Big Bear Hunting

by
posted on June 8, 2012
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
ot_mind_ah2015_fs.jpg (7)

undefinedIf you want to shoot a whopper deer, elk or bear, you have to be hunting in an area where such critters exist. Seems like a simple concept, doesn’t it? And yet most hunters do not take the time to do the research necessary to tell them where the odds are best at scoring big.

As something of a bear hunting freak, I’ve been looking into big bear areas for years. In the old days doing so was heavy lifting. But today, with the aid of the Boone & Crockett Club’s online trophy database getting in the zone is pretty easy.

 

OK, that’s cool, but where, exactly, in each of these places are the most record-book bears taken? Here’s the breakdown of the top 20 counties of all time for producing melon-headed bears:

Of course there’s more to it than this, but this kind of data will get you started. You can do this same research for any big game animal in North America.

Latest

LEDEW H2026 04 Gear Winchester Semi Auto Shotgun Sxp Long Beard Nwtf Mossy Oak Bottomland 512478290 01 Jpg
LEDEW H2026 04 Gear Winchester Semi Auto Shotgun Sxp Long Beard Nwtf Mossy Oak Bottomland 512478290 01 Jpg

Roundup: Turkey Guns & Gear

Check out our roundup of the best new turkey guns and gear in 2026.

Recipe: Crispy Sticky Venison

This recipe is a great way to turn a simple venison roast into something that tastes as if it came from your favorite takeout place. The meat becomes tender on the inside and crisp on the outside, and the sticky sauce brings together sweet, salty and spicy flavors. Serve it over a bed of rice and watch it disappear.

Berger Announces New 300 PRC Hunting Ammunition

Berger has announced the addition of 300 PRC 217-grain Elite Hunter ammunition to its long-range Elite Hunter product line.

Texas the Latest State to Approve FireStick for Muzzleloader Season

Texas recently approved the use of Federal Ammunition’s FireStick system during the state’s muzzleloader season. It is 33rd state to legalize the technology.

Hardware Review: EAA Balikli Blue Label O/U

Check out Shooting Editor Christopher Olsen's review of the EAA Balikli Blue Label O/U.

New for 2026: CMC Triggers Remington 700 Adjustable Ultra Precision Trigger Group

CMC Triggers Corp has released its Remington 700 Adjustable Ultra Precision Trigger Group, available in both Flat and Curved trigger bow configurations.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.