H.A.R.T® HUNTS CHALLENGE

North American Black Bear 50

The North American Black Bear 50 H.A.R.T Challenge is a test of range, resilience, and respect. Spanning 39 U.S. states and 11 Canadian provinces and territories, this challenge takes you deep into the forests, swamps, and mountains that black bears call home.

Whether you’re navigating the misty ridges of British Columbia or exploring the Appalachian woods of the Eastern U.S., each H.A.R.T shot is a mark of presence; of being in the right place, at the right time, and honoring that encounter with care.

Completing this challenge is a monumental achievement and one that reflects the spirit of true outdoor exploration across the North American wilderness.

What You’ll Need to Complete This Challenge

To complete the Black Bear 50, you must verify a H.A.R.T shot on a black bear in each of the qualifying regions.

Qualification Criteria

Animal Type:

  • Black bear
  • Male or female bears qualify for this challenge

Location:

United States (39 states):
All U.S. states except:

Alabama, Delaware,Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, South Dakota, North Dakota, Texas, Nebraska, Rhode Island

Canada (11 provinces and territories):

Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba ,Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Saskatchewan, Yukon Territory, Northwest Territory

H.A.R.T Shot Verification:

  • Must be completed using the H.A.R.T Shot App
  • Each shot can only be applied to one challenge
  • The challenge is selected after verification

Weapons Divisions

You may pursue this challenge using any of the official H.A.R.T weapons divisions:

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Firearms Division:
Any firearm or replica that activates the H.A.R.T Shot app

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H.A.R.Tchery Division:
Any bow system or faux bow compatible with the app

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H.A.R.T Stick Division:
Camera-based shots designed to capture the moment without harm, in the spirit of the Native American Coup Stick tradition

Where to H.A.R.T

Land Access & Ethical Guidelines

You may H.A.R.T on:

  • Public land with H.A.R.T stick only
  • Private land (with permission)
  • Preserves or hunting ranches

You must:

  • Follow local regulations and licensing laws
  • Carry appropriate licenses and tags when applicable
  • Never harass or pressure wildlife
  • Respect private property and secure permissions
  • Use a 30-50 yard minimum distance for all H.A.R.T shots when in a stand or hard sided blind
  • Maintain a 100 yard minimum distance if on foot
  • Practice safe, ethical wildlife photography standards

Tips for Completing the Challenge

1

Understand Regional Seasons

Spring vs. fall bear behavior can vary widely by location

2

Go Where the Food Is

Bears follow seasonal food sources, from berries to fish

3

Scout and Secure Access Early

Some of the more remote Canadian provinces may require outfitters or guides

Recognition and Record-Keeping

Each verified H.A.R.T shot earns you a commemorative Patch and a place in the H.A.R.T the Hunt Record Book. Also, you will be invited to purchase and collect all the Skullies for a one-of-a-kind trophy collection.

The first person to complete this challenge will help design and name the official North American Black Bear 50 trophy. All future completers may purchase a replica engraved with their name and date of completion. You may purchase a commemorative Skullie display board to show off the Skullies you collected during the challenge.

Why Take On the Black Bear 50?

This challenge is about persistence. It’s about traveling across states, provinces, and habitats to find one of North America’s most intelligent and adaptable animals.

By completing the Black Bear 50, you’ll:

  • See the full geographic range of this iconic species
  • Learn about diverse ecosystems and seasonal patterns
  • Take part in ethical wildlife documentation and storytelling
  • Join an elite group of H.A.R.Ters who went the distance

Start the Challenge

  • Download the H.A.R.T Shot App
  • Purchase your ammo (bullets, arrows, or Strikes)
  • Plan your first region
  • Make your H.A.R.T shot
  • Upload, verify, and apply it to the Black Bear 50 Challenge

Download the App here:

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Final Notes

  • The challenge is selected after verification
  • No single H.A.R.T shot can count toward multiple challenges
  • With family, challenges may be passed down but not stacked