Well guys I'm back from the 3 day bear hunting season in PA. I won't say that I didn't have any luck. Its just that I didn't get to shoot one. On Tues morning I had a sow with 2 cubs come past me at a steady lope. I have no doubt I could have dumped her. But her cubs were only about 30 lbs each so I let her slip on by and into the thick laurel. I felt satisfied and consider the 'hunt' a success. Maybe next year or even later during the extended season next week before I head on down to florida with the wife.

Sows with cubs are off limits to me... Now a sow without cubs is a good one to take as normally that means she is a non breeder. Also its hard to tell until the deed is done.

I think you done right...

Sounds like an enjoyable hunt even though you weren't able to take one. Sows w/cubs are illegal to take in TN. I'm heading out tomorrow for 3 days of bear hunting myself. Plenty of sign where I'm at just no luck in seein' one yet. PA has some good bear huntin' from what I hear. Your bears are a wee bit bigger than ours are though

Great story, and good decision on your part. Just wondering what rifle, bullet and load that you were using.

ml - had it on a different post. Load was 100 gr of FFg under a 300 gr shock wave bullet. Rifle was a custom stock, GM barrel 1:28 twist 50 cal., T/C lock and triggers.

I am glad you had a fun hunt. I miss pa bear season so much I am gonna buy a out of state tag and hunt up there next year. probably near pine creek.