Franchi Momentum: Great Northern Black Bear Adventure

Spring black bear season is one of the most thrilling times to be in the woods, and this last year’s hunt was nothing short of unforgettable. Picture smoky skies hanging low over the boreal forest, fires burning far to the west, and an eerie haze filtering through budding aspens — the kind of atmosphere that feels straight out of an apocalyptic movie. Despite the eerie backdrop, wildlife carried on, and so did we, ready for adventure.

Prime Time for Black Bears

Late May and early June are prime time for black bears in the far north, as the rut pulls big boars out from their solitary hideaways. Our plans had been in motion since late winter, but with wildfires raging, it wasn’t until the very day of departure that we knew we’d be able to go. Luckily, our hunting area was safe, and our crew, made up of outdoor writers and folks from Benelli, Franchi, and Uberti, packed into camp ready to chase bruins — and put some new rifles to the test. We were headed to northern Alberta for a hunt with Clay Royer and his crew at Grand Slam Hunting Adventures (www.gshuntalberta.com). We have hunted with Clay several times, taken some huge boars, and several with unique colored hides.

The Rifle

At the center of my excitement was the new Franchi Momentum Elite All-Terrain — a rifle built for real-world hunting challenges. Right away, it impressed me on the range. With its Midnight Bronze Cerakote finish and rugged TrueTimber Strata camo stock, it looked ready for anything and shot as good as it looked. The low-rise comb, M-LOK and QD sling points, free-floated Picatinny rail, and 18-inch threaded barrel made it clear: this rifle was designed to move fast through thick woods, climb into tree stands, and shoulder quickly when a bear steps out of the brush.

Topped with a Burris RT6 Scope, the Momentum Elite All-Terrain was the ultimate spring bear setup. The scope features a 1-6×24 illuminated reticle that cut through the smoky haze and made a black bear’s silhouette pop out crystal clear — an absolute must when seconds matter. The illumination was a game changer, as black crosshairs on black fur can be challenging to distinguish.

After confirming that our rifles shot straight, we wasted no time getting out to hunt. A side-by-side was used to access a wilderness area where a winch is considered essential equipment. Out on the stand, the spring woods came alive. Frogs croaked, grouse drummed, and geese honked overhead, and despite the smoke choking the light, the forest buzzed with life. Even better, the dry air kept the mosquitoes away—a rare treat during a spring bear hunt.

Success!

As the evening progressed and the sun started to sink in the western sky, I watched in fascination as a trio of young bears tumbled and wrestled their way into view, putting on an amusing show. Their nervous glances into the forest convinced me that a big bruin was close. The youngsters were mischievous, and one climbed to the top of a very tall aspen. When his buddies decided it was time to leave, the third bear nervously backed down the tree, showing that it might have climbed higher than anticipated. It scampered off into the forest, and things fell silent.

Minutes later, a hulking gold-muzzled bear appeared, cautious and deliberate with each step. The bear did not make a sound and scanned the area with its eyes and ears. The Momentum Elite All-Terrain was already resting on my shooting sticks. The bear hung out under a large spruce tree for several minutes before advancing. I anticipated the bruin’s travel path and settled the butt of the rifle into my shoulder. The moment the bear paused between two trees, I centered the illuminated reticle on its vitals and squeezed the trigger. The bear tumbled on impact — a testament to both the rifle’s precision and the devastating power of Federal Power-Shok Copper ammunition.

There were still several hours of hunting light, and I knew my ride would not return until dark. I decided to leave the bear until my guide returned. The bear died in sight, and there was no fear of not being able to locate it after dark. The pressure was off, and having a second tag in my pocket meant I could continue to hunt.

The birds and frogs created a chorus that made the boreal forest come to life. I was relaxed and pleased to have a big bear on the ground. My ears were starting to listen for the hum of an all-terrain vehicle motor when a second, even bigger bear ghosted into the clearing as dusk settled early with the smoke-thickened sky. The bear was fearless and marched in like it owned the place. There was no stopping to scan the area, it marched in and left little doubt that it was the dominant bear in the area. The lightweight, compact rifle made it effortless to shift position, line up the reticle, and find the bear in the scope. The optic proved its value with a clear sight picture of the bear that seemed brighter and clearer than what my eyes could see. As the bear turned broadside, I tightened up on the trigger until I felt recoil. The bear roared and ran for cover, and I worked the bolt fast and dropped the bruin cleanly with a follow-up shot, thanks in no small part to the rifle’s fluted, three-lug bolt and smooth 60° throw, making fast second shots instinctive.

Plan Your Own Adventure

The Franchi Momentum Elite All-Terrain was built for hunts like this—rough country, close encounters, and the need for absolute reliability. Its slim profile, modular adaptability, and superb balance proved invaluable in the stand and when bouncing through the woods on an ATV or stalking dense timber.

For the next few days, I enjoyed the hunt in a new way—camera in hand, tagging along with friends, already grateful for the rifle that made success on day one possible.

Spring bear hunting is all about seizing the fleeting magic of the season — the smell of fresh leaves, the adrenaline of close encounters, the satisfaction of well-earned success — and with the Franchi Momentum Elite All-Terrain, every moment was amplified.

Ready for your next adventure? Find out more at www.franchiusa.com.

Bring Bears in Close with Wildlife Research Center’s Ultimate Bear Lure

If you want to stack the odds in your favor this bear season, you need the scent that stops big bruins in their tracks. Wildlife Research Center’s Ultimate Bear Lure is the real deal — a powerful, sweet-smelling attractant with rich hints of fruit, anise, and secret aromatics that even humans can’t stop sniffing. To a bear’s nose, it’s irresistible. Set it up right, and a black bear could march straight into your shooting lane.

The secret weapon? Pair it with a Pro-Wick High-Intensity Scent Dispenser. The synthetic felt wicks are built to soak up and hold scent without changing the aroma. They hang high in a tree to flood the woods with mouth-watering scent from far and wide. They’re tough and dependable and come in a handy four-pack with a resealable bag to keep things fresh.

When you’re after the ultimate shot opportunity, trust the lure that brings the bears — Ultimate Bear Lure from Wildlife Research Center. Learn more at wildlife.com.