Minnesota Hunter Produces 560-Pound Bear in Zone 31 as Early Season Yields Average Results
BABBITT, Minn. — Minnesota’s early bear hunting season has produced one of its largest catches in years — a massive 559-pound black bear taken in Zone 31.
A Record-Sized Harvest
On September 2, Laura Gaulke of Cloquet harvested the bear while hunting in Bear Permit Area (BPA) 31. The bear was so large it required several people to help locate and drag it out of the woods.
Gaulke, who last harvested a bear in Minnesota back in 1990, said she plans to mount and display the animal at Back Country Guided Hunts’ bear camp.
The Hunt Near Babbitt
Gaulke spent opening day, September 1, on a quiet watch over bait in BPA 31, seeing only a squirrel and a grouse. Later that evening, after hunting hours ended, the massive bear appeared.
“I think he pretty much owned it (the area). [There were] no wolves, and in northern Minnesota, not to see or hear wolves is unreal,” Gaulke said.
She returned the next day, and the giant bear reappeared — this time within legal hours.
Early Season Trends
While Gaulke’s catch stands out, statewide results for Minnesota’s early bear hunting season have so far been described as “average.” Hunters continue to scout bait sites, with some reporting slow movement likely due to abundant natural food sources this fall.
Minnesota hunters — have you seen more or fewer bears than usual this season? Share your experiences with us at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
