THE SAWTOOTH AREA IS LOCATED IN AN IDEAL HABITAT FOR BLACK BEARS.

The BC government commissioned a recent study to identify the location of high quality habitats that are rich in bear food and other ecological requirements. The Sawtooth area received the highest rating for its ability to support black and grizzly bears.

We consistently achieve 90+% success rates on these bruins, with a good percentage of cinnamon and other color phase bears. You are allowed to take 2 bears on this hunt.

We hunt with the use of hounds and spot and stalk method and occasionally use predator calls. We use horses and ATVs to access a number of drainages and avalanche areas.

In the spring, we hunt alpine grass slides that have been cleared by avalanches in the winter and sprout tender grass in the spring. The bears, fresh out of their winter dens, aggressively seek out this nutrient rich food. Some days, you can view up to 10 bears per day! Stalking a big black bear makes for a very exciting hunt.

We are fortunate to have one of the strongest packs of big game Bear and Mt. lion hunting dogs found anywhere. Our passion is using hounds to hunt for bears and other predators and we have many years’ experience in leading successful hunts. We take great pride in our pack of hounds, which are extremely well trained. We also breed and train hound pups which we sell to other outfitters and enthusiasts in North America. Bottom line, we are guides that eat sleep and breathe hound hunting.

We spend hours each day on and off season training our team of hounds. We keep them in top shape by running them for several miles each day. Ryan Berard is also one of the first called when conservation officers in Southeastern BC need help on hunting down a problem bear or cougar that represents a danger to the local community. All of this ensures that the dog team is in top shape, and have honed senses for picking out and pursuing the bears.

You have the option of booking a Spot and Stalk or Hound-only bear hunt, or, if available, you can add hound hunting for a day or two as part of a spot and stalk hunt (an extra fee applies). Many hunters who try hound hunting for a day get immediately hooked. Watching the expert hounds work their magic and becoming part of their team is incredibly exciting. Please call to inquire about availability and fees for hound hunting for bears.

With moderate weather, snowcapped peaks and sounds of spring, this is a beautiful time to be in the mountains — and a great cure-all for the pangs of withdrawal suffered at the end of the previous year’s fall’s hunt. And with long days, our clients generally like to hunt early morning and evening, and rest or go fishing during the day.

In the fall, you can hunt bear by itself, or in combination with Elk, Moose, Deer, or Mountain Goat.