Has anyone on here done a black bear hunt in NC or TN? I've had a black bear hunt on my bucket list for a few years and am hoping to pull the trigger on doing one this year. I have a lifetime hunting license in TN and am currently a NC resident so both of those states are good choices from a travel cost and tag perspective.
I've read a lot of conversation about how NC coast has some really nice bear but only found a few outfitters that offer black bear hunts. They are either guaranteed and cost over $7500 or have very low opportunity under 40%. For this much money I would just do a Canada hunt for half the price but I'd really like to do something local so I can get the meat and hide home for a lot cheaper and easier. I've also considered a DIY hunt but from what I've read, the odds drop to under 10% if you don't have dogs which I don't. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
I've read a lot of conversation about how NC coast has some really nice bear but only found a few outfitters that offer black bear hunts. They are either guaranteed and cost over $7500 or have very low opportunity under 40%. For this much money I would just do a Canada hunt for half the price but I'd really like to do something local so I can get the meat and hide home for a lot cheaper and easier. I've also considered a DIY hunt but from what I've read, the odds drop to under 10% if you don't have dogs which I don't. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.