Black bear hunts vary by region and regulation. In the western mountains hunters typically use spot‑and‑stalk techniques, glassing open slopes for bears feeding on berries and then stalking into range. In other areas, hunters sit over bait or pursue bears with trained hounds where legal; the preferred method depends on the state or province. Spring seasons run from April through June, offering prime opportunities when bears leave their dens, while fall hunts from September until bears den in November feature heavier bears with thicker coats. Typical shot distances range from 50 to 300 yards, and both rifle and bow hunters participate.

Black bear populations are generally healthy and are managed through regulated hunting seasons, quotas and mandatory tag requirements. Adult bears vary greatly in size and weight; males are larger than females and may reach 450 pounds or more. Because black bears are omnivores, they thrive in forests, chaparral and even near human settlements. Provinces and states prohibit the harvest of sows with cubs and restrict baiting or hound hunting in some areas. Revenue from license sales and guided hunts supports habitat conservation and helps reduce human–bear conflicts.