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Black Bear

Black Bear

by | Sep 8, 2020 | Animal

Interested in Hunting Black Bear?

When it comes to an adrenaline rush, hunting black bears will generate that factor in a hunter like no other big game can. Let’s not forgot the fact that the hunter could become the hunted; the experience of hunting a black bear will give the huntsman a new perspective and fascination.

Black bear meat is reveled in some circles and is an incredible source of protein for a superb meal. Besides the meat, black bear hides can be tanned, used for rugs or maybe even a coveted trophy statue. Whatever the goal is, black bear hunters will experience the ultimate outdoor adventure with an edge,

 

Black Bears are found within various regions of North America, from Canada through the United States and into Mexico. With a population of an estimated 750,000, over half of the black bear population resides within Canada, while the majority of the latter half inhabit the United States, and only 5% live in Mexico. Black bears are recognized for their ability to easily adapt to differing environments (though they prefer dense forests); this is, in part, due to their almost boundless appetites. Classified as omnivores, the black bear is able to survive off of plants, fruits, nuts, invertebrates, fish, and small mammals – whatever is most prevalent within their specific location, widely obtainable, and able to keep them satiated. Because of their adeptness when it comes to acclimation, they have inherited several common names, such as Glacier Bear and Cinnamon Bear; these bynames are also an outcome of their diversified appearances.

How to recognize the Black Bear.

Could it be through their ferocity? Think again. Although, bears in general are subjected to playing the part of the threatening character in many films and other forms of media, the black bear is actually exceedingly shy and not so much violent – they are more like a children’s Teddy Bear. Cases in which black bears have deliberately attacked humans, without the motive of protecting their cubs being present, are rare since they strive to avoid people – except in national parks since they are often given handouts of food from persons hiking through (food-conditioned bears can then be threatening). Black bears will become nervous and retreat; they will often times not submit to confrontation, with the exception of possibly scavenging the prey of a wolf and taking the kill as their own.

Beyond their disposition, the black bear holds an average weight of 100 to 300 pounds, maintaining a length of 5 to 7 feet, and measuring 2 ½ to 3 feet in height from the shoulder. In spite of their name, the black bear comes in a wide array of colors from black to dark brown, cinnamon to blonde, and even white. The black bear has an easily identifiable face with a longer snout, small dark eyes, rounded ears, short tail, and a large body; the paws have claws that allow the bear to climb and hunt. The black bear is a skillful swimmer and can reach speeds of 30 mph when running shorter distance, due to the fact that black bears can easily overheat. In addition, the black bear has the ability to be vocal, though will often stay quiet; growls can be used to fend off threats, while grunts are sometimes used to get the attention of a wandering cub.

When does mating season begin for the Black Bear?

Mating season varies and corresponds with the location of the black bear. Nonetheless, the typical mating season for the black bear is through the summertime, spanning from May to August; before then, black bears tend to prefer isolation. After a rather short gestation period of approximately two months, the cubs are born completely vulnerable and reliant; they are blind and weighing only ½ to 1 pound. One to three cubs are birthed at a time, though a mother bear may birth four cubs at once. The mother will nurse the young in the den and through the winter; a year and half will then be spent with the mother weaning the cubs and teaching them vital survival skills once they venture out of the den.

Do Black Bears hibernate?

Research suggests that black bears only partially hibernate. Black bears will create their dens within caves, tree trunks, thick brush, et cetera; they will then gather leaves and such to pack the bottom of their dens where they can spend up to 7 months in a deep sleep. However, the black bear can wake when cubs are threatened and/or the black bear is disturbed for any reason. And in warmer areas, such as the coastlines where some black bears roam, they will only hibernate for 5 months, if at all, when food is ample, and winters are calm. All in all, the black bear exemplifies notable attributes similar to other subspecies of bear but has individual tendencies and traits as well that make the black bear remarkable on its own.

Grizzly Bear

Grizzly Bear

by | Sep 16, 2020 | Animal

How did Grizzly Bears get their name?

Grizzly Bears are a subspecies of the brown bear and named after their grizzled hair that often takes on a golden essence among the darker brown hues.  The term “grisly” is also one that is sometimes synonymous with the grizzly bear since they are an animal species often met with a reputation, deserving or not, that provokes fear. Nonetheless, the grizzly bear has been studied for many, many decades, wielding a plethora of remarkable traits and behaviors that make them wholly entrancing.

How to recognize the Grizzly Bear?

In addition to the grizzled fur, the grizzly bear has a list of distinguishing features. An attribute that separates the grizzly from the commonly known black bear, is the prominent musculature or “hump” found upon the shoulders of the grizzly bear; the black bears’ is not as noticeable. Grizzlies also tend to weigh more than the black bear, averaging 800 pounds and then measuring up to 8-feet in length; with large paws and longer claws, the grizzly bear is also a decent climber as well as a digger, which is something to note for later. The grizzly bear is, however, similar to the black bear in disposition, being wary of people, unless they appear to be a threat to the grizzlies or their cubs, and a renowned predator among those who they share their habitat with. Wolves and cougars leave their prey amid the mere intimidation factor alone, when it comes to grizzly bears who are incredibly powerful. Though large in size, grizzlies can run up to speeds of 30 mph, too.

Are Grizzly Bears independent from one another?

Grizzly bears do prefer solitary. But there are exceptions to this. Being omnivores, the grizzly bear is able to survive off of the land with a diet consisting of nuts, berries, roots, and other mammals, both big and small. Grizzles are native to the forests of North America, with a presence in Canada and Alaska, along with Wyoming, Montana, Utah, and Washington. Alaska, in particular, holds the opportunity for salmon (a grizzly favorite), forcing grizzly bears together for the spawning season when the salmon are traveling upstream; they found something of a sleuth (the term for a group of bears). This late springtime tradition comes just before mating time is to begin for the grizzlies.

Grizzly Bear Image 3

When does breeding season begin for the Grizzly Bear?

Breeding season for the grizzly bear begins in May and lasts into June, following 15 days of courtship. Grizzlies will seek out dens in October or November and this is when the embryotic stage of the cub begins within the womb of the mother bear. Grizzly bears will scope out hillsides that they will burrow their dens within, being ones to dig the area where they will stay for the winter and during their 5 to 7 month hibernation. The length of the hibernation is subjective and in relation to the climate; in warmer areas, the bears will hibernate for a much shorter time, if they choose to at all. Moreover, during the winter hibernation, the mother bear will have her cubs after a gestation period lasting 235 days or almost 7 ½ months. Grizzlies tend to have one or two cubs at a time; with the cubs born blind and weighing less than a pound, they heavily rely on the mother their first month. In April, the bears will emerge from their dens and embrace new seasons.

Grizzly Bear Image 2

Is the Grizzly Bear endangered?

The grizzly bear is not currently on the endangered species list, which was not so much the case before there were conservation efforts made to protect particular animals. The grizzly bear is regarded as “big game” in the hunting world, recognized as a grand trophy of sorts; this is one reason as to why grizzly populations were negatively affected and severely depleted at the beginning of the 20th Century. The California Grizzly Bear, a subspecies of the grizzly bear, fell victim to excessive hunting practices at around this time; there was no saving the bear from becoming extinct. In spite of this, there have been discussions of delisting or removing the grizzly bear from remaining an animal specifies protected by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services. If the grizzly bear were to become delisted, excessive hunting practices could very well result in the extinction of the grizzly bear. Today, grizzlies are still protected, with their numbers being closely monitored as they continue being a symbol of both beauty and strength.

Manitoba Elk

Manitoba Elk

by | Aug 31, 2020 | Animal

Interested in hunting Manitoba Elk?

Manitoba Elk hunts are limited in tag offerings and are impossible to draw a tag unless you are a resident of the Manitoba region. If you are a serious collector, this species is a must for the hunter, cross breed of this species are 75% Manitoban. Be sure to book way in advance to get a chance to harvest one of these rare bulls that are in limited numbers.

Where can the Manitoba Elk be found?

Manitoba Elk are named after the Canadian Province of Manitoba, where these elk have a sound presence that spans further south into North Dakota as well. The preferred habitats of the Manitoba elk are the elevated forests and meadowlands in which they find themselves. Easily identifiable through their fur coat that contrasts with other subspecies of elk, typically being a darker shade of brown in accordance to gender, season, along with location, the Manitoba elk maintain a more medium stature weighing an average of 600 to 770 pounds and measuring 7 to 8-feet in length. The bulls have large antlers that swoop backwards. In addition, they are naturally good swimmers and have the ability to maintain a speed of up to 45 mph for shorter distances, 29 mph at a steadier pace; this depiction further exemplifies their renowned genetics known far and wide.

Manitoba Elk Ethology Image 1

When does rutting season begin for the Manitoba Elk?

Similar to other subspecies of elk, the Manitoba Elk adhere to a rutting season that begins in late August, peaks in September, and ends in October. The bugling that takes part amongst the bulls has been defined as something of a “prehistoric sound” that is heard for many miles. Bulls acquire harems of about 5 to 15 adult cows, and to each cow, they will typically birth one calf after a gestation period of 8 months. Calves will soon begin feeding on similar vegetation as their parents, being herbivores and known grass-grazers.

What does the diet of a Manitoba Elk consist of?

A diet of grasses, forbs, and lichens satiates the Manitoba elk. Being primarily forest dwellers, the Manitoba elk are able to find the sustenance that they require, even as the seasons change, all around them. With the changing seasons, however, the Manitoba elk will migrate down towards the valleys in order to avoid heavy snowfall in the winter. Because an excess of snow hinders the mobility of the elk, they can fall victim to one of their known predators, which is the grey wolf. Nonetheless, the Manitoba Elk greatly demonstrate reliance and a strong aptitude when surviving the great outdoors.

Roosevelt Elk

Roosevelt Elk

by | Aug 26, 2020 | Animal

How did the Roosevelt Elk inherit their name?

Roosevelt Elk inherited their byname through President Theodore Roosevelt in the early 1900s; their formal name is Olympic Elk and in the late 1800s, they were nearing extinction as a result of inadequate hunting guidelines and conservation practices. Theodore Roosevelt, widely regarded as the “Conservationist President,” took the action necessary to recognize the valued lands that should be left untouched as well as owned and maintained by the U.S. government, establishing national forests and parks around the country. In preserving these environments, the many animals living in these areas of the United States became protected as well. One specie, in particular, was the Olympic elk and thus, they are now often called Roosevelt elk, the name that will be of reference in this article.

Roosevelt Elk Ethology Image 1

Get to know the Roosevelt Elk.

With a notable presence in both Oregon and Washington, the Roosevelt elk are found within the mountainous and densely forested areas of the land. Being herbivores, the diet of the Roosevelt elk consists of grasses, ferns, shrubs, and lichens found amidst their surroundings that are filled with desirable vegetation. The bulls weigh up to 1,200 pounds, while the cows maintain a weight of 700 pounds to 730 pounds; these elk are easily identified through their large necks that are comprised of a fairly dark shade of brown fur, while the rump is relatively light in color. With a keen sense of smell and excellent hearing, the Roosevelt elk seek to stay concealed within their Pacific forests when any potential threat arises; they typically roam at dawn and dusk. In addition, they are found living in large herds, though the bulls prefer to remain in isolation until rutting season.

When does rutting season begin for the Roosevelt Elk?

Rutting season for the Roosevelt Elk begins in late August and lasts into October. Especially during this season, bulls will partake in bugling, a call that can be heard for miles, although is sometimes hindered when the elk are within a thicket of trees. Furthermore, the bulls will form their harems of cows, in which they will breed with as the bulls become defensive and highly aggressive towards other bulls. Gestation for the cows lasts until May or June, and then the cows become exceedingly protective over their young, a time in which spectators and hunters must be on alert when in close proximity to these spectacular elk.

Rocky Mountain Elk

Rocky Mountain Elk

by | Aug 25, 2020 | Animal

 

Interested in hunting Elk?

As of now elk hunting can be done in the states surrounding the Rocky Mountains. Great elk hunts can be found in Arizona and New Mexico to Idhao and into Montana, plus I can even find an adventures elk hunt in New Zealand and provinces around Canada. Try out your hunting skills and stealth while hunting elk on some of the most pristine terrain.

Get to know the Rocky Mountain Elk.

Rocky Mountain Elk have a vast presence that spans beyond the region in which these elk inherited their name, so much so, that they are also called American Elk. Found in 22 states within the United States and also a revered symbol of the great American West, Rocky Mountain elk are a part of the deer family, being the second largest subspecies behind moose. When fully matured, Rocky Mountain elk average a weight of 700 pounds, measuring 5-feet from the shoulder and maintaining a length of 8-feet from nose to tail. In addition, bulls grow into their antlers within 90 to 140 days of age, with antlers weighing 20 to 40 pounds. Their iconic and widely recognized appearance allots them a sizable audience with spectators visiting national parks and the like in order to view them, especially when rutting season begins.

Rocky Mountain Elk Ethology Image 1

When does rutting season begin?

Rutting season for the Rocking Mountain elk begins in late August and lasts until October. A notable factor of rutting season is relative to the bull who becomes subject to “bugling” or calling, which is also in relation to the process where the bull experiences swelling in the neck and shoulders as a result of built-up tension from the rut; the antlers of the bull will also develop sharper facets. After 3 years, cows are able to reproduce and enter mating season, whereas the bulls wait until their 4th or 5th year. Cows go through a gestation period that lasts 250 days, with the calves being weaned by the end of the summer. The Rocky Mountain elk will then join one of the larger herds that often consist of and are founded upon 50 to 100 elks of all genders who band together until winter, when they migrate to “summer lands” as a means of avoiding heavy snowfall.

Survival of the Rocky Mountain Elk.

Rocky Mountain elk are herbivores who survive off of the land; consuming mainly grasses, forbs, and leaves, the Rocky Mountain elk establish themselves in abundance among forests, primarily. They have predators among those who share the same landscape, such as mountain lions, gray wolves, coyotes, as well as hunters. The Rocky Mountain elk was among the many subspecies of deer who went through a rapid decline in numbers during the 1800s as a result of poor hunting stipulations. Their populations grew once ample hunting laws were founded and now, Rocky Mountain elk have elevated and steady numbers around the country.

 

 

Tule Elk

Tule Elk

by | Aug 19, 2020 | Animal

Are Tule Elks only found in California?

Tule Elks are exclusively found in California, specifically the Central and Northern regions of the state. As natives of the land, Tule elks entered on the edge of extinction in the late 1800s; this was as a result of lacking hunting laws and the mismanagement of cattle. Tule elks are vegetarians; they primarily survive off of grasses, similar to roaming cattle. Through posed competition when it came to food and an absence of hunting regulations, Tule elks were on the decline until deliberately protected when only a few herds were left roaming. Now, the population of Tule elk exceeds 5,500 with herds ranging from 20 to 200 elks. Each herd is founded upon cows, spikes (young bulls), and calves, while bulls separate themselves and live in solitude until rutting season. 

Tule Elk Ethology Image 1

 

When does rutting season begin for the Tule Elk?

Rutting season begins in the late summertime and lasts into the early fall, August to October with calves born as early as February, but, more typically so, May and June. The calves resemble the appearance of a fawn with a spotted pattern on their light brown coat. As the elk ages, their fur color becomes darker around their neck, though they maintain that same identifiable light brown fur coat and white rump. Though the Tule elk is the smallest of the elk species, the bulls average 450-700 pounds, while the cows average 375-425 pounds; both measure 7 feet long and 4 to 5 feet tall from the shoulder. Bulls drop their antlers annually and after rutting season concludes, distributing viable calcium to the grounds of their grassy hillside homes. Elks tend to utilize heavy cover when they can and often graze within general areas, never migrating in an identifiable pattern, but simply ensuring they have a sufficient food source.

Where do Tule Elks prefer to roam?

Tule elk are highly social and likely to roam on the privately-owned lands of California as a result of the high-pressure hunting practices that occur on public lands; this allots the elk a bit of protection under modern hunting guidelines in order to maintain a steady and resounding population.