Calling Bears
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mallardsx2
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- Jul 8, 2015
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20 years ago I called one in at night calling coons in PA. Came trotting in to a Johnny Stewart tape, bird in distress.
I was scared, the bear was scared, my buddy was scared. Lol
I was scared, the bear was scared, my buddy was scared. Lol
gonhunting247
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- Jan 21, 2014
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I have called in a few bears over the years. More spring bears than fall, but have had a couple show interest enough during early fall to get them shot. During the spring I have called bears right up close and personal (20-30 yards). I had a sow with two little cubs come in to 30 yards this spring, but I think she was more in protective mode than hungry mode 
.
I don't call totally blind much, meaning I usually hear, see and loose sight or get in a spot that has a lot of fresh bear activity.
.I don't call totally blind much, meaning I usually hear, see and loose sight or get in a spot that has a lot of fresh bear activity.
gonhunting247
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Did you change your calling technique after that? That probably would be quite the surprise.
How long does it usually take for them to come in? I’ve been thinking I should try it more, since I haven’t had a chance to bait anymore.I have called in a few bears over the years. More spring bears than fall, but have had a couple show interest enough during early fall to get them shot. During the spring I have called bears right up close and personal (20-30 yards). I had a sow with two little cubs come in to 30 yards this spring, but I think she was more in protective mode than hungry mode
I don't call totally blind much, meaning I usually hear, see and loose sight or get in a spot that has a lot of fresh bear activity.
gonhunting247
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I have always had pretty quick responses, like within 10-15 minutes. But, as stated earlier, I usually know a bear is close. either I've seen it and by the time I get there he slips away or I hear what I believe to be one in the brush by me or I see some super fresh sign, but can't spot a bear. Those are the typical scenarios I use the call for. I will say I usually don't stay put for more than 30 minutes, so I don't know if more would come in or not. In my mind it seems like the odds drop pretty quickly beyond the 10-15 minute mark, but I am just going by my experiences. I killed the chocolate colored bear at 30 yards in the spring. and the black one at 150 in the fall. Both bears I had seen and couldn't relocate, so I called when I got in kind of close.
mallardsx2
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No, we just kept on calling the same old spots. To be honest western PA didn't have many bears 20 years ago. It was pretty rare to see one.
If I recall correctly, this was the night we called that bear in. We were soaked from the rain.
Ironically, coons come running in like little bears lol.
rd
Doesn’t sound to much different than calling coyotes. The only time I’ve tried calling for bears was on a bait barrel, trying to get something to show up, but nothing did.
gonhunting247
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We can't bait here, so I mostly spot and stalk with the calls used as a good way to try and make a bear show himself when i've snuck in and just can't find/see him. If you are in the thick stuff like we have here, it also works when you can hear one grubbing and rolling rocks, but just can't get a look at him. I do just blind call, but have had minimal success. I think I'm too impatient to sit long enough
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gonhunting247
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gonhunting247
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Called this sow in this spring after hearing her down in the creek bottom. She came in to about 30 yards, but had little tykes in tow and would try to put them up a tree and come see what the commotion was. She never did really figure out what was going on so she went back across the creek and climbed a tree to try and get a better view.
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That’s what I’m worried with blind calling having the patience to sit there, need to convince a buddy to go with me so I have someone to watch my back. Just never know if some wolves, lion, or even bobcat would decide to show up.
gonhunting247
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I have always called solo except sometimes for coyotes/bobcats. I'm always hoping a Mt.lion will appear, but so far I haven't been that lucky (that I know of ). It just seems if you only go when others will go, you will miss out on a lot of opportunities.
It would be cool to call wolves in also, especially with a tag in your pocket!
). It just seems if you only go when others will go, you will miss out on a lot of opportunities.It would be cool to call wolves in also, especially with a tag in your pocket!
I figured I’d have to do more by myself, than with someone. Unfortunately all my buddies that use to want to go all the time do seem to keen on going that much anymore.I have always called solo except sometimes for coyotes/bobcats. I'm always hoping a Mt.lion will appear, but so far I haven't been that lucky (that I know of
It would be cool to call wolves in also, especially with a tag in your pocket!
BrandonM
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- Nov 9, 2011
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I haven't done it yet but plan to. I call in deer all of the time and calling in bear would be a kick!!!
I'm headed to Montana in mid May and then to Idaho in late May.
I'm headed to Montana in mid May and then to Idaho in late May.