Thinking about bear hunting with a bow. Need advise and info.

[seansfire]

I have been considering getting a bear tag next year and i will be hunting archery. Problem is i don't know anything about bears and i am scared of them anyway. I have never seen one in the woods, just lots of tracks and poop. What i want to know is if i am going after one do i need to be in a tree stand or on the ground? Are they likely to attack me if i am just out hunting deer or just in the woods in general? I guess i am trying to get over my fear of them so i can put one in the freezer. Any info or advise would be greatly appreciated.

What is the reaction of bears when you put an arrow in them? How close is too close to shoot one with a bow?

[jackelope]

Are they likely to attack me if i am just out hunting deer or just in the woods in general?

you haven't been attacked yet...have you?
assuming you've spent some time in the woods, i'd say they are not likely to attack you if you are just out hunting or in the woods in general.
i've never killed a bear, but i think a huge part of the attraction of doing it with a bow is the thrill factor.
if you're not in it for the thrill factor, then shoot one with your rifle. even that can be thrill enough for some i'd bet.

[Machias]

I have taken 5 bears with a bow so far, 3 from a treestand, one that was treed and one on the ground.  I have also taken three with a rifle, but they were all at bow range.  I love being close to bears, especially big bears.  You have to respect them but I have only had one get semi aggressive and it was a case of mistaken identity.  The one I shot on the ground with my bow was maybe 9-10 feet away, blew right through both lungs and she rolled around roared and came up running right at me.  I'm not exaggerating I could have slapped her right on the butt as she ran past me.  She was just running to get away, piled up 45 yards later.  Respect them, but don't fear them.  With a bow it is extremely important you only take good, high percentage shots, both lungs and they will not go far at all.  Last thing you want is a risky shot and a wounded bear.  Spend some time watching them and you'll be truly amazed at these awesome animals and your fear will begin to subside.

[Buckmark]

Black Bears dont bother me, but Grizzlies scare the *censored* out of me, Grizzlies and Great White sharks.. I lived in alaska, ive been to Glaicer nat park, elk hunting in idaho and utah, and I still get the willies at Grizzlies. Great Whites, well i just stay out of the water and it's all good.. Except when i watch the shows of them lauching out of the water and eating the seals, that makes my boat seem too small...

[50CalJim]

Bears will normally shy away from you but you don't want to do what I did last yr while on a hike. I got within 10' of a cub & then had a up close & personal encounter with a pissed off Momma Bear. Not fun having a Bear charging at you but its one hell of a adrenaline rush. Ha Ha.