First time hunter, hunting black bear with a bow and no backup gun. Safe?

[JasMMA]

I'm looking to get out hunting this bow season and it will be my first time ever hunting. I will be alone so I wont go too deep into the bush, but ill be targeting blacktail. I was thinking of purchasing a black bear tag as well because there's a lot higher chance of me harvesting a bear than a deer. My question is that would it be safe for me to hunt and recover a black bear with no backup gun as I don't have a PAL? I'm confident in my shooting but if there's an animal in front of me I might get buck/bear fever lol. Wondering what my options are here?

[Hunter gatherer]

Probably not safe,find a friend with a gun. Other option concentrate on deer and get your pal, there’s always spring bear.

[Bustercluck]

Nothing is safe. lol. You could bring a can of bear spray with you and hope for the best… or hunt black tails and avoid areas where there’s fresh bear sign. Or buy a bear tag and if you see one close to your vehicle or somewhere you feel safe than go ahead. At the end of the day bear attacks are fairly uncommon, you’re probably far more likely to die in a car accident on your drive to your hunting spot.

I like hunting with a rifle, but I’ve done lots of backpacking in bear country without a gun.

[Jrax]

i would bring a can of bear mace, once a deer is on the ground be alot more careful. It doesnt mean a bear will smell blood and charge, but it will certainly be interested. I wouldnt pack out a deer 10km without a gun but i would feel safe if within a couple km of the vehicle and bear mace. Could you call a friend with a gun if you get a deer down?

if i didnt have my PAL i would 100% hunt with a bow and bear mace, just not deep in griz country

[Onepunch]

If you drop a blacktail and a bear shows interest any time after id go spray and bangers. I dont carry and gun when im just fishing and there is a way higher probability of seeing bears in the fall when the salmon are running in the river systems. Its still not a ridiculous idea though. Blacktail bucks are an extremely challenging target with a bow. Bears slightly less so, does a bit less than bucks, if you are in an area you can target them.

[Ron.C]

I have no issue bowhunting bears solo without a firearm. But I'd be concerned a new hunter may undersestimate how hard it can be to control the "fever" that can be imense when bowhunting and stalking in close and trying to kill game with a stick. To be honest, you won't know how it will affect you until you do it.

That said, if you know you are the type of person who can function under stress, then give it a go.

Keep your shots short, wait for a broadside double lung. If at all in doubt, pass on the shot.

When hit through both lungs, they expire quickly but give them lots of time.

Lots of bears get killed every year by bowhunters. Hunter injuries are rare.

[Sausage]

You do not need a back up shooter to hunt with a bow even for bear . Choose your shots and take your time and pass up on any shots you are not sure about .

[Muledeercrazy2]

I think your only concern is if you make a poor shot and have to go after a wounded bear. So try to make sure you are as close to 100% on a double lung shot and give it a bit extra time. Approach cautiously and if the bear is wounded and in thick cover be prepared to find someone with a firearm to help go after it.

[M1SF1T]

If you aren't confident going after it wounded with what you have, then I wouldn't be shooting a bear.

Kudos to guys that don't mind, to each their own, but I'm only going into the backcountry armed.

[igojuone]

You’re trolling right. First time out and going for a bear with a bow and no firearm. You must be trolling. Anyways just carry a big knife just in case and make sure the battery on your GoPro is charged.