California Black Bear Hunting

[JMSZ]

I hadn't really considered doing it just because I wasn't sure what I'd do with one other than maybe have it mounted, although I don't where because my wife wouldn't let in in the house. The entertainment value of watching the dogs react to it the first few times would definitely be worth something.

Who here eats black bear meat and what's it like? I've heard that Grizzly meat changes depending on what they're eating, during the different seasons, are Black baers the same?

A friend of mine mentioned that she has a friend nearby here who has a bear(s) causing damage to their property (trees, beehives, etc). I told her they could get a depredation permit and that got me to thinking about hunting them.

If I got a tag, I'd just take it along in case I saw one while I was out deer hunting.

Thoughts?

 

[Muleys 24/7]

the bear meat I had wasn't bad, it reminded me of pork. I get a bear tag every year just in case I see one during deer hunting, which I have but, they were both Sal's with cubs.

 

[packer58]

Bear meat is a touchy subject with many hunters. Like anything else, the flavor has a lot to do with what the animal has been feeding on and the age of the critter. Personally my wife and myself love bear meat, BBQ steaks, crockpot roasts, stew meat and my self acclaimed bear snack sticks "Cajun". All you can do is give it a try and see for yourself.

 

[JMSZ]

Hmmmmmmmmm.

 

[Antler addict]

My family and I love bear meat. Just like venison it's all in how you prepare it. Crockpot roast, stews, jerky, enchiladas, and best of all bear sausage spaghetti. The only steaks I like from a bear is the backstrap. The other steak cuts from the bear arnt worth it, cuz unlike venison bear meat must be thoroughly cooked to avoid Trichinosis which is not a fun little parasite to get.

 

[Sawfish]

We have tried bear a number of different ways, and have decided that bear meat makes the hands down best chili that we have ever eaten. The grinding and slow cooking of the meat with the chili spices eliminates the complaint of tough meat, and the fear of Trichinosis. I have converted quite a few non-hunters to hunting fans because of that chili. It is pretty funny when my wife starts getting calls in September from people wanting to know if I am going bear hunting, and would we invite them for chili, if we make some. I am always surprised by the number of people who think that hunters just shoot animals for the head and the hide, and leave the meat to rot. Being able to feed it to non-hunters really changes their attitude. Every time we have company over for dinner, I always cook some type of wild game as an appetizer. It gets the conversation started about hunting, and gives folks a little insight into one of the reasons why we hunt.

 

[Sawfish]

Anyone in California had any success on bears this year since the hound hunting was eliminated?