I hate having standards when it comes to shooting animals sometimes! LOL

[ydeardorff]

I was hiking a mountain road, and heard what I thought was deer or elk getting spooked through some water. I figured what the hell, and figured Id stalk that, since I wasn't seeing a damn thing, and couldnt hear anything else besides the rain. A couple hundred yards later I find myself staring at the butt, of a beautiful adult black bear. But I couldn't risk a gut shot, and the bugger wouldn't turn. Kind of caught in the moment, I forgot to make a noise or something to make him turn. He didn't even hear me, 70 yards away, and all I got is butt!
I had stumbled upon this big guy. His rear was as high as my waist (Im 6 foot tall). He was ambling along, ears up, and in no hurry. I had him in my cross hairs for probably 15  seconds at maybe 50 to 70 yards. I was downwind of him, and he was walking into the wind. Only after did I realize I couldn't have cleared my throat or, made some other noise to make him turn to look, and I would have nabbed him.
He then walked aimlessly away into some brush that was akin to a pile of spaghetti noodles, and I couldn't follow.

Ive been kicking myself in the butt ever since, over not taking that risky shot. But I suppose its better that I didn't.

[boneaddict]

Thanks for not forcing a shot.

[dscubame]

Texas heart shot comes to mind.

[ydeardorff]

  eeeew 

Its not that I didn't take the shot thats killing me, its that I could have made a noise, and he/she would have turned and Id ev had em.

I got so caught up in the moment, not shakes or jitters, just captivated on how close I was, and he didn't even know it. I didn't even think, about making a noise to get his attention.
How often does that happen? 

[seth30]

Texas heart shot comes to mind.

[high country]

Congrats! That is called ethics, if you do not feel confident in the shot, pass. All of us are comfy with different shots, but to pass a marginal shot is good for the soul.

You will have bad dreams for a while.

[ydeardorff]

Thanks,

I plan on revisiting that spot, tomorrow even if I have to sit all day just to see if he comes back. Who knows I might have a picture to post soon.

I do wonder though what black bear ranges are like, and how often they frequent the same areas. Deer are pretty predictable in their daily patterns, but bear seem to do what ever is on their mind at the moment.

[boneaddict]

If there is food he will be there.

[boneaddict]

How often does that happen?

Happens all the time with my camera.  I sit there taking in the scene and forget to take a photo.

[jackelope]

Texas heart shot comes to mind.

Lack of ethics comes to mind.

[dscubame]

Texas heart shot comes to mind.

Lack of ethics comes to mind.

Your way to serious around this camp fire, go to bed.

[840dc]

  you will get the next one!

[dscubame]

If there is food he will be there.

For sure.  Waiting for the appropriate shot will make the experience that much more gratifying and is what the little fella deserves.  Keep us posted!

[SamKilo]

Don't know if you saw my thread, but I felt the same hurt for a little bit last week. I'm over it now, and more than ever, all I can think about is getting back out there!! 

[ydeardorff]

Thanks!
Im gonna go back tomorrow, see if I cant nab him. It will be my first bear if Im successful. But no hunting buddies so Ill be alone