Originally Posted by
Muley Hunter
I just found out they still have OTC tags for my unit for muzzleloader bear hunt. I'm going to go grab one now. I didn't think I was going to have a hunt in Sept, but this hunt starts next Sat.
Success for bear hunt is pretty low in my area, but i'll give it a try. Sure beats staying home.
I'll just keep my elk load of 370gr maxiball for the bear. I also have some Great Plains bullet 385 grain I might try too. I'm not fond of the hollow point on them for bear through. I'd prefer a bullet that penetrates better than one that expands fast. I have more faith in the maxiball. What do you guys think?
Good choice Muley...
First and foremost, good luck to you and I hope you get a bear! I prefer the Maxiball myself vs the Maxihunter (or other semi-hollow point conicals) for deer so I'm sure it's a good choice for bear, especially if you don't get the perfect shot you're hoping for. Those Maxiballs will plow through regardless. I have never shot a bear here in PA although we have some of the largest black bears killed in the lower 48 each year.
I noticed in our regulations pamphlet for 2014 that certain special regs. areas are allowing a black bear to be harvested during the early ML deer season, (which is antlerless only), but the chance of taking a bear in one of these highly populated areas is slim to none. If the state would allow my management unit to take a bear during the early ML season, I'd buy the tag. I may buy one anyway because they opened bear season for the first week of regular firearms season for my unit and I have seen bears on occasion during our first week of regular firearms season as well as in the early ML season.
What is the ML you're planning to use...if you don't mind my asking?
BPS