HUNTING AMERICAS BEAR: HOW TO TAKE THE CONTINENT'S MOST ELUSIVE BIG-GAME A

HUNTING AMERICAS BEAR: HOW TO TAKE THE CONTINENT'S MOST ELUSIVE BIG-GAME ANIMAL A guide to understanding and appreciating this mammal of legend, lore, and hunters dreams.The black bear, Ursus americanus, was a creature of legend and mystery among Native Americans. When the first European settlers arrived, it is estimated that two million black bears roamed across North America, but by the early 1900s the bruin had been hunted, trapped, poached, and killed almost to extinction. In many parts of its native range, the black bear had, indeed, disappeared. Today, the black bear has come full circle. It has now returned to much of its native habitats, and about one million are now found across the United States and Canada. In HUNTING AMERICAS BEAR, the author takes a look at the bruins relationship with man, its natural history, and what makes it such a popular quarry. Specific chapters take a look at the bears habitat; where to locate and how to recognize bear sign; baiting; hunting with hounds; the different ways to successfully hunt the bruin; how to select the best rifles and calibers, bows and arrows, handguns, muzzleloaders, and slug guns for hunting this animal; what to expect in bear camp; and many other helpful hints. The black bear is a fascinating and challenging big-game animal, and this book will not only help make hunting them more interesting and productive, but will also help develop a better understanding and appreciation for Americas bear. ABOUT THE AUTHOR:AL RAYCHARD has been an avid bear hunter for more than a quarter century, and his articles on the subject have appeared in numerous magazines. He is the Editor At-Large for Bear Hunting Magazine, writes a monthly column for Muzzle Blasts, the official publication of the National Muzzleloading Rifle Association, and is the author of more than a half dozen books, including The Ultimate Guide to Blackpowder Hunting. He lives in Lyman, Maine, with his wife, Diana. ISBN: 1-59228-397-7 publish date: 09/14/2004