Weight

[Machias]

I'd like everyones opinion.  Folks are kind enough to post their photos and share their stories with us here, which is one of the biggest reasons we love coming to this site.  We all know the bear is one of the hardest animals to accuratly guesstimate  their weight.  Most bears are WAY over guesstimated.  Most folks on this site would be absolutely shocked at how much their weight is over estimated.  The average sow in WA is less then 140 pounds and the average boar is around 175.  Granted there are bigger bears taken every year.  My question is should we as a group, not belittle somone, but point out when they've clearly overquesstimated?  On one hand it can seem like we're being jerks, on the other hand if we never point these things out how in the world are we ever going to get folks to understand they are not even close on their bears weight...or does it even matter?

[MuleySniper]

If we enforce that law, it needs to be used for fish too!
MS

[Gobble]

I think is does everyone a favor by politely correcting them in a tactful manor. IMHO

[Machias]

If we enforce that law, it needs to be used for fish too!
MS

[coop2424]

 I completely agree that most of them are completely over judged just not sure if it is worth explaining to them that the weight they have judged is completely off since I have no proof.  I personally don't say anything since it is not worth my time and that it will take away from something that I can not seem to do.  "Shoot a bear"

[JackOfAllTrades]

Oh, there's a lot of Bears that come out whole. Those people are the ones that have learned that their weight judgement needed a little adjustment.

I think everyone that has a bit of experience, in weight judging on the hoof/paw, or is skilled in the green score of a critters antlers is doing a favor to the inexperienced. Nothing wrong with teaching. Don't just disagree with the initial post, but substantiate the corrected estimate.

My Bear was 240 (I've only got one), on the hook at the butcher without hide, head or guts. His belly was dragging over 3" branches in the trail. Did he have a big belly or short legs? I never weighed the hide/head/(obviously the guts), but I estimate him to have been a bit over 300 on the ground. He had more guts than any deer I've shot. So, I substantiate my claim by an easy 25 for the wet head and hide, and another 40 for the guts.

It does take a somewhat trained eye though. Small ears means big head means big bear is not always true. Paw size, girth of belly and neck. Neck length, and rump size all need to be factored when judging a Bear.

Just like people, there are short, fat, skinny, and tall Bears in the woods.

-Steve

[boneaddict]

Every bear is a trophy.  I tend to point that out and if a person is way off try to do it gently.  No I am not an expert, but have weighed more than the average person, and that is basically what it takes.  No harm no foul.  I will generally try to do it with the occasional score if its way off.

[MtnMuley]

You're exactly right on the weights of average bears imo.  I try to not downgrade the person for overestimating the size of bear as sometime pictures are deceiving.  They've had a memorable hunt and as excited as can be.  However, if someone posts and inquires on the size of a bear, I'll throw out my best.

[Machias]

That's how I feel guys.  Most bears a super nice trophies, to be proud of.  Personally I can't go as far as any bear is a trohpy but most are.  The few that aren't, I try to bite my tongue and don't say anything.  I feel if someone says well this bear was so and so weight or about a XXX number of pounds then I think if you respectfully let them know they are off, it shouldn't be taken as a slam on that person or their trophy.  Thanks everyone for your points of view.

[Gutpile]

 
 I get a little annoyed with the weight business but I don't feel qualified enough on bears to say anything. That little thing I shot this year was actually a heavy little dude compared to my 08 spring bear which was a foot longer but lighter because of the lack of fat.

Mostly it's the 200 lb doe, the 60 lb coyote, or the 50 pound Bobcat that annoy me when the picture pretty much shows it's a regular or even smaller than average animal the happy hunter is bragging about.

[Ray]

I only feel compelled to correct braggarts who are clearly way off. Have not seen many of those sort of stories in the bear hunting forum. Tape the skull, weigh the bear or I'll just take a grain of salt with the claim. That is if I disagree I will do so silently for the most part - on bears.  If I can tell you're bragging as well as overstating and call you on it (in the bear category) you'll be sure someone else probably already did or will. Have not done it yet to anyone.

Good job on all the bears down this year.

[cohoho]

Out of the bears we have gotten never weighed one at all?  Some reason lower forty eight states seem to state weight versus skull size or squared sized.  I used to figure weight like this, once we got to the downed bear and pulled it into a place where you could gut and disrobe it.  If I couldn't pull it up hill, sideways or get my hand around it's front paw to pull- then damn that's a good bear.  All bears are good ones, especially when they are the first...

[bowtech55]

I just dont like it when someone exaggerates weight when another guy tells the true weight. It takes away from the guy with the true weighted bear. just my  

[Machias]

I honestly don't think guys exaggerate on purpose.  They are just guessing and bears tend to be guessed on the high side.  I had a whitetail buck I killed in MO once.  After the drag out I was certain gutted it was 150 buck.  Put it on the scales the next morning and was shocked, 97 pounds.  Wow.

[JackOfAllTrades]

Some reason lower forty eight states seem to state weight versus skull size or squared sized.

That's funny.. In my circle of friends, weight is estimated, but the first thing my local taxidermist does is call with the actual squared size. Any Bear above 6' square is a good bear in my book.  I never discussed measured length nose to tail, until I joined this site.

Although I've seen some small bear with pretty big heads, I'll admit that generally that is a good guage for the size of Bear.

-Steve