Hey congrats on your first bear. Doesn't sound like too bad of a first bear to me. Heck I went bear hunting for the first time last season spent about $1000 on outfitter, gas and other supplies and didn't even see a bear as big as the one you shot. Not sure how big or what a respectable bear is where you hunt. I've been told that here in Minnesota the average bear is about 150 field dressed and maybe 3 years old. Also it sounds like you pretty much did everyhting yourself. I would say you did well. Now just hold out for a little bigger one next season.