Bernie Barringer runs a dedicated bear hunting outfitter based on Lawrence Lake near Bovey, Minnesota. He's not just running a camp—he's a recognized authority in North American bear hunting who writes regularly for Bear Hunting Magazine, publishes in national outdoor media, and maintains a substantial YouTube channel documenting bear hunting tactics and client hunts.
You'll hunt bait sites Bernie has personally selected and maintained. Here's how it works:
- •Hunt window: Up to 6 days during Minnesota's September season (September 1-6 and September 8-13)
- •Daily schedule: Hot breakfast at 8 AM, free time until 2 PM, depart camp by 3 PM to be in stands by 4 PM
- •Stand setup: Treestands positioned 15-20 yards from bait, about 15 feet high. Mix of ladder stands and climbing sticks. Ground blinds available with advance notice
- •Access: Combination of 4x4 pickup (logging roads) and 4-wheeler access, with a 75-100 yard walk-in to avoid spooking bears
- •Weapon options: Bow, rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader, handgun, or crossbow. Bernie provides specific guidance for each method
Real hunter feedback: "Being a novice bear hunter, Bernie maximized my opportunity. The man knows bears and the big woods of northern Minnesota. The camaraderie was second to none." — Jason M, Fargo ND
You're Bernie's guest at his family's lakeshore property:
| Accommodation | Details |
|---|
| Lodge (pole building) | Two bedrooms (2 per room), shared bathroom with shower, lounge and kitchen area |
| Historic cabin | Restored 1900s-era cabin, sleeps 2-3 people |
| Backup facilities | Outhouse with full septic system, wall-to-wall carpeting |
- •Breakfast: 8 AM hot meals
- •Lunch/snacks: DIY sandwich fixings in fridge, granola bars and crackers available
- •Supper: Self-serve warm meals (stews, pulled pork, grilled burgers, etc.) when you return from hunts
- •Dietary needs: Mention restrictions when booking
Shower access is coordinated so everyone gets their turn. Most hunts return 8:30+ PM (it gets dark around 8:30), so timing varies.
Bernie handles meat and hide care with specific focus on quality:
- •Bear tagged immediately after harvest
- •Skinned and cooled same night when possible (skinner works nights)
- •Hide placed in chest freezer immediately
- •Meat broken into six pieces: hind quarters, shoulders, loins—all frozen immediately
- •You can register your bear in-person at nearby Balsam store or online (next day)
- •Bears are brought back whole unless weather is hot and time is late
Bear meat quality depends on immediate, proper handling. Bernie prioritizes this—bear meat is excellent eating if cared for properly from the moment of harvest.
Minnesota bear tags are awarded based on accumulated points:
- •2 points: Chance of drawing
- •3 points: Better chance
- •4 points: Nearly guaranteed (varies by zone)
- •Hunting zones: Primarily zones 24 and 27; also sites in northern zone 51 and southern zone 25. Currently hunting area 27.
Costs:
- Nonresident license: $230
- Resident license: $44
- Application fee: $5 (April through first Friday in May)
- Nonresident fishing license: $51 annual, $43 (7-day), $36 (3-day), $14 (1-day)
| Option | Cost | What's Included |
|--------|------|─────────────────|
| Fully Guided (6 days) | $3,200 | Everything—guides, lodging, meals, boat/motor use |
| Semi-Guided (new 2025) | $2,000 | Two active bait sites with treestands; you handle transport and bear care |
- •Payment structure: $1,000 deposit reserves your spot (non-refundable at owner's discretion). Remaining balance due upon arrival. Only 6 hunters per week (12 total), so spots fill fast.
- •Price increase note: Rates rose from $2,800 to $3,200 in 2025 due to bait and fuel costs. Deposits received before the increase get honored at original price.
- •Quality camouflage rain gear
- •ThermaCell with extra pads and butane
- •Hunting boots (rubber best for muddy terrain)
- •Insulated jacket or hoodie
- •Scent Killer spray and body wash
- •Safety harness
- •Coolers for meat and skin transport
- •Headlight and/or flashlight (you exit bush in dark)
- •GPS device (Garmin 66i recommended for texting capability in poor cell areas)
- •Fishing gear (optional but encouraged)
- •Book or entertainment for afternoon downtime
- •Tip for your guide
50+ fishable lakes within 30 minutes of camp. Lawrence Lake itself offers walleye, crappie, northern pike, and panfish.
- •Camp boats: Small outboards available at no extra charge
- •Trailer boat: Lund boat with trailer for exploring other lakes
- •Fish types: Bass, pike, walleye, crappie, muskie in area lakes
- •Nearby: Mississippi River known for good fishing
Use Minnesota DNR's Lakefinder tool to research (search by Itasca County).
- •Address: 39296 Scenic Hwy 7, Bovey, Minnesota
- •Location: 11 miles north of intersection of Scenic 7 and Hwy 169, about 10 miles east of Grand Rapids
Travel options:
- Fly into Minneapolis (MSP): ~3.5 hour drive
- Fly into Grand Rapids: Rent car or Uber
- •Phone: 218.820.8459
- •Email: Contact form on website
- •YouTube: Extensive bear hunting videos and client hunt documentation
- •Social: Facebook and Instagram
- •Regular column: Bear Hunting Magazine
- •Speaking: Seminar speaker reaching thousands of bear hunters annually
Semi-guided option note: Semi-guided hunts require you to handle transportation (ATV needed for most baits) and field care. Good campgrounds and the Antler Motel are nearby lodging options if you choose semi-guided.