Eastside bear question .

[MIKEXRAY]

I was elk hunting along hwy 410 and saw my first bear archery hunting. I had a 20 yard shot and didn't take it because I thought he was to small. First bear I've seen in the wild that wasn't hauling ass and I could judge, having half an hour to study him. I talked to a friend and he said bears in the east cascades are smaller in size generally anyway ? I'm wondering if I should of taken him ? He was the size of a German Shepard only fatter, definitely alone. Now I'm doubting my decision. Is it bad to take a small bear ? Any ideas ? I expected bigger but maybe I'm thinking big bear and actually smaller ? He was pretty fat. Mike

[Lowedog]

The WA state record was shot in Eastern WA if that helps any.  I would say that you just saw a young bear.  From all the pics I have seen from this year if anything I would say that the bears on the west side have thicker hair and may be a little fatter this time of year.

-Lowedog

[billythekidrock]

Most of the bears I have seen on the Eastside were generally larger then most of the Westside bears I have seen.

A German Shepard only fatter? Single bear? With a bow?
I am pretty sure I would have taken the shot. Washington bears on average are not really big. Sounds like you found a young boar or a dry sow in the 100 to 150 lb range.

[MIKEXRAY]

I would say he was over a hundred pounds for sure, maybe not 150. The german shepard was size comparison as far as height. I'm thinking I should of shot him since I have never gotten a bear. He was at 25 yards for half hour. Maybe next time. Mike

[Houndhunter]

interesting i always had it in mind that west side had bigger bears atleast thats what i've seen . i just tryed to shoot a bear with my bow, 100-125ish, got to 60yrds and just wasnt closer enough so i tried to get closer and got busted. IMO any bear with a bow is a good kill

[billythekidrock]

IMO any bear with a bow is a good kill

+1

[Rufous]

I and my brother and my hunting buddy have all taken some pretty big bears over here in the Blue Mountains. East side bears can get big (I am talking well over 300#). Just the 4 legs from my biggest bear (minus hide and paws) weighed 120#. I personnaly do not like shooting the little guys, preferring to let them grow up. Hope you score on a bear soon that makes you proud and happy. Brian.