Looking for Deer but found Bear

[Rick_ca]

I’m thinking I might have to change what I’m hunting as I haven’t seen any deer just bear, I’ve never hunted bear before so any tips
WGI_0348.jpgWGI_0379.jpgWGI_0353.jpg

[gunter]

First get a licence, set up for your deer hunt and if the bear comes in shoot him.
Very good eating.

[Rick_ca]

yes will def pick up licence just never hunted or field dressed a bear before, also looking at shot placement as its getting swampy and very wet where I'm hunting so want to drop in it tracks

[Rick_ca]

been checking out YouTube seems like a shoulder shot is best option with a second follow up if needed, now to learn bears bone structure LOL

[Sean]

Rick, ur right. To anchor shoulder shot. Shot placement key as usual. Double lung won't go far. Also depends on calibre and size/weight of bullet. I hunt bear with a 45.70. Last two one dropped on the spot, second one, heart shot ran 15 paces and crashed. Wife shot a 292 lb boar this year, 30 30, 165 grain, double lung, piled up 40 yards away.

[severn don]

Rick i am kind of in the same boat. I have never hunted or skined or eaten bear. But i do have them on my cammeras as well, I do have only does no bucks on the cammeras all summer since may. but if i hunt the does i am hopeing the bucks will come.. This will be the first time i will buy a bear tag, but i dont think i will shoot one unless i have to as i know there are deer around. And its not bear i am after. good luck and all the best Don

[Sean]

Might the Bears be affecting your deer population or presence? Maybe someone with more knowledge can chime in....

[patvetzal]

If the area has bears in the spring, then they will definitely effect the number of fawns that survive!
Most heart or lung shot animals will run for a few seconds after they die unless you break their spine. Much of the time a bear will run downhill. This can be exciting if you are below it.....

[Rick_ca]

Ok lets see if "murphy's law" now comes into play as I picked up a bear licence wonder if I will see any again LOL

[arclight]

been checking out YouTube seems like a shoulder shot is best option with a second follow up if needed, now to learn bears bone structure LOL

I aim for the shoulder, I want the round to smash it and punch through to the lungs. It is an "anchor shot" It helps to stop the bear from running too far.