Chapel has hunted cats and other big game in New Mexico for years, but until now has not offered bear-only hunts. Nonetheless, he has managed to take some good animals. One of his elk hunters last year, for example, took a bear that had a skull size over 19 inches. At press time, he said he was looking forward to taking some really good bears this fall, provided an early storm doesn't push the big boars into their dens ahead of time. He says he expects some of his hunters to take highly desirable color-phase bears - mostly chocolate. Chapel's five-day hunts will cost $1,750 this fall. You can also book a combo hunt for both mountain lion and bear from the December 1 lion season opener through the end of the bear season. Chapel plans to charge $3,000 for the lion hunt, plus a $1,500 trophy fee on bear. Hunt prices include lodging at Chapel's ranch, which is equipped with comfortable bunkhouses and a walk-in cooler, as well as airport pick-up in Albuquerque. Keep in mind that both bear and mountain lion licenses must be purchased before the seasons open. Non-resident licenses cost $150 for bear and $200 for mountain lion.
Speaking of mountain lions, I recently heard good things about an outfit in central Arizona with a good pack of dogs.........(continued)
