OUTDOOR TIPS OF THE MONTH
Hunting black bears is great for the whole family, especially if you plan to take your son or daughter. Here the author’s son Eli places the crosshairs on a fine black bear during a father-son hunting/ fishing trip last spring. (PAUL D. ATKINS)
HUNT PLANNING FOR ALASKAN BLACK BEARS Editor’s note: Each issue, our Paul Atkins will offer a tip outdoorsmen and -women can use as they prepare for an Alaska adventure. This month: Planning a black bear hunt. BY PAUL D. ATKINS
T
he hunting season never ends for most of us, especially in Alaska. If we’re not hunting, we’re thinking about hunting. Late winter and early spring are tough
times for some of us, but once the first real rays of sunlight start to show in March, we start to get the itch; melting snow and ice does that. If you’re like me, it’s the time to start thinking about the upcoming hunts and what the season will bring. It’s time to start thinking about not the state’s famous grizzlies but those other Alaska ursine celebrities, black bears! In my opinion, planning a black bear hunt – and then actually going on
one – is about as much fun as a hunter can have. The anticipation of hunting something dangerous – while in territory that is usually breathtakingly beautiful and offers great odds of taking a decent bear – make it one of the best hunts for the money. Black bears are also great for a father/son or father/daughter adventure. In fact, the entire family can participate.
PUT A BOW ON IT Having the right gear and the right
aksportingjournal.com | MARCH 2022
ALASKA SPORTING JOURNAL
51
