Black Bears are prevalent through out the Rainy Pass hunting area. In a few areas of Alaska they have not been able to coexist with Grizzlies. However, here they are lured out of their natural forest environment by their stronger urge to feed on the ripe blue berries during August and September. To a lesser extent they will also enjoy a few spawning Sockeye Salmon but they are very cautious being around the Grizzly Bears. It is not at all unusual to see a Black Bear running across a hill side meadow to get completely out of an area that contains a Grizzly.

All of these Bears are raven black. Their average size is not all that large, about two and a half feet at the shoulder and five feet long. They will generally weigh in around 150 to 200 pounds. Every year the Rainy Pass area produces some good sized Black Bear that will square better than six feet with an occasional Bear that will square seven feet. They are a nice trophy and make beautiful rugs.

Hunting Black Bear is a challenge that will test your skills. Glassing the blue berry patches from a high vantage point usually is very productive. It is not uncommon to see 5 to 10 Bears feeding during a late afternoon and evening hunt. The challenge is to select a good Bear within stalking distance, get through the spongy tundra, stalk through the lower willows and alder brush, and get into position on the berry patch to shoot. While making your stalk you must pay close attention to the wind direction and be very quiet because their sense of smell and hearing are very acute.

Of course, all of this must be done before the Bear decides he can't eat another bite and lays down in an alder patch for a 1 to 6 hour nap. Every hunter knows what happens when you finally give up sitting on the berry patch after 4 hours. Just as soon as you get back to your vantage point the Bear strolls back into the berry patch and starts feeding again.

Black Bears are found from timber line to the high alpine meadows in Sheep country. They are generally a good trophy to add onto your hunt for Dall Sheep, Grizzly Bear, or Moose. They are a beautiful animal, fun to hunt, and make an excellent addition to your trophy room.