Estimating bear size

[bogwalker]

How do you estimate the size of a bear before you shoot?

[bogwalker]

I guess I will start. One way is to have someone with you. Sit in your blind or on your stand. Have a predetermined height for example 36" for the minimum height of your bear. Your buddy measures 36" up a tree or on a stick set into the ground for this purpose then wrap a tape or just use the height of the stick for a guide. To measure length of a bear cut your bottom crib logs or loose logs in the bait clearing to length say 6'. Black Bear are the toughest animals to estimate weight/size of in the field. Having these items to compare will stop you from taking a very small bear that looked much larger before you shot it.

[cherokee]

My brother's first bear was small. He mounted it and everytime we go to his place everyone says how cuddly he looks.

I cut logs about five feet and use that as a guide for length. Real hard to tell when it's getting dark though. Young bears have a certain look.

[bogwalker]

Another thing I like about hunting from the ground is the view you get of bears. When that belly is almost on the ground you know even in dim light it is a good one.

[cherokee]

bogwalker, what size of bear you holding out for this year?

[walterman]

I guess its kind of tough. Cutting logs to around 6 ft is a good gauge. Honestly, once you see a large boar, you will be able to tell. Small bears act different, their ears will appear on top of their head vs a large bear will almost appear on the side of their head if that makes any sense. Its tough when you have them right there in front of you, but take a few breathes and take time to judge the animal.

[bogwalker]

300 Pounds is still my minimum. If I know a big bear is hitting a bait I will hold out for him. My 6 3/4 (I have talked about him before) is a 600 pound boar (or very close to it) in the area I hunt. I think I would take him after watching him for a while.

[Boar]

Wow, howd you gwet that monster outa the woods.

[cherokee]

You're gonna need a bigger 4 wheeler.

[x1957x]

Bigger 4 wheeler, ah no,, you will need a fricken tracter!-=----57---

[Boar]

Yea thats just crazy fun!, cant even imagion, standing beside a bear like that, what a trip.