Bear Lottery

[Neiko]

I got drawn for Area 51!

http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/licenses/lotteries/bear.html

[bobbersgone]

same here got drawn also for area 51 i hunt near mcgarth mn

[tealitup]

No luck for me this year. Anyone know when extra tags get made available?

[RBuker]

I'm in too. Also area 51.

[fireman]

Yes, got drawn for area 41. Time to start collecting bait.

Thanks Neikko for the draw info.

[Perch Jerker]

Zone 26 here we come. I know my father, another friend, and I will be going but my 2 other buddies who applied didn't get in. That's what happens when you're 'married' to a specific zone because of where your cabin is. A pair of chest freezers (15 & 20cu ft) in the garage helps things out for stockpiling bait.

PJ

[89Bronco]

We're in for area 25, but that wasn't too big of a surprise. I think they've had extras in our zone the last few years.

[big drift]

Me and my buddy also got drawn for 41. I believe the surplus tags come up in August after the initial purchase is done. with all of the rain we have been getting it may be real buggy and wet once season starts.

big drift

[protrapper]

Man I have not got mine yet!!

[Neiko]

Did you check online to see if you were drawn? They won't mail notices out for awhile yet. I don't know why they post it online so far ahead of the mailing but it works better this way.

[ricqik]

What do 1st timer bear hunters need to know? What's considered an adult bear? Can you have both bow & arrow and firearm while hunting and using either/or. Any additional info will help inform 1st timers like myself.

I plan on hunting with bow and if a shot is not presented when the time comes, I want to pick up the shotgun.

[Neiko]

ricqik, you can have a firearm with you when bow hunting for bear. I personnaly bring a 44mag with incase I have a bad shot. A shot gun would be heavy to carry along with a bow. As for what is an adult bear I would suggest reading a lot of article and books on bear hunting to learn how to size them up. I would highly suggest getting Dr. Ken Nordbergs "Guide to Hunting Black Bear" (I think that is the title) Very good information on there.

[DuluthGuy]

I'm in zone 25

Can't wait to see if the S&W .500 is big enough?

[roosterslayer]

I will also be in area 51 this september. Hey ricqik when you place your bait use a wooden stake close to the bait and make it 33 inches off the ground. a full size adult bear will stand above 33 inches on four legs. If the bear walks by the stake and you cant see the top of it. Feed that bear some hot lead.

[roosterslayer]

Hey buker I know you from PM and my handle is alittle different here but anyways did you hear about that huge bear hit by a truck in Wis. just over the boarder. It was 650 lbs. what do you think it would weight in the fall after it built up a fat layer.

[ricqik]

Quote:

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Hey ricqik when you place your bait use a wooden stake close to the bait and make it 33 inches off the ground. a full size adult bear will stand above 33 inches on four legs. If the bear walks by the stake and you cant see the top of it. Feed that bear some hot lead.

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Thanks for the tip, I'll do that and put some honey on the stick too.

[almostthere!]

They have tons of surplus in some areas. They will be offerred to unsuccessful applicants first then to the general public a week later. I believe it has always been July 1st.

[Neiko]

I just got my bear hunting notification in the mail. If this is your first time hunting bear I highly recommend going to one of the clinics.

[RBuker]

Hmmm. Roosterslayer huh? I'm guessing I know ya...

I did hear about that monster that got hit. It would have likely been around 800lbs???? by fall???? Just a guess but.... Geez, what a monster!

[roosterslayer]

Sorry Buker, I dont know yopu personally but i have read alot on you fox hunting site and learned alot about hunting predators from what you have said on PM. sorry for any confusion, I just remember you saying that you bear hunt in the same area that I do and was surprised to see you hear on this site. (officer 122)

[RBuker]

Yup, I remember that bio you sent me said you were from Monticello. I guessed right as to who you are.

Later

Randy

[roosterslayer]

Well guys no bear hunting for me now this year, just got the shock of my life last night when my fianc`e told me that in September she will be leaving for her 18 month tour and serving with the Minnesota National guard in Iraq. There isn't a bear in the world that could keep me from spending the next months with my baby. well good luck to the rest of you and keep me posted on your success.