04/09/2026
Where do the biggest black bears in the world actually come from? The record book might surprise you.
The current world record black bear, taken by Todd H. Thayn in Utah, scored 23 10/16 inches and sits at the top of the Boone and Crockett Club records. Not Alaska. Not Canada. Utah.
And that tells you something important. Giant bears aren’t just about being far north or deep in the wilderness, they’re about food and age.
Look at where the most Boone and Crockett entries come from and the pattern shows up fast. States like Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania consistently produce top-end bears. Head north into Ontario and Saskatchewan and it continues, plenty of bears, good nutrition, and enough age structure for them to reach their full potential.
Places like Alaska and British Columbia absolutely grow huge-bodied bears, but not all of them make the books. Access, opportunity, and fewer official entries all play a role.
Here’s the takeaway. The biggest bears don’t come from one specific region, they come from places where a bear can get old and eat well doing it. Agriculture, mast crops, and habitat matter just as much as location.
If you’re chasing a Boone and Crockett bear, don’t just look at a map. Look for groceries and time.
Aaron B. Futrell, Author|Owner, Delong Lures
