Mike Stroff's Bear Hunting Tips

If you've ever been bear hunting, then you know how fun, wild and thrilling it can be. Like any hunt, a bear hunt is full of its own demands and challenges. Savage ambassador and host of "Savage Outdoors" and "The One", Mike Stroff has had the opportunity to bear hunt several times and has two pieces of expert advice for anyone wanting to hunt bear in North America. 

Power of Patience
We have a lot of great black bear hunting opportunities in North America, including baiting in some areas. When hunting from a baited stand, Stroff stresses the importance of being patient. Bears might hit the same bait several times a day and they know exactly what the surrounding area should look and smell like. Bears have an excellent sense of smell, so if they smell anything that is a little bit off, they might shy away for a couple days. Don't let that discourage you. Keep going back to your stand because your presence there will eventually become normal and the bear will return. "My suggestion on baited bear hunts, be patient and you'll be successful," says Stroff. 

Iron Sight
For most hunters, a quality optic is critical for placing accurate and lethal shots. The popular use of optics has really changed the game for hunters. But there are certain scenarios when using an optic might not be optimal. Bear hunting comes with its own unique demands that directly impacts your choice of gear. 

It's pretty common to bear hunt in close quarters, especially if you're hunting in a heavily wooded area or over a bait. In those conditions, acquiring your target quickly in your sights is critical to a successful hunt and your own safety. At close distances, it's much easier to find your target in iron sights than in an optic. If you're shooting a rifle equipped with iron sights, all you have to do is find your front sight, engage your rear sight and squeeze the trigger. "You can do it faster, you can do it in low light, and at those close distances, it's easy to do. It's not a hard shot to make," says Stroff. Stroff also recommends the use of iron sights for walking to and from baits in the event that you encounter a bear along the way. The last thing you want to be doing is messing with your scope or being unable to acquire a good sight picture. 

For close quarters bear hunting, the 110 Brush Hunter is a great rifle to stop a bear in its tracks. It has an oversized bolt handle and dependable iron sights that are perfect for fast shots at large game in close quarters. 

If you're going to spot & stalk or if your bear hunt requires an optic, the 110 Bear Hunter stacks up with hard-hitting performance against tough game. It has a drilled and tapped receiver to mount the optic of your choice.