Written by Jordon L. Vaughan & Photos by David Fish
“I would hunt, but it’s just too expensive.” Last fall a guy at my gym rattled off that phrase. I couldn’t count the number of times I’ve heard someone say this, and I have to admit I’ve always taken it as a lame attempt at defending one’s manliness after they’ve been outed as a non-hunter. Hearing it this time I began to wonder if I’ve been too judgmental all these years. My introduction to hunting happened back in the mid-90s. What could that first hunting season cost with today’s ammunition shortages and complicated licensing systems? I left the gym, but the thought stuck with me. It rolled around in my head for four months before I finally decided I had to put it to rest. Early in the year I locked up all my hunting gear and started planning my 2021 Idaho Spring Bear season as if I was a new hunter. The goal was to start with zero gear and take an animal on the tightest budget possible—the hunt for the bargain bear began.
By Joleen Morehead
There’s something so satisfying to me about the multiple uses bear grease provides. It’s a bear hunter’s liquid gold. It’s great in pastries, in soap, and is very moisturizing. Bear fat will make even the toughest of hands, smooth as a baby’s bottom. It also doesn’t hold any strong smells associated with other animal fats when rendered.
By Douglas Boze
I’ve been pondering a question. What is it about bear hunting that makes it different for me personally as a hunter, compared to that of deer or elk hunting? As hunters, I think, collectively we can all agree that there is an indescribable excitement, respect and remorse cocktail that wells up within our souls when we take an animal’s life. This cocktail overflows for me when it comes to bear. I have a great and wonderous admiration for bear and their life force.
By Al Raychard
When it comes to hunting Virginia was never as high on the destination list among non-resident bear hunters as other states. In 2019-2020 visiting hunters contributed about eight percent of the annual harvest but there are reasons to believe that percentage may increase in coming years. To help control rising bear numbers, hunting seasons have been extended by a few days, others by a week or so.
By Jake Horton
Whether you are an experienced bear hunter or a novice, there is always something to learn and skills to develop when hunting new states, especially the western states.
By Clay Newcomb
In some situations, less may be more when it comes to baiting bears.
By Dave Coleman
Looking for something unique? Spending less than $40, the author made his own Bear Scapula Belt Buckle.
Photos & Article by Kolby Morehead
Tallow (animal fat) based soaps have been around as long history has been recorded. Originally used for cleaning clothes, it eventually became something that we found fitting to use on ourselves.
By Al Raychard
Check out Maryland has to offer for bear hunters!
By Douglas Boze
Hunting is under attack. If you don’t believe me, check out www.howlforwildlife.org and notice the action items they have available for you to comment on to make your voice heard. From bear hunting coast to coast, to beagles used to hunt rabbits (yes, you read that right), we, as hunters are being assaulted relentlessly by the well-funded and organized anti-hunting establishments across the United States. We could use some victories. January 21st, 2022, in Washington, we got one. To quote Robert Kroger, Founder of Blood Origins, “Today we took one step closer to getting back the spring black bear (hunt). It’s just one step. Not the finish line. It’s a full court press to March 1st.”