I've always shot behind the shoulder and over the years have killed a bunch but have lost a few. I think Ive got a new point of aim lol.
Just to clarify as I talk about bear size Im going to use on the body nose to base of tail measurements as thats the way my brain works. Apparently the square measurement comes from the fur market. Skin the bear, lay out the hide and measure nose to base of tail and then front paw to paw, add the 2 and divide by 2 which gives you a good idea of how much hide you are buying...you generally gain a foot or more as the hide is longer off the body depending on how long the bears legs are.
I was in region 7 hanging out and helping a buddy with some bear guiding and camp chores etc and had a few days to head out to look for a bear for myself. I havent shot one in a few years and had the itch. I drove a few roads just outside the territory with no luck...not much sign, no sightings...not familiar with the area I remembered one of the guides who lives local told me about a good road to check out so I headed that way...weather was really hot and I didn't see much till right before dark and then there were bears everywhere. Lots of 4 footers, 1 5 1/2' and then I saw a good bear as I came around the corner at 300 yards. The clients in camp hadn't shot a bear yet and I really didn't want to bring one back to camp before them so I idled up closer with the truck telling myself if it lets me get to 50 yards I'd try and shoot it. It let me get to about 100.
Next day was hot again, drove around all day and only saw one sow which was surprising because there was sign everywhere! The golden hour of late evening came around and I headed back to the main road and saw all the same bears again. It kinda feels like cheating because the bears are conditioned to vehicles. They run into the bush and then come out again when the cars are gone. Hunting takes many forms and outsmarting the game is usually always part of the game but it still felt a bit like cheating. It didnt seem like there were too many bear hunters around to condition the bears other wise or so I thought. I ended up parked staring at the same big bear again, clients still hadn't shot one yet so I was leary to be the asshole that rubs it in bringing a bear back to camp. I was trying to decide how big the bear was, it looked just under 6ft but bears are super hard to judge, I like to be conservative and called it a 5'6" plus in my head. It had a long polar bear kneck, shoulders/chest were the same size as the rear. Belly was high off the ground which seems normal for spring bears unless they live in coquitlam lol. I was parked at 300 yards and planned on stalking up closer to have a better look. Just then I heard a truck coming, they slowed down, probably to ask if I was alright I thought, I waved them on, they passed then saw the bear and reversed. It was a polite couple with 3 kids that were bear hunting. They asked if I was going to shoot it, I said I was going to have a closer look but if they wanted to take it, go ahead, then I can see how big it is lol.
I witnessed a short stock, the wife shot it off shooting sticks at 150 or so and it just dropped on the spot...moved a little but died in minutes. I asked where she shot and and she said neck. The local guide that recommended the road knows them and said he reloaded for their 338 when they couldn't find ammo. Boom! Great shot. I asked if it were ok if I take a look at the bear and take a few pics. The bear was an awesome bear!
Big crease in the forehead! Judging bears for me is humbling, I didn't put a tape on him but I'd bet he was 6 foot plus on the body. Great bear! The couple asked me if I would have shot it after seeing it and I replied yes, they were too nice and felt bad that I passed it up lol I was more sad I didn't judge it better. I congratulated them and continued down the road as there was still 20 minutes of shooting light left.
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Originally Posted by .330 Dakota
