Guns and Gear for an Idaho Bear Hunt

by
posted on September 30, 2018
** 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. **
gg-idahobearhunt_lead.jpg

Editor's Note: Field Editor Brian McCombie put the following gear to use on a recent Idaho black bear hunt. You can catch up on that story here.

Savage Model 116 Bear Hunter
For this hunt, I used a Savage Model 116 Bear Hunter chambered in .300 Win. Mag. and featuring a 23-inch, stainless barrel with an adjustable muzzle brake and a Mossy Oak Break-Up Infinity camo synthetic stock. MSRP: $899; savagearms.com.

Federal Premium Edge TLR
My ammunition was the new Federal Premium Edge TLR topped with a tough, 200-grain polymer-tipped bullet. MSRP: $59.95 per 20-rnd. box; federalpremium.com.

Bushnell Optics
I topped the rifle with a Bushnell 4500 Elite 2.5X-10X-40mm scope. My Bushnell Engage 10x42mm binocular provided crisp, clear images even in low light. MSRP: $399.99 4500 Elite 2.5X-10X-40mm, $485.95 Engage binocular; bushnell.com.

Jagdhund USA Koppl Boots
My leg muscles didn’t always want to cooperate, but my Jagdhund USA Koppl boots were a pleasure to wear. They weigh just 1.5 pounds, sport a Vibram sole, and provide first-rate ankle and lateral support. MSRP: $338; jadghund-usa.com.

Latest

Spandau RL LEDE
Spandau RL LEDE

#SundayGunday: Spandau Arms RL

This week on #SundayGunday, were discussing a new classic hunting rifle, the RL Bolt-Action from Spandau. Chambered in the classic and dependable .308 Winchester, the first thing you’ll notice is that this rig looks a lot like a wood stocked Remington 700, and that’s because that’s basically what it is. Learn more about it in this exclusive video.

Hunting Small Game: An Overview

Curious how to get started in small game hunting? Red on as Tim Hovey reflects on how small-game hunting shaped his development as a hunter, taught him patience, stalking, shooting and fieldcraft. He describes hunting rabbits, squirrels, hares, and marmots in Idaho, highlighting the challenges unique to both rimfire and shotgun. He also recounts introducing his daughters to hunting, and encourages experienced hunters to revisit their small-game roots.

Whitetail Knowledge: Why So Many Late Fawns?

Here is the information I gleaned from an interview I conducted with a whitetail biologist to answer my whitetail question of the year. That question is: Why are we seeing so many new fawns in August and September?

Delisting of Wolves Addressed by President Trump

On Sept. 4 President Donald J. Trump issued “Supporting America’s Ranchers,” an executive order that addresses a variety of concerns in the domestic meat supply. Section 3, “Helping Ranchers Combat Predation” includes at least one directive of interest to hunters. It addresses the decades-old controversy over wolves and the Endangered Species Act status that too often hamstrings management.

Range Review: Leupold VX-Freedom Straight Wall 3-9x40

The Leupold VX-Freedom Straight Wall 3-9x40—making life easier for hunters since the day it was introduced. Learn more about it here in Phil Massaro's in depth review.

Field Review: Vortex Diamondback Rimfire

Crystal clear optics that function as advertised are critical whether you are trying to bag the buck of a lifetime, or burn a groundhog that is wreaking havoc on your garden. For the latter, enter the Vortex Diamondback Rimfire!

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.