How dangerous is bear hunting?

[dust feeder]

Planning on going deer hunting for the first time this year. My buddy who's gonna show me the ropes casually mentioned I should get a bear tag too b/c there can be bears in the area (D6)

I'm not gonna lie. Considering I've never hinted before I'm a little hesitant about going after a bear.

I have a .308 which I hear is enough of a gun, but I'm thinking not the overkill I'd like if I was taking a shot at a bear from the ground. no tree stand

So, I'll ask you guys. How dangerous is this? Is a black bear likely to charge you if you don't drop it instantly with he first shot?

[Rusty_Buckhorn]

It's more dangerous driving from your house to your hunting area. It may even be more dangerous setting up your tent, lol. Ask yourself this, how often do you hear about a hunter in CA being mauled by a bear?

This answer would change A LOT in griz country.

[DirtyDave]

Very Dangerous!! You could twist your ankle or worse. You might have to take a crap in the woods and not have any TP. The bears dont share their Charmin Ultra

[Tanner68]

Just as dangerous as deer hunting. All the risks have nothing to do with the bear.

[lewdogg21]

Every bear that I've seen in CA that knew I was a human ran from me once it figured out what I was. While I'm not going to rub blood on myself and go looking for them with a knife I have no concerns about getting mauled even when I'm sneaking around in the dark and I can't see anything.

[mif_slim]

Their like Ninja's! I tell you the truth!

One time I was hunting and I walked to my treestand. I climbed up the tree to about 21 feet and waited for the sun to come up. After about 1 hour or so I see tree tops being moved from a distance, all of a sudden a black bear came flying from the treetop like Drunken Dragon Hidden Tiger! It vanished as soon as I saw it, in a instant I look directly above me and the black bear was starring down at me.....I slowly went down and left the area never to return....until this day I still have nightmares!!


jk. They usually run but mothers and their cubs, its a different story. One time a mother bear came in and knew something wasnt right, it stood up and started growling and hitting trees and bushes...it ran around like it was pissed off at something...after the cubs passed the area, it stayed behind and was trying to look for us...you can see it scanning the ground and its snout up sniffing trying to catch our scent..pretty scary but exciting also.

[DVSmith]

As long as you can run faster than your hunting buddy there is nothing to worry about.

OK, someone had to say it...

[DennisCA]

Very Dangerous!! You could twist your ankle or worse. You might have to take a crap in the woods and not have any TP. The bears dont share their Charmin Ultra

You might have to take a crap in the woods and not have any TP?
A fate worse than death!:
oji:

Seriously a .308 is enough gun, just make sure your shot placement is soild.

[Doheny]

How dangerous is bear hunting?

Really dangerous if you're a bear...

[AK all day]

They smell, so you know they are coming...... that is if you dont already smell..

[dust feeder]

A lot of people type lol but I really did laugh out loud to most of those responses!

Thanks guys. That makes me feel a lot better. I assimed most would run if they gad the chance but was mainly concerned with if one doesn't drop after the first shot. How it might react.

Do you guys try an shoot for hearts/lungs or try n take out a shoulder like more dangerous game?

[DirtyDave]

Do you guys try an shoot for hearts/lungs or try n take out a shoulder like more dangerous game?

The reason people shoot for the shoulder is to get to the heart on a broadside shot.

[mif_slim]

Neck shot for instant drop. No tracking requiered....but you gotta know for sure you'll hit.

[rooster85]

A lot of people type lol but I really did laugh out loud to most of those responses!

Thanks guys. That makes me feel a lot better. I assimed most would run if they gad the chance but was mainly concerned with if one doesn't drop after the first shot. How it might react.

Do you guys try an shoot for hearts/lungs or try n take out a shoulder like more dangerous game?

Ive noticed that a firm bear hug works for me. Best of luck.

[devil83dog@hotmail.com]

Hope I find one this year to find out for myself, hehehe