wouldya

[boneaddict]

Too small to make it if mom was shot too.

[Machias]

   Tricky, plus no with a bow at 45 yards from that angle, but I don't think you were originally asking about taking the shot presented.  Nice looking sow, I would for sure pass.....I don't really care how big the cubs are, I don't shoot sow with cubs.  Thanks for sharing the photos.

[boneaddict]

After the cubs showed up I wondered how many folks would have killed her.  There are a lot of people out there that get so hyped they'll plug anything at any oppurtunity.  I would have passed on her right off because of her size.  I'm not a big bear eating fan.  I eat what I kill, but just am not excited about it.  I try to only shoot boars.  This one was young enough I really couldn't tell.  When she started snapping her jaws at me, I assumed there were cubs nearby.  That alone would be enough to ellicit bullets from many.  I just stood my ground and pretty soon one popped out, then another and off they went. 

[MADMAX]

cool picture

[follow maggie]

I still can't see the cub in the first picture.  Without a cub, I'd shoot, with a cub I'll pass.

[boneaddict]

It wasn't in the first pic FM.   She stood there for about 10 minutes at about 45 yards at an angle most folks could have punched her.  Her cubs were probably up a tree out of sight.

[Ray]

I've shot smaller!

[ICEMAN]

I admit it, standing there for a long while with no sign of cubs nearby, I would have shot her. I am a meat hunter and not a trophy hunter. Freezer is on my mind and I would have shot.

Doug, nice exercise. You just may be teaching me to be more patient and look more carefully. Nobody I know wants to shoot a mama with cubs nearby...

[boneaddict]

I've shot smaller!

Me too.

Thanks Ice.  Thats why I did it, not to sound like some know it all or pass judgement.  Trying to share a lesson that thankfully I didn't have to learn the hard way.   I've yet to have to gut and skin a bear with babies looking on.  I've heard stories though.

[follow maggie]

I think maybe I should try to be more patient, also.

[carpsniperg2]

yeah makes a guy feel good when he holds off the trigger just to make sure. then when the cubs show up its almost a reward to know you did the right thing. i would never take any sow i knew had cubs, unless in self defense situation. not saying it can't happen or won't but i try my hardest not to shoot a sow.

[Jamieb]

I'm not a expert at judging bears by any means so tell me if I'm close.
The thin face says sow
From the Micky mouse ears and looks of the body shape I'd say smaller bear, about 125LB's.
Even close?

[carpsniperg2]

looking at the build on her, and the face/head says sow to me. if i just saw that bear standing there without the cub i would be 90% sure it is a sow, by the way she looks standing there. as far as weight i can guess then pretty close, if i can see a side shot of them. the hardest andgle to judge weight is a frontal view for me and most hunters. bears are very heavy in the backend and that shows me the size of the bear as well. she looks pretty sleek in the brisket. but i would say your guess is not to far off of what i would think she would way.

[boneaddict]

Shes about 95 give or take an ounce or two.

[h20hunter]

I say for me, first picture yes, picture with cub no. I am still looking for my first bear and to me the first pic looks like an OK first bear. The pic with the cub is a pretty cool shot. Looks like a little tiny cub.