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

W H2026 09 Gear Millennium L325 (1)
W H2026 09 Gear Millennium L325 (1)

Last Minute Hunting Essentials

Looking for some last minute gear to take your hunting season to the next level? We have what you need. Check out our list of last minute hunting essentials for the season.

#SundayGunday: Nosler Whitetail Country Ammunition

This affordable option is for hunters who understand the effectiveness of an old-school, cup-and-core lead bullet.

Pellets Fly: An Airgun Hog Hunt in Florida

The author hunts the Space Coast with a pair of airguns from Gamo.

Elk Hunt Excitement: Hammer-Slammed

A new Savage rifle does the trick on an Idaho elk hunt.

Smith & Wesson Acquires Savage Arms for $160 Million

The deal makes Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. the largest firearms manufacturer in the U.S.

The .404 Jeffery Family

The .404 Jeffery dates back to 1905 or 1906, and was supposedly created by W.J. Jeffery & Co. to replicate the performance of the .450/400 3” Nitro Express, but in a bolt-action magazine rifle. But the offspring of that cartridge—as well as those cartridges which were “highly inspired” by the .404 Jeffery—have gotten much more of the spotlight than the .404 ever did.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.