Black bear hunt near Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan, produces high success

This hunt has produced more than 95 percent hunter success in the past 10 years. In spring 2005 six hunters killed five bears, and the unsuccessful hunter passed on several black bears while looking for a color-phase specimen. The bears are good-size, typically weighing 175 to 200 pounds with the biggest bear of the year typically exceeding 350 pounds. The two biggest bears so far weighed 400 pounds and an estimated 450 pounds. Usually rifle hunters have no trouble scoring, and most of the bowhunters do well, too. In the period from 1995 through spring 2001 this hunt produced 55 bears for 60 hunters, and four of the five hunters who did not fill their tags were bowhunters who got shooting. The bears are lured close with bait made of pork and oats placed in old tires near tree stands. Usually about 30 percent of the bears are a color other than black.

Rifle hunters are placed 50 to 100 yards from baits; bowhunters 15 to 20 yards. Plan to hunt 3:30 p.m. to dark. Hunters usually see two or three animals per night and about 10 to 15 per week.

The outfitter has a concession of more than 100 square miles, or three townships, about 1 1/2 hours northeast of Lloydminster, Saskatchewan, not far from the Alberta border.

An oil field worker, he takes time off during bear season to guide hunters. The hunting area is wilderness about 30 miles northwest of Meadow Lake.

You'll stay in a 24x48 cabin he has built right in the hunting area. Meals are included.