Why Hunters Use Hounds for Black Bear Hunting
Hound hunting allows for:
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Selective harvest—hunters can evaluate sex, age, and size before taking a shot.
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Ethical shot placement—treeing or baying provides a controlled opportunity.
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Efficient tracking in dense habitats where bears are otherwise difficult to locate.
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Incredible dog work, showcasing generations of breeding and training.
It’s a dynamic pursuit that requires teamwork between hunters, hounds, and handlers.
Understanding Bear Behavior Before You Turn Out Dogs
Knowing how bears behave helps you predict movement and improve success.
Key Bear Behaviors
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Early season: Bears feed heavily on vegetation, berries, and insects—expect thick cover.
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Fall season: Focus shifts to mast crops (acorns, beechnuts) and agricultural fields.
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Midday bedding: Bears often rest in blowdowns, brush piles, timber pockets, or rugged terrain.
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Escape routes: Bears run ridges, drop into creek bottoms, or climb for visual advantage.
A knowledgeable houndsman uses this behavior to plan where to cast dogs and anticipate the chase.
Selecting & Training Hounds for Bear Hunting
Different breeds excel in bear country—Plotts, Walkers, Blueticks, and Redbones are common choices.
What Makes a Good Bear Hound?
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Strong nose and cold-trailing ability
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Stamina for long chases
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Determination and grit
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Intelligence to handle tough terrain
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Controlled aggression—drive without reckless engagement
Pack Composition
Many hunters run:
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1–2 cold-nosed dogs to start tracks
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2–4 strike or trail dogs to push the bear
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1–2 bay or tree dogs that excel at holding a bear in place
Balanced packs ensure efficiency and safety.
How to Start a Bear Track With Hounds
1. Strike from a Rig
Mounted boxes on trucks allow strike dogs to smell passing bear scent and “rig” when they detect a track.
2. Walk or Cast Dogs Into Sign
Hunters release dogs where they’ve found:
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Fresh scat
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Tracks crossing dirt roads
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Turned-over logs or feeding sites
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Scent-heavy bedding areas
3. Cold-Trailing
Cold-nosed hounds work older scent until it warms up enough for the pack to move faster. Experienced handlers can read their voice changes to interpret scent conditions.
The Chase: How Dogs Run a Bear
A bear race is fluid and varies with terrain, weather, and individual bear behavior.
What to Expect
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Short races when bears tree quickly.
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Long, looping races if a bear stays on the ground.
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Swamp or creek bottom races where scent holds well.
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Mountain ridge races using updrafts and thermals.
Handlers must stay mobile, tracking dogs via GPS collars and listening for changes in the pack’s voice.
Treeing or Baying the Bear
Treeing
If the bear climbs:
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Dogs bay at the base
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Hunters approach quietly and assess size and legality
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Shots are taken only when safe, clear, and ethical
Baying on the Ground
Some bears hold in thick cover. Hunters must be especially cautious:
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Maintain distance
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Wait for stable positioning
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Prioritize dog safety
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Only shoot with a clear, safe angle
Clear communication among hunters is essential.
Shooting & Ethical Considerations
Hound hunting allows for extremely selective harvest.
Ethical Best Practices
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Confirm the bear’s size, sex, and legal status.
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Avoid shooting small bears or sows with cubs.
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Take high-percentage, close-range shots.
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Prioritize clean harvests with minimal risk to dogs.
With hounds involved, patience and shot discipline are critical.
Safety Tips for Hunters, Dogs & Bears
For Hunters
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Know the terrain before the chase begins.
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Carry navigation tools and spare batteries for GPS collars.
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Communicate clearly within the group.
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Expect fast movement through rugged ground.
For Hounds
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Use cut vests in brushy or rough terrain.
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Keep hydration available throughout the race.
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Maintain conditioning year-round.
For Bear Welfare
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Avoid excessive pressure on bears in extreme heat.
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Make quick, ethical decisions once the animal is treed or bayed.
Responsible hound hunting respects all animals involved.
Essential Gear for Hunting Bears With Hounds
For Hunters
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Rugged boots and brush-resistant clothing
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GPS tracking collars and handheld receiver
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Two-way radios or satellite communicator
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First-aid kit for both humans and dogs
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Lead ropes and dog tie-outs
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Light, accurate rifle or revolver for close-range shots
For Dogs
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GPS collar + backup ID tags
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Cut or tracking collars
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Hydration and energy supplements
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First-aid supplies for paw and pad injuries
When to Hunt Bears With Hounds
Bear seasons vary widely by state and province, but hound seasons often occur:
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Early fall when bears feed heavily on mast
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Late summer in berry-rich habitats
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Spring in select regions where legal
Always verify regulations, licensing, and bear quotas before running hounds.
Why Hound Hunting Is a Unique Bear Pursuit
Hunting black bears with hounds:
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Enhances selectivity and ethics
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Provides one of the most exciting, team-oriented hunts
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Allows hunters to work closely with top-tier dogs
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Offers controlled, safe shot opportunities
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Connects hunters to a historic and highly skilled tradition
For many hunters, the chase and the dog work are as rewarding as the harvest itself.
FAQs: Hunting Black Bears With Hounds
Is hound hunting legal everywhere?
No. Regulations vary significantly—always check state and local laws.
Do all bears tree?
No. Some bears run or bay on the ground depending on personality, pressure, and terrain.
How long does a typical race last?
Anywhere from 10 minutes to several hours, depending on conditions.
What’s the best caliber for close-range bear shots?
Medium calibers (e.g., .308, .30-30, .44 mag revolvers) are common—choose something accurate and controllable.
Do GPS trackers prevent losing dogs?
They greatly reduce the risk, but handlers must remain alert and responsive throughout the hunt.
Ready to plan your next black bear hound hunt? Compare outfitters and guided hound hunts through Find A Hunt.
