Well, Marlin 450, I took the time to re-read your post more times than I care to admit. I have also read adnausum, IF&W management reports. I use IF&W' s reports and am in contact with Wildlife Biologist on nearly a DAILY basis for work. Lots of information on age distribution, not much information on weight classes.

The state record bear was shot in the Crystal bog area over hounds. Now I may be wrong, and I' ll admit it, but I believe it dressed at approximately 580 pounds, could very well have been 680. Big bear, no doubt. Close personal friends and family members have been working in the woods and/or guiding in the Allagash region for many years (in some cases generations). Several own sporting camps and do nothing but guide bear and deer hunter. They consider any bear that dressed at 280 or better to be a big bear. They do in fact take several each year that dress 325 to 400.

When I worked for IF&W I weighted a lot of bears and I' ll stick by my claim.

Have a nice weekend.