Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Bear Hunting => Topic started by: Machias on October 07, 2009, 10:39:25 AM

Title: Weight
Post by: Machias on October 07, 2009, 10:39:25 AM: 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?
Title: Re: Weight
Post by: MuleySniper on October 07, 2009, 10:48:31 AM: If we enforce that law, it needs to be used for fish too! :chuckle:
MS
Title: Re: Weight
Post by: Gobble on October 07, 2009, 11:10:59 AM: I think is does everyone a favor by politely correcting them in a tactful manor. IMHO
Title: Re: Weight
Post by: Machias on October 07, 2009, 11:17:58 AM: Quote from: MuleySniper on October 07, 2009, 10:48:31 AM
If we enforce that law, it needs to be used for fish too! :chuckle:
MS

:):)
Title: Re: Weight
Post by: coop2424 on October 07, 2009, 11:34:11 AM: 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"
Title: Re: Weight
Post by: JackOfAllTrades on October 07, 2009, 12:36:48 PM: 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
Title: Re: Weight
Post by: boneaddict on October 07, 2009, 12:58:23 PM: 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.
Title: Re: Weight
Post by: MtnMuley on October 07, 2009, 01:07:05 PM: 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.
Title: Re: Weight
Post by: Machias on October 07, 2009, 02:03:56 PM: 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.
Title: Re: Weight
Post by: Gutpile on October 07, 2009, 05:32:22 PM: 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.
Title: Re: Weight
Post by: Ray on October 07, 2009, 05:46:08 PM: 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.
Title: Re: Weight
Post by: cohoho on October 07, 2009, 07:21:59 PM: 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...
Title: Re: Weight
Post by: bowtech55 on October 07, 2009, 07:32:57 PM: 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 :twocents:
Title: Re: Weight
Post by: Machias on October 07, 2009, 07:51:28 PM: 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.
Title: Re: Weight
Post by: JackOfAllTrades on October 07, 2009, 07:55:38 PM: Quote
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
Title: Re: Weight
Post by: 257 Wby Mag on October 07, 2009, 07:57:13 PM: I alays laugh too. Bears are the most grossly exagerated critter out there. A few reasons I think, is all the hair makes em look a lot bigger, another is there's nothing to grab ahold of per-say, horns smaller legs, etc. Alot harder to get leverage on.
Title: Re: Weight
Post by: 257 Wby Mag on October 07, 2009, 08:00:34 PM: On another note, my B.C. guide freind laughs about how us Yanks measure a bear, skun and streched out. They measure em in the round, meaning still on the bear. I really don't care as long as folks keep killin the fawn killin SOB's.
Title: Re: Weight
Post by: actionshooter on October 07, 2009, 08:12:17 PM: Not that I think anyone is exagerating on purpose, but I have seen some crazy estimates on here as far as the bears go. I keep my mouth shut, what good does it do anyone if I call them out over a bears weight. :dunno:

The only threads that bother me is when someone asks then doesn't like the answer. ;)
Title: Re: Weight
Post by: Machias on October 07, 2009, 08:25:30 PM: Quote from: actionshooter on October 07, 2009, 08:12:17 PM
Not that I think anyone is exagerating on purpose, but I have seen some crazy estimates on here as far as the bears go. I keep my mouth shut, what good does it do anyone if I call them out over a bears weight. :dunno:

The only threads that bother me is when someone asks then doesn't like the answer. ;)

:) Ture
Title: Re: Weight
Post by: Kain on October 07, 2009, 11:45:14 PM: I think some guys overstate yardage also.

I am no expert at judging bears or anything else. But when we all play the guessing game with pictures I am usually pretty close. When I shot that bobcat this year I would have bet a $100 it weighed between 25-30 pounds and didnt believe my fish scale when it said 19lbs. Had to check the scale at home and it was accurate. :dunno: I dont think most guys are over estimating on purpose. If I ever over estimate I give you all permission to let me know....politely if possible. :chuckle:
Title: Re: Weight
Post by: T-ROY on October 08, 2009, 11:44:46 AM: I'm glad some one brought this up. I don't post much but lately it seems like it only takes about one page worth of comments and some one is calling BS on the score the weight, distance of the shot. Makes a guy not want say to much. The way i see it, its there animal let them believe what they think. unless they ask for a score or a weight and even then he is going to get a wide range of weight on a bear. My :twocents: Lets keep it positive.
Title: Re: Weight
Post by: Ray on October 08, 2009, 11:48:37 AM: I agree with T-Roy. Unless they are soliciting responses and just will not stop insisting on score , weight or whatever and it is debatable then it's best to keep it positive. I didn't take a guess on the weight of my bear this year. He was simply a good bear for me.
Title: Re: Weight
Post by: JackOfAllTrades on October 08, 2009, 12:02:39 PM: In the photos he did look like a good bear with a nice coat and big paws. What does he square Ray?

-Steve
Title: Re: Weight
Post by: Ray on October 08, 2009, 12:20:05 PM: I have no idea exactly how much he weighed. Probably at least 200 lbs. I'd hope it was a very conservative guess for a bottom line.
Title: Re: Weight
Post by: boneaddict on October 08, 2009, 12:20:42 PM: Quote
I didn't take a guess on the weight of my bear this year. He was simply a good bear for me.

You didn't need to. he was hawg class and thats all that matters.
Title: Re: Weight
Post by: Big10gauge on October 08, 2009, 12:23:09 PM: Well I guess I won't post a pic of my 600 lb black bear :chuckle: :chuckle: :yike:
Title: Re: Weight
Post by: boneaddict on October 08, 2009, 12:25:44 PM: Please do, I haven't ridiculed anyone yet today. LOL ;)
Title: Re: Weight
Post by: Big10gauge on October 08, 2009, 12:31:24 PM: Ok here he is, I swear that he's as big as a volkswagon and just as heavy :P
Title: Re: Weight
Post by: saylean on October 08, 2009, 12:31:47 PM: Going bear hunting tomorrow evening, you can critize my 300lbs then! lol...

I've learned lots by reading the posts on here about how to judge bears, etc. I think positive criticism might help those who dont know better, but I dont feel it my place to correct people on their stories, but dont care if others correct mine size wise...

The boar I shot this spring didnt look 300lbs (ish) to me in the pics I took, but the scale doesnt lie...

Regardless, a bear is a bear to me. I think they're all keepers in my opinion. For example, the little one I shot last year charging me is getting put into a half mount (not cause its huge), cause of the white patch on the chest and the memory...plus I like to stimulate the economy. :chuckle:

It looked big to me when it was standing in front of me popping teeth and then charging, but once I popped it...

I was like HEY! Who let their dog off the leash?! Lol...

Anywho,...ya...about another month left boys...go get em.

Isnt that a Bobcat Bigguage?! :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle:
Title: Re: Weight
Post by: carpsniperg2 on October 08, 2009, 01:05:45 PM: a bear is a bear and is a great trophy no matter what unless its a cub :chuckle: then you just messed up also one less preditor to be snacking on our deer and elk populations
Title: Re: Weight
Post by: boneaddict on October 08, 2009, 01:29:56 PM: Very cool pic Big10. I hope you were taking that out your truck window a steel bear cage. :)
Title: Re: Weight
Post by: Gobble on October 08, 2009, 01:35:10 PM: Thats good news! I guess when the doc tells me I weight 235 I really only weigh 180 :rolleyes:

:chuckle:
Title: Re: Weight
Post by: JackOfAllTrades on October 08, 2009, 01:37:08 PM: That is a sweet photo Big10guage!

-Steve
Title: Re: Weight
Post by: Big10gauge on October 08, 2009, 01:44:34 PM: Quote from: boneaddict on October 08, 2009, 01:29:56 PM
Very cool pic Big10. I hope you were taking that out your truck window a steel bear cage. :)

Yea, I had to shake him off my boot when he attacked me. :rolleyes:
Actualy it's just a internet pic.

Now what would be fun if someone actually had some pics of some bears that were actually weighed afterwards and let the forum members guess the weights. I have a couple, here's one that was weighed before field dressing on a scale that is used to weigh beef carcasses. Just for grins let's see what you guys come up with.
Title: Re: Weight
Post by: Machias on October 08, 2009, 01:57:58 PM: Nice bear, at that angle it's a little hard to tell with his hind legs bunched up like that, can't see his belly at all. My guess 298 pounds.
Title: Re: Weight
Post by: Big10gauge on October 08, 2009, 02:27:19 PM: Maybe this will help, The guy in the pic is 6"2 and weighed 247 lbs at the time. His hand is just shy of 6 inches across counting the thumb when his fingers are together. Don't ask me how I know. :chuckle:
My hand is only 5.5 inches. :'(
Title: Re: Weight
Post by: littlebuf on October 08, 2009, 08:58:56 PM: all bears weigh 300 pounds don't you guys know that?
Title: Re: Weight
Post by: high country on October 11, 2009, 08:42:23 AM: I was going about 270lbs at 6' this bear went about 150lbs......or was it kilos.......LOL. and remember this is spring weight.....he'd prolly go another hundy or so this fall.
http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,476.msg3693/topicseen.html#msg3693
Title: Re: Weight
Post by: MtnMuley on October 11, 2009, 11:48:16 AM: Hard to tell from the angle of the pic. Looks like he could be a solid 300 lber, so I'll guess 310. He will probably end up going over 400 now that I throw in my two cents!
Title: Re: Weight
Post by: markts on October 11, 2009, 02:03:23 PM: 340lbs :o Mark
Title: Re: Weight
Post by: Huntbear on October 11, 2009, 02:30:05 PM: not an ounce less than 20 lbs. :chuckle: :chuckle:

Seriously, I would say that bear is a solid 275.
Title: Re: Weight
Post by: actionshooter on October 11, 2009, 03:44:23 PM: 260-270#
Thats a tough picture.