Tactics/Knowledge
By Clay Newcomb
Shooting young bears isn’t just a “trophy” mishap, but it’s a conservation mishap. Targeting mature animals is best from a management standpoint as well. And even better, targeting older mature males is the name of the game, and if you can select the right one for harvest, everybody wins. Judging trophy bear is difficult, and many consider the most difficult big game animal to judge. Horned game is relatively easy compared to it. Here are five thoughts on judging trophy bear that didn’t come from surfing the internet looking for the traditional judging methods, but have come from personal experience judging bears all across North America.By Clay Newcomb
After all the work of getting within shooting distance of a big bear this spring, you’ll need confidence in your ability to make a great shot. Bears are big, tough animals that are unforgiving when hit bad. Many new bear hunters carry with them shot placement and strategy derived from experience deer hunting. It’s similar, but different. Bear anatomy is slightly different, but more importantly, a bear’s body structure allows for some odd angles and considerations that the bear hunter must understand. Here are five keys to making a great shot this spring.By Bernie Barringer
The most heartbreaking moments I have had in hunting involve making a bad shot and losing a bear. There's nothing quite like the sickening feeling of shooting something and not being able to recover it. I'm not an Olympic or champion archery shot by any means, and it's hard to blow a 15- to 20-yard shot on a bear. I have been fortunate that problem shots I have been involved in are mostly not caused by poor shooting, but by a poor choice of a shot angle.By John McAdams
Most hunters probably agree that the 7mm Remington Magnum and .300 Winchester Magnum are both fantastic choices for hunting a wide variety of big game, including bear. They’re both calibers able to handle the longer range shooting of hunting the big ungulates, but also the big body structure of bruins. However, many people get confused about the pros and cons of the two cartridges.By Doug Treat
Bait, hounds, spot-and-stalk and sitting over water are the primary methods of chasing bears. Bear hunting is unique in the variety it offers hunters. All of these methods are exciting, but one method, not often utilized, provides the most heart racing excitement of all...calling. Using predator calls to call bears in close is not for the faint of heart, and if you’ve never tried it, this fall will be a great time to start calling.
We’ve all played the scenario through in our minds. You’re walking through the woods and have a surprise encounter with a sow and cubs. The sow springs to an erect position with a loud “woof” as soon as you both see each other. Perceiving you as a threat, in an instant she dives into a full charge. You’ve got three seconds get your bear deterrent out and “fire” it at the bear. In your scenario, what are you carrying? Bear spray or a firearm?
As hunters, I think we often dismiss the threat of a bear attack because we’re hunting bear while carrying a weapon. However, because of our exposure in bear country we might be some of the top candidates for bear attacks. Here are some thoughts on whether you should carry bear spray or a firearm as protection.
As hunters, I think we often dismiss the threat of a bear attack because we’re hunting bear while carrying a weapon. However, because of our exposure in bear country we might be some of the top candidates for bear attacks. Here are some thoughts on whether you should carry bear spray or a firearm as protection.