BigGameHunt.net Hunting Forums

[Eagle5]

Mates,

I'm in the home stretch now preparing for a Saskatchewan black bear bow hunt this May. Getting darn proficient with my Mathews Drenalin set at 65 lb draw weight, with Easton "full metal jacket" arrows. I'm going to tip them with Steel Force Hellfire Titanium 125 gr broadheads.

Question or two . . .

I am practicing for a slightly quartering away shot on a blackie (using 3D target) to improve likelihood of double lung shot, and reduce likelihood of an errant shoulder blade hit. Still, ::-k have any of you had an arrow hit too forward, at the shoulder blade? If so, what was the outcome?

Lastly, my plan is to not take a bow shot past 30-35 yards. I'm solid at 40 yards, but that's without the adrenalin shot of being over a baited blackie. Question is, do most of the CA outfitters set up bow shots over bait inside of 35 yards?

Thanks!

Eagle5
Birmingham, AL

P.S. Already double lunged two nice whitetail in Alabama this season!

[sawbill]

Standard around here (Ont) is 15 yds and never more than 20 yds. All my guys prefer 15 yds. With these closer ranges, a good shot guarantees a pass through. Also stand heights become more critical, usually close to 12 ft is maximum to maintain the proper down angle for double lung.
I can't imagine trying a shot on black bear at 30 yds and expecting things to work out OK. And a shoulder blade shot even close range almost guarantees a lost bear. They must be double lunged and you must have an exit wound for tracking.

[blackbear]

I have heard the quartering away shot being the best, but I have heard a lot of wounded bear stories too. Quartering away you might hit the far shoulder and not get an exit hole. If you look at bear anatomy sites on the web you can see that they have a smaller vital area than deer. I believe broadside with the leg toward you extended forward is a better shot. When you see that big bear walk in you will get the shakes. Best advice is stay calm by not looking directly at the bear. He will probably feed on the bait up to 20-30 minutes. When you shoot, concentrate and aim at a hair not the whole bear. After you shoot, sit down and calm down. Watch and listen to the bear as long as possible so you can relay that info to your guide. Remember your safety harness. You are in for a good time.

[Eagle5]

15 yards. WOOO. I'm even more pumped now (and at ease about the "makeability" of the shot).

Bring on May 12th!

Eagle5

[Old Professor]

I would highly reccommend using a string tracker, regardless of distance. The long hair on a bear soaks up blood and can make tracking difficult. That said, a double lung shot bear usually does not go far.