Bears scary?

[NewHunter24]

First year going out for black bear.. still new to hunting, been walking dnr roads and found a nice bear that I scared off on opening day the adrenaline rush was real.. Was going to go back out here in the next few days and look for the same bear just have a few questions before I head back out.

1. How the heck do you guys stay calm when you are solo bear hunting? Do they usually run away when shot? I'm just scared I won't make a clean shot or drop him on the spot and he will charge towards where I am.

2. Is there a set distance you need to be off dnr roads before you can shoot? They are gated motorized roads, heard you can just step a few feet off the road and as long as your not shoting towards or over the road, you are good to go?

3. Always see people making shots on logging roads and basically using trees as a backstop if the bullet passes through the animal or if missed online.. I don't want to just assume a tree will stop my bullet if I make a shot, do you guys only hunt areas that have elevation change for a earthen backstop?

4. Tons of big cat sign where I'm hunting, almost every 100yds there is either bear or cat sign. If there is an extra amount of cat activity would you solo hunt there?

[hunter399]

1) don't worry they always run away after shot. Always be prepared to shot twice with any animal. Tracking a wounded bear is more scary then the first shot. Shoot till it's down,if you can see it.

2) Common sense goes along way. Gated road you should be able to shoot from road. Be sure of your target,and your backstop.
Good to go.

3)If your hunting a very flat piece of land ,You may have to find something as a backstop. Any tree with a 20 in diameter will stop most rifle rounds . But ideally a earth backstop is best.

4) Yes I would still hunt it with cat sign.
Buy a cougar tag. Opens in September.

[jrebel]

After you shoot it and it runs off.....be very quiet and listen for the death bawl / moan.  The first time I heard this was with my first bear and it scared the living heck out of me......no way I was going into the dense forest looking for that thing.      Gave it a good hour before going in and it was dead pretty much where I shot it.  If they bawl a couple times and stop....they are almost always dead right there.  Not all bears will give a death bawl / moan, I have heard it in about 50% of the bears killed. 

Sounds like your in a good area.  Watch the wind and get after it.  Make sure to report your success back here so we know you make it out of the woods alive.   

[Pathfinder101]

 
All good advice.
In my experience, a shot bear will often spin around and bite at the spot where your bullet struck.  They are so fast, you likely won't get a second shot, but if you do... keep shooting. 
The sketchy part about tracking one you just shot is that they often bail off into the brush then use the last of their strength to dive under something.  That means you may be blood trailing on your hands and knees.  If you have a handgun, I'd bring it.  Makes that part a little less nerve-wracking. 
As noted above, about half the bears I have shot or seen shot let out a "death moan" when they give up the ghost.  If you hear that, you are looking for a dead bear. 
Have fun, and good luck! 

[dilleytech]

They run whatever direction they came from usually when shot. I have had them run straight at me but not because they are coming to get me but because that’s just the way they decided to run. The number one rule to being in the outdoors is don’t be a scared little B**ch about things.

[b0bbyg]

They run whatever direction they came from usually when shot. I have had them run straight at me but not because they are coming to get me but because that’s just the way they decided to run. The number one rule to being in the outdoors is don’t be a scared little B**ch about things.

I think I would take common sense as a first rule, there are a some people out there that are not afraid, but I have some serious concerns about them    but to your point, people hunting when afraid is not a good mix.

[MADMAX]

Situational awareness

Watch your backtrack

Cats are the critter you need to watch for

[Fidelk]

You asked about shooting towards or over a road.......check the regs but I believe the language says a maintained portion of a road.

[MADMAX]

Negligently discharging a firearm (RCW 77.15.460):
From, across, or along the maintained portion of any public highway, regardless of surface, or from within a moving vehicle or moving off-road vehicle is prohibited. Hunters with disabilities with a vehicle identification placard, in compliance with WAC 220-413-140, may discharge a firearm or other legal hunting device from a non-moving motor vehicle that has the engine turned off.

[ElkTacos]

Negligently discharging a firearm (RCW 77.15.460):
From, across, or along the maintained portion of any public highway, regardless of surface

To the OP’s question it sounds like a gated road is no longer a public and therefore the limitations of shooting on it, across it etc. As described in this section no longer apply.

Do keep in mind that a private gated road can still have people driving on it. Logging operations etc. So be aware out there


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[UplandSetter]

Great advice from all the previous posters, they know there stuff. The only thing I'll add is that if you're new to hunting, the fear aspect will eventually widdle away. I remember when I was in my teens going out alone for the first few times hunting whatever (not necessarily bear) and just having my mind wander. After more time in the woods alone, you just get used to it and realize that no boogy man is gonna get you (usually).

That doesn't mean don't keep your head on a swivel, though. Be aware of your surroundings especially in cougar country. Attacks have low percentages but still worth it to be aware.

[pianoman9701]

If you're afraid of a charge, hunt with a partner...who's slower than you, such as an old guy like me. In cat country, have that partner walk behind you everywhere you go. In case of a close call, bring toilet paper and clean shorts. Trust me. I'm a very experienced internet bear hunter. Good luck!

[Cougartail]

The most dangerous part of any hunt is driving there. If your lucky you'll be attacked and survive with a well placed shot.

Experiences like that will stand out for a lifetime.

Nobody talks about being feet away from a bear in a zoo but do when in the wild. Danger is the drug!

Live it while you still can. You can always learn to knit later when hunting is banned.

[10thmountainarcher]

Negligently discharging a firearm (RCW 77.15.460):
From, across, or along the maintained portion of any public highway, regardless of surface, or from within a moving vehicle or moving off-road vehicle is prohibited. Hunters with disabilities with a vehicle identification placard, in compliance with WAC 220-413-140, may discharge a firearm or other legal hunting device from a non-moving motor vehicle that has the engine turned off.

The way you quoted the the RCW makes it look like it’s considered a negligent discharge if you fire a gun from the roadway. The RCW reads differently.

2) A person is guilty of unlawful use of a loaded firearm if:
(a) The person negligently discharges a firearm from, across, or along the maintained portion of a public highway; or
(b) The person discharges a firearm from within a moving motor vehicle or from upon a moving off-road vehicle.

Unfortunately negligently isn’t defined for this chapter…

[NewHunter24]

Thanks for all the help! Going to get back out there and fill this tag!

[buckfvr]

I would give some thought as to whether you are prepared for a close shot as in 10 yards +-, as that is not uncommon.  Your rifle caliber and scope combination is important while predator hunting.

[okie john]

First year going out for black bear.. still new to hunting, been walking dnr roads and found a nice bear that I scared off on opening day the adrenaline rush was real.. Was going to go back out here in the next few days and look for the same bear just have a few questions before I head back out.

1. How the heck do you guys stay calm when you are solo bear hunting? Do they usually run away when shot? I'm just scared I won't make a clean shot or drop him on the spot and he will charge towards where I am.

The most dangerous animal in the woods is a man with a rifle IF he is competent with it and confident in his skills. Experience is the best way to build those things. The first major adrenaline rush is always a mind-bender but the next one won’t be nearly as strong and then they get progressively weaker. Pretty soon you just feel a general excitement that leaves your mind free to focus on the mechanics of the problem before you.

Aside from that, training is the next best way to build confidence.
•   Shot placement kills game. Learn the animal’s anatomy so you can hit the vital zone from any angle. Find animals in a zoo (https://www.nwtrek.org/animals/bears/ or https://www.cattales.org/animals/black-bears/) then watch them move, imagine where the vital zone is, and figure out how you’d hit it with a rifle. In an hour, you’ll see them from more angles than you would in years of hunting.
•   Shooting game offhand and handling a rifle under hazard are completely different than shooting from a bench. You need to learn and practice those skills. https://www.amazon.com/Art-Rifle-Jeff-Cooper/dp/1581605927 is an excellent reference. Focus on learning to cycle the action hard and fast while the rifle is still on our shoulder then fire a second shot. You’d be surprised how fast you can get this way, even with a bolt-action rifle. Also practice making fast, precise hits at 5-10 yards and topping off your magazine without looking at your rifle.
•   Keep your scope on the lowest setting. You’ll have time to crank it up if a longer shot comes up.
•   When a wounded animal jumps into the brush, stop and listen as others have described. Always top off your magazine before you go in after it. You’ll want a fully loaded rifle, and sometimes just summoning the presence of mind to do this will calm you down.
•   Practice transitioning from your rifle to your handgun and making solid, fast hits at very close range.
•   Get a good First Aid kit, including a tourniquet, and learn to use it. Then don’t hunt without it. Also know the location and route to the nearest Emergency Room.

Figuring all of this stuff out in advance goes a lot farther to building your confidence than you'd think.


Okie John

[MADMAX]

Negligently discharging a firearm (RCW 77.15.460):
From, across, or along the maintained portion of any public highway, regardless of surface, or from within a moving vehicle or moving off-road vehicle is prohibited. Hunters with disabilities with a vehicle identification placard, in compliance with WAC 220-413-140, may discharge a firearm or other legal hunting device from a non-moving motor vehicle that has the engine turned off.

The way you quoted the the RCW makes it look like it’s considered a negligent discharge if you fire a gun from the roadway. The RCW reads differently.

2) A person is guilty of unlawful use of a loaded firearm if:
(a) The person negligently discharges a firearm from, across, or along the maintained portion of a public highway; or
(b) The person discharges a firearm from within a moving motor vehicle or from upon a moving off-road vehicle.

Unfortunately negligently isn’t defined for this chapter…

page 89 0f the Big game pamphlet was what I pasted in there

[10thmountainarcher]

Negligently discharging a firearm (RCW 77.15.460):
From, across, or along the maintained portion of any public highway, regardless of surface, or from within a moving vehicle or moving off-road vehicle is prohibited. Hunters with disabilities with a vehicle identification placard, in compliance with WAC 220-413-140, may discharge a firearm or other legal hunting device from a non-moving motor vehicle that has the engine turned off.

The way you quoted the the RCW makes it look like it’s considered a negligent discharge if you fire a gun from the roadway. The RCW reads differently.

2) A person is guilty of unlawful use of a loaded firearm if:
(a) The person negligently discharges a firearm from, across, or along the maintained portion of a public highway; or
(b) The person discharges a firearm from within a moving motor vehicle or from upon a moving off-road vehicle.

Unfortunately negligently isn’t defined for this chapter…

page 89 0f the Big game pamphlet was what I pasted in there

Ahh I see that now. It says the same as the RCW then. You’re prohibited from negligently discharging a firearm from a roadway.

[hunter399]

Negligently discharging a firearm (RCW 77.15.460):
From, across, or along the maintained portion of any public highway, regardless of surface, or from within a moving vehicle or moving off-road vehicle is prohibited. Hunters with disabilities with a vehicle identification placard, in compliance with WAC 220-413-140, may discharge a firearm or other legal hunting device from a non-moving motor vehicle that has the engine turned off.

The way you quoted the the RCW makes it look like it’s considered a negligent discharge if you fire a gun from the roadway. The RCW reads differently.

2) A person is guilty of unlawful use of a loaded firearm if:
(a) The person negligently discharges a firearm from, across, or along the maintained portion of a public highway; or
(b) The person discharges a firearm from within a moving motor vehicle or from upon a moving off-road vehicle.

Unfortunately negligently isn’t defined for this chapter…

page 89 0f the Big game pamphlet was what I pasted in there

Ahh I see that now. It says the same as the RCW then. You’re prohibited from negligently discharging a firearm from a roadway.

Ya it says this or that in the reg book.
I always just remind myself,that your responsible for that bullet before you pull the trigger.

I remember one time .....
This buck was bedded under this huge bull pine, probably 30 in + tree. With a doe.
Right behind them two was a county road,and a house beyond that.
Last day of the late buck!

Still to this day ,I'm almost 99.9 percent sure I could of shot that buck right in his bed ,maybe 60 yard shot and that bullet was gonna hit that huge pine right behind him.
I'm not gonna lie ,I looked through the scope at him a few times,just thinking about it.
But being able to see that house in my scope, I said no way.

Anyway I waited,doe got up a ran off right towards that house.
And so did the buck. They was rutting hard. She would of ran any other direction,I would of had a backstop and could shoot.
It took a lot of self control for me not to kill that buck.
Later that day I tagged out on a spike,just cause last day.

[NewHunter24]

First year going out for black bear.. still new to hunting, been walking dnr roads and found a nice bear that I scared off on opening day the adrenaline rush was real.. Was going to go back out here in the next few days and look for the same bear just have a few questions before I head back out.

1. How the heck do you guys stay calm when you are solo bear hunting? Do they usually run away when shot? I'm just scared I won't make a clean shot or drop him on the spot and he will charge towards where I am.

The most dangerous animal in the woods is a man with a rifle IF he is competent with it and confident in his skills. Experience is the best way to build those things. The first major adrenaline rush is always a mind-bender but the next one won’t be nearly as strong and then they get progressively weaker. Pretty soon you just feel a general excitement that leaves your mind free to focus on the mechanics of the problem before you.

Aside from that, training is the next best way to build confidence.
•   Shot placement kills game. Learn the animal’s anatomy so you can hit the vital zone from any angle. Find animals in a zoo (https://www.nwtrek.org/animals/bears/ or https://www.cattales.org/animals/black-bears/) then watch them move, imagine where the vital zone is, and figure out how you’d hit it with a rifle. In an hour, you’ll see them from more angles than you would in years of hunting.
•   Shooting game offhand and handling a rifle under hazard are completely different than shooting from a bench. You need to learn and practice those skills. https://www.amazon.com/Art-Rifle-Jeff-Cooper/dp/1581605927 is an excellent reference. Focus on learning to cycle the action hard and fast while the rifle is still on our shoulder then fire a second shot. You’d be surprised how fast you can get this way, even with a bolt-action rifle. Also practice making fast, precise hits at 5-10 yards and topping off your magazine without looking at your rifle.
•   Keep your scope on the lowest setting. You’ll have time to crank it up if a longer shot comes up.
•   When a wounded animal jumps into the brush, stop and listen as others have described. Always top off your magazine before you go in after it. You’ll want a fully loaded rifle, and sometimes just summoning the presence of mind to do this will calm you down.
•   Practice transitioning from your rifle to your handgun and making solid, fast hits at very close range.
•   Get a good First Aid kit, including a tourniquet, and learn to use it. Then don’t hunt without it. Also know the location and route to the nearest Emergency Room.

Figuring all of this stuff out in advance goes a lot farther to building your confidence than you'd think.


Okie John

Have not actually gone to a outdoor range or anything setup for shooting yet, on the west side so chances are I will be 25-50 yds. Been practicing between 25 & 50 yards shooting like I would if I were taking a standing shot. Really don't think I would be able to hit a charging bear with the rifle, got some .40 S&W 200gr hardcast if for some reason it did attack. Mainly got it for following the blood trail & something on me while field dressing. Going to definitely practice taking a follow up shot!

Don't really know the area I'm going to since I only went out there twice so far, I guess my best bet would be getting some elevation. The last place I was going the terrain was pretty uneven so there was a back stop pretty much anywhere. This place is semi flat, I guess it just comes down to getting a good shot opportunity and getting off the road.