I can't talk from experience, because I have none with bear. Some things to look at though--what are you actually pulling on that bow? If you have a 30" draw, it should be enough. Need heavy arrows that fly perfectly and super sharp broadheads. Honestly though, if you haven't been hunting with a recurve, I sure wouldn't make a bear hunt the first. You need experience with the bow--know how it shoots and what it can do. You don't need to be second-guessing yourself at the last second. If it's legal, I'd have a back-up for sure. From what I've heard, slug/buckshot staggered works pretty good.

Chad