How do you know if a bear is big enough to shoot?

His ears will appear to be wide apart and small. If he is aware of you and looking your way, his ears won't stand up on top of his head like a dog's ears, they'll seem to be aimed out to the side of his head. A big bear will have well developed “bulging like Arnold,” biting muscles on the top of his head.

How do you tell if it's a big bear?

Extra Tip: When looking for a bear that will square over 6 feet, note the position of its ears and their size. If the ears look small on a bear, it's likely a trophy animal. If they appear to grow out the side of the head, that also indicates a very large bear.

How big is a 500 pound black bear?

An adult male black bear can reach up to 660 pounds, but 500 pounds is about the average size, according to the International Association for Bear Research and Management. Tennessee has had a growing black bear population since it became a protected species in the 1930s.

Where do you aim on a bear?

Bears are not hard animals to kill with a firearm or a bow. A well-hit bear won't last long, but they are extremely unforgiving when hit marginally. In summary, only take broadside shots, prioritize getting a pass-through, aim about 4 to 5 inches back from the shoulder on a broadside bear, and don't shoot too low.

How old is a 200 lb black bear?

8-years 150 lbs. 8-years 275 lbs. 20-years 150 lbs. 20-years 275 lbs.

SHOOTER BEAR?!! - How to field Judge a Nice Bear

How big is a 1 year old black bear?

Cubs grow very quickly and they weigh about 80 pounds by the time they are one year old. Young bears between the ages of one and two years old are called yearlings. Young bears stay with their mother for about one and a half years.

How do you field judge a black bear?

Where is the best spot to shoot a bear?

A bear's most vital area is an 8" circle behind the front shoulder. The best shot opportunity is a broadside shot or "quartering away" for penetration into the vital organs. To take your shot, wait for the bear to step forward with the near side leg exposing the heart/lung area.

What caliber is best for bear hunting?

Best Pistol Caliber for Bear: .

44 Magnum. This pistol packs a powerful punch while still being small enough to fit in the hands, which makes it a popular choice for people who want a sidearm when they take to the field for a bear hunt.

What is the best caliber handgun for bear?

44 Magnum is the minimum for charging bears, many others have opted for a Glock 20 in 10mm Auto and, interestingly enough, passed right by the . 357 S&W Magnum. Several folks have even successfully killed bears with a 9mm.

How fast can a 500 pound black bear run?

Running Speed: Lean bears can exceed 30 mph. Can run uphill, downhill, or on level ground.

Can a black bear break into a house?

A black bear has been dubbed the "worst houseguest EVER" after managing to break into one family's home, with new photos showing the destructive aftermath.

What should you do if a bear attacks you?

Direct punches and kicks at the bear's face, and use any weapon like rocks, branches, or bear spray to defend yourself. If a grizzly/brown bear charges and attacks you, PLAY DEAD. Do not fight back! Cover your head and neck with your hands and arms.

Are black bears more aggressive than grizzlies?

Startled black bears run away, often to a tree. By contrast, a startled grizzlies may charge and occasionally attack, making grizzlies over 20 times more dangerous than black bears.

What do you do with a black bear vs a brown bear?

Will a .45 stop a bear?

In general, the . 45 acp is a poor choice for bear defense. The round is slow, fat, and has fairly poor penetration on tough-skinned animals; however, some people carry . 45 acp with modern +P ammo and hardened bullets for bear defense.

Will a 357 stop a bear?

357 Magnum or other similar-caliber load, a well-placed shot with a good bullet will certainly kill a bear, but it's not recommended.

Will a 9mm stop a bear?

The 9mm can kill bears but is considered underpowered by experienced woodsmen. The 9mm has 350 to 450 ft/lbs. of energy, while 1,000 ft/lbs is considered the minimum for a bear hunting gun. Proper 9mm bullets yield sufficient penetration in soft tissue, but it may not stop a bear quickly enough to avoid being mauled.

What size shot bear?

in front of you and apply a round of 12 gauge 00 buckshot to it. There will be devastating damage, no doubt about it. A slug should work well enough if it contacts the bear in the right spot. A load of buckshot will produce a larger 'pattern' than a slug so that's what I'd use.

How many bullets can a bear take?

Sure, in some situations, you'll only have time to get one shot off, sometimes zero, but there are also very real possibilities of needing more than five or six rounds in the gun. I've seen several brown bears take between six and 13 rounds of . 375 H&H before finally expiring.

Should you shoot a bear?

Firearms are not recommended for stopping an attack.

Using a firearm during a bear attack may only worsen the attack. An injured bear will be more aggressive, especially during a fight.

How do you size a black bear field?

Their ears will look small, and almost off to the side of their skull a little. Smaller bears will have a small, narrow head and their ears will be much larger and defined. On a big boar you might even see a crease down the center of its forehead, if this is the case you better get ready to shoot.

Where are the biggest black bears?

Bear Facts

Coastal NC has the world's largest black bears. The Albemarle/Pamlico Peninsula has the highest black bear densities in the world. There is an average of 4 bears per square mile here. The current world record black bear is from Eastern NC and weighed 880 lbs.