BLACK BEAR HUNTING

HASTINGS BROS. OUTFITTERS BLOG

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What is the Best Time to Hunt Black Bear in Manitoba

If you’re dreaming about a black bear hunt in Manitoba, timing matters. Hunters often ask, “When is the best time to come hunting?”
Here’s the truth — the spring season in Manitoba offers one of the most exciting and productive bear hunts in North America.

Let’s break it down.

🐻 Early Season (Early May)

Early in the season, bears are just waking up and looking for food. They’re hungry, active, and moving.

What you’ll see:

Lots of daytime bear movement
Bears feeding hard
High chance to see multiple bears on stand
Good visibility before the thick spring foliage comes in

This is an excellent time if you want lots of action and good photo opportunities.

🪵 Mid Season (Early June)

This is prime time. Everything is green and alive, and the bears are in full swing.

What makes this window special:

Bears are fully recovered from winter
Increased rut activity
Boars are traveling and searching
Color-phase bears are often spotted this time of year

If you want the highest chance to see big, mature bears — this is your sweet spot.

Even though temperatures rise, big bears are still moving.

Advantages:

Longer daylight hours
Bears hitting baits later in the evening
More relaxed pace for hunters

It’s a great time for hunters who want to mix fishing and hunting — Long Lake offers fantastic walleye and northern pike.

🎯 So When Should You Book?

Here’s the honest answer:
You can’t go wrong with spring bear in Manitoba.

Our guides have over 40 years in this same wilderness, and the patterns are consistent year after year. Whether you want:

Non-stop bear movement
The chance at a big boar
A colored bear
A mix of hunting and fishing
Or simply a true northern wilderness experience

— you will find it in spring.

💬 Final Thoughts

A Manitoba bear hunt is more than a hunt — it’s an adventure. The quiet of the forest, the long evenings, the stillness before a bear steps out… it stays with you.

If you’re planning a hunt, now is the time. Our 2026 spots are filling fast.

📞 204-785-1711
✉️ info@hastingsbros.com

Ready to start your adventure?

What to Expect on a 5-Day Manitoba Bear Hunt

If you’ve never hunted in Manitoba before, let me tell you — there’s nothing quite like it.
Quiet evenings in the bush, long northern sunsets, the smell of pine, and the raw anticipation of what might step out next.

Here’s exactly what a typical 5-day guided black bear hunt looks like with Hastings Bros. Outfitters.

🏕️ ARRIVAL DAY

You’ll arrive at Long Lake and get settled into your cabin.
We’ll show you around, check gear, and go over what to expect for the week.

You’ll meet the guides — and trust me, you’re in good hands.
Our family has hunted and lived in this wilderness for over 40 years.

Evening meal, good conversation, early night.

🐻 DAY 1 — INTO THE BUSH

After breakfast, we’ll make sure your gear is ready.
Then you’ll head out to check bait sites.

Expect:

Quiet walk in
Check if baits are hit - reload if they are

🌲 AFTERNOONS -LUNCH— THINGS GET REAL

Your guide will take you back to the stand mid-afternoon.

Here’s what you can expect:

Fresh bait
Active sites
Camera checks showing movement
Good wind planning
Quiet, comfortable stands

Once you’re settled in, the forest becomes alive.
The anticipation is part of the hunt.

🐾

🪵EVENINGS — PRIME BEAR MOVEMENT

This is when everything can happen.

Expect:

Slow calm until the shadows get long
Smaller bears may appear first
Sows with cubs sometimes wander through
The whole forest shifts

And then…
that moment every hunter waits for.

The big boar steps out.
Fast. Quiet. You feel it before you see it.

It’s an experience you never forget.

Back to the Lodge for a home-cooked meal

🛶 DAY 3 TO 5 — PATTERNS EMERGE

By mid-week, your guide has your site patterned.

We adjust as needed:

Fresh bait
Switching stands
Moving based on camera activity
Watching new bears move in and out

Success often builds throughout the week.

✅ WHAT MAKES THIS HUNT SPECIAL

Active sites
Proven locations
Family-run operation
Fresh home-cooked meals
Comfortable accommodations
Experienced guides who truly care

You’re not just another hunter — you become part of our story.

🎯 FINAL THOUGHTS

A 5-day Manitoba bear hunt is the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and raw excitement.
You’ll leave with memories you’ll carry forever — and most likely a great bear story.

When you’re ready, we’re here.

📞 204-785-1711
✉️ info@hastingsbros.com
Start Your Adventure Here!

Kaleigh is our taxidermist for Hastings Bros.

We like to keep everything in the family.

Woods to Wall Taxidermy