Bear Hunting Regs

[acnewman55]

Don't see anything in the big game regs about restrictions for taking a bear, other than that WDFW asks that you don't take a sow with cubs.

Are there no minimum size/age requirements for bear hunting? 

[h20hunter]

Nope.....you can shoot a huge boar or brand new cub.....legally that is.

[fastdam]

Is it illegal to take a sow with cubs or is it just a suggestion from them. I take it that its only a suggestion

[h20hunter]

A suggestion.

However, keep in mind. Most, if not all, would agree. If you shoot a sow and it turnes out she has unweened cubs you are going to have to kill them. If you let them live they will die a very nasty death.

Legally....any black bear is fair game.

Quick note on the cubs....if you ever were presented with the decision to do it I would do what you think is right and not ever tell a soul.......

[jay.sharkbait]

Also

Take a look at pictures of cubs vs adult bear and note the differences. The ears are key.

 

[washelkhunter]

Only 35 days to go!

[bmccalister]

The book urges hunters not to shoot a sow with cubs and recommends a hunter observe and be patient before shooting. Personally I would have a hard time taking a sow with cubs - the cubs are the future to bear hunting.

[X-Force]

Only 35 days to go!

Until Nov 15! best season we have.

[skagitsteel]

The book urges hunters not to shoot a sow with cubs and recommends a hunter observe and be patient before shooting. Personally I would have a hard time taking a sow with cubs - the cubs are the future to bear hunting.

[sirmissalot]

Here is what a last years cub looks like about 10 yards away.

[BOWHUNTER45]

Nice ... Now to the issue ...It is always good to watch bears for awhile before shooting ..especially if you hunt brush and berry patches ...You will be surprised how many times you will see a bear and no cubs and then bam ..there they are ...I ran into a couple guys once and even heard them shoot ..when I got to my truck and drove up the road they were jumping all over the place So excited they just shot a bear ...So I had to go with them just because I was there and figured I would help ...Well when we got to the bear is was a cub ...I mean that years cub    they did not care ..they were so excited .. I kept to myself about it but I was grinding teeth trying to keep my mouth shut ...I reached down and picked it up with one hand ...Not against the law but believe me you do not want to walk up on a cub 

[runamuk]

ahhh heck I'd rather kill a cub and eat veal than kill a sow and leave cubs to die maybe that is just me, and besides you burn your first tag on bear veal, then get a second tag and look for something more boar like.

[bearpaw]

The book urges hunters not to shoot a sow with cubs and recommends a hunter observe and be patient before shooting. Personally I would have a hard time taking a sow with cubs - the cubs are the future to bear hunting.

  x3   However, I'm glad it's not illegal, occasionally, and more so in the fall, a hunter will accidentally shoot a bear that he did not know had cubs until it is too late. If that does accidentally happen, at least the guy can use the bear. Hunters need to really watch for cubs so this doesn't happen.

[BOWHUNTER45]

ahhh heck I'd rather kill a cub and eat veal than kill a sow and leave cubs to die maybe that is just me, and besides you burn your first tag on bear veal, then get a second tag and look for something more boar like.

and that's why they  made the law that way ...For people like you and the guys on the road 

[hoytem]

A suggestion.

However, keep in mind. Most, if not all, would agree. If you shoot a sow and it turnes out she has unweened cubs you are going to have to kill them. If you let them live they will die a very nasty death.

Legally....any black bear is fair game.

Quick note on the cubs....if you ever were presented with the decision to do it I would do what you think is right and not ever tell a soul.......

Not true. If you accidentally shoot a sow with cubs call the game dept. They will usually try and save them.