Island Black Bears
Much has been read and said about Vancouver Island's black bears, and the accolades keep coming. Most recently, Vancouver Island's black bears were designated Island Black Bear by Safari Club International (SCI), distinguishing them from their mainland cousins, the North American Black Bear. The designation came because of their special diet, traits and size.
But what you hear most often about Vancouver Island black bears is their abundance and size! Island hunters usually see multiple bears every day, and on a good day can see 8 to 10 bears or more. The guides work with you to judge the bears and decide which ones a taker and which ones to let grow.
We set a trophy target of 18" SCI minimum skull for our hunters and are very succesful getting our hunters into record book bears. We take many bears in the 19"+ every season and always 1 or 2 in the 20"+ range. The annual harvest of under 40 bears per year from our 1500 square miles hunting area in the best black bear habitat in North America ensure hunters of trophy quality and quantity.
Most hunts are conducted as day trips by 4x4 vehicle, small boat or all terrain vehicle. Hunting is spot-and-stalk on the Island's ocean shorelines, river estauries and on the logged areas of the mountain sides. The occasional overnight trip occurs in some remote locations to ensure hunting to last light to find a great bear.