Boning out a bear?

[Hunter mike]

I've been keeping my eye out for bear while deer hunting and would like to add some bear hunts in between as well...

Can a bear be boned out using more or less the same methods as I've learned for deer?  I will not be close to the truck (or not likely) so I'll have to get it down to the most reasonable weight possible!  Think one could "figure it out" based on the methods used for deer?  Any special/specific things to know?

Also... is it total sacrilege to not take the hide?  Taxidermy/bear rug is not really in my budget right now (unless I got something really cool/trophy then I'd charge it like it's hot on the credit card ).  Are there less expensive options than a full rug?

I really appreciate the input and all the help I've received on this site!  Thanks!

[atc250r18]

It's pretty much the same as a deer.  If you don't want to do anything with the hide most taxi's will give you credit for a good cape/rug.

Don't be disappointed in the tenderloin's, there kinda small.

[92xj]

Yes,
you can figure out how to bone out a bear by having knowledge of boning out a deer.  You'll be fine if you've done it to a deer before.

The hide....
You can just get it tanned and not rug it.  A ton cheaper than a rug.  Another cheaper option would be a shoulder mount with a closed mouth. 

[SWHUNTER]

The hide....
You can just get it tanned and not rug it.  A ton cheaper than a rug.  Another cheaper option would be a shoulder mount with a closed mouth.

An even cheaper option is to leave the hide on the hill and just pack out the meat.

[sirmissalot]

I would at least tan the hide. My next bear is gonna get soft tanned, they are pretty cool.

[JimmyHoffa]

I think you can soft tan with chemicals at home for about $40 (salt included).  To brain tan would only be the cost of salt---don't head shoot.

[bobcat]

You could leave the hide in the woods and just bring out the meat and head, and then have the skull done. I don't think it's that expensive for that, maybe around $100. Also doesn't take up much space.

[Hunter mike]

Thanks for the info and ideas everyone!

I'd say I'm a meat hunter foremost, but I hope to end up with a cool mount or two and rug or two along the way - especially if I ever find a real trophy!  I'm really interested in how variable the coloring can be on black bears, so any cool variation and I'd probably change my tune!