Limited experience- I've only done this once. Did an August black bear hunt in New Mexico for a great price ($1,500 in 2003) and ended up taking a record book bear. Outfitter offered the choice of spot & stalk or running dogs, and I chose spot & stalk on horseback. Literally rode into the bear and all hell broke loose when I was trying to dismount, clear the saddle with the rifle, chamber a round, and shoot the bear while my horse was going apeshit.

Definitely my most memorable hunt to date.

That time of year the coat was thin, but he still made a great rug. Unfortunately I can't comment on table fare as the meat ruined on our 4-mile race back down the mountain to camp...we really got lucky that the hair didn't slip too since we had to spend one more night there before packing out 4 - 5 hours the next day (horses & foot traffic are all that's allowed in wilderness areas).