Hello
I have a question about shot placement. When I get to my hunting area this week, the chances are pretty good that I will get the chance to see or take a bear. My question is this, is shot placement for a bear the same as it is for a deer? Just like any ethical hunter I want my shot to be in the right spot and quickly fatal on anything I shoot. I have never been in the position to take a bear and I want to be 100% sure if I get the chance.

Yes, the shot placement is the same for a bear as it is for a deer. The only difference is that you have to consider the hair on the bear makes the chest cavity seem lower than it is....so don't shoot too low. Watch the fore leg and place your arrow right behind it as you would for a deer. Remember too that a bears hair is much thicker and longer than that of a deer and arrow placement is critical because the hair will soak up the blood leaving a lesser blood trail than that of a deer. Make sure of your shots and good luck.

My general wait time on a deer with a good shot is half hour. Is this sufficient for a bear or should I give it longer? I wont take a shot at a deer over 35 yards, I am good further but I take the shorter shot due to having just that much more confidence. I have figured 25 yards max on a bear. I am shooting a Bow Tech mity mite (sp) carbon arrows and 125 thunderheads, poundage at approx 65 pounds.

If you have the time, and don't expect someone in the area to find your bruin, I would wait an hour. You don't want to sneak up on a half dead or wounded bear.[&:]