A generous two bear limit in most areas of the province makes Alberta one of the top destinations for bear hunting. Paul offers bear hunters spring and fall hunts for trophy bears. Black bear numbers are healthy in the Northern Alberta and plentiful.

The black bear's long fur varies in colour including; cinnamon, chocolate brown, honey, blond and shiny black. A brown bear may often be mistaken for a grizzly, but is smaller in size. Adult males or boars weigh from 100 to 200 kg (220 to 440 lb.), and adult females or sows weigh from 45 to 140 kg (100 to 310 1b.)

In contrast with the grizzly, the facial profile is a straight line and black bears lack a shoulder hump. The claws of the feet are shorter than the grizzly's and make less of an imprint in tracks.

Black bears usually reach breeding maturity by the age of 3 1/2 years. Mating takes place in June and July. However, development of the embryo is delayed until the fall. One to four cubs are born in February while the sow is in the winter den.

The diet of black bears may include berries, leaves and roots, as well as fish, ground squirrels, mice, young deer, ants, honey bee grubs and honey.

Natural Resources Service estimates the provincial population (in Sept.) to be about 36,000 animals. This estimate is based on population counts in selected areas and hunter harvest information.

Several methods are used to hunt trophy bears. The regulation change to allow the baiting of bears in many areas has resulted in the taking of many trophy black bears across Alberta’s boreal region. Although baiting is the most popular form of hunting bears, other methods Paul uses include spot & stalk, tree stands and blinds.

Non-residents, contracting a big game hunt in Alberta, are legally required to book their hunt with a registered Alberta outfitter, such as Winefred Lake Outfitters Ltd.

In general, you may hunt big game with either a shotgun or a rifle. However, it is unlawful to use: ammunition less than .23 caliber, and with an empty cartridge case less than 44 mm (1.75 in.) in length, shotguns having a gauge of .410 or less, ammunition that contains non-expanding bullets, an auto-loading firearm that has the capacity to hold more than five cartridges in the magazine. a pistol, revolver or any firearm that is capable of firing more than one bullet during one pressure of the trigger.

Transportation of Firearms:
It is unlawful to transport a loaded firearm (live ammunition in breech, chamber or magazine) in any kind of aircraft or vehicle whether it is moving or stationary. It is unlawful to transport a loaded firearm in a boat, unless the boat is propelled by muscular power or is at anchor and you are hunting. Ammunition may be transported in a magazine that is not attached to the firearm.

Storage of Firearms:
If a firearm is left in an unattended vehicle, it must be secured in a locked trunk or similar compartment. If the vehicle has no such compartment, the firearm must be stored out of sight in the locked vehicle.

Paul Padlesky will provide a more detailed overview of the Alberta hunting regulations prior to your hunt. As well you may click here to view the online version of the Alberta Guide to Hunting Regulations.