[timberboss]

Going to Canada in a couple weeks for a bow bear hunt, looking for some "tips" on how to tell which bear is a "shooter". I know how I feel when someone shoots a deer that would have been a good one in a couple years.. All advise is appreciated Mike

 

[law651]

The best way to learn how to judge bears is to go to a hog farm. Bears are built like a pig. If you can learn how to judge how heavy a pig is bears will be easy. mike
ps small ears, belly that hangs close to the ground, legs that appear short. flat wide head are all indicators of big bears. If you are baiting with 55gal barrels. Measure with the bears back, With the barrel standing on end. middle ring ave bear. 3ring better than average. Top of barrel your looking at one huge bear.

 

[Lien2]

Do a search, this has been discussed quite a bit.
Big ears, narrow snout, rounded snout/head, small frame, light on their feet = small bear.
Small ears, ears off to the side of the head, crease in the head, square snout, blocky snout/head, swagger when they walk, slooooooww movements = big bear, SHOOT!
Good luck with your hunt.

Lien2

 

[DBL LUNG]

Never hunted bear, but from what I have read you try to look at their ears and stomach.

If they look like they got big mickey mouse ears, they are probably young and smaller. It they look like they have tiny ears, that means they are a larger, older bear.

Also if the stomach sags closer to the ground ususally means a mature bear. But this may be hard to judge.

 

[DBL LUNG]

Wow, three replies at 9:47. You guys beat me to it. :darkbeer:

 

[teal325]

You all have it right on the ears thing. Another thing tho big is big no matter what the animal. It has been my expirence that if you are in the stand asking yourself or trying to talk yourself into taking the bear - it is prob small.

 

[hoyt_power]

thay all look big when they walk in and look you right in the eye, especialy if its your first time

 

[Bobmuley]

To me the only thing harder is judging mountain goats.

You can tell a good bear from a small bear, but that's about it. You can't tell (at least I can't) the difference between a bear that scores 18 and 20. or from 19 to 21.

Don't shoot the small or medium sized bears and the worst you can do is shoot a "big" bear with a "good" head....ain't nothin' wrong with that.