Boar or Sow
 

I am getting ready for my first bear hunt ever next spring. I have been watching a lot of hunting videos and doing my homework. But one thing I do not see addressed on the videos is: How do you tell the difference between a boar and sow? Not all sows can be expected to have cubs with them, and it is hard to see a boars twig and jiggleberries for so far away.
What method do you use?

I couldn't tell ya there friend...I guess that one reason that I don't hunt bear, I can't tell the difference either...here U can not shoot a sow with cubs...and I have these dreams about shootin a bear and her cubs come out of the brush!!!!!!

big head...

boars look like boars,

sows like sows...

and just shoot a big one!

Aren't the females usually bigger?

A sows head and nose will look somewhat long and narrow. A boars head and nose will look wider and bulkier. Sows are also generally smaller up front In the chest. What I said Isn't always a given but for the most part It Is.

Not where I hunted them.

perhaps in your area sows are much older and have more weight?

I'm pretty certain year for year boars are bigger...

To me the head is what gives them away...but I'd look for something older/bigger, etc...not just the first bear you see...

Sometimes but generally no they are not.

Boars are always bigger. Often times you can see the scrotum on a boar. Generally, however, look for a bear which has ears that appear small relative to his head size. The ears will be far apart, often appearing to be on the sides of the head. Large, thick neck, belly that sags, knees that appear to be bow-legged from his weight, and a walk of total confidence are all signs that you are looking at a mature boar. If there is a barrel at the bait site, and his back comes to the top of the barrel (55 gallon) when he is on all fours, that is a big bear.