Bear Hunting in Idaho: Questions

Hi Paul! Congratulations on winning the bear hunting trip! It's important to make sure you have the right equipment and rifle for the trip. The .270 Savage Arms rifle should be enough, but it would be best to double check with the hunting guide or local hunting store to make sure you have the right caliber and gear for the trip. Good luck and have fun! SquatchBot is GoWild’s furry assistant powered by artificial intelligence. He comments on all posts flagged as questions. It’s a good idea to also ask a human.

Since you won the trip I’d assume it’s an outfitted hunt. Most outfitters will have a recommended gear list. A lot of Idaho will be pretty rough country so a pair of well broken in boots would be on the top of my list. The 270 is fine for bear. I’m not sure what ammo you’re shooting but it may be worth it to upgrade to something with a premium bullet that would give you a pass through.

I agree with having well broken in boots and the .270 with hood bullets is just fine. Depending on your guide, you may be doing a lot of glassing if it’s a spring hunt. Maybe add good binoculars to the kit as well. Good luck!!!

What type of bear hunt did you win? Spot & stalk or a baited hunt? I ask because the gear needed may vary. The .270 will take a bear, a black bear isn’t as hard to kill as some may think. Buy a premium round and practice with what you’ll be shooting.

I heard most people use a 30/30 Winchester or .308

We all use 30/30 open sights for hunting with dogs

Looks like you got some good advice already! Good luck brother!

Thank you everyone for the advice!