When you bag your first bear you will be surprised to see that the average bear does not weigh much more than the average whitetail buck. It has a different taste than venison and must be cooked more like pork. Some people prefer it to venison. I tend to make sausage and pepperetes when I shoot a bear. You can have the hams smoked and I find the burger makes great chili and spaghetti sauces also.