Backpack Bear Hunting

[behemoth]

So while out on a recent backpack deer hunting trip I ran into a black bear boar that was an absolute monster. Size beyond any bear I have ever come across in 25 years of hunting. After a few days in the region I think I know what he's up to and I feel confident I could find him again. I've never really had an urge to bear hunt but this one has me rethinking. If I only ever take one bear this could be the one.

He's a good six hour hike from the road. Since I don't have experience taking bears I'm curious what everyone thinks the pack out weight of a top-shelf huge black bear boar would be. Boned out- meat, hide and skull?

[rimfire]

I've heard estimates of 15-20% of the weight for the hide and skull and 50-70% of live weight for the meat.

You said large, so let's guess a live weight of about 550 lbs.

@15-20% - 82.5-110lbs for hide and skull.
@50-70% - 275-385 lbs for meat.

So you have a range of between 357.5 lbs and 495 lbs depending on your guesstimates.

From some googlefu I did, most people have calculated out 10%-20% gut ratio of live weight so that estimate seems to be right on target.

As for hiking that out... If it was me, I'd call a buddy or three or a few youngins and gift them some sausage for their help once you get it made!


Good luck.

Edit: A word.

[monasheemountainman]

Yeah me and my bud piled up a big boy last weekend. we are both north of 6' and 200 lbs and there is no way we were getting him out in one trip in our packs....luckily we could get the buggy with in 50 yards of him.

[HarryToolips]

^^^^awesome congrats, got some pics??

[HarryToolips]

I've heard estimates of 15-20% of the weight for the hide and skull and 50-70% of live weight for the meat.

You said large, so let's guess a live weight of about 550 lbs.

@15-20% - 82.5-110lbs for hide and skull.
@50-70% - 275-385 lbs for meat.

So you have a range of between 357.5 lbs and 495 lbs depending on your guesstimates.

From some googlefu I did, most people have calculated out 10%-20% gut ratio of live weight so that estimate seems to be right on target.

As for hiking that out... If it was me, I'd call a buddy or three or a few youngins and gift them some sausage for their help once you get it made!


Good luck.
That's what I'd do...

[two-feet]

A big bear weighs like a small moose: enter the hurt locker

[S.W.A.T.]

A big bear weighs like a small moose: enter the hurt locker

Plus head and hide if you choose

[Surrey Boy]

A Game Cart was my best friend when I did hike-in hunts.

[twoSevenO]

What kind of land do you hunt? Alberta Plains? I don't know a single hike in spot in my repertoire that I could pull a game cart through.

[HarryToolips]

^^^^^same........

[Surrey Boy]

2-17. Deactivated roads beyond removed bridges was my normal method. Cross one river that a quad can't, and I'd be alone all week. It works in forest in conjunction with a rope to help a carcass up a slope if need be. The only time it's useless is in deep snow.

[behemoth]

Damn thats a lot to pack :!: Thank for the info Rimfire

I don't think a cart will work in this area. Theres some long steep climbs getting into there. Gotta love BC!

[rimfire]

Damn thats a lot to pack :!: Thank for the info Rimfire

I don't think a cart will work in this area. Theres some long steep climbs getting into there. Gotta love BC!

No problem. Glad to help.