What to Expect when Bear Hunting with Hounds in Arizona

As the heat starts to break and fall begins to show signs of life in the high country, it means one thing around here — bear season is coming. At Cedar Mountain Outfitters, this is one of our favorite times of the year. The mountains come alive with the sound of hounds trailing a hot track, and the thrill of the chase is something every hunter should experience at least once in their lifetime.

If you’re considering joining us this season or are already booked and preparing, we’ve rounded up the most frequently asked questions about hunting bears with hounds to help you feel confident, ready, and fired up for the experience of a lifetime.

1. How does bear hunting with hounds work?

We run well-trained hounds that are bred, conditioned, and seasoned to track bears in Arizona’s rugged terrain. Once a hound picks up a bear track, the pack works together to trail the scent until the bear is either treed or bayed. The guide uses GPS tracking collars to follow the dogs in real-time and takes you into the area when the chase is nearing its end.

This method allows hunters to get up close and personal with the animal, offering a clean, ethical harvest opportunity — or the chance to release the bear unharmed if it’s not the right one.

2. Why use hounds instead of spot-and-stalk hunting?

Hunting with hounds is selective and controlled. Spot-and-stalk bear hunting often involves long glassing sessions, tough terrain, and split-second decisions at a distance. That’s where mistakes happen — misidentifying sows for boars, or harvesting immature animals.

With hound hunting, you can stand just yards from the bear and accurately evaluate its age, size, and gender before making the call. It’s a more respectful, ethical, and conservation-focused way to hunt bears.

3. What kind of bears will we be hunting?

We primarily hunt black bears, although in Arizona that term refers to the species — not the color. Our bears range from jet black to cinnamon, chocolate, and even blonde. You never know what kind of trophy might come treed at the end of a race.

Arizona’s bear population has grown substantially over the past decade, and we’re seeing more mature boars each season.

4. How physically demanding is the hunt?

Bear hunting with hounds can vary in intensity. Some hunts involve long hikes into rough terrain, while others may be more accessible, depending on where the dogs take us. We’ll adapt the hunt to your physical ability and hunting goals, but be prepared for early mornings, elevation changes, and following the action wherever it leads.

5. What gear should I bring?

We’ll provide you with a full gear list when you book, but here are some must-haves:

• Comfortable, broken-in boots

• Lightweight camo layers (it can be hot or cold depending on the elevation)

• Hydration pack or water bottles

• Gloves and sunglasses

• Headlamp or flashlight

• Binoculars

And of course, bring your rifle or archery gear, or let us know if you’d like to borrow a firearm from us.

6. Will I need a tag or license?

Yes. You’ll need an Arizona hunting license and a bear tag, both of which are available over the counter. We’ll walk you through exactly what to buy, and when, so there’s no guesswork. Tags do sell out in some units, so it’s best to plan early.

7. What happens if we tree a small bear or a sow?

We don’t shoot sows with cubs or young bears. That’s one of the biggest advantages of hound hunting — we can see the animal, evaluate it closely, and make the right decision. We take pride in our commitment to ethical, conservation-minded hunting, and if the bear isn’t right, we walk away. With the Arizona state record being 22 9/16" skull, we strive for BIG boars in hopes a lucky client of ours will top that someday.

8. Do I get to be part of the chase?

Absolutely. While we do everything we can to get you into the right position safely, this is a hands-on, high-adrenaline experience. You’ll hear the hounds work, track them on GPS with your guide, and be right there when it all comes together. If you’re looking for a hunt that gets your heart pounding and puts you deep in wild country, this is it.

Book Your Spot Before the Season Fills Up

Bear season is one of the most thrilling times of year — and one of our busiest. We still have limited openings for the 2025 and 2026 bear seasons, with discounted packages available for early bookings.

If you’re ready to chase bears through the mountains with a solid pack of hounds and experienced guides, now’s the time to reach out.

Contact us today to secure your dates, or send us a message to get started. 

Cedar Mountain Outfitters

Tradition. Conservation. The Thrill of the Chase.