Backcountry Black Bear - Spring (April thru June)
The annual, backcountry Spring Black Bear Hunt is a favorite amongst the Gear Fool Staff, often taking us to the more remote and mountainous regions offered by both Idaho and Montana alike. It's a prime opportunity to emerge from the long cold season had in an effort to once again trial both person and gear, both old and new. If you can survive the tick-laden landscapes and steep terrain, well then camaraderie and adventure are often your reward during this hunt. Here's a breakdown of some quality gear (with options) that will elevate your performance and enhance your experience this Spring, when the grass turns green again and bruins present themselves once again:
Check out last year's "BEARADISE" produced by Huntin' Fool here:
Gear List Breakdown
Clothing:
- Footwear
- Socks
- Darn Tough Van Grizzle Boot Sock Midweight with Cushion
- Darn Tough Hunter Boot Sock Midweight with Full Cushion
- Pants
- Base Layers
- Stone Glacier Chinook Merino Boxer
- Stone Glacier Chinook Merino Crew Hoody
- Stone Glacier Avro Synthetic Hoody
- SITKA Merino Core Lightweight Boxer
- SITKA Core Lightweight Crew LS
- SITKA Core Lightweight Hoody
- Mid Layer
- Insulation
- Outerwear
- Rainwear
- Accessories
- Headwear
On Your Back:
- Backpack
- Sleep System (Complete Kit)
- Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite
- Stone Glacier Chilkoot 15F Sleeping Bag
- Sea To Summit Ultra-Sil Compression Dry Sack
- Sea To Summit Aeros Premium Pillow
- Shelter
- Stone Glacier SkySolus 1P Tent
- Check out our in-depth, winter review HERE!
- MSR Hubba Hubba 2P Tent
- Spotting Scope
- Tripod
- Hydration
- Platypus GravityWorks Water Filter System 4.0L
- Platypus Big Zip EVO 3L
- Grayl Geopress or Ultrapress Purifier
- Steripen
- Camp Kitchen
- Trekking Poles
- Electronics
- GARMIN inReach Mini 2
- ANKER Portable Charger Power Bank
- Applicable Charging Cables
- Kill Kit
- Tyto Finisher Ti Ultralight Knife
- Havalon Piranta-Bolt Knife
- Tyto AIR Fixed Blade Knife
- Worksharp Knife Sharpener
- Extra 60A Removable Blades or Similar Profile
- Leatherman Skeletool
- Caribou Gear Muley Game Bags
- Reflective Paracord or Similar (30’ or so)
- Nitrile Gloves
- Marsupial Meat Tarp or 55-Gallon Contractor Bag(s)
- Miscellaneous
- EXPED Sit Pad Flex
- IFAK with Pharaceuticals
- Sea To Summit Wilderness Wipes
- Extra Batteries (CR2, AA, AAA, etc.)
On Your Chest:
- Bino Harness
- Marsupial Gear Enclosed Binocular Pack
- Marsupial Gear Rangefinder Pouch
- Marsupial Gear Zippered Pouch
- Optics
- Optics Accessories
- Rangefinder
- Vortex Razor 4000
- Extra Battery
- Wind Checker
- Fire Starter and Tinder
- Lightning Strike Fire Starter
- Check out our in-depth, gear review HERE
- Documentation
- Personal Identification
- Hunting License/Permit and Applicable Tags
- Self-Defense (When Operating in Grizzly Country)
- 10MM Pistol with appropriate ammunition
- Gunfighters Inc. Kenai Chest Holster
- Bear Spray with holster
