Big or Little Bear- How do you tell

[Horridfiber101]

Bear Three.jpgFrom a reasonable distance, how do you best estimate a Bears size.
Here are some cam shots of this rascal.
BearTwo.jpgBearOne.jpg

[Species8472]

Nothing really for scale in those pics but body shape and proportion suggests on the bigger side of average and possibly substantial. No real good shots of the head showing the ears but small ears in relation to head size = big bear. Any idea how tall the grass is in those pics? That would give an idea. If grass is say 6 inches than i would put his shoulder at 30 to 35 inches. That is close to level with the top of an upright 55 gallon drum (34.5 inches). Shoulder = top of barrel = big. So based on my hemming and hawing i am gonna give a wide estimated range of 300 to 500 lbs.

[Bo D]

That would be a shooter for sure if you're looking for a trophy. As far as eating quality goes my personal preference would be one smaller than that one. One that's in the neighborhood of 180 - 200 lbs....

[alfoldivandor]

That is a nice size Bear probably 250-300 lb but could be even little over 300 lb
( I am looking by the proportion an my personal experience the Bears I harvested in the past)
"The first picture telling me that could be even a trophy Bear"

[Horridfiber101]

Added a day time photo

[Species8472]

Ultimately going back to your original question - Big or Little? Not little for sure. How big though is hard to say based on pics provided.

[glen]

Length and depth of body, head size.

I’d describe that one as at least 300lb.

[Pioneerfreq]

In my experience it's all about the head. Do the ears look small in relation to the head? Are the ears close together or far apart? Is there a visible crease from the rear of the skull to the nose?
Ears that are small in relation to head size that also look further apart and a visible crease from the back of the skull to the nose are hallmarks of big bears.

[Horridfiber101]

Thanks to all.
Seems like this Bear is big enough and deserving to enjoy the rest of his life.
We will look to harvest a younger tender critter vs shoot for a rug

[bellerivercrossbowhunter]

Don't ask me I'm terrible at field judging bears... lol

They are all shooters to me unless it's a mom with cubs. They always get a pass no matter the season.