8 1/2 feet not that big?? Come on Moosie, are you on those guys who wants the 10 footer or nothing?
Thats a real nice bear, and you're right, 8 1/2 isn't a giant, but the first thing that caught my eye was the claws. Holy crap, he's got some diggers. I would have shot that bear in a heart beat.
The average size brown bear taken in Alaska is 8'. So that means that for every 9 footer that's shot there is a 7 footer to average things out. I could tell you stories about guys holding out for the 10 footer, turning down bears in the 9 foot range, then when the hunt's almost over shoot one that's about 8. But I won't.
Really enjoy the forum here you guys. Don't know why I waited so long. Just so everybody knows, I am a guide up here. With that said, I love to talk about hunting, and like to help folks who want to know about hunting Alaska, so feel free to contact me with any questions you might have about anything related to hunting up here. I'm not trying to sell hunts here, but will gladly point you in the right direction. have a good weekend. We're doing the family halibut trip. Gotta love catching a fish so big you have to shoot it with a .410.
