would you have shot this bear

[woodman]

I was watching a bear come through a swamp today taking it's own sweet time. I saw that it was an adult bear in thick reeds eating as it was moving along. I had an easy shot, but it was in the swamp water so I figured that I would let it work it's way to me since it was coming straight towards me. I was able to watch it for the better part of a half hour. It definitely was in no hurry. Where it was in the swamp, the reeds were very thick and tall. As it came closer to me and the edge of the swamp, I saw that it was not alone. It had two large cubs with it that were from at least season before this. At the time that I realised that they were in a group, I decided not to shoot the sow even though she was a decent size adult. My question is, if you see a sow with cubs going on 2 years old, would you shoot if you had a very good and easy shot? I am posting a pic of her with one of her cubs right next to her so that you can see what I am talking about. They came to within about 150' of me, but I decided to shoot with my camera instead.

[3nails]

 No, I would not. You did the right thing.

[Eli346]

Good choice! Neat to watch though, isn't it?

[BOWHUNTER45]

Negitive ...You done the right thing 

[Curly]

Depends on if she was in my deer hunting area. 

Just kidding.  No I wouldn't really shoot.  Good job not making them orphans, but I wouldn't hold it against someone that did decide to take the shot.

[mfswallace]

Get momma next year then maybe let the twins grow and reproduce before taking them out....

[Kola16]

Nope. One, it is probably a skunky bear, and two it has cubs. THere are plenty more bear in the woods 

[aer212]

It is not a matter of right or wrong, they are 2 years old. Plenty old enough to survive on their own. I would not shoot this one and I may never shoot one again. I got my first bear this year and so far I don't really care for the meat. I mean its decent and I can eat it but I would rather have elk or beef. If it was my first bear I would shoot.

[johnr060]

Had the same thing happen to me last year. I decided to let the mama walk. Even though the cubs were at least year and a half old. You did the right thing

[bobcat]

I would have shot it. The "cubs" are no longer cubs, if they're almost 2 years old. So that shouldn't be a concern.

My freezer is almost empty, I'd be making it less empty with some bear sausage.

[h20hunter]

One bear in the freezer....i pass. No bear in the freezer momma goes down. First bear shot op....momma would have gone down.

[Ripper]

The cubs are old enough and big enough to survive on their own. Dead bear!

[BullMagnet76]

No, I would not. You did the right thing.

 

[NWBREW]

Two year old bears are not cubs so I do not believe it's a matter of a momma and cubs.......big difference in my opinion.

If they were not this years cubs....I would have shot her. just my    but I don't hunt for bear anymore.

[furiouzgeorge]

Good choice for YOU. There are a lot of folks who'd have no problem shooting Momma bear. That's fine! But judging from your first post I think you'd have had a problem. Better to regret not taking the shot, then regret taking it. I personally would have passed as well. My kids are big babies ;-)

[grizzlyadams]

No, I would not. You did the right thing.

 

X2

[CedarPants]

Good choice for YOU. There are a lot of folks who'd have no problem shooting Momma bear. That's fine! But judging from your first post I think you'd have had a problem. Better to regret not taking the shot, then regret taking it. I personally would have passed as well. My kids are big babies ;-)

Good post.

[50CalJim]

I wouldn't have shot her. I've had plenty of chances to shoot Sows with mature Cubs but I get more enjoyment sitting there watching them play around vs killing her.

[muzbuster]

I would have passed on this one, not that the "cubs" need her for anything, I would rather look for a big boar. I would have took as many pics as I could & looked for another one.

[robescc]

Myself, I would have shot her since the "cubs" are no longer cubs. I would still probably pass on her though because I would want a bore. It all depends on how close to the truck I was and how late in the season it is. There is no shame in your decision. Just remember, there are plenty of bears in the woods.

[hogsniper]

Would definitely pass on this one!   Had this same thing happen a couple days ago!  Sat and watched them until they winded us and went up a tree!   Got a couple pics ill post later!   

[Kowsrule30]

Probably would've shot her and if I had second tag got a "cub".... Better meat....      They aren't cubs that old.... That's @ 40-50lbs of meat... A little more then an average spike buck or yearling doe that a bunch of people shoot every year.... No different than that... It's just a bear with momma.... Just still hanging on.... Like trying to get your 20 year old son to move out...... You want to but you can't!!!  As of now I really would've shot her.... Haven't got out to hunt much and won't be able to as much this year.... (once so far) I was really after a blonde/cinnamon bear this year that I found.... Probabaly not gonna happen.... So if I see momma with year old "cubs".... She is smoked....

[Goldeneye]

I wouldn't have shot her.  There is a reason the mama bear has not run the cubs off yet.  They are probably still learning from her.  It's a personal choice though.  I am not that desparate for meat that I have to shoot the first availiable animal.  If a person relies on hunting to put dinner on the table, that is not cost effective.  It's cheaper to just buy steak at the grocery.  I actually enjoy just being in the woods.  If I shoot something it's a bonus.