I have discovered an outstanding operation on Vancouver Island, British Columbia that produces monster black bears, at a significantly lower price than other island operators. John Sievers San Juan River Outfitters (general delivery Monte Lake, BC Canada, V0E2N0; (250) 375 2250 or (640) 790 0703; borrego@telus.net www.sjro.com ) offers island and mainland black bear hunts, as well as cats, elk, moose and deer.

The hunt is a spot-and-stalk affair, with no baiting of any kind. In the spring, you will spend both mornings and evenings driving one the many logging roads and glassing clear-cuts where the winter-depleted bears have emerged to feed on the new grass. Or, you may go downhill to the sea, where big bears will stake their territory in the tidal estuaries. This is can be an adrenaline-adventure, for if conditions are right, you can stalk extremely close to scavenging and grazing bears in the moist terrain. Though not exclusively a bow-only area, Sievers generally saves the estuaries for the hunter who wants an up-close experience.

The fall hunt is unique, as it is conducted along the streams of the island, where the bears take advantage of the fall salmon run. Stalking or floating the stream can get you "National Geographic" close to a good number of bears that are more concerned about the jumping salmonoids than the humanoids in the canoe. Fall is also the best time for rug quality, as the bear’s winter coat has filled in any rubs it may have acquired in the spring.

Camp consists of individual sleeping tents with a common mess tent, where the food is good and filling. Though in a somewhat remote area, electrical generators are generally present, as well as primitive showers in camp, or, a run down the mountain to a proper bathing facility can be arranged. Seasons run from April 1- June 10 and September 10 – November 1.

The climate of Vancouver Island is mild most of the year, with the Pacific keeping the temperature from the extremes. Rain is a likely occurrence while you are hunting, so be prepared with quality raingear. Aside from the usual, a few special pieces of equipment are helpful. Two pairs of boots are recommended, preferably waterproof. Especially at sea level, you can get into a great deal of standing water, so calf-high rubber boots are a plus. Also, quality binoculars are virtually mandatory, as you will do a lot of glassing, and picking a black bear out of a clear-cut of blackend stumps can be a nightmare with poor optics.

Pricing of the hunt should be considered in the context of the area. The six day hunt is $4500 for 1x1, and $3800 for 2x1. A second bear can be taken with an additional license of $186 and a kill fee of $1500. And while this may seem high for a black bear, remember, this is Vancouver Island, where other 1x1 hunts can go for over $9000. As a group, these are the largest black bears in the world, and San Juan River Outfitters is a most cost-effective way to hunt them.

As an added bonus, John Sievers is a real asset to hunt with. A life long professional outdoorsman, he was the youngest person ever to receive a guide license in British Columbia, where his father was also a full-time outfitter. His knowledge of the bear’s habits is uncanny, and his guide area is huge, consisting of most of the southwest corner of the island.

Sievers has other hunts on both the island and the mainland, with a couple of unique offerings. Roosevelt elk are available on a limited tag basis, with the chance at a B&C quality bull being very good. The hunt is a 14-day affair during the October season, with a black bear included in the package. The hunt is $12,000, plus a trophy fee of $6000 when you harvest a bull.

Also of note is the Shiras moose opportunity. Sievers’clients have a 100% harvest rate for the past five years, with bulls measuring from 40" to 55". The 12-day hunt also includes a whitetail buck, with the package priced at $7000. Black bears are available at various places and prices. But John Sievers San Juan River Outfitters offers an excellent value and opportunity on some of the biggest bears in the world.

Enjoy.

Steve Scott