Black Bears over bait

[Tommy Leach]

What is the minimum bow weight you would hunt black bears with over bait? I've been told most all shots are 15 yds max. Thanks - Tommy

[Canadian Idle]

In Ontario, the MINIMUM required poundage for black bears regardless how you hunt them, is 49#. That is the same poundage requirement as for moose as well. I guess that tells you a little something about the physical make-up of the animal. They have a very large and powerful front shoulder that you have to miss to get at the vitals. I think when you hunt bears over bait, you are usually up in a tree and therefore are shooting downward. Lots of bones to either miss or pennitrate through. I would suggest minimum 50# and a good solid broadhead, Razor sharp.  Lloyd

[Bill Carlsen]

Minimum weight in NH is 40#. My wife shot a nice bear with her 46# @26" recurve a couple of seasons ago. Got a pass thru with a four blade Phantom. Shot placement is key...the bear went 25-30 yards before going down.

[Whip]

Legal requirements might require more, but I think mid forties would work fine for bears.  Shot placement is key, and must avoid the shoulder blade, but with good shot selection that is not a problem.  Hit them where you should like Bill said and bears are pretty soft and go down fast.

[Manitoba Stickflinger]

Here in Mb. the minimum is 40# @ 28". I really think that you don't need more than that. I've killed dozens of bears with various archery set-ups and find that they are the easiest big game animal to shoot through. For light weight bows I'd suggest a cut on contact 2 blade head and a relatively heavy arrow. Like Whip said....bears "go down fast".

One other thing when using Trad. equipment, I like to keep the treestand height lower than with other weapons. It seems to be a nicer shot angle and keeps you well below the spine. Good luck!

[Tommy Leach]

Thanks guys - I built a new selfbow for my hunt in Ontario, but after shooting it 1000+ times I've lost a little weight. It is 51# @ 27" but shoots really well. I'll be shooting 2 blade Magnus heads, but started questioning if I've got enough weight. Thanks again - Tommy

[Curveman]

40# or better just to keep it legal.

[Brian Krebs]

Tommy - enough weight ....keep the broadheads sharp until they pass through a bear !!