Muley I'm I don't mind mentioning the price. It was $1500 which as about half of what my hunt cost. The crazy thing was, I didn't plan on shooting a big bear. I mean, of course I wasn't looking for a small bear, but with only 7 days to hunt and this being my first unguided bear hunt, I expected to shoot an average bear or get skunked. I was then just planning on getting the fur tanned and European mounting the skull. Then I went an shot a record book bear, and felt obligated to do something special with it.
FreeorBust and JFarley, bear hunting is a blast. I can't wait to take my boys bear hunting. You should definitely do it.
Floridaman, my Dad and I got one from California about 10 years ago and its fur was course like a pigs. This bear was soft and shiny. I don't know if it was the tanning method or the bear itself. I was more excited that there were no big rub spots then I was with the size. Where did you get your bear?