Spring black bear hunting is one of the most misunderstood and hardest hunts in the West. In this episode of the Rokcast, Jaden sits down with Joe Kondelis, founder of the American Bear Foundation, to break down what it actually takes to find and hunt black bears in the spring. From early failures and lost bears to dialing in habitat, green-up, and timing, Joe shares the hard lessons that turned frustration into long-term success in the bear woods. They dig into what makes good black bear country and how spot-and-stalk and still-hunting strategies change as spring progresses.

The conversation also dives deep into black bear conservation and why hunter advocacy matters now more than ever. Joe explains Wyoming’s bear quota system, groundbreaking research on bear movement and harvest vulnerability, and why mature boars are harder to kill than most hunters realize. They wrap up by talking utilizing bear meat, bear fat, and how bear hunters can use a ton of the animal. Plus, they talk about how organizations like the American Bear Foundation help protect future bear hunting opportunities. This is a practical conversation for anyone planning a spring bear hunt this winter, or wanting to better understand bears on the landscape.

Links:

American Bear Foundation Brown Bear Hunt Raffle >>

The 6th Annual Bear Banquet in Cody, WY >>

Emily Davis' Bear Research (Mentioned in the Podcast) >>

You can discuss this episode with Jaden here