early the same size and distinguishing them can be difficult. It is best to observe small bears for several minutes. The presence of a larger bear that is familiar to a small bear suggests a family unit. However, the cubs and mother are not always in close proximity, they wander several hundred yards apart much of the time. Another clue to identifying cubs is to see two or three small bears of similar size together. Even without the mother present, this suggests a sibling group. All members of the family group, mother and cubs, are protected.
The relative size of the ears and the shape of the head are the best indicators of large bears. The smaller the ears appear to be, the larger the head is, and usually the larger the bear. Bears with narrow faces and long noses are usually subadults.
CARE OF THE MEAT AND PELT
The warm temperatures of September, coupled with the heavy fall pelt and fat layer of bears, dictate special attention be given to proper care of the meat and pelt. A bear should be skinned immediately after death to cool the carcass. Thick layers of fat should be removed. Even with cold nights, the pelt and fat will insulate the meat and spoil the meat. The pelt should be refrigerated as soon as possible. If you plan to have a bear rug made or a head mount, it is always advisable to consult your taxidermist BEFORE the hunt for specific instructions on pelt care.
HOW TO HUNT BEARS
Most of the good berry and nut producing vegetation in Colorado is found in dense stands where visibility is limited. Hunter should use terrain to obtain visibility into stands of shrubs. Quality binoculars will help locate bears and in assessing size. Even though the bears are concentrating on feeding, their senses are quite keen. Their sense of smell is astounding, and contrary to much of the popular literature on bears, they also possess keen eyesight. Moving slowly through dense brush stands will not prove an effective hunting technique for most hunters. The better technique is to scout for areas with abundant bear food and bear sign, locate a higher point for observation and patiently watch the area. This allows you to sight the bear and have time to carefully identify your target.
BE ESPECIALLY CAREFUL IN IDENTIFYING YOUR TARGET
- The fall bear season overlaps with archery deer and elk seasons. Many archers, dressed in camouflage clothing, successfully hunt deer and elk by stalking in the dense, low-elevation shrublands. Use binoculars, not rifle scopes, to look for bears.
- The pelt and head of all hunter-killed black bears must be presented to a Colorado Parks and Wildlife officer by the hunter within five days of the kill. The pelts will be sealed and data on age, sex and location of kill will be collected. This is an effort to monitor the number of bears killed and age and sex of animals harvested by hunting time.
- Hunting black bears without hounds or bait will require a lot of scouting and a familiarity in recognizing bear sign and foods. Find the abundant food production areas, and you will find the black bear. Scouting and persistence are keys.
Written by: Tom Beck, Wildlife Researcher for Colorado Parks and Wildlife