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Big Game Ursus americanus

Black Bear Hunting Guide

Complete Black Bear hunting guide. Seasons by state, hunting methods, trophy criteria, rut timing, and field care tips for black bear hunters.

Rut Timing

Jun-Jul

Boneless Yield

33%

Scoring

Boone & Crockett (Skull)

Typical Season Dates

spring

Apr-Jun

fall

Sep-Nov

Note: Exact dates vary by state and management unit. Always verify with your state wildlife agency before purchasing licenses.

Trophy Criteria

Boone & Crockett Minimum

21"

Where to Hunt Black Bear

COdraw odds MTdraw odds IDdraw odds WYdraw odds AZdraw odds NMdraw odds ORdraw odds WA PA WI MI ME NC VA

Meat Yield

Animal Live Weight (avg) Bone-In Yield Boneless Yield Boneless lbs (avg)
boar 300 lbs 45% 33% 99 lbs
sow 200 lbs 45% 33% 66 lbs

Black Bear Hunting Tools

🦌 Rut Forecast Peak rut dates by state 🎯 Shot Placement Vital zone guides 🎰 Draw Odds Tag odds for 9 states 📈 Activity Predictor Movement forecast by conditions

Other Species Guides

Elk (Wapiti) Mule Deer Whitetail Deer Pronghorn (Antelope) Moose Mountain Goat Wild Turkey Bighorn Sheep

Black Bear Hunting Articles & Guides

Black bear in forest habitat near ponderosa pine and oak brush
destinations

Arizona Black Bear Hunting: Complete Guide

Black bear in mountain terrain surrounded by fall foliage and oak brush
destinations

Colorado Black Bear Hunting Guide

Dense northern Idaho conifer forest with a logging road cutting through old-growth timber and clear-cut openings — prime black bear habitat
destinations

Idaho Black Bear Hunting: The Complete Guide

Black bear in Montana wilderness habitat with conifer forest and mountain backdrop
destinations

Montana Black Bear Hunting: The Complete Guide

Black bear walking through dense spruce-fir timber in the mountains of northwest Wyoming
destinations

Wyoming Black Bear Hunting: Complete Guide

Black bear walking along a forested riverbank — typical Colorado black bear habitat
draw-odds

Colorado Black Bear Draw Odds: OTC Tags and the Best Units for Trophy Bears

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Black Bear season?
Black Bear seasons vary by state and weapon type. Typical archery season: late summer to early fall. Rifle season: fall. Peak rut is typically Jun-Jul.
What is a trophy-class Black Bear?
Minimum scores for the record books are: Boone & Crockett: 21 inches, Pope & Young (archery): undefined inches. These are all-time minimums — many hunters target smaller, more achievable trophy goals.
How much meat does a Black Bear yield?
A mature black bear bull/buck weighs 100–300 lbs live weight. Expect 45% boneless meat yield — roughly 165 lbs of boneless meat from an average animal.
What states can I hunt Black Bear?
Black Bear can be hunted in: CO, MT, ID, WY, AZ, NM, OR, WA, PA, WI, MI, ME, NC, VA. Western states like CO, MT, ID are known for their black bear populations.
When is the Black Bear rut?
The Black Bear rut typically peaks during Jun-Jul. This is the best time to target large bulls/bucks, as they are more active and less cautious while seeking mates.