Tinker,

A bear hunt can vary greatly in cost as you have seen. Generally, the most reasonably priced black bear hunts are in eastern Canada and your chances of killing a large bear are very good, if you wait and take your time picking a big boar out. Most people end up shooting the first bear they see, nothing wrong with that, a bear is a bear, so-to-speak.

Manitoba used to be quite nicely priced but now are pricey, due to the popularity. My lowest percentage of "successful" bear hunts also has been in Manitoba.

I am trying a new place out in Quebec in late June. You are welcome to come along, it has reportedly not been hunted for bears in the past. I guess I will find out! Fishing is supposed to be good too, from walleye, bass, trout on up to sturgeon.