Bear Hunting: The Calls

by John Dee

The key to calling bears when hunting is to call non-stop until the animal is within firing range. When you stop calling, the bear will stop approaching. Here are some bear sounds that may draw some attention. But be warned: dont be surprised to find one standing only a few feet in front of you!

Grunts. These are amiable, contented calls for the bear.

Blowing/chomping. These bear sounds are typically expressions of fear that include an explosive release of air, lip smacking and teeth clicking.

Moaning. The moan is a fearful call. A bear thats been chased up a tree or a sow being pursued by a boar will moan if shes not ready to breed.

Motor-like purring. Bear Cubs make this sound when theyre nursing or theyre extra comfortable.

Pulsing angry sound. A sow may make this sound when trying to kick her yearling cub out of her territory.

Mothers cry. A mother bear may make this sound when shes trying to locate her cub.

Cub distress call. This one sounds much like a human babys cry and is very attractive to sows.

Infringement call. The pulsing, angry sound made by an aggressive bear trying to drive another bear from his territory. This call can be effective near a food source in the fall.

Hunting Tips

John Dee is a writer for Bornwild.info