Bear Hunting
 

What do you guys and gals think is the mimium weight needed in a bow to take down a bear at say 25 to 30 yards? My bow is 50 pounds, but, my draw is only 24.5, I have taken off my release string loop to reduce the draw to work for me. But, I know that even with my bow maxed out, since my draw is short it will not be at 50. I am almost perfect shot, and group my arrows touching almost always. I was just curious if you all thought that would work for a bear?

RE: Bear Hunting
 

I would see know problem taken a bear with your set up but i myself would keep it in 20yards or less , just got to keep the arrow in that sweet spot;)

RE: Bear Hunting
 

Should be no problem if going for a black. I personally would use something with a lot more "umpf" if going after a brown. Just keep it close and be very choosey about your target spot. (and be in a tree when dong it)

RE: Bear Hunting
 

Any bow adaquate for whitetails is okay for bears. Remember although the hair is thicker, the hide of a bear is thinner than that of a whitetail so your bow is fine. Remember, shot placement is the most important factor so learn the anatomy and hunting scenerios...

RE: Bear Hunting
 

Exactly guys; she is just worried about her light poundage. She blew through two deer last year with her setup. I tell her that if my tiny little 11 year old can blow completely through deer with his light 40lb setup then she will be fine. Sometimes a woman likes to hear from somebody else beside the ole' man.HCH

RE: Bear Hunting
 

Just use a two blade broad head, that way you will get max. penaration.

RE: Bear Hunting
 

You should check your KE, get a chrono on your bow and get a calc for you energy. There's guidelines on the net that tell you what you should have for different game. That way you'll be confident in your equipment.

Im guessing at 50lbs your probably fine. Just beware that bear have a larger shoulder blade that sweeps back further... you'll need to be consious of shot placement.

RE: Bear Hunting
 

Ditto! Go get'em

RE: Bear Hunting
 

Try to wait for the shoulder to be open for the shot.
By this I mean make sure the near leg is forward and opens up the boiler room for a nice window of oppurtunity.

RE: Bear Hunting
 

That set up will work fine, I just wouldn't recommend a mechanical broadhead with that set up. A nice razor sharp COC style would do the trick.

If you are hunting bears for the first time do yourself a favor for practice, grab a solid black towel and wrap it around the vital area of a 3d target or around your bag target. I worked for a bear guide for 4 years and we had a lot of first time bear hunting archers through and almost every single one of them found "picking a spot" on bear much harder that on a deer due to the solid black color and thick hides. You rarely see the defined shoulder muscles like on a deer and through a small peep all you often see is all black fur, especially on real close shots or stands. I'm not saying it is allthat hard, but if you practice picking a spot on a solid black field you'll be better prepared.

RE: Bear Hunting
 

Good idea, MA. I'll try to remember that before I go on my first bear hunt, whenever I get the opportunity.

RE: Bear Hunting
 

Put a good shot on it an you'll be good to go...

RE: Bear Hunting
 

You guys are so helpful, thank you all for all the great advice!!! I am getting really excited to go.

RE: Bear Hunting
 

http://home.att.net/%7Esajackson/ke.html

RE: Bear Hunting
 

Shouldn't be a problem as long as you follow the advice already given to learn the different anatomy of a bear and wait for the right shot. You definitely want to avoid that heavy shoulder bone. Watch bear videos and practice shooting at a black target. The long hair makes it tricky to find that sweet spot to aim at so look at as many real bears as possible (I don't think 3-d targets help with bears as much as with other species because of this).