Bear meat

[snowpack]

Isn't it true that WDFW views the bear as a predator, and hunters are not required to take the meat?

Just asking.

Guy

I think I heard before because it requires a tag, the meat would fall under the same wastage as deer/elk.  Things that don't need a tag like coons, coyotes and bobcats can be left.  It is a good question I'd like to know too.  Especially if in the future wolves require a tag....I wouldn't want to touch a wolf much less eat it...just treat like a yote.

[bowhunterforever]

I haven't left a bear either and all the bears I have shot were good eating. Few different people have told me that you don't have to keep bear meat and am curious if it is true or not?

[Alphamax]

You may NOT allow game animals or game birds you have taken to recklessly be wasted. I copy that from the washington hunting rags. Hope that helps, bear meat is awsome don't wast it.

[Turner89]

weird, weve done a few, nothing harder than any other animal to us.

 The first bear I shot was eating, and rolling in spawned out humpies The meaat was aweful. I figured that would be the last bear I ever shot.
 A couple years later a friend of mine shot a bear that had been feeding on berries, and no where near fish. I cut a steak off it to see if there was a difference, and couldn't believe how good it was.
 My son and I both shot bears this last spring, and usually have some for dinner at least once a week. We have to make room for a couple more bears, and deer. I just made steaks out of both of them

[snowpack]

The regs say what you wrote and so does the answer to a FAQ on a WDFW website.
http://wdfw.wa.gov/help/questions/83/What+is+the+definition+of+%22wastage%2C%22+and+when+does+it+apply%3F

What is the definition of "wastage," and when does it apply?
•You may not allow game animals or game birds you have taken to recklessly be wasted.
•You must make a reasonable attempt to remove and use all edible meat from the carcass of harvested game fish, game birds, and game animals.

But the RCW appears to be written for big game or animals worth more than $250 (however that was determined?).
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=77.15.170

(1) A person is guilty of waste of fish and wildlife if:

     (a) The person kills, takes, or possesses fish, shellfish, or wildlife having a value of two hundred fifty dollars or more or wildlife classified as big game; and

     (b) The person recklessly allows such fish, shellfish, or wildlife to be wasted.

I agree it sounds like it applies to bears.

[Smossy]

I think someone said it before but Id say anything that requires an individual tag.. bear, deer, elk, coug, turkey, would without question be wasteful if left behind.

[justaguy]

If you're hauling meat/fat/skin out, I'm guessing the meat's the first thing to get into the cooler. Any opinions on what's the first, second, and third  (or more) load on the pack to get it to the cooler?

[Broken Arrow]

No more work than any other big game animal. I have found that east side bears that have fed on plums, apples, pears, etc. are delicious.  ( never had a west side bear). Best bear meet I have ever had was when i had smoked hams made out if. Also have had cougar back straps.....i think its better then pork. Light colored meat...very tasty....but i will eat anything....heck BBQ marinated crow breast are even good.

[Jonathan_S]

heck BBQ marinated crow breast are even good.

Hmm.  I haven't tried this but I can't imagine even trying.  Brave man