Black Bear Meat - Spring vs Fall

[birdbeast]

I hunt Black Bear for the meat, not the hide. My previous Black Bear hunting in B.C. was done in the Spring because an experienced bear hunter told me the meat was better than in the Fall. The bears I harvested provided very tasty eating.
Last summer I moved to Alberta. Last November, while on a WT hunt, I was talking about a Spring hunt because I was getting low on bear meat and was told the bears in Alberta were better eating in the Fall. It was explained the bears eating grain crops made for better meat.
So, anyone that hunts Blacks for meat, what is your perspective on this?

[birdbeast]

Sorry. I don't know why this ended up in General rather than Hunting Discussion.

[Redfrog]

I haven't hunted bears for many years but have eaten bear meat whne I did hunt them.

In spring, there's no fat on the bears which makes for better butchering. It takes a few weeks to get their systems flushed and working again, which also will affect the quality of the meat. You want one that has been grazing hopefully for at least a month.

Fall bears are fat and adding fat everyday. Like a domestic animal the better choice is one that is on the gain instead of losing condition.

This answer sounds like it was written by a politician. no real answer at all.

Ps there is a risk of trichinosis with bear meat and I have to wonder about CWD if they happen to feed on a deer carcass.




If I went out tomorrow to get a bear for the table I'd want a fall bear.

[bucksnbears]

Never eaten a spring bear but have eaten perhaps a 100 fall ones.
Just had a bear burger 10 minutes ago.
Best damn meat there is!

[tullfan]

Only spring bears for us. Have the butcher cure and smoke the hams and the rest burger.
My wife will make bacon wrapped meat balls that are to die for. We use it for hamburgers, taco night, hamburger helper when were lazy. It’s just great. I try to shoot then first week in june. We have neverbtried a fall bear.
Tullfan

[Au revoir, Gopher]

Originally Posted by Redfrog

[...]
Ps there is a risk of trichinosis with bear meat and I have to wonder about CWD if they happen to feed on a deer carcass.
[...]

I have wondered if there is any correlation between the rate of trichinosis and fall vs spring bear... any one know of any studies?

ARG

[Jays toyz]

It shouldn't matter. once infected anyways infected.

[sarahfaye]

My preference is to grind the spring bear and cut the fall bear into roasts, steaks and ribs.
Provides nice lean ground for the busy supper/ fall months and juicy ,tasty roasts for winter.

[IronNoggin]

Originally Posted by birdbeast

... My previous Black Bear hunting in B.C. was done in the Spring because an experienced bear hunter told me the meat was better than in the Fall...

He lied.

I also live in BC (On The Rock).
And I have a little experience with Blackies.
Last two I took both are going WELL into the book (both over 22" skulls, both well over 7 foot hides).
I take them in order to reduce predation in my blacktail areas, and to reduce their destruction of trail cams. And to keep my local Ranchers Happy.
The hides get rugged (given to those who appreciate them).
And I eat them.





In the fall they are indeed very fat.
I won't take one anywhere near a fish bearing stream for obvious reasons.
But close to orchards & alfalfa it is GAME ON!

The fat I render down to lard.
It is the best cooking oil & pastry lard you can get your mitts on.
Also makes a hell of a fine leather preservative / waterproofing.







We have come to rely on that product substantially, so I will always be looking come fall.

The meat is turned into hams, sausages, pepps, smokies and steaks.







And it is Delicious!!!

Tried spring bear a couple of times.
Wasn't overly impressed, and VERY much prefer the taste & consistency of those from the fall.

Each to their own, and obviously your mileage may vary...

Cheers & Best of Luck this spring!
Nog

[birdbeast]

So Nog, as I now live in Alberta and there are no Salmon bearing streams but lots of grain fields, you say fall all the way for Blackies. Good to know. I will probably till go out in the Spring to scout my new locales. Thanks for the thoughtful and well written reply.

[Dweb]

Originally Posted by IronNoggin

He lied.

I also live in BC (On The Rock).
And I have a little experience with Blackies.
Last two I took both are going WELL into the book (both over 22" skulls, both well over 7 foot hides).
I take them in order to reduce predation in my blacktail areas, and to reduce their destruction of trail cams. And to keep my local Ranchers Happy.
The hides get rugged (given to those who appreciate them).
And I eat them.





In the fall they are indeed very fat.
I won't take one anywhere near a fish bearing stream for obvious reasons.
But close to orchards & alfalfa it is GAME ON!

The fat I render down to lard.
It is the best cooking oil & pastry lard you can get your mitts on.
Also makes a hell of a fine leather preservative / waterproofing.







We have come to rely on that product substantially, so I will always be looking come fall.

The meat is turned into hams, sausages, pepps, smokies and steaks.







And it is Delicious!!!

Tried spring bear a couple of times.
Wasn't overly impressed, and VERY much prefer the taste & consistency of those from the fall.

Each to their own, and obviously your mileage may vary...

Cheers & Best of Luck this spring!
Nog

Marone!!!

[Imagehunter]

I never had bear meat, is it comparable to any other meat? What does it taste like?

[birdbeast]

Delicious. I like it better than venison Great texture and a more mild flavor.