Minnesota Black Bear Hunting

Few things in life are met with the same excitement as the opening of black bear season in Minnesota.  It is the time of year when fall is in the air and thoughts turn to bait stations and the black bear license lottery!  Anchor Inn Resort lies in the heart of some of the best Minnesota bear hunting grounds you'll find.  Call today at 1-888-798-2718 for reservations or information.

The black bear was originally found throughout Minnesota, but now occurs only in northern woodlands.  Bears lead solitary lives except when females are rearing their young, or when concentrations of food bring bears together.  Before European settlement, grizzly bears also roamed in what is today Minnesota, mainly in the western prairies. Grizzlies have been extirpated (locally extinct) from Minnesota for more than 150 years.

An adult black bear weighs between 250 and 300 pounds and stands two to three feet at the shoulders. Coat color may vary from light brown to deep black.  The black bear is omnivorous, eating grasses, fruits, berries, buds or leaves, nuts, insects and their larvae, and on small animals, deer fawns, and carrion. Less than ten percent of a bear's food is animal matter.  During hibernation, a female will give birth to one to four young. At birth, cubs weigh eight to ten ounces and are hairless. They grow rapidly, weigh about five pounds by the time they leave the den, and 60 to 100 pounds by their first year.

Black Bear Hunting Tips

Three generations of Kitterman hunters have hunted the area around Anchor Inn Resort.  Here are a few of their bear hunting tips...

The public hunting grounds near Anchor Inn are popular for avid bear hunters.  Licensing for the black bear hunt is on a lottery system by zones, so be patient.  Although not required, a guide for this sport is often beneficial.  Baiting of a location by one of our local guides will provide an opportunity for you.  If you are interested in bear hunting with a guide we will be happy to put you in contact with an experienced guide.

NOTE:  Completion of a Hunter Education/Firearms Safety course is now required to purchase a hunting license for anyone born on or after Dec. 31, 1979.  Click here for the full story: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/safety/index.html

Helpful Bear Hunting Links:

2007 Bear Hunt Information

2005 Bear Guides

2007 Bear Registration Stations by County

2006 Bear Harvest Report