This is my 12th year deer hunting. Needless to say, I have yet to bag a buck. (I did shoot one, unknowingly, my 2nd year, but because of my lack of experience, I was unable to track it. Found it the next day, it was already torn to shreads. A nice spike - my buddies took the scull cap for me.) This year, opening day - NY southern zone, just got into my posted spot, & hear heavy steps directly behind me. I slowly turn, to see a black bear. Surprised, but not particularly worried. I figured it would run. He gets into a staring match with me, & at this time I'm staddling my rifle to the side of my body. He then makes 2 aggressive moves toward me. After the 2nd, I take aim, not sure what I should do. (Official bear season would not start until 2 days later.) All the time, I'm trying to scare him away by yelling at him. He finally makes a charge at me. I fire, hitting him directly in the middle of his chest. An easy shot, perhaps 10 yards. He goes down immediately. I contact DEC. They come out & do a reenactment scene with me. Estimated weight - 250 lbs. They find I was justified, especially with the shot placement. They inform me, that there's no way I can take the animal. They ask me if I have a camera, naturally I don't. It looks like it will just be a story. They inform me that they will take a couple of pictures, & Email them to me. I have the DEC officer's card, but at this time, I'm still waiting. Go figure??? I'm probaly 1 of the few hunters out there to make a bear kill, before taking a deer. Just my luck! I will follow with pictures. when/if I get them.

good story, i would have done the same thing. post pic's when you get them.

Dang bear came out for Zeus season. Glad things went the way they did.

Did you have a spare change of underwear with you???[:-]

HI Zeuss,without getting to specific what part of the southern zone were you in? Glad that you had the presence of mind to put the animal down!

that s a shame it had to come down to you shooting the bear but them not letting you keep it is a shame it will probably go to waste, good to see your in one piece thou

The bear episode was in Monticello NY - (Sullivan County.) In all respects, only 90 minutes from NYC. Just to clarify, the DEC took 2 pics with me, my buddy, & the bear, "at the scene", with their camera. I'm still waiting for the pics. I know their their pretty busy right now, so I'll give them a little time to send them. Thanks for the responses. I was waiting for some reponses of could've, should've, would've. I'll try to get back out 1 more time.

Glad you came out of that ok, and what a good shot under stress.We only see bears in zoos Im jealous.Good luck on getting that picture Im sure it would be priceless.

Wow that must have been a rush. Have to give you a big thumbs up for contacting the DEC and being an honest hunter.

Few years ago i had a black bear run out the trees at me he was on the other side of the fence line of me and i was right beside the fence but he decided to stop and stare at me and he started to show his teeth so i had the scope right on his head and just as i was gonna pull the trigger he turned and took off. Good thing i didnt shot cause 15mins later i shot a cow elk that walked onto the cutline and i scared the herd it was apart of right to 3 of my buddys and they bagged 2 more cows and bull elk.

You know, thats a shame they won't let a man keep a bear he shot in self-defense. However, I can see where they are coming from. If that was the case, there would be alot of "bear charging" incidents.

Glad to hear that you made it out safely.