Hunting Bears

[YogiBear]

Originally Posted by dhoyle

I have freinds that use their bows for bear, so I see no reason that a crossbow not work, just be sure of your shot placement, and good luck

I have to agree, I wouldn't want to shoot a bear with a crossbow if I wasn't absolutely sure I was gonna kill it with the first shot.

[BCBabe]

The bullet from a 30.06 will BOUNCE off of the skull of a grizzly, causing a grazing injury that makes the bear seriously angry. Until you see it first-hand, it's hard to believe, but it's true.

If you can't be 110% sure of the shot, I wouldn't risk my life like that. The local natives used heart- and neck-shots only (through the throat).

[greensteelforge]

Use enough gun. It's foolish to use anything you can't rely on to quickly kill when you're hunting potentially dangerous animals. Bows and crossbows fall into the category of foolish for me. I wouldn't use anything short of a rifle capable of fully penetrating the animal at any angle, including head on. It also needs to be capable of depositing enough kinetic energy through hydrostatic shock to disable and kill the animal before it can react. Bears are the closest ting we have in north america to dangerous game, and shouldn't be confused with the likes of deer when choosing gear. Twelve-bore slugs work well if you get REALLY close. If in doubt, ask a professional hunting guide what they prefer.

[Grandpa]

A bear can close extremely fast and that big thick skull is leading the way. An arrow kills by bleeding the animal out. It may kill the bear with one shot, but he still has a lot of living to do before he dies. Way too risky for me. yep, cluck cluck

[Grandpa]

Grease is essential for long term diet. Bear is loaded with it. So it was essential for the old homesteaders, ranchers and mountain men to get a bear every fall. Similar to pork, but not as good as cougar.