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

Order Ammo And Practice Shooting Now Before The Season Arrives
Order Ammo And Practice Shooting Now Before The Season Arrives

4 Tasks All Hunters Should Complete Now for the Upcoming Season

Each year, hunters know when opening day is, but few of us are truly ready for it. This year that changes. Here is your guide!

New for 2026: Federal Fit Firearms Covers

Federal Ammunition is shipping two series of firearm covers, the Federal Fit Coil Rifle Cover and Federal Fit Quick Strike Muzzle/Scope Cover. Each is available in medium, large, and extra-large.

Anti-Hunting Oregon Voter Petition Fails To Make Ballot

The proposed petition in Oregon that would ban all hunting and fishing, as well as ranching and more, failed both its signature counts to get on the November ballot, according to the Oregon Secretary of State’s Office.

Hardware Review: Hornady 338 ARC

Looking for a cartridge that's easy to suppress, but still hits hard? Check out the 338 ARC, from Hornady. Jeff Johnston gives a thorough review of the cartridge here.

New for 2026: Steelhead Outdoors Stackable Vertical Door Handgun Locker

Steelhead Outdoors engineered a stackable Vertical Door Handgun Locker similar to storage systems used by law-enforcement agencies.

Clemson University Conservation Program Reaches Endowment Goal

The Boone and Crockett Club recently announced the wildlife conservation program at Clemson University has reached its $5 million endowment goal. Thanks to more than a decade of fundraising and support led by club member Johnny Evans—and other key contributors—the studies at the school focusing on sound, scientific wildlife conservation will continue into the future.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.