I shot black bear tonight. The bear was lying down by a bucket of sweets covered by an old log, it was slightly quartering away. 23 yds from 18-20ft stand. Aimed at the middle and the opsite (right) front leg.
The arrow went pass trough, the bear jumped and bumped the the arrow perfectly vertical.
The blood was neither pink with bubbles nor dark red, and no slime from the guts.
Just heard a growl before the jump, no loud crack from the arrow, the bear came from the right and jumped left behind some bushes, the terrain is rising to the left, and not as dense as the right side.
I have no idea where I hit him, don't think I was high, because the arrow would've hit the log or go over it, I know I clipped some bone, hopefully a rib.
Problem is, I couldn't find a drop of blood in any direction, spent over one hour.
I'm going back at first light to do a systematic grid search.
Any hints from experienced bear hunters would be greatly appreciated.