Shot placement on a Bear

[brandonmead]

I am going on my first bear hunt in September. I was told that on a broad side bear that you want to stick the arrow in the middle of the bear instead of behind the shoulder. I was just wondering if that is correct. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[bowmaker]

I have yet to take a bear with a bow but have killed 2 with a muzzle loader. I would question shooting for the middle of the body as the heart and lungs are quite forward. A bears leg and shoulder bones are quite heavy to protect this vital area. Be aware that in September bears are starting to build fat and the hair is getting long and makes the belly look lower than it really is. Because of that your advice could have meant shoot for the middle top to bottom not front to rear. The fat and hair also tend to stop or soak up a lot of blood so that tracking can be a problem. I don't want to start anything here but most bear guides that I have talked to don't like mechanical broadheads, prefering instead large sharp fixed blade heads because of the tracking problems. Just some things to be aware of on your first hunt, and know that some times a bear can just apear on a bait almost like magic because you won't see or hear him, he is just there. Good luck and have fun.

 

[Ghost]

This should help you alot...

Bear Anatomy

 

[Rudd]

that's a great link. Also remember their is more movement (like human) in the front shoulders than Whitetails. It can be real deceiving if using the shoulder for shot placement. Height of arrow it important as well. Good luck. It is FUN!

 

[DOR]

In my experience, bears are just as easy to shoot through as deer. I have shot them with both fixed heads and expandables and the bear I shot with an expandable went down within 30 yards and left a massive hole, cut through him like butter.

I would definately recommend Jak-hammers with a 65 LB + draw. Can't be beat in my experience, and I have shot most fixed heads. Not that it really matters what you shoot at them if you hit them correctly with enough KE!

As for shot placement, your source was incorrect. Shoot behind the shoulder, just as you would with a deer.

Good Luck on your bear hunt it should be a great time! I just got word that I drew the MN tag myself, now if I can find the time......

 

[teeroy]

[ QUOTE ]
I was told that on a broad side bear that you want to stick the arrow in the middle of the bear instead of behind the shoulder.

[/ QUOTE ]

a guy at the archery club went on a bear hunt and that is exactly what his outfitter told him

 

[Iowa1]

Possibly by the middle of the bear they mean from top to bottom not from front to back. Shot placement is really important on bears for several reasons, first of all, in Sept. they have a lot of fat, up to four inches thick on a big one. Also their fur is really thick and because of these two reasons, blood trails can be an issue. You definitely need to get a pass-through if at all possible. You need to have an exit wound, and a low one is better. That is why I do not like mechanicals on bears, their ribs are wider and thicker than a deer's too. I have been using the G5 broadheads with terrific results.

I always try for a heart shot, and then you have some room for error--if you are a little off you will still get both lungs. Many people only will take shots at bears that are quartering away with their leg forward. In my experience that is a little too much to ask for. But shot selection is more important on a bear than a deer. Once you have to trail a wounded bear through super thick brush in the dark, you will know what I mean.

Good luck, hope you get one.

 

[brandonmead]

Thanks for everyones help. I really appreciate it. Brandon