Big Bear Hunting

by
posted on June 8, 2012
** 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. **
ot_mind_ah2015_fs.jpg (7)

undefinedIf you want to shoot a whopper deer, elk or bear, you have to be hunting in an area where such critters exist. Seems like a simple concept, doesn’t it? And yet most hunters do not take the time to do the research necessary to tell them where the odds are best at scoring big.

As something of a bear hunting freak, I’ve been looking into big bear areas for years. In the old days doing so was heavy lifting. But today, with the aid of the Boone & Crockett Club’s online trophy database getting in the zone is pretty easy.

 

OK, that’s cool, but where, exactly, in each of these places are the most record-book bears taken? Here’s the breakdown of the top 20 counties of all time for producing melon-headed bears:

Of course there’s more to it than this, but this kind of data will get you started. You can do this same research for any big game animal in North America.

Latest

W H2026 05 Hardwarew3811 TAH 2914Lead2
W H2026 05 Hardwarew3811 TAH 2914Lead2

Hardware Review: Thompson/Center Encore ProHunter

Check out our review of the T/C Encore ProHunter, a new version of the legendary switch-barrel muzzleloader from Thompson/Center.

New for 2026: WRC Golden Estrus Scent Stick Formula

Wildlife Research Center has released its Golden Estrus Scent Stick Formula, a weather-resistant, long-lasting estrus scent designed to trigger the mating instincts of rutting bucks.

Screwworm Gains Toehold the United States

The New World Screwworm (NWS), which devastated wildlife populations and the Lone Star State’s livestock industry 60 year ago, has established two beachheads in Texas.

Field Shooting Positions & Real-World Hunting

Delivering a lethal shot with a rifle or handgun when afield requires an understanding of the various shooting positions, supports and realistic accuracy. This article is meant to serve as a primer.

New for 2026: Texas Hunter Products 300-lb. Cottonseed Feeder

Texas Hunter Products has released its 300‑lb. Cottonseed Feeder, a purpose‑built solution for land managers who rely on whole cottonseed to support healthy deer and wildlife year‑round.

#SundayGunday: Stoeger M3000 Freedom Series Tactical

On this week's #SundayGunday, we’re checking out the Stoeger M3000 Freedom Series Tactical shotgun. Based around an Inertia Driven system, this three-inch chambered shotgun can run a gamut of shotshells, from lightweight target loads to heavy turkey magnums. Learn more about it in this exclusive video.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.