Thanks for all the info. I knew I would not feel right about shooting a sow with cubs but wasn't sure about the rules on it. I am in eastern N.C. huntingon timber land, mostly planted pines but with some hard woods. Most of the bear hunters here do run dogs. We will be deer hunting, bear will be taken by opportunity only if we happen upon one. Thats why the question. The last bear I did see was a mother and cub but it was a good 10-15 minutes after seeing the mother before we saw the cub which was hidden in some cover. Any way to tell males from females by looks?