally dependent on the skill of the mother in teaching her cubs what to eat, where and how to forage (find food), where to den, and when and where to seek shelter from heat or danger. Except for breeding and raising young, black bears are generally solitary animals. They try to avoid humans and are considered non-aggressive except when injured, protecting their young, or protecting themselves. Daily movements are influenced greatly by temperature and food availability. Bears usually feed in the cool of the evening or early morning. During the heat of the day, they will seek shade in dense underbrush. Home ranges are determined by food types, abundance, and availability, and can be as small as 1 square mile or as great as 100 square miles.

Except for females with cubs, black bears spend most of their time alone. During the breeding season, a male and female may remain together for several days at a time in June, July and August  and groups of bears may feed in close proximity to each other if food is abundant, such as in berry patches or at dumps. Gestation is 220 days. Cubs are weaned at 8 months, but stay with mother for 1.5 years 

Home Range - Female home ranges are 3 to 40 square kilometers (1 to 15 square miles). While the home ranges of individual bears are usually exclusive from those of other bears of the same sex, male home ranges are larger and may overlap those of several females. A young adult female is often allowed to establish her territory within that of her mother, while subadult males must disperse. Characteristically, a home range does not constitute one large area but rather is composed of several smaller food source areas connected by travel lanes. Open areas are usually avoided by black bears as they prefer wooded cover. Found throughout most of Canada, Alaska, south on West Coast through California, in Rocky Mountain states to Mexico, and parts of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, New England, Florida, Arkansas, Missouri and Louisiana. Black bears (Ursus americanus) originated in Asia. They migrated to North America over time. The current black bear population, world-wide, is approximated at up to 500,000. (1992)

Hibernation - Most black bears, including all who live in areas with severe weather climates, will hibernate for between four and seven months. Where the weather is much more temperate and the period without food available is quite short, black bears may either not hibernate or they may simply nest in a thicket or other sheltered area for brief periods of time. During the entire period of hibernation, the black bear will neither pass urea or solid fecal waste. While urea poisoning causing death would occur in all other animals, bears have developed a unique process of recycling the urea into usable proteins. During the hibernation period, all bears lose a great deal of weight. Adult males and adolescent bears lose between 15% and 30% of their weight while it is not uncommon for a female cub with newborn cubs to have lost as much as 40% of her weight.

Most black bears vacate their winter dens over a one to two month period commencing in April or May. Both the climatic conditions (snow cover and temperature) and physiological factors such as the bear's age, the status of its health and its remaining fat reserves affect the exact timing of emergence from its den. Normally, adult males emerge first. Females with newborn cubs are usually the last to leave their dens.

Black Bear Safety

The following is the reproduction of a Usenet post originally posted in alt.animals.bears and rec.backcountry.

DO NOT leave your food, waste, or other scented objects within reach of a bear. Bears can smell anything from far distances, and will taste it... even if it is something inedible! (Eg. I have seen bears try gasoline, candles, and the grease remaining in a fire pit.) Even if you think they can't smell the food (eg unopened pop) think again... I heard of a bear who put his claw through a pop can and drink it. The only smell black bears aren't interested in is that of humans. Don't forget that gum in your pocket!

HOW AND WHERE TO STORE FOOD, WASTE, AND SCENTED OBJECTS

CAMPER CAMPING -- Store food and scented objects inside the camper. !!! CAVEAT !!! Do not store inside a soft-side camper as black bears can (and do) rip the sides open. Store it in the car. Put waste in the designated garbage bin in the campground. Use the campers privy, or an outhouse provided by the park. Empty the campers privy only at designated trailer dumping stations.

TENT-OUT-OF-TRUNK -- Store food and scented objects inside your car. Put waste in the designated garbage bins in the campground. Use the outhouses provided by the park. Do not store a "port-a-pottie" in your tent.

BACKPACKING/CANOEING/TRUE CAMPING -- Store all food and scented objects at least 3 meters (9 feet) up, between two trees, at least 1 meter (3 feet) from each tree trunk (remember, black bears can climb)! Burn all combustible wastes. Bury the ashes at least 20 meters (60 feet) from the campsite. Place remaining wastes in a garbage bag and store with the food and scented objects. All non-combustible garbage must be "packed-out". Use outhouses provided by the park, or, if unavailable, dig a trench six inches deep at least 10 meters from the campsite, and fill it in before you leave.

NEVER, EVER FEED A BEAR.

Do NOT come between a mother and her cubs. The mother will become scared for her cubs, and will attack if she fears they are in danger.

Due to their territorial nature, black bears can prove to be nuisances when they leave their mother, searching for a home. Each bear has a different temprament... sort of like humans. Some bears will attack, others will not. Some bears are scared of humans, others have a natural curiosity. (But still don't try to get too friendly with a bear that seems nice, just like people it can have a nasty streak.

Even if you have no food out whatsoever, you may still encounter a black bear wandering during its daily travels. Upon spotting a human, the naturally curious black bear will either a) run away, or b) stop and observe the human.

If you want to completely avoid black bears, talk continuously or make loud, unnatural noise (ie. Bear Bells). This will scare off most black bears.

If a black bear DOES come uncomfortably close, or if it starts approaching you, back away SLOWLY, always watching the bear. Speak in a LOUD, DEEP voice (It doesn't matter what you say. I use "GO AWAY BEAR" as it also serves to inform others around me of my situation).

DO NOT RUN AWAY FROM A BLACK BEAR. THEY CAN RUN FASTER THAN YOU.

DO NOT PLAY DEAD WITH A BLACK BEAR. It is curious, and will rip you open just to see "what's inside"!

Sometimes black bears will still approach, or even attack (VERY, VERY UNLIKELY). The next step is one I have trouble convincing campers of... FIGHT BACK! Get angry with a black bear. Throw your arms up in the air, yell and scream in a deep voice, throw something at it. Throw a pot at it, or a big rock. You want to show the bear that you are in control. This sounds futile, but it works. The black bear will get scared and run away. Keep in mind though, you don't want to kill the black bear... just scare it.

Respect the black bear. Remember, you are in it's home. It may look cute and cuddly, but don't try to pet it. Let the black bear be and it will let you be.

Fatal Black Bear attack in the Smokey Mountains, May, 2000.

Ammo/Reloading

Accurate Reloading .... Saeed's great talk forum on reloading.
Alliant Powder (formerly Hercules) .... check out the online reloading data.
Barnes .... They make great bullets.
Berger Bullets .... Some of the best bullets made.
Cheaper Than Dirt .... Shooting supplies and hunting gear.
Dillon Precision Products .... One of the best reloading companies.
Federal Ammo ....
Graf and Sons Inc. .... The reloading authority.
Hodgdon Powder Company .... Reloading powder.
Hornady .... Bullets and reloading equipment.
Lapua .... Makers of match grade ammo and Vihtavuori powders.
Lee Precision Inc. .... The Lee family has been providing affordable reloading products since 1958.
MEC .... Reloading equipment.
Midsouth Shooters Supply Co. .... Your complete source for shooting accessories and supplies.
Midway USA .... The world's largest mail order shooting and reloading superstore.
Nosler .... Maker of the famous 'Partition bullets'.
Powder Valley .... Offering the finest in reloading components at the best possible price.
Precision Reloading Inc. .... Unique and hard to find reloading products.
RCBS .... If you're into reloading, bookmark this page now. All the info you need to be a top-notch re-loader is right here:
Redding Reloading Equipment ....
Remington .... Guns and ammo.
Sierra Bullets .... Bullets.
Speer .... Bullets.
Western Powders .... Western Powders is the largest Master Distributor of reloading powders in North America. We carry a full line of smokeless and black powders, and have also released our own line of high-performance, smokeless powders called RAMSHOT.
Widener's .... Here you will find great deals on all your hunting needs. From Ammunition to Powder. Featuring all the top name products such as Hornady, Nosler, Remington, RCBS, REDDING, SPEER, Winchester and much more.
Winchester Ammo .... Makers of great ammo.

Bow Equipment

Action Archery.com .... Targets, decoys, calls and more. JHP sponsor.
Archery Headquarters .... Online retailer for archery supplies.
B&B Achery and Bowhunting Books .... Books and videos on archery and bowhunting.
Bear Archery .... Makers of excellent bows and bow equipment. Fred Bear is a legend of the bowhunting world.
Ben Pearson Bow info .... Great place to look up info on old Ben Pearson bows, broadheads, arrow boxes and logos.
Black Widow Bows .... Fine bows and arrows.
Bowhunters Discount Warehouse .... As of 7/2001 their website is closed.
Bowhunter Magazine  .... The site of the number one bowhunting magazine.
Bowhunting.net .... The Bowhunting Netcenter.
Bowsite .... If you're a bowhunter, this is one place you have to check out.
Don Brown Traditional Archery ....
California Archery Web .... Webring of California archery shops.
Custom Feathers .... David Mitchell. 6117 Highway 190, Chillicothe, MO 64601. Phone #s: 660-646-6630 (Work), 660-646-0469 (Home-eves.), 660-646-9703 (FAX), & 1-888-353-8246 (Orders only). He makes custom arrows using fresh turkey wing primaries and some secondaries. Most fletching is natural, but he'll custom dye colors on large orders. He also buys wings, fans, and beards, so you might be able to work a trade.
Dink's Feather Shop .... They make custom arrows and sells supplies. Murraysville, WV. Ph # 304-273-3485.
Easton .... Fine arrows and other gear.
edersbow .... Online bowhunting magazine.
The Essentials Of Archery .... Original printing 1942 (This document has been liberally transcribed from the 1953 edition). "How to Use and Make Bows and Arrows" by L. E. Stemmler , Manorville, L.I., N.Y.
EXTERIOR BALLISTICS OF BOWS AND ARROWS .... By W. J. Rheingans.
Game Tracker .... String tracking system. 3476 Eastman Drive Flushing, MI 48433 Phone (800)241-4833 Fax (810)733-2077
Hidden Wolf Woolens .... Sorry folks, this company closed the middle of 2000.
High Mountain Archery Equipment Sales .... they carry Gold Tip, Bow Tech, Champion, PSE, Jennings, Hoyt, Golden Key, Sims, Archers Choice, and many other quality products.
How to strip turkey feathers .... If you want to make your own barred feather fletchings.
Hoyt USA Bows .... Makers of fine bows and bowhunting equipment.
International Bowhunting Organization .... The IBO is a non profit organization founded in 1984. Their intent is to provide a means by which all persons, interested in the sport, can unite to ensure ours and our children's rights to the pursuit of bowhunting.
Jackson's Archery and Hunting Page .... Check out this San Diego California bowhunters website. Lots of good info and links here.
Magnus Broadheads .... I use these broadheads and they shoot well and are very tough.
Martin Archery .... Good bows.
The National Archery Association .... National governing body for U.S. Olympic archery.
Primitve Archer ..... Good forum and quarterly magazine.
Professional Bowhunters Society ....
PSE Archery .... Bows and other archery gear.
RibTek Broadheads .... Good tough broadheads.
Sky Archery .... This is the legendary Earl Hoyt's archery company that makes excellent longbows and recurve bows.
Stickbow .... Your traditional archery connection.
Tammy Jo's Archery Supplies .... Custom flemish-twist bowstrings for recurves and longbows.
Trackmaster Arrow Tracking System .... Radio signal arrow recovery system.
Traditional Bowhunter Magazine .... 6 issues per year of good traditional bow info.

Camo and Clothing

10X Wear .... Camo
Advantage Camo ....
Aervoe-Pacific Co. .... Camouflage paint in all the military colors. Best supplier I've found for painting your equipment. P.O. Box 483, Gardnerville, NV., 89410, ph# 800-227-0196.
ASAT Camo .... Tel# 423-531-7110 or you can email them at ASATCAMO@BELLSOUTH.NET.
Beartooth Products .... 3 piece camo kit for shotguns.
Brigade Quartermasters .... Outdoor gear, military issue gear, GPS, everything you need.
Bug Out Outdoorwear .... Bug nets and suits.
Bushlan Camo .... Camo clothing.
Bush Rag Camouflage Systems .... Camo ghillies.
Camo Skin .... Removable camo overlays for shotguns.
Camovision Eyewear .... You can see out, game can't see in. UV protected, patented, durable frames. I tried a pair of these and I found they kept the sun out real good but it was like looking through a thick screen door. Too distracting for me.
Columbia Sportswear Co. ....
DK Flatwoods Camo .... 3D camo
DownWind 3D Camo ....
Hidden Wolf Woolens .... Quality, Service, Dedication- Unexcelled -For your camouflage clothing needs.
Image Country Camouflage .... Camo.
Lacrosse .... Excellent boots and waders.
LongBeard Industries L.L.C. .... Makers of the "The Backpack Recliner" .
.C. C. Filson .... For 102 years, Filson has been supplying rugged clothing for extreme conditions out of doors.
Mossy Oak .... America's most effective concealment system.
Natural Gear Camo ....
Polar Wrap .... Great clothing to keep your face and head warm.
Predator Camo ....
Permanone .... Spray this on your clothes to kill ticks, chiggers and other bugs. Not a repellent like "Off" or "Repel", it actually kills the darn creepy crawlies. PERMETHRIN is the generic name of the active ingredient. It is a natural pesticide from pyretherum (African flower in the daisy family) and the active ingredient is permanone. It is used on cloths only because if applied to the skin, it mixes with oils and sweat and becomes useless. It is harmless but some people may be sensitive to it. It goes by several brand names, Permanone being the most common. Once applied properly, it binds to the fabrics and lasts a minimum of two weeks, even through several washings. Another brand is called Duranon and you can get it for $3.66 for a 6 oz. can at Wing Supply.
Ranger Joe's .... Military, Law enforcement and outdoor gear.
Rancho Safari .... Camo ghillies.
Raven Wear Canada Ltd. .... Extreme cold camo clothing.
Realtree .... Excellent camo.
Rightnour Manufacturing Co. Inc. (RMC) .... Archery and Muzzleloading supplies, turkey vests, unique Non-Typical shotgun sling.
Scent-Lok .... Camo clothing and scent control suits.
Schnee's Boot's .... These guys make the best cold weather elk boots I've ever owned. I like the 'air bob' soles.
Sleeping Indian Design .... Wool and cotton camo clothing
Stick N' Limbs Camo ....
Trebark Camo ....
Underbrush .... Portable blinds and 3-D Leafy Camo Wear.
Woolrich .... Fine wool clothing.

Gear

Bass Pro Shop .... One of the biggest hunting and fishing gear suppliers. Stop by one of their 'Outdoor World' stores, you'll be amazed. They have calls, decoys, shells, sights, blinds camo and tons more.
Brigade Quartermasters .... Outdoor gear, military issue gear, GPS, everything you need.
Cabela's .... One of the biggest retailers of outdoor and hunting gear. They have calls, decoys, shells, sights, blinds camo and tons more.
Gamesaver .... Better than pepper, fights bacteria growth in warm weather. Concentrated for taking into the field.
Ranger Joe's .... Military, Law enforcement and outdoor gear.
REI ....The biggest outdoor store on the net.
Shomer-tec .... Law enforcement and military equipment. Box 28070, Bellingham, WA. 98228 ph# 360-733-6214. Call for free catalog.
U.S. Cavalry .... World's finest military and adventure equipment.

Guides/Outfitters

If you know of any other taxidermists or info please e-mail us at and we will update the list. The listing is for informational purposes only and does not imply any endorsement from JHP. CAVEAT EMPTOR!!

Arizona Wildlife Outfitting .... Don Martin has hunts for bighorn sheep, buffalo, antelope, elk, mule deer, Coues deer, javelina, mountain lion, turkey and predators.
Blue Ride Guide Service .... Bill Sweetser, Guide license # 80. 46438 Blue Ridge Dr. Springville, Ca. 93265. Dove, bandtail pigeon, turkey, bobcat, fox, duck, coyote, bear and deer. ph# (559) 539-5102.
Desert Bull .... Do it yourself hunts in Arizona. If you are thinking of trying it this year, you have found the right place. We can help you plan the hunt of a lifetime. Whether you want to hunt Elk, Deer, or Antelope in the fall or Javelina or Merriam's Turkey in the spring, Desert Bull can help you make your hunting trip to Arizona an unforgettable one.
Dry Creek Outfitters ... is a professional hunting guide and outfitting service. We specialize in Trophy Desert Bighorn Sheep hunts in Arizona, California, Utah and Texas. We also offer hunts for Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep, Coues Whitetail Deer, Mule Deer, Elk, Pronghorn Antelope, Javelina, and Bear. We are fully licensed, bonded, insured, and permitted. We have a full time team of professional, knowledgeable guides. We have also filmed, edited and produced a video called "Hunting Desert Bighorn Sheep." It includes two different sheep hunts and information on how to find and field judge rams as well as instructions on how to video tape game through your spotting scope. It is currently for sale on our website and through the new FNAWS Mercantile catalog
Lassen Gun & Guides .... Guided hunting and fishing trips. PLM tags. Deer, bear, antelope, boar and birds. P.O. Box 1483, Susanville, CA 96130
Native Hunt Enterprises .... T. Michael Riddle. License # 0001813. Wild boar, bear, deer and upland game. Lodging and meals. ph# (408) 224-6899.
Pusch Ridge Outfitters .... We are an Arizona based outfitting business that outfits and guides in Arizona, New Mexico and Mexico. We are proud of the fact that we consistently produce trophies of the highest quality for our clients. Several have qualified for the Boone and Crockett all-time record book, as well as the Pope and Young, Safari Club International, and Longhunter Society books.
San Gorgonio Wilderness Outfitters .... Terry Anderson. Fully guided hunts on 7200 acres of private land in southern California. D14 PLM program. Desert bighorn, deer and bear. ph# (760) 363-6892.
Southwestern Hound Adventures .... is your headquarters for outdoor fun, outdoor video products and great pictures. If a quality hunt for Western Big Game is on your wish list we can make it happen. We specialize in Bear and Lion hunts with hounds and now have a video of the bear action you can expect.

Guns/Gun Supplies

Americase .... Gun cases since 1985.
Beretta .... Firearms.
Boyt Harness Co. .... Gun cases.
Ed Brown Products .... High performance bolt-action rifles and 1911 handguns for those who expect the best.
Brownells .... Great supplier of gun parts.
Browning .... Firearms.
B-Square .... has been manufacturing and marketing a full line of premium quality scopes mounts, accessories and gunsmithing tools for over 40 years..
CanjarTriggers. M. H. Canjar Co. 500 E. 45th Ave.,Denver, CO 80216, Voice: (303) 295-2638.
Doskocil .... Gun cases.
Galati International.com .... Your number one source for shooting and gun accessories including Rifle Cases, Range Bags, Holsters, Shotgun Accessories, Knives, Soft Air Guns, Scopes, Night Vision, T-Shirts and Much More.
Gamaliel Shooting Supply .... Whatever you need - rifle scopes, reloading supplies or gun accessories we've got them all at Gamaliel Shooting Supply! We have all the types of rifle scopes, reloading supplies, and gun accessories you need for hunting and target shooting.
Gunbroker.com .... Worlds largest sport shooting and hunting auction.
Gun Guard .... Good rifle, bow and pistol cases. Some case have wheels which are real handy in the airport.
Gun Tests.com .... They have a no holds barred gun review website and magazine that is very objective. If it sucks, they say so and why. No 3 to 3 1/2 out of 4 stars for every gun they review like you see in NAHC or Guns and Ammo. They have no ads in their review so they are not worried about stepping on toes.
Impact Case Company .... Gun cases.
Knight Muzzleloaders .... Firearms.
Kolpin .... Gun cases.
Lazzeroni .... Great rifles.
Lilja Precision Rifle Barrels .... Great barrels and lots of info on long range shooting.
Marlin Firearms Co. .... Great firearms.
McMillan .... Makers of tough dependable rifle stocks.
Michael's .... Makers of Butler Creek and Uncle Mike's gun supplies.
Midsouth Shooters Supply Co. .... Your complete source for shooting accessories and supplies.
Midway USA .... The world's largest mail order shooting and reloading superstore.
MTM Case-Gard .... Ammo and accessory boxes, gun cleaning vises and target stands.
The Almost Complete List of Muzzle Loading and Buckskinning Links ....
Muzzleloader Magazine .... The publication for black powder shooters.
Northwest Security Products .... Cases, holsters, pouches and more from Alaska.
Plano ..... Gun cases.
Quake Industries .... For years I've searched for a rifle sling that wouldn't slide off my shoulder. I finally found the Holy Grail here at Quaker Industries, called the "Claw". They also make super rifle swivels that don't squeak, scope covers and recoil pads.
Remington .... Firearms.
Ruger .... Firearms.
Sako .... Firearms.
Shilen .... Makers of excellent rifle barrels.
Sinclair International .... We are a 16 year old, Indiana based company which specializes in high quality products designed for precision rifle shooters.
SKB .... Gun cases.
Sniper Country .... A great site for long range shooting. They have reviews on scopes, rangefinders, moly bullet coating and tons of other info. Lots of military and law enforcement shooters hang out here.
Tactical Intervention Specialists ....  Precision rifle accessories. Mike has come up with a great new sling too. Stop by his website and see some of the goodies there.
Thompsom/Center Arms .... Whether a Traditional or a Modern In-Line... T/C has it all.
Timney Trigger .... Timney Manufacturing, Inc. is one of the oldest and largest trigger manufacturers in the world. Founded in 1946, Timney prides itself on the quality of precision machining and workmanship that goes into each and every Timney product.
Traditions Performance Muzzleloading Weatherby ....
Tuffpak .... Tuffpak is the only multi-gun case of its kind. Whether you're going for a weekend or a month, taking 1 rifle or 5 shotguns .
Weatherby .... Fine rifles and shotguns.
Winchester .... Firearms.

Aimpoint .... As the choice of the U.S. Army and elite forces around the world, Aimpoint sights offer high performance, military-proven technology and rugged durability. Aimpoint's both-eyes-open, heads-up, rapid target acquisition and superior accuracy deliver unmatched precision for a variety of applications.
Backpack Hunter .... Sorry to say it, but Don "Backpack Hunter" has shut down his website after many years.
Bear Basin .... Good prices on binos, scopes and rangefinders.
B & H .... The Professional's source for tripods, photo gear, and video.
Brunton .... Makers of the 'Eterna' and 'Lite-Tech' line of binos. They also make compasses, wind meters, and survey gear.
Burris .... Fine American made scopes and binos.
Bushnell .... Scopes, binos, and Yardage Pro rangefinder.
Bogen .... Distributors for 'Gitzo' and 'Manfrotto' tripods.
Canon .... Makers of binos.
Celestron .... Makers of binos and scopes.
Crooked Horn Outfitters .... They make a bino harness that works real good for $19.99.
Custom Ophthalmics .... Manufactures custom lenses to correct astigmatism. These small lenses are made to your prescription and fitted into the eyecup of your binoculars to let you remove your glasses while viewing. For more information: 11603 Hampstead Drive, Fredericksburg, VA. 22407 . PH# 1-540-786-9276 voice/fax, e-mail:102171,2300@Compuserve.com
Deutsche Optik .... Retailers of 'Wild' and 'Barr & Stroud' rangefinders, Leitz Intel Analyst Magnifiers, Visulette Aspheric Magnifiers, Hensoldt binos, Optolyth scopes and binos, and WWII military optics.
Doctor-Optic Technologies Inc. .... Makers of great scopes and binos. Contact them at: 4685 Boulder Highway, Suite A, Las Vegas, NV 89121 USA, PH# 1-800-290-3634, 1-702-898-7161, (fax) 1-702-898-3737.
D & R Sports .... Good prices on binos, scopes and rangefinders.
Eagle Optics .... Online Retailer of name brand optics, also good info on scopes and binos specifications.
Fujinon .... Makers of fine scopes and binos. They also make the 'Staboscope', a bino that you can use at night and while moving.
Global Mart .... Online retailer for Tasco scopes and rangefinders, Bushnell, and ITT Night vision.
'Grippit' .... With this strap and mount, you can mount your binos on a tripod for more stability. $29.99.
HawkEyes International .... Online retailer of binos, scopes, laser sights, and night vision.
HI VIZ Fiber Optic Sights ....
Kahles .... Kahles Riflescope Manufacturing Company of Vienna, Austria is one of the premier rifle scope manufacturers in the world. With over 100 years of optical engineering behind every scope they make, Kahles has always been known by professional guides and hunters as "One of the very best and most rugged rifle scopes".
Kowa .... One of the better scope and bino makers.
Leica .... Fine German binos and scopes.
LensPen .... LensPen is a lens cleaning device that uses a carbon-based cleaning compound. Also has a little brush on the other end to aid in removing debris.
Leupold .... Fine American made optics.
Meade .... Makers of fine binos, scopes, CCD cameras, and microscopes.
Minolta .... Makers of binos.
Nikon .... Great binos and scopes.
OP/TECH USA .... Long been known for their comfortable binocular and camera straps. They have branched out into several other products of interest that are available via retailers: Fashion Strap: binocular and camera strap, E-Z Comfort Strap: binocular and camera strap, Soft Pouch: binocular and scope covers, Bino Caps: binocular, scope, and camera lens caps, Tripod Strap: tripod strap, Tripod Leg Wraps: Cordura covered foam leg wraps. For more information: PH# 1-800-251-7815 or 1-406-388-1377
Optolyth  .... Fine German optics. Contact: SCM Corporation, (distributor), PO Box 7518 San Diego, CA 92167 USA, PH# 1-800-225-9407, (fax) 1-619-692-8199.
Orion .... Online retailer of binos and scopes.
Pentax .... Makers of binos.
Redfield .... Scopes and mount.
Schmidt & Bender .... Fine German optics.
ScopLevel .... ScopLevel is a device that dramatically increases your shooting accuracy by dramatically reducing CANTING. Check out the effects of canting and what ScopLevel does to reduce it's effect at this website.
Segway-Industries home of the Reticule Leveler .... Segway Industries manufactures and sells the easiest-to-use scope alignment tool ever developed for gun owners and gunsmiths.
Shepherd Scopes Ltd. .... This scope gives you a one shot zero and accurate range-finding. Dual reticule system allows for better accuracy and reliability.
Simmons .... Good scopes and binos. Blount is the maker of this line of optics.
Springfield Armory .... For more than a decade, Springfield Armory™ has been providing high quality, proprietary counter-sniper sighting systems to the world's most demanding customers. Now with eight Government Models™ to choose from, Springfield provides outdoor, severe duty telescopic sights designed to meet the most extreme performance demands of serious law enforcement personnel and hunters world wide.
Steiner .... Pioneer Research is the maker and importer of Steiner optics. They also make dive cameras.
S.W.F.A. Inc. .... Great prices on scopes, binos and rangefinders.
Swarovski.... Fine Austrian optics
Swift Instruments Inc. .... Makers of excellent binos, scopes, magnifiers, opera glasses, and weather instruments.
Tasco .... Makers of binos, scopes, and rangefinders.
Tru_Glo .... Make fiber optic sights.
US Optics .... They design and build special purpose riflescopes for, Military and Law Enforcement, sniper and tactical use. Also, riflescopes for competition and Varmint shooting.
V-Vax Products residual oil remover .... The best lens cleaning solution since alcohol. A lot of optics shops use it and it's available at retailers all over. Leica and Zeiss use it to clean all of the internal components prior to assembly of their binoculars. For more information: V-Vax Products, 1507 Elston Avenue, Chicago, IL 60622. PH# 1-312-276-1747, (fax) 1-312-276-0909.
Weaver .... Fine scopes. Blount is the maker of this product.
Wholesale Hunter .... Good prices on binos, scopes and rangefinders.
Williams Optics .... Telescopes, mounts and camera adapters.
Zeiss .... Fine binos and scopes.

Organizations

The American (Black) Bear Association  .... The American Bear Association is dedicated to promoting the well-being of the black bear across North America through education and scientific research, as well as by providing opportunities for the public to observe first-hand, the true nature of this incredible species at the Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary.
Boone and Crockett Club .... Promoting wildlife conservation and 'fair chase hunting'.
Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) .... Offers weekend skills clinics to women throughout North America. Explore our pages and discover  what's waiting in the great outdoors!
Deersearch Inc. .... Dedicated to tracking wounded big game with leashed dogs. Check this site out, to see if you can help.
Hunters for the Hungry .... A great nationwide effort for sportsmen to donate extra game meat to help those in need.
Hunt Of A Lifetime .... is a nonprofit organization that grants hunting and fishing adventures to children who have been diagnosed with terminal or life threatening illnesses. We are making a difference. We need your help.
International Hunter Education Association .... Hunter Education classes explore a variety of topics, including wildlife identification, landowner relations, outdoor survival skills, wildlife management, field care of game, and more. Volunteers teach all types of hunter safety, including the use of various modern firearms, black powder, and bow and arrow.
Pope and Young Club .... Dedicated To The Protection Of Our Bowhunting Heritage And North America's Wildlife.
National Rifle Association .... If you're a gun owner, you really need to join, to maintain your 2nd amendment right to bear arms.
Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Alliance .... The Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Alliance is a huge grassroots effort to give hunters and anglers a stronger collective voice. It's an alliance of individual sportsmen and women, plus national conservation groups, as well as local and regional clubs and organizations who care about the future of wildlife and outdoor activities on the 192 million acres of National Forests and grasslands.
Safari Club International .... Advocate for 45 million hunters and wildlife conservation worldwide.
Wildlife Legislative Fund of America .... The Wildlife Legislative Fund of America (WLFA) provides direct lobbying and grassroots coalition support to protect and advance the rights of hunters, fishermen, trappers and scientific wildlife management professionals. This is accomplished through coalition building, ballot issue campaigning and legislative and government relations.

Know of any other good bear organizations? If you do, drop us an email at

Publications/Books/Magazines/Videos

All these books are available at Amazon.com unless noted otherwise. You can get used books there that are well below the new book price.

Bear Hunting Magazine .... Excellent magazine with info on bear hunting , baiting and other topics.
"Pocket Guide to Field Dressing Game" .... by Steve Gilbert. $12.95, plastic, spiral-bound, 3 5/8 x 4 1/2 x 1/4, 26 pages, fully illustrated, ISBN 1-886127-19-0, Item #P144.

Know of any other good bear publicationss? If you do, drop me us email at

If you know of any other taxidermists or info please e-mail us at and I will update the list. The listing is for informational purposes only and does not imply any endorsement from JHO. CAVEAT EMPTOR!!

African American Taxidermy .... 711 S. Victory Blvd., Burbank, Ca. Ph# (818) 846-2000. Game heads, birds, fish, tanning, fur rugs, cleaning, and repair.
Al's Four Season Taxidermy .... Don Covert. 2537 South Market St. Redding, CA 96001.
Art Kraft Taxidermy .... 10851 Vanowen, North Hills, Ca. Ph# (818) 505-8425.
Ault's Taxidermy .... Dennis Ault. Livermore, CA. PH# 925-449-5372.
Avilla's Taxidermy & Tanning .... 1754 Timothy Dr. San Leandro, CA. Ph# (510) 483-6733. I have only used him for tanning hides but he has a lot of his work on display in the shop and it looks great. He also puts on safari hunts in Africa each year. Bigdog.
Bateman Bros. $ Co. .... 6378 Hollywood Blvd. Ph# (323) 463-8029. All work done on premises. Head and life size mounts. Rentals available.
Birds of a Feather .... Stu Renna. Carmichael, CA 95608. PH# 530-482-5203.
Bob's Taxidermy .... 1912 Commonwealth Ave., Fullerton, Ca. Ph# (714) 870-8282.
Dean's Bird Taxidermy .... Dean Inmon specializing in all types of waterfowl and upland game. Mounts available for sale. 11026 Pangborn Ave. Downey Ca. 90241, ph# (310) 923-2999.
Steve Eberhart .... Petaluma, Ca. PH# 707-782-9045.
Herman's Taxidermy .... 14201 California Av., Beaumont, Ca., Ph# (909) 845-6035.
Ken's Fur Repair .... 991 Bradshawe Ave., Moorpark, Ca. Ph# (626) 288-8315. Zebras, bears, leopards, tigers, etc.
Lyons and O'Haver Taxidermy .... 8180 Parkway Dr., La Mesa, CA. 91942 . For over 40 years, Lyons and O'Haver taxidermy located in San Diego California has enjoyed a reputation of excellence among taxidermists. We specialize in fish reproductions, bird mounts and big game taxidermy.
Marieiro's Taxidermy Studio .... Jim Marieiro. 138 Clipper Lane, Martinez, CA 94553. PH# 925-228-8258.
Oscar's Taxidermy.... Specializing in big game mounts. You can see some of Oscar's work in the Wal-mart in Redlands and the Sportmart in San Bernardino. Calimesa Ca. Ph# (909) 795-2866
Richard Sawaske Custom Taxidermy ..... Richard Sawaske. 12513 N. Armstrong, Clovis, CA 93612. PH# 209-298-4967.
Second Nature Taxidermy .... Jesse Smith. 1800 Piner Road Unit E. Santa Rosa, CA 95403. PH# 707-528-1550.
Simon's Taxidermy .... Birds, mammals, fish, skin and reproduction. Los Angeles Ca. Ph# (323) 266-4020. Since 1980. African, North American, and fish.
Spec's Taxidermy .... I only mount birds as a hobby, waterfowl and pheasants but do about 50 birds a year just for hunting money and special events like more hunting LOL!! Vacaville Calif. 95687. PH# 707-448-7624.
Taxidermy Forum .... Great place to ask questions and see pics on how it's done.
Trophy Room Taxidermy .... 11801 Cardinal Circle, Garden Grove, Ca. Ph# (714) 534-6370. Since 1955. Game heads, birds and African.
West Coast Taxidermy Studio .... 876 San Mateo Ave, San Bruno, Ca. 94066. Owner Ronald Gomez.
Whitefront Express Taxidermy .... Bob Lewis. Elk Grove, CA. PH# 916-691-3190.
Bird Specialist Wilderness Taxidermy ... Tony, 12138 Humboldt Place, Chino, Ca. 91710, Ph# (909) 902-9355.
Wilderness Taxidermy .... Geoff Vassallo. Fremont, CA. PH# 510-490-4333.
Wildlife Arts Taxidermy .... 540 Traffic Way, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420 Ph# 805-481-2190. Gary Oulrey - Owner, 25 years experience. Dennis Berry - 17 years experience.

Websites/Forums

Alberta Mike .... Mike's excellent website on hunting Alberta Canada's backcountry. Lots of good hunting pics here.
Bear Attack Survival Webpage - This site is for all those people who like and appreciate bears but do not want to be injured or killed by one. By James (Gary) Shelton, Bella Coola Valley, British Columbia, Canada
The Bear Den - Don Middleton's webpage on all kinds of bears. Great website to learn about all types of bears.
Bear Hunting Network .... Bowhunting.net's great site for bear hunters. Excellent info from Stu Keck, recipes from SusieQ and more.
Black Bear Field Care Guide - Excellent tutorial with pics on how to skin your bear in the field by Russell Knight of  Knight's Taxidermy
Black Bear Weight Chart - Jim Hackiewicz of Custom Osteo has put together a girthing chart to find the weight of black bears. Many years of doing bear depredation in the state of Washington has allowed Jim to gather this helpful info.
Black Bear Meat Care and Preparation - Good info adapted from an Alaska Department of Fish and Game hunting information leaflet
California Game and Fish Magazine .... Your ticket to the hottest fishing and hunting in California.
Canuck2 ... The Lucke family - J.R., Ellen, Jennifer, Aaron, and Mike, from British Columbia Canada. Stop by here for some excellent pics and hunting info.
Care of Game Meat in the Field - Lots of good info here on how to care for your bear meat while in the field from  Doug Drum, Indian Valley Meats, HC52 Box 8809, Indian, AK 99540  Tel. (907) 653-7511.
Deerslayer 1's Webpage .... Dan has lots of deer, elk, caribou and bear pics from public land hunts.
Eastman's .... The Eastmans' Journal is the original bi-monthly magazine devoted to western trophy hunting.  Hunting journal, videos and books.
Field and Stream .... The popular magazine online. They have a great hunting and shooting forum too.
Fishing and Hunting News .... This is the fishing and hunting news magazine online version.
Hunt America.com .... Marshall Talbott's great hunting website. He has forums for everything from Big Game hunting to Backpack gear. Check it out.
Jesse's Hunting & Outdoors Bear Hunting Forum .... Great place to view and ask questions.
Monster Muleys.com .... "Online Mule Deer and Elk Hunting Magazine". It's our goal to entertain, educate, and be one of your valued hunting resources. We add new pictures, stories, tips, survey's, etc. every two weeks, so be sure and save us as a favorite and visit often.
Ted Nugent's United Sportsmen of America ....
Trophy Hunter Magazine .... Offering real hunting stories about the biggest and best trophies taken in the west every year.
Outdoor Life .... The well known magazine online.
Rocky Mountain Game and Fish Magazine .... A sportsman's guide to the best hunting and fishing in Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Nevada, Montana, Wyoming and Idaho.
Washington-Oregon Game and Fish Magazine .... The one-stop information source for Northwest hunters and anglers.
Western Hunter .... Information about hunting in the west from the former editor of "California Hunter" magazine, Jerry Springer.
Jim Zumbo's webpage .... Lot's of hunting tips and cooking recipes.

Know of any other good bear websites? If you do, drop us an email at