Black Bear experts

[ranger 3]

yea, really looking forward to it.

[PV]

tradbower... I took this bear with a 47#  @ 28 (my draw) Beman 500 with a 250 gr. grizzly BH. Total arrow weight around 500 gr. Pass thru and recovery under 100 yd
Did not get a weight on him but he has a BC skull and a nose to base of tail measure of 7'3"

Bears are not difficult to shoot thru.
Have confidence in your set up and a sharp,straight flying BH and post plenty of pic's when you get back

[David Mitchell]

tradbower, you're going to have a great hunt with Eldon.  None better.

[Terry Lightle]

David summed it up,none better than Eldon Jandreau

[Pete McMiller]

Yes, a bear's vitals are further back than you think.  

The largest black bear I have ever seen - at least 400 lbs (spring) - I put an arrow tight behind the shoulder within 1/2" of where I wanted it to go.  On a deer it would have been over in seconds - I never found that bear after a 3 hour track that ended in the rain.  Another bear - quartering away shot from a tree stand @ 20 yds.  Bears front legs were up on a log.  Arrow entered behind the ribs and exited two ribs forward - skewered the heart.  

An Alaskan guide had a video of where to shoot a black bear and his comment was "Half way back, half way down and 4" forward."  Based on the bears I have harvested as well as those I have lost I believe his comment is right on (if hunting from a tree).

Also, in my experience, if you track a bear more than about 150 yds. you likely won't find him.  Heart or lungs and they can be down and out in 30-40 yds.  Liver and they will go 120-140 yds, lay up and be right there the next morning.

Good luck and as others have said, stay as calm as you can, remember your fundamentals and make a strong shot.  I love bear hunting.