My First Black Bear Hunt in the U.P.

After a few years of building up points, I finally decided it was time to cash them in for a U.P. black bear tag. This would be my first bear hunt, and while I had done plenty of research and had the benefit of my dad and grandpa’s past success, but I honestly wasn’t sure I’d find success my first season.

Setting the Stage

In early August, we set up a bait site, and within days the trail cameras lit up with bear activity. It was clear that if we kept up the work, I might have a real opportunity. My dad took the lead, checking and baiting the site almost every day to keep the bears interested and consistent.

Opening day was September 10th. I made the trip north the day before, ready to make the most of all the time and effort my dad had put into preparing the area.

The Hunt

That first afternoon, around 4 p.m., a bear came in. I managed to record the encounter on video and quickly determined it was a mature bear I’d be willing to take. Before I could make a move, it slipped back into the woods.

Hours later, at 7:45 p.m., the same bear returned. I knew it immediately by the small white patch on its chest. This time, I was ready. I set up my cameras to capture the moment, steadied my aim, and made the shot. The bear dropped in its tracks with a quick, clean harvest any hunter would hope for.

After the Shot

Because the shot was perfect, there was no tracking needed. We spent the evening hauling the bear out and hanging it up for skinning and processing. The next day, with my dad’s help trimming the meat, we had everything finished in one long but satisfying day. I’ll be taking the beautiful hide to a taxidermist to preserve the memory, and I came home with a cooler full of bear meat to share with family and friends.

Final Thoughts

The adrenaline of hunting a predator like this is unlike anything I’ve experienced before. I’m already looking forward to trying it again, and next time with my bow, once I’m able to draw another tag. Being able to take my first bear at The Leaning Rifle Lodge, my grandpa's family hunting camp, was the greatest part of it all!