Bear Cub Killers

[PA Big Game Hunter]

There is nothing, and I mean nothing, in this world that makes me more mad in this world then when someone shoots a bear cub. Then to top it off, they think that they are actually good. I have hunted PA black bear the last 6 years. I stop at check in stations and I'm astonished people would actually shoot a cub. Bears are my favorite animal. They are such majestic animals. Does anyone else hate this as much as me? If someone here has shot a cub I'd like to hear the reasoning.

[moosemike]

No I don't hate it as much as you do. I've Bear hunted in PA for 25 years (successfully too) and I've seen bear of all sizes shot. If the mother gets shot a lot of times the cubs need shot then too if they're too small to make it. Also in PA a lot of bear hunting is done by drives. A 75-100 pound cub can look bigger than it is to anybody when it's running through the laurel. I might add that my PA Bear was 2 years old and one year I passed up a cub so I haven't ever shot one myself.

[Daveboone]

It is ok by me if someone wants to shoot a fawn to eat...very good eating. For someone who hasnt seen a bear in the woods, it is very difficult to judge the size...and again, no better way of ensuring you get a good eating bear. I love bears too. But they are a game animal, and the best use of one is as table fare.

[PA Big Game Hunter]

Originally Posted by moosemike

No I don't hate it as much as you do. I've Bear hunted in PA for 25 years (successfully too) and I've seen bear of all sizes shot. If the mother gets shot a lot of times the cubs need shot then too if they're too small to make it. Also in PA a lot of bear hunting is done by drives. A 75-100 pound cub can look bigger than it is to anybody when it's running through the laurel. I might add that my PA Bear was 2 years old and one year I passed up a cub so I haven't ever shot one myself.

The idea that if you shoot the mother then you have to shoot the cubs is such a joke. First off, if you see a bear with cubs that small then you should pass it up anyways. And unless the cubs are extremely small they will survive. Secondly, if you have to shoot a bear on the run you shouldn't shoot at all. I don't care if it is running, you can tell if its small. Its called being a responsible hunter.

[Schultzy]

A 75-100 pound cub can look bigger than it is to anybody when it's running through the laurel.

Cubs weigh that much down there? Up here In Minnesota If they hit 50 pounds their doing good.

Is It legal to take cubs In PA?

[Blackelk]

In Colorado it's unlawful to knowingly kill a cub or a sow with cubs. So maybe PA should adopt the rule too. Or not either way some just want to shoot something.

[PA Big Game Hunter]

Originally Posted by Schultzy

Cubs weigh that much down there? Up here In Minnesota If they hit 50 pounds their doing good.

Is It legal to take cubs In PA?

It is legal unfortunately. There use to be a law saying you couldn't, but it was so gray that they just got rid of it.

[moosemike]

Originally Posted by Schultzy

Cubs weigh that much down there? Up here In Minnesota If they hit 50 pounds their doing good.

Is It legal to take cubs In PA?

Sometimes. Keep in mind that our bear season is the week of Thanksgiving. They are fattened up for hibernation then.

[moosemike]

Originally Posted by PA Big Game Hunter

The idea that if you shoot the mother then you have to shoot the cubs is such a joke. First off, if you see a bear with cubs that small then you should pass it up anyways. And unless the cubs are extremely small they will survive. Secondly, if you have to shoot a bear on the run you shouldn't shoot at all. I don't care if it is running, you can tell if its small. Its called being a responsible hunter.

You must be rather new to the way things are generally done in PA.

[Phil from Maine]

Originally Posted by Schultzy

Cubs weigh that much down there? Up here In Minnesota If they hit 50 pounds their doing good.

Is It legal to take cubs In PA?

I do not hunt bear myself but I do have to agree that a cub bear would be in super shape if it was to hit 50lbs. up hear as well. A bear in the 75 lb range would most likely be a year and a half old.. That would be last years cub that has or soon to be leaving it's mother bear.