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The secret to successful bear hunting isn't just understanding where bears live—it's knowing how they move through their habitat as seasons change. In this revealing conversation with experienced bear hunter Heather Aldrich, we dive deep into how black bears shift their patterns throughout the year and how savvy hunters can capitalize on these predictable changes.

Aldrich shares her hard-earned knowledge about spring versus fall bear behavior, explaining how boars transition from ridgeline-running during breeding season to creek-bottom feeding during hyperphagia. "Hyperphagia is the gift to the bear hunter," she explains, detailing how bears consume 20,000+ calories daily while active for up to 22 hours during their pre-hibernation feeding frenzy. This biological imperative creates predictable patterns hunters can exploit.

The discussion takes fascinating turns through bear bedding habits, revealing unexpected locations where bears choose to rest—sometimes surprisingly close to human activity in areas consistently overlooked by people. "An old boar is really smart," Aldrich notes. "He has made his living by avoiding people and outfoxing them on his own turf."

We explore how bears use topography differently throughout the year, from spring ridgelines to fall creek bottoms, and how weather conditions impact movement patterns. While conventional wisdom suggests bears avoid rain and extreme heat, Aldrich shares stories of harvesting bears during downpours and spotting feeding bears on scorching days, reminding us that individual bears often break established patterns.

Whether you're planning your first bear hunt or looking to improve your success on mature boars, this episode provides actionable insights into bear behavior that will transform your approach. Ready to see more bears on your next hunt? Subscribe now and let us know your biggest bear hunting challenge in the comments.

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