Eating black bear in late summer/early fall...

[icallshotgun88]

I'll be out I'm D5 & D6 hunting deer this year

I know there are quite a few black bear in the area and was thinking about possibly picking up a bear tag and taking a shot at one if the opportunity presents itself...

BUT....I'm only interested in hunting animals that I'll eat.

I've never tasted bear before and don't know anyone that has...

I've read that the taste really depends on the time of year and their diet, etc.

MY QUESTIONS IS....if I kill a bear in this area in late summer or early fall, will it taste good?

I'm not a picky eater but I'd hate to be stuck with a ton of bear meat and hate the taste of it..

Of course I know it's all about how the meat is prepared, but what about just a pure steak of bear meat...is it worth while for me to stock the freezer with a bear?

Thanks

[sandiego67]

Black Bear is like lobster and shellfish, you should only eat it in months with an "R" in them.

[Divernhunter]

Years ago I shot a very old(14.5 years old) boar. He was not much for steaks but he made some of the best salami. So even if you do not make steaks they make great salami and pepper sticks.

[NickTheGreek]

Black Bear is like lobster and shellfish, you should only eat it in months with an "R" in them.

Sorry man, but that's not true.

It's 100% based off what they are eating and I'd argue that summer should be the time you harvest if you care about meat quality because there are sweet berries all over the place and have been for at least a month or two before season opener (assuming you can get it on ice quickly. Bear carcasses don't hold up to heat nearly as long as a deer) Summer bears that are feeding on blackberries are the tastiest I've ever had.

If you shoot a bear in the fall or winter who is feeding on spawned out salmon, you probably won't be looking forward to knocking down that 150lbs+ of meat in your freezer.

[icallshotgun88]

If I'm not mistaken, I can bow hunt bear during archery deer season (if I get a bear tag of course)

I'll be out for opening week of deer archery season and might or down a bear if possible

According to NickTheGreek, it sounds like that might be the best time to harvest one...

In that case, I'll most likely get a bear tag

Wish me luck!

[huntandski]

Even if you get one and don't like it, I'm sure someone (whether on Calguns, a friend, or a homeless shelter) would take it off your hands.

If you like it, awesome! If not, it won't go to waste.

[icallshotgun88]

If I kill one at deer camp, which part would be the best to cut off and grill over the fire?

"Back straps"?

[bigboarstopper]

If I kill one at deer camp, which part would be the best to cut off and grill over the fire?

"Back straps"?

Heart, tenderloins.

I've killed and eaten a bunch of bears. It's a crapshoot on which are better than others. Salami is good, burger is good. I've always thought the meat flavor was relatively alright but the factor is toughness. If it's tough grind it up make salami or hamburger. Add a little beef fat and you can use it for everything you would use hamburger for

[NickTheGreek]

Heart, tenderloins.

I've killed and eaten a bunch of bears. It's a crapshoot on which are better than others. Salami is good, burger is good. I've always thought the meat flavor was relatively alright but the factor is toughness. If it's tough grind it up make salami or hamburger. Add a little beef fat and you can use it for everything you would use hamburger for

Slow cook and grind is the ticket. We like to buy bacon ends and grind in about 10% or more into the Bear meat when we do burgers. Bear burgers are a huge hit at our house. mmmmmmmmmmmm damn, almost time to chase them again.

[yoteassasin]

[deckhandmike]

I've never shot a bear but I've had some decent bear jerkey on the boat that people brought out.

[MJB]

If you find one on avocados you'll be happy.

[Jimmy's]

Skin it and donate the rest.

[NickTheGreek]

If you find one on avocados you'll be happy.

My buddy in Lake County told me a story about one harvested out of a Pear orchard. He said it was feeding in there for weeks and was the best he's ever had.

[WMG]

Of course I know it's all about how the meat is prepared

And as you know and others have said , that is exactly correct.
What you make and how is what bears are about.
I can do venison with a lot less regard and have something I will eat VS bear meat