Free: Contests & Raffles.
I would also consider it noteworthy that I have never field dressed any animal. I have watched videos for deer but that’s it.
Quote from: Scheindogg on September 22, 2019, 07:35:43 AMI would also consider it noteworthy that I have never field dressed any animal. I have watched videos for deer but that’s it.At the end of the day you made the decision that was right for you. In my mind this is all that matters.
I believe that would have been illegal if your buddy would have taken the shot.
I would find it difficult to criticize someone for not taking a shot he didn't feel comfortable taking.Going prepared means knowing what is legal, and being ready to take it from field to table.Take advantage of the learning experience and grow from it.A thought came to me recently that field dressing a road killed animal could be an excellent way to learn, as there's nothing to lose if it goes poorly. There is no legal wastage consideration.
Quote from: Scheindogg on September 22, 2019, 07:35:43 AMI would also consider it noteworthy that I have never field dressed any animal. I have watched videos for deer but that’s it.If you saw a deer would you have shot it? Sounds like you weren’t in a position to properly take care of any animal. Theres no real wrong way to get the meat off a animal. Key is keep it as clean as possible, besides that your just cutting the meat off the bone. Experience creates skill. Again a bears not much different then a deer. Again to answer the original question yes you should have shot it and figured it out. It would have been enjoyable experience I promise.
Part of learning to hunt also means when to shoot and when not to. If your partner was too close and you were unsure of your self then you did the right thing. Never take a shot you are not sure of. No matter the species, when field dressing the same principles apply. Try not to contaminate the meat by puncturing the stomach or bladder. If you are really that new to hunting you should also consider studying the vital areas of all species you plan to hunt for. Wounding a bear especially at close range would never be a good idea.
All I know is I would have a hard time passing up a bear at 20 yards. I may regret it afterwards, but I'm pretty sure there's no way I'm not pulling the trigger.
Quote from: bobcat on September 23, 2019, 08:30:48 AMAll I know is I would have a hard time passing up a bear at 20 yards. I may regret it afterwards, but I'm pretty sure there's no way I'm not pulling the trigger.
Bears have the same guts, joints and muscles as deer. They are just a bit more robustly built.On a deer hunt like that with low expectations, heck yeah you should have shot it! Good job waiting and watching for cubs.
I believe you did the right thing. It also sounds like you were far away from the truck making the dressing and pack out super hard if you have never actually done it.
So good job on making a good call. Get better versed over the winter and you'll be ready to roll next year.
Quote from: 7mmfan on September 23, 2019, 08:07:40 AMSo good job on making a good call. Get better versed over the winter and you'll be ready to roll next year.For the record I will be out again atleast once THIS year and now have watched videos on gutting bear as well as deer I have seen already several times