Practice and setup ideas for tree'ed bear

[bigb3303]

So I just booked me an New Mexico bear hunt with dogs, and am taking my longbow. I will be chasing black bear for five days on horse back! Any ideas on how to practice shooting up at a trees bear? And would I use a flue flue or regular feathers? My current set up has about 34lbs of Kenetic energy at almost 530 grains. They are tuned for good flight, will that be enough?

[wisconsinteacher]

I would use regular feathers.  I would also get a bag target of some kind and use a rope to pull it up on a tree limb.  I would shoot at a spot to practice.  I have been under a lot of bear and your shot will be up into the vitals.  Talk to your guide and ask them questions.  I would also be ready for a bear on the ground.  Big bears don't always tree.

[Stickbow]

I too would say shoot feathers, your arrow will slow going through the Bear. :-)

Not sure of the type of trees but most likely you will walk around the tree looking for a small window to get an arrow through.

I have been to several 3-d shoots where they run a target up a tree with ropes and pulleys, you are on the right track practicing steep up shots.

[calgarychef]

Just remember that the horizontal distance will be small so practice close to our regular  target and you'll be fine. Then do a few elevated shots to fine tune things, then go kill a bear.

[far rider]

Wow Brandon! Go getem' brother!!

Tim