Bear shots

Ronald Roberts · February 12, 2019, 03:46:03 PM

Will be in Stickflingers camp May 26 for first time. Was wondering from you guys that have hunted there want kind for shots I be looking at and if there anything special I should practicing for? Ryan has told me ten yard shots most time and that sounds great!! First time crossing border too so any pointers would well too. Bring my 12 year old grandson has camera man and will book him a hunt for next trip if he is ready! We are pretty fire up!!!

dresnor · February 12, 2019, 07:27:18 PM

This is coming from a guy who has never shot a bear. With that said, the research I have done says to shoot "center of center" maybe just ahead of that. Do not hug the shoulder like on a deer.

This video helped me out. fast forward to about 3 minutes and 50 seconds.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMuKIs4WUKM

No idea about the border question. I am going for my first Canadian bear hunt in June.

Jeremy

Bowguy67 · February 12, 2019, 08:03:52 PM

If you shoot the center of center you gut shoot them. Think about something do you think the vitals extend all the way say to the hips or something? Think about how the parts set inside. I've worked 2 bear camps and shot many bears in both Canada and Maine. Shoot em in the middle they get away. Aim forward, hit the vitals and they'll expire within 40 yards. Often 15-20 believe it or not. It's your hunt but the animal deserves a quick humane kill

Bowguy67 · February 12, 2019, 08:09:06 PM

That was a silly video. He even has the vitals drawn fwd. why would you aim for a lung edge when the vitals are bigger and easier to hit up front?

Bowguy67 · February 12, 2019, 08:20:23 PM

IBEP pics. International Bowhunter Education not some guy selling a bad video. Sorry to sound so negative this bad information thing about the center should not be spread

Bowguy67 · February 12, 2019, 08:31:53 PM

This is from state biologists. Why extended front leg? Cause the vitals on a live bear sit fwd

Matt Quick · February 12, 2019, 08:56:49 PM

I like a quartering away shot. The three I've shot quartering away had an average recovery distance of 20 yds. Broadside bears always went farther. Usually around 50 yds. Bottom line is a well hit bear goes down much quicker than a deer. Be patient and make a good shot. Poorly hit bears can be very difficult to find.

Ronald Roberts · February 12, 2019, 09:01:41 PM

Thanks guys for information and killer shot placement pictures!!

Bowguy67 · February 12, 2019, 09:04:42 PM

Quote from: Ronald Roberts on February 12, 2019, 09:01:41 PM
Thanks guys for information and killer shot placement pictures!!

Thank you for listening. Good luck

dresnor · February 12, 2019, 09:10:07 PM

Now I am confused. Everyone says center of center. Bowguy is the only one saying not too. The pictures (and his experience) back him up.

Should I remove that video?

I planned on shooting a bit forward of center myself and hopefully quartering away a bit. Drive it through to the off shoulder.

I DO NOT want to spread bad advice.

Jeremy

GCook · February 12, 2019, 09:14:39 PM

Quote from: dresnor on February 12, 2019, 09:10:07 PM
Now I am confused. Everyone says center of center. Bowguy is the only one saying not too. The pictures (and his experience) back him up.

Should I remove that video?

I planned on shooting a bit forward of center myself and hopefully quartering away a bit. Drive it through to the off shoulder.

I DO NOT want to spread bad advice.

Jeremy

I had a conversation about this on another forum and it was the same way. The diagrams shown are correct for near anatomy. Make your own decision. Half way up the body it correct but back is not. I know where I will try to hit one in May and it won't be "middle, middle".

Sent from my SM-G892A using Tapatalk

Deertaker · February 12, 2019, 09:21:49 PM

I was told aim centre body as far as vertical goes, due to their longer hair can make it look like the body is much bigger than it is. The out fitter told me he had guys miss when they aim for the bottom 3rd and do not take into account the hair hanging down from the chest. Then for left to right, take their body and cut it in half, then aim for the centre of the front half. Shot my boar that was 6'8" nose to tail that way and he only made it about 59 yards, if that.

Krex1010 · February 12, 2019, 09:33:15 PM

I never understood the whole "middle of the middle" thing with bears...seems like a good way to gut shoot a bear.....even in the video he says middle of the middle and then forward....the vid did kinda make me want to get a 3D Bear target, if only I had a horse to strap it to.

Bowguy67 · February 12, 2019, 09:37:00 PM

Guys take hair length into consideration. If you ever shot at say a fox and passed clean through hair you know hair could be deceiving. Think about it. Also realize even on the back the hair is somewhat raised when alive because of blood pressure so consider that too.
Just don't aim in the center between the two legs, it's not right

BowMIke · February 12, 2019, 10:16:23 PM

Broadside or slightly quartering and 4" to 5" back of shoulder in the middle of mass. That is my preference. If you get too close and hit a shoulder, it might lead to no recovery of that bear. ( I have done that!).
Spring bears have a lot of hair and can be difficult to track, but Ryan Derlago and his fellow guides are much better trackers than me. They found my bear long before I would have!
You will have a great time, when are you going? I will be there May 12 through May 17 this year.
You will see many bears! You just have to pick the one that meets your desires. I saw 43 bears in only 5 nights sitting in 2018. And some of those multiple times. I expect to see fewer going so early this year, but hope to see an even larger one than I shot before.

Jon Stewart · February 12, 2019, 10:34:18 PM

Never hunted where you are going but shot one two falls ago in the U.P. of Michigan at 7 yards with a Kodiak Hunter. Took him in the lungs and he went 40 yards and dropped. My son and cousin also shot bear at about the same distance, less than 10 yards and they also lung shot their bear only they used compounds.

Ronald Roberts · February 12, 2019, 10:49:06 PM

I will be there the last week of May. I think Ryan told me to shoot just behind shoulder and quarter away always good. Will be shooting 3 blade VPA on 500 gr arrow out 50 pound Zipper recurve.

Jon Stewart · February 12, 2019, 10:59:23 PM

I used an arrow (1916) and 2 blade Black Diamond head that my dad killed a bear with a few years earlier.

Kind of a neat story. My dad had an archery shop and closed up while I was in the Marines. I got home in 1969 and he gave the the new Kodiak Hunter as a welcome home gift. Dad passed away 7 years ago and when I drew the tag two falls ago I decided to use that bow and an arrow and head that he killed a bear with out of his old tree stand where he killed bear. An emotional hunt for sure.

Ronald Roberts · February 12, 2019, 11:15:09 PM

Great story!!..I am sure your Dad got a kick out out of that! Hoping this will be a hunt my grandson will tell others about after I am gone.

Ray Lyon · February 12, 2019, 11:34:34 PM

I've killed three blacks bears and no losses. 30-60 yard recoveries. Middle of the middle was NEVER my aiming point. Behind the shoulder, 40% up. That said, trust Ryan's advice on shot placement. He's your guide and he'll give you the best advice.

Bear shots

GCook