Heartbreak in Manitoba

[Rob Emerson]

Sounds like adequate tackle.  With that set up you think a guy could shoot middle of the body and be ok?  Must have been a great bait site he had you set up on!

I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again. I hope it’s considered and not taken incorrectly. I’ve worked 2 bear camps. Shot plenty, seen lots more taken. The middle is NOT where we want to shoot. Think about what that implys? If you shot middle of the body, that means id hope you want middle or nearish middle of vitals. Where would that put back edge at? Between the legs? Would that leave room for intestines? Think about that next time someone says “middle” unless an angling forward shot where we adjust initial impact

Yeah, you’re probably right.  I’m just trying to learn about shooting bears.

[Adirondack Bowman]

Maybe I missed it but how far was the shot ?

[Iowabowhunter]

Maybe I missed it but how far was the shot ?

Too close not to have drilled it. 12 yards I’d guess

[Wudstix]

I have a tendency to want to peek at close range as well.
 

[KAZ]

Thank you for sharing your experience. I could feel your anticipation building for this dream hunt. It indeed is a tough pill to swallow with so much invested. That being said you’re already processing future returns on that investment. You had an amazing hunt and seen things many will never see and that is a blessing. Thankfully the bear will live, and you will continue to grow as a traditional bowhunter.

Good Providence in your future endeavors

[Dave Pagel]

Hey Jacob,

I have been to Stickflingers six times now and it is addictive.  The numbers and size of the bears is impressive.  I can’t wait to go back.

I am sorry to hear about your outcome.   Bears can be very bold or very timid.  Figuring out when to shoot is a big part of the challenge.  Keep practicing with that stickbow and you will be fine when you go back.

DP

[RI Red]

We were there at the bed and breakfast camp a week or before before you and we froze and get drenched as well. Both my travel partner and I had been prior and both hit bears with no recovery on the first trip. (I made a bad shot; partner shot well, just no recovery. 

We did better this trip, both brought home bear, but due to weather same deal take would you would feel comfortable with. I brought rain jacket, no rain pants and suffered for it. Still we saw a lot of bears, had a fantastic time with our hosts and super guided.  Going back in ‘26.

We were much more careful about bear positioning and shot angles, seeing a good many bears without shooting helped prepare us better for the shot.  I used a string tracker on the stick bow  on what turned about to be a very short trail. Would definitely use again.

The first trip 1/2 of the hunters used compounds and only 1 brought home a bear. Bears for those of us without tons of time around them struggle to understand size, sex, and the best shot placement.

Thanks for sharing your story, takes a lot of courage to relive an unhappy outcome.

[Bowguy67]

We were there at the bed and breakfast camp a week or before before you and we froze and get drenched as well. Both my travel partner and I had been prior and both hit bears with no recovery on the first trip. (I made a bad shot; partner shot well, just no recovery. 

We did better this trip, both brought home bear, but due to weather same deal take would you would feel comfortable with. I brought rain jacket, no rain pants and suffered for it. Still we saw a lot of bears, had a fantastic time with our hosts and super guided.  Going back in ‘26.

We were much more careful about bear positioning and shot angles, seeing a good many bears without shooting helped prepare us better for the shot.  I used a string tracker on the stick bow  on what turned about to be a very short trail. Would definitely use again.

The first trip 1/2 of the hunters used compounds and only 1 brought home a bear. Bears for those of us without tons of time around them struggle to understand size, sex, and the best shot placement.

Thanks for sharing your story, takes a lot of courage to relive an unhappy outcome.

Bud as I stated, bears are about one of the easiest animals to kill. They often fall down 15-20 yards. 40 is prob the longer end. A consideration.,,,
Your buddy’s hit was less than well. Just be advised of that so he doesn’t shoot at the same place, angle and expect different outcome. A well hit bear is I’d say almost always recoverable. Even with no blood, how long does it take to look over 40 yards?

[Iowabowhunter]

We were there at the bed and breakfast camp a week or before before you and we froze and get drenched as well. Both my travel partner and I had been prior and both hit bears with no recovery on the first trip. (I made a bad shot; partner shot well, just no recovery. 

We did better this trip, both brought home bear, but due to weather same deal take would you would feel comfortable with. I brought rain jacket, no rain pants and suffered for it. Still we saw a lot of bears, had a fantastic time with our hosts and super guided.  Going back in ‘26.

We were much more careful about bear positioning and shot angles, seeing a good many bears without shooting helped prepare us better for the shot.  I used a string tracker on the stick bow  on what turned about to be a very short trail. Would definitely use again.

The first trip 1/2 of the hunters used compounds and only 1 brought home a bear. Bears for those of us without tons of time around them struggle to understand size, sex, and the best shot placement.

Thanks for sharing your story, takes a lot of courage to relive an unhappy outcome.

It was a really fun trip, I got everything I came for except brining a bear home.

Congrats getting to bring home some bear meat this trip!

[dsmay]

It was a pleasure to share camp with you and I was bummed you didn't get your bear. I hunted that stand last 2 nights saw so many bears but not your chocolate.

[Iowabowhunter]

It was a pleasure to share camp with you and I was bummed you didn't get your bear. I hunted that stand last 2 nights saw so many bears but not your chocolate.

You as well sir, and congrats on your bear!!!

[trubltrubl]

Bowhunting  is a game of inches. Sounds like a great opportunity  and enjoyable experience.
Good luck  in the future.