Shrewshooter;That's a great looking bear.We have spent 4 weeks hunting bears now and we haven't got a look a nothing like that one.We have shot 3 bears in 4 weekends but the largest one around 190 lbs.That one you have there should go in the very high 200's or a little better(they are one tough critter to geuse the size of).I am with you pic#2 is the shot i would want.Good luck and keep us posted.Bill