BigGameHoundsmen.com

Hey guys,
I was just wondering where some good state properties are for bear hunting? I may be moving to Southern Ohio, and see that WV is probably the closest for bear hunting. I would eventually like to get dogs and hunt there every year. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks

I meant to say that I would prefer place in Western West Virginia to cut down on driving.

The closest hunting would be in Kanawha County thier is not state land in this area but their is still pubic hunting on timber lands and coal company land. Other hunting in Boone, Wyoming, Raliegh. The state land is in Webster, Pocahontas and Randoph Counties. Hope gas prices drop looks like you will be driving some! Good luck.

Thanks for the info. Kanawha County looks to be the closest. What towns should I look into. I appreciate your help and advice. When guys bear hunt out there, do they get in groups and run or do people hunt alone? Since I don't know the ropes all that well, I will probably need to find some people to run with starting out atleast. Thanks again for the info.

I live in kanawha county and drive to the mountains to hunt. just personal preference. thats where i grew up and thats where i like to hunt. THere are plenty bear down here though. There are gas roads everywhere that are at worst atv roads. I havn't had a lot of luck getting in on tag along hunts around here. except for a few kind people on this website.

I understand that. If someone is willing to allow a tag along, I would greatly appreciate the opportunity. I realize that I cannot pay someone as the WV law states. Even if someone doesn't want me hunting with them, but would atleast point me in the right direction of places to go, that would also be appreciated. Thanks for the info though. Also, are there many hunt clubs in WV? I thought this may be another avenue in which I could learn the ropes. Thanks again.

there are a bunch of clubs. one reason it gets touchy hunting in the southern counties. I may be little biased there though.

watch KdrChuck he will steal your PBand J sandwiches i had to do it nah Kdr is a good guy and runs with some good dogs i wish ya luck in the furture oh one good tip forget dogs,tracking systems and even truck you better be packin a good decent pair of boots but bring all that other stuff to hahaha

I have a good set of boots that are broke in and a good tracking system, now all I will have to do is get some good dogs. If I ever get the opportunity to hunt with KdrChuck, I will be sure to pack a couple of extra PBandJ's to play it safe. All joking aside, KdrChuck has been great in giving me some advice on all of this and I really appreciate it.

I like strawberry Jam the best. The bear where we hunt seem to have packed up and left. Went out saturday night to catch a couple coons and 9 hrs later had a nice bear treed. Long night, but a good one.

Thanks for the kind words Chris. IDK if you remember Lady (black plott) She was real young when i was out with you. She will be 3 in december and has turned into a real bear and coon dog. I havn't broke her yet so you still have to watch her but she is nice. I know you've got those bang up coon dogs, did you ever get going on bear?

Jamison, when will you be moving down this way?

Should be moving down to Cincy/Northern KY around May/June once I graduate.

I have a brother who lives up around Michigan City, Indiana

Yep that is about 2 hours away from me.

i bear hunt some not alot not like i want to tho havent been coonhunting since my dad died took all the fun out of it

Sorry to hear about your dad chris. I didn't know.