CANADA: MANITOBA - BLACK BEAR HUNT (SOUTHERN)

Hunts are offered during both the spring and fall seasons. The spring Black Bear hunt season runs from early May to mid-June which is the rut. The fall Black Bear hunt season spans from late August to early October, coinciding with our Black Bear and Waterfowl combo hunts.

- Additional Black Bears: Not legal in Manitoba within the same calendar year. 
- Waterfowl: Available late-Sept. - early Oct. Black Bear (waterfowl combo hunters only).  
- Upland Birds: Available late-Sept. - early Oct. Black Bear (waterfowl combo hunters only).

These hunts come standard at 5 days. For Bear-only hunters, spend midday to dusk in actively baited and pre-scouted stands, while Bear/Waterfowl combo hunters will experience x5 mornings of waterfowl hunting and x5 evenings of bear hunting. 

Typically enjoy a midday lunch and then head to a specific stand site. These are baited Black Bear hunts, as the terrain is too flat and densely vegetated to facilitate effective spot & stalk hunting. All baits are within 25 yards to accommodate archery hunters at any of our locations, and usually from secure 12-14 ft ladder stands, complete with a shooting rail if desired. Hunt Black bears over bait till dusk with a large target boar in mind. Target bears are identified by trail camera and detailed instructions/photos are provided by the guides, who do not sit with clients, being a 2x1 hunt. Should a target boar make appearances in the mornings, then clients are welcome to hunt in the morning hours as well. 

Combo hunters commence each day before dawn, arriving to the waterfowl hunting location to finish setting up the decoys with the guides. Hunt until daily limits are achieved, and enjoy a quick lunch and nap before heading to the bear stands until dark.

Most clients bring their own firearms when Black Bear hunting in Canada, but rifles are also available to borrow at no cost if needed. Shots are very close range. Usually under 30 yards, but at times are low light, so a low power scope - especially with an illuminated reticle vs iron sights - is an asset. Muzzleloaders are also welcomed, and many of our combo hunters convert their waterfowl shotgun into a slug gun for the Black Bear hunts. Popular calibers are anything in the .270 - .30 caliber plus range, as well as large pistol calibers for lever gun hunters. Shotguns are usually semi-automatic, but ultimately whatever the hunter prefers. 

Archery gear is also welcomed by anyone wishing to experience an archery Black Bear hunt. Compound, traditional, or crossbow archery is all legal and acceptable when Black Bear hunting in Manitoba. A crossbow can even be borrowed from the outfitter if desired.

The Interlake region is an area of central Manitoba sandwiched between two huge inland lakes. It’s a productive landscape and a forest fringe environment where the northeasternmost reach of the Prairies gives way to the Boreal Forest. Here the last grain and pasture fields back on to big timber that essentially extends north to the tundra. The transitional forest here is mainly comprised of poplar, aspen, or birch with stands of jack pine and black spruce as it transitions to the true conifer-dominated boreal forests further north. 

Other species, such as Whitetail deer, Elk, Coyotes, Beavers, Waterfowl, Cranes, Garter Snakes, and Ruffed and Sharp-tailed Grouse, share this central Canadian landscape with the Black Bears.

During the spring the days are long, and late-season afternoon hunts have the potential to get warm. The trees are generally green and leafed out, so without a nice breeze expect some biting insects in June, and come prepared. When Black Bear hunting in Canada’s fall season, leaves are starting to turn, autumn is in the air, and it cools down in the evenings. These are pleasant conditions, with few or no biting insects, and it is very rare to see temperatures dip below freezing.

Stay in a comfortable, rural home-style lodge on private acreage, located directly in the area where you will be Black Bear hunting in Manitoba, Canada. Here everyone usually has their own space with 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms for hunters. The lodge is complete with cell phone service, Wi-Fi, and television to stay in touch or relax. It’s all kept neat and tidy with a large attached heated garage serving as a mud room, storing everyone’s gear during the hunt. 

There is even an archery and rifle range in the backyard to stay in sync with your weapon over the course of the week. The lodge is complete with a full kitchen, a full-time cook, and maid service. Enjoy a golf course 20 minutes away and fire pits in the evening with a patio and hot tub available!

Hunters are fed 3 square meals daily while Black Bear hunting in Manitoba, Canada and have snacks available anytime. Breakfasts are hearty with classic favorites like bacon and eggs, toast, pancakes, and hash browns. Lunches are usually back at the lodge before heading out for the afternoon, but bagged lunches and snacks can also be assembled for the field if needed. Some popular dinner items include steaks, roast turkey or honey ham, chili, potatoes, soups, salads, and desserts.

Destination City: Only a few hours north of the US border, hunters are welcome to drive directly to the lodge or are asked to arrive at the Winnipeg International Airport where they will be greeted by lodge staff. The Interlake region, which offers some of the best Black Bear hunting in Manitoba, Canada is approximately a 2-hour drive northwest of Winnipeg.  

Travel Suggestions:  Winnipeg is easily reached by most North American airlines, with connections typically occurring from a variety of major Canadian and US airports.

Hides and skulls are carefully skinned, labeled, and frozen after Black Bear hunting in Manitoba, Canada with our outfitting partner. Once the spring and fall bear seasons have concluded, the outfitter delivers all trophies to a capable taxidermist in Manitoba who can do the complete work, or prep, certify, crate, and deliver trophies to either his shipping agent or expeditor in Winnipeg to be shipped internationally. Turnaround time ranges from 6-8 months.

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