I have treed more bear than I can count, but I have yet to shoot one
There is a mean bear whare we hunt we call him "Earl" We have ran him for 6 hours and he just wont tree! I have seen him several times and would bet he would weigh at least 400lbs.
do you think most first time bear hunters end up "settling" on the first bear they see? i know how big i'd like my first to be but also know i get a bit anxious too. you know the "get have it, get get it!!!" mind frame.
CC, My first and only bear weighed maybe 150 lbs. I would shoot him again if I hadn't killed one. I am going to try for a bigger one this year but, if the quota is getting close to being filled I may just settle for another small one. I aint picky...
CC......It depends on what ya hold out for, if ya live in bear country and go unguided it all depends on what ya want especially as your first bear. Usually most people take the first one they see. I did the same for my firsyt bear a female that weighed about 100 lbs(guesstimate) and was 4'8" she was 18 years old.
I would suggest ya listen to the guys at Buckshot they will know the area and the size of bears there and quantity. If the say a 100 lber is small for the area then I'd wait and hold off for a big one(unless it is the last day) Some places have 400 lb+ bears so depends on the area etc what size will be around and how many.
I passed on a 200 lb+ cinnamon last year I thought he was a grizz when I first saw him due to color phase, I already have one and was looking for a black with my bow as my next bear. Kinda regret it now a little as I went home with no deer or elk also up there.
Hope this helps.
Chris
I did take a couple pics with my digital camera...but I left it in our meat room...
I will be butchering today so I will pick it up and try to post tonight..