Bear question

eelgrass · Sep 13, 2009

What's the easiest way to get a dead bear out of the woods?

I've had many opportunities over the years to shoot bears but I've never pulled the trigger. I've always been deer hunting at the time, and never really had the desire.

This year my partner wants to shoot one if he gets the chance. He's never shot one either, but if he does and I'm with him, I told him I would help. Bear tags are OTC.

Deer are self explanitory. Grab an antler and start pulling.

How the heck do you drag a bear out? We don't have horses or quads.

Eel

Know guns, know peace, know safety. No guns, no peace, no safety.

REDDOG · Sep 13, 2009

little pieces?

eelgrass · Sep 13, 2009

That would be my first choice. But I think he wants to get it out whole.

Eel

Know guns, know peace, know safety. No guns, no peace, no safety.

Buckskin · Sep 13, 2009

We have done it several ways - but the best thing we have found is a stretcher, like an old military stretcher. We made one out of nylon straps ahead of time then just cut a couple saplings when needed for poles. We have also poled them out (tying legs to a log) but when you get a 400lb bear up and it starts swinging side to side it gets a little tough. It also helps to have 4 guys, 2 guys can do it if your not in a hurry. What ever you do, as tempting as it may seem don't drag by the back legs. Actually if you tried it you would see what I mean pretty quickly.

joesikora · Sep 13, 2009

Question. What is the reason for taking the bear out whole?

Wouldn't it be easier to skin out?

Because I heard that the meat isn't very good. Just curious.

Joe E Sikora

overton · Sep 13, 2009

Eel

Your friend could date #2.

http://www.monstermuleys.info/dcforum/DCForumID11/10847.html

gb22 · Sep 13, 2009

I've always heard bear meat was horrible and greasy. I've killed 5 and they all tasted just fine...trimmed them a lot and ate the first two with a great deal of trepidation (expected the worse) but they were good.

I skinned them all and boned the meat. A horse carried one of them, a llama carried one of them and WE carried the other two. Those wet hides and heads are HEAVY!!

Within the shadows, go quietly.

Foreman4x4 · Sep 13, 2009

Heavy duty game cart if it's somewhere you can get to them; otherwise, skin, bone, and pack.

eelgrass · Sep 13, 2009

Good question Joe. I guess to put it in his truck and show his friends and family, since it would be his first one.

If he gets one and it looks like too much hassle, I'll tell him, "I'll pack the rifles and tidy up camp, you pack the bear."

Eel

Know guns, know peace, know safety. No guns, no peace, no safety.

RELH · Sep 13, 2009

Damn! Eel, you learn very fast. The work should go to the one that gets the glory for the kill.

RELH

deadibob · Sep 13, 2009

I really like bear meat. You can show a bear off just as well by laying the rug out. Skin it and pack it. Unless you've got real easy terrain. I've tried getting a whole bear out with 2 guys and won't do that again. Just take a whole lot of photos before you start skinning and cutting.

Nova88 · Sep 13, 2009

i would say cut it up bear meat does not taste good!

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Buckskin · Sep 14, 2009

Are you guys eating dump bears or what. Black bear meat is very tasty. But just like any other meat, you have to take care of it quickly, get the hide off and let it cool asap, trim all fat, etc. I made a bear roast for dinner one night and didn't tell my wife what it was, she assumed beef. And she said it was the best roast she had ever had. Let me tell you, she is about as picky about game as anyone I've ever known. She to this day loves bear meat, even when she knows it's coming. As far as getting it out of the woods, if I had over 1/2 mile it would come out in pieces. But skinning is so much easier when it's hanging.

cjboz · Sep 14, 2009

Eel Best advice is shoot him above the road! Kick him in the guts and he will land in the logging road down the hill! Better yet I think I know the country you are in and I would just drive the logging roads until I found one IN the road.

adamsoa · Sep 14, 2009

This is the way I do it.

Cahunter805 · Sep 14, 2009

Eel I would just skin the entire bear and then quarter the meat. Thats the easiest way I have found. Have also gutted one and tied it to a pole and carried it with a buddy. Not the best choice I made.

eelgrass · Sep 14, 2009

Thanks everyone for your input. My personal feeling now is that if we're going to shoot one, we owe it to ourselves and the bear meat, to skin it and cut it up ASAP, and pack it out that way. Good field photos will have to do! Sorry, partner!

I've only eaten bear meat one time and didn't care for it. That's mostly why I've never killed a bear. We should do the best we can to insure the best care of the meat!

You guys are great! I appriciate your experience and wisdom.

Eel

Know guns, know peace, know safety. No guns, no peace, no safety.

nickman · Sep 15, 2009

If you want to practice, get one of your biggest friends and have him lay in your driveway, pretend he's dead and then you and your hunter try to load him in the back of your truck......without cutting him up.

You'll probably want to skip carrying him, even a couple of hundred yards.

A fresh bear hide and skull will be heavier than most deer killed in your area.