Guns and Gear for an Idaho Bear Hunt

by
posted on September 30, 2018
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
gg-idahobearhunt_lead.jpg

Editor's Note: Field Editor Brian McCombie put the following gear to use on a recent Idaho black bear hunt. You can catch up on that story here.

Savage Model 116 Bear Hunter
For this hunt, I used a Savage Model 116 Bear Hunter chambered in .300 Win. Mag. and featuring a 23-inch, stainless barrel with an adjustable muzzle brake and a Mossy Oak Break-Up Infinity camo synthetic stock. MSRP: $899; savagearms.com.

Federal Premium Edge TLR
My ammunition was the new Federal Premium Edge TLR topped with a tough, 200-grain polymer-tipped bullet. MSRP: $59.95 per 20-rnd. box; federalpremium.com.

Bushnell Optics
I topped the rifle with a Bushnell 4500 Elite 2.5X-10X-40mm scope. My Bushnell Engage 10x42mm binocular provided crisp, clear images even in low light. MSRP: $399.99 4500 Elite 2.5X-10X-40mm, $485.95 Engage binocular; bushnell.com.

Jagdhund USA Koppl Boots
My leg muscles didn’t always want to cooperate, but my Jagdhund USA Koppl boots were a pleasure to wear. They weigh just 1.5 pounds, sport a Vibram sole, and provide first-rate ankle and lateral support. MSRP: $338; jadghund-usa.com.

Latest

LEDEW H2026 02 GEAR MPR Desert
LEDEW H2026 02 GEAR MPR Desert

Coyote Gear Roundup

Looking for gear to up your Coyote game? We've curated a great list of the latest and greatest.

New for 2026: Stoeger M3000 Sporting

For 2026, Stoeger has added a new model to its M3000 semi-auto shotgun lineup with the M3000 Sporting.

Suppressor Ownership Records Shattered, 30% used for Hunting

On Jan. 1, 2026, the price of a National Firearm Act tax stamp to take ownership of a suppressor dropped from $200 to $0. A flood of eForm applications struck at the stroke of midnight, setting a record estimated at 150,000 that day alone, many of them submitted by hunters.

Pre-Season Spring Gobbler Scouting Tips

The investment made in the weeks leading up to spring gobbler season can make the season fruitful and result in a punched tag. Get afield now, scratch that itch to hunt and get ready to bag a gobbler!

New for 2026: Command Pro Cellular Feeder Control Module

Command, home to the cellular trail camera app for Stealth Cam and Muddy-branded trail cameras, has announced the launch of a new universal feeder-control module that brings real-time oversight and remote scheduling to virtually any feeder.

#SundayGunday: Leupold VX-6 HD Gen 2

This week on #SundayGunday, we’re talking optics—specifically riflescopes—from a company that has defined it’s longstanding American Made reputation by building some of the industry’s best: Leupold. Starting last year, the Oregon based manufacturer began revamping its optics lines, and great news for hunters, they started with the second generation of the incredibly versatile VX-6 HD line, culminating in the VX-6 HD Gen. 2.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.