Cub Survival Odds

[h20hunter]

So, without creating a debate on the right/wrong moral/ethical question of whether or not to shoot a sow with cubs, what do you think the odds are that a cub would survive without a mother to protect it. I ask because I am honest enough to say I will have a hard time in the heat of the moment deciding what I should do. I am looking for my first bear this year and probably won't know my decision until I am faced with it. So, please stick to topic and don't bash if someone mentions taking a sow with or without knowing she had cubs. Just looking for opinions regarding cub survival.

[woodswalker]

Its pretty tough on the cubs, odds are very low.

[D-Rock425]

I don't know what the numbers would be but I'm thinking pretty low odds that this years cubs would make it without mom.

[haus]

'hard time in the heat of the moment deciding what I should do'
how so?

[D-Rock425]

You could go buy your second bear tag and shoot momma and the baby.  Would that be wrong?

[h20hunter]

How so?

I guess I'm just excited to be out hunting, looking for that first bear. I am all for conservation, habitat renewal, good stewardship, and the like. However, when faced with a legal animal I will be tempted to take it. I like to think I have the discipline to not shoot a sow without some effort spent to make sure there are no cubs but....I am sure the temptation will be there when faced with my first shooter bear.

[h20hunter]

Momma would be the rug and baby the slippers maybe?

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

Momma would be the rug and baby the slippers maybe?

Bedspread, and pillow case ?
 
Seriously (and I am no expert) but if it was one of this years, I would pass, but if it is one of last years..

[runamuk]

So, without creating a debate on the right/wrong moral/ethical question of whether or not to shoot a sow with cubs, what do you think the odds are that a cub would survive without a mother to protect it. I ask because I am honest enough to say I will have a hard time in the heat of the moment deciding what I should do. I am looking for my first bear this year and probably won't know my decision until I am faced with it. So, please stick to topic and don't bash if someone mentions taking a sow with or without knowing she had cubs. Just looking for opinions regarding cub survival.

truth is age of the cub and its health are gonna be the determining factor the older the cub the better survival rate in general a whole lot of other stuff comes into play but learning the rough size to age might ease your mind a little....

[haus]

How so?

I guess I'm just excited to be out hunting, looking for that first bear. I am all for conservation, habitat renewal, good stewardship, and the like. However, when faced with a legal animal I will be tempted to take it. I like to think I have the discipline to not shoot a sow without some effort spent to make sure there are no cubs but....I am sure the temptation will be there when faced with my first shooter bear.

not questioning your values or saying either choice is right or wrong. I haven't shot a bear yet either, this is my first year really going after them specifically, and I made the decision already. No doubts. I don't have an ounce of risk of temptation. If we're talkin small buck vs holding out for big buck then I understand temptation, but in this case I just don't get it. Just me I guess. 

[Kain]

Very low odds for the first year without a mother.  Dont do it please.  Take a picture or something.  It is not like the little cub will go lay down and die a peaceful death, it will suffer for days/weeks before it either starves or is torn to pieces by another predator. 

Even after the first year a juvenile bear that is very hungry can be REALLY dangerous.  You could be putting other people at risk.

I know that it happens, most of the time accidentally, (I hope) but we should try our hardest to make sure that we dont take a sow with cubs.

[h20hunter]

No worries. I just know me and it will be tough to pass. Especially if it is a big sow. However, I think I would feel good about the decision (to pass) afterwards. I've never felt bad about passing on a shot at a deer that I thought was low percentage.

[h20hunter]

Kain, very good points. I hate to think of any anmial out there suffering needlessly. Also, a hungy cub/person interaction could be very bad.

[dirty24d]

On  the 4 different occasions that i have come across a mother with cubs the cubs have always emerged from the tree line or brush first with the mother at the rear everytime. This may be purely coincedental but maybe they tend to be out in front when grazing or more specifically not traveling to a specific location that the mother has in mind.  I've seen sows with a cub weighing greater than 60 lbs, which typically indicates the cub is over the age of 6 months old, they appear completely non agressive  when the cubs are this age. This leads me to believe they are in the process of trying to seperate from the cub. Cubs are dependnant on the sows breast milk for 30 weeks and typically reach full independence by 16 - 18 months.

These are just my observations and opinions and in no way am i trying to come off like an expert. i wouldnt hesitate to shoot a sow with last years cub for sure.

[Hunter Dug]

Cubs can stay with there mothers for up to 2 years.  With that being said this years cubs could be any were from large raccoon size to 40 pounds depending on when they dropped.  These sized bears will have very little chance of survival, and will probably be eating my garbage, or a camp ground garbage near you.  Just like any other situation just use your head if you are ethical you will make the right decision. Be patient and let the situation unfold a little longer that usual.