Have any of you ever tried calling in bears, and if so, what worked?? Please don't discuss electronic calls as I think those are illegal here in Colorado, as is baiting.

I have always spot and stalked bears, but this year, I am going to try callin one in. At least that's my goal.

Thanks for the help.

Yes, and it works at times. I use a closed reed jackrabit squaller and blow longer drawn out squalls imitating a deer distress. I seldom blind call as I can't hear too well and don't want to wind up 'bear crap', but call to bears I've seen or see.
Wayne Carlton from Montrose has a video out titled CALL'N BEARS produced by Hunter's Specialities that might help you.

My last bear was called in. Shooting light was fading fast. Could hear a critter walking in the leaves. Was able to see the top of its head and ears. Fifty yards out and walking away from me. Lip squeaked with the back of my hand and the bear hears it. It stopped, turned its head and began walking to my right, still not getting closer so I lip squeaked again. It turned more to the right and began to get closer. Came within about forty yards and offered me a shot. Was neat to see that bear react to my calling. Exciting too!

I've called quite a few in. A couple of them were blind calling. If you are going to do that I would recommend a hunting buddy and an open area. Most of the bears I called were ones I have seen first, almost all of them responded to my calls. When I get home I can look and see the model of call I have.

Thanks Rickie. I'd appreciate knowing what call it is. I'm trying to decide on a cotton tail call, or a fawn distress. May just get both of them. My season isn't till the first week of November, so I'm wondering if the cottontail would be better.

I would imagine that calls are like guns-- you can never have to many!!

I know of a guy on predator masters site that called in 5 last year in the catskill mtns of NYS.

For calling in the colder country like we have, I prefer an open reed call for the simple reason they won't freeze. Another reason is that one open reed call is more versatile and can make more sounds with practice than one closed reed call. JMO.

This is intriguing to me.I filled my buck tag early and have a few extra weeks of vacation now. I was planning on hunting the bear archery season and would be interested in possibly calling them in myself. Thanks for the info guys.

I just looked at my call. The label is worn off! Sorry. I'll try and find it on the web. This one makes fawn distress and calf elk distress sounds. I've heard of guys using rabbit distress too.

This is the one I use.

http://shop.deeptimbersounds.com/product...23&categoryId=5

Yup! I have dozens!

A friend who lives in AK had a brown bear tag; had a buddy backing him up and they spotted a medium size brownie. They set up and my friend started calling on his deer bleat call and it came in and he killed it with one .270 gr. Spire point at about 100 yards with his .375 JDJ.

No, you just can't have too many......

A few of mine

Russell... you are my hero!

Awesome, how often do you guys call and for how long?

I my experience you need to call for a while if calling blind for bears. The ones I have seen before calling usually responded within 5-10 minutes of the first calls. The ones I called blind took more like 40-50 minutes from the first call. I would normally sit for 1.5-2 hours from the first call before trying a new spot.

Thanks Rickie. Good info!!! How often do you call during that 1.5 - 2 hour session?

I would call quite a bit, about 5-10minutes of the first 20-30 minutes. Then pretty much just sit and wait. Maybe a call or two here or there in the rest of the time. All of the bears that did respond to my calls took their time coming in. Never had one charge in at full tilt.

Russel, I think you may have some type of disorder...

Naw, just been at it a long time....

Russell,

Your pile looks pretty orderly to me (no disorder). But I thought turkey hunting was bad enough, trying to keep several calls organized in my vest. Looks like I do not have enough pockets or room on my neck to hang with you

Craig

Craig,

I've got a few turkey calls, myself. Then there's the duck calls, and the deer calls and the elk calls.......
The 'hunt' for me has evolved from the actual 'killing' to being able to call in and fool a 'critter'. If I can work him to withen 'spitting distance' that's better to me than pulling the trigger on a 'Boone and Crocket' whatever.

Heck, after I saw that cool display of calls I started looking around for some of mine and can't put even half of 'em in one pile...heck I can't even FIND half of 'em! I have some in a backpack, two trucks, a set of coveralls...some in my office...and Lord knows where else...

Nice collection!

For fun, I am going to start a new post under Off Topic on calls so as not to sidetrack this one any more...

I called one in in Co while coyote hunting one time. We scared each other when we realized that I wasn't a mouse. I was using a mouse call. I was north west of Ft Collins.

Sounds like my collection.