Trying my hand at Black Bears

[red783]

I just bought my first bow. I am wanting to see if I can first find a blackie and then take it home, anyone tell me of some good WMUs west of Calgary that might be a good start? and any help would be much needed

-Cheers

[Bulldog Edm]

Welcome to AO and the addiction that is bow hunting!

Since you just bought your first bow. I would highly recommend that you practice way more than a month before you take your bow out and attempt to harvest your game. Especially an animal like a bear that is more likely to turn around and try and maul you if you miss your mark and just wound it. Patience is your friend with bow hunting. Making an ethical kill shot should be your number one priority.

[Little red riding hood]

You have a canoe? Take a trip down the river in spring time, great way to locate yogi bear.

[red783]

Thanks everyone for the replies. I totally understand what your saying minus the numb nuts who commented first.

I am already pretty handy with a bow. I was more asking where people might suggest. I'm not asking for cords I'm just asking what wmu's west of Calgary might be better to start scouting out.

[Little red riding hood]

Yeah, seems like there's always someone who will give a sarcastic response to try to turn people off, as if by sharing a tip they are giving away their secret little utopia and then the next time they go out there, bears will be on the endangered species list because somehow that innocent little tip they shared led every potential hunter to the conclusion that they will have better luck outside of city limits, and now the black bear population has been decimated overnight and "it's all because of the tip I shared with a new hunter on a forum made for sharing tips and experiences with other hunters!"

[ex811]

Maybe start a little North of Calgary. WMU 314 and North. Lots of leases that you can get permission/hunt on. Or 417/18 and North, crown land with lots of hunten opportunities. All still relatively close to Calgary.

You can check this site out for bear harvest numbers.
http://mywildalberta.com/Hunting/HuntersHarvest.aspx

[CF8889]

People are reluctant to give up much info and I don't necessarily blame them. But there are some helpful people on here for sure. The more north you can get the better. In areas close to Calgary, be very aware of grizzlies and make sure you read laws on baiting in the specific WMU you chose to hunt (don't think you can anywhere near calgary but further north, it's an option). My first year in Alberta hunting them, so I can't help much on location. I'm by no means an expert, but I've hunted em and can help answer questions. Just shoot a PM

Edit: new to bow hunting? Maybe bring a buddy with a rifle incase of charge or required follow up shot

[reddeerhunter]

Originally Posted by red783

Thanks everyone for the replies. I totally understand what your saying minus the numb nuts who commented first.

I am already pretty handy with a bow. I was more asking where people might suggest. I'm not asking for cords I'm just asking what wmu's west of Calgary might be better to start scouting out.

I am gonna predict you have a short life as an AO member.

[Lefty-Canuck]

I would also suggest becoming a part of the community and engaging in discussion before making a post looking for where to fish/hunt....especially as your first post.

If you engage with the community you will find the level of assistance increases exponentially.

LC

[calgarychef]

Also you mentioned getting a new bow but didn't mention that you are already "pretty handy" with one...whatever that means. We bow hunters have seen way too many folks buying a bow and heading out to maim and wound. Sorry if your feelings were hurt.