+1 on the mill surplus bivy. Never had condensation issues, side entry, snap or zipper closers in case you get into a fire fight in the night, and tougher than woodpecker lips. Plus a lot of folks don't like #bivylife, so it's a cheap option to try out and see how you like it. Also, I like to...
.357 hollow points 158gr. seem to do well for me, but never had a shot opportunity over 30yds..
I've had most of my bear success by still hunting up gulches and creeks and calling once I hear or smell bear. Calling seems to get a better response rate with more aggressive boars, so I use it as a...
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Connected with this fella in late April. First time hunting spring bear in OR, but the Applegate unit seems to hold a good amount of critters. BTW OR is a steal of a deal for non resident predator hunting, 3 bear and 2 lion tags and licence for <$300. Try that in CA..