How's My Setup For Deer/Maybe Bear?

[Rodéo]

I am planning my first deer hunt here in Northern California for A Zone which begins July 13 for archery season. The focus of my hunt is deer (blacktail/muley hybrids) but I know there are probably as many black bear in the area as deer. I plan on buying a bear tag just in case I run into one.

I am planning on using my PSE Stinger X at 60 lbs with GT Hunter XT 340 Arrows, total weight is about 486 grains. According to SFA, the arrow is flying at 231 FPS with 57 Ft. Lbs. of KE.

My question is, If I do happen to glass up a bear, or run into one, would my set up be sufficient for an ethical and clean kill on a bear within 50 yds? I have only been shooting for around 2 months but I'm getting pretty decent. I would trust myself to make a shot with my bow on an animal at 40 yds today, and by the time hunting season comes around I feel as though I'll be able to shoot that way at 50 as well. So, assuming I place an arrow where I need to, how would my set up do against an average-sized Black Bear?

Thanks as always,

Rod

 

[nphunter]

Yes, plenty of momentum to blow through either with that setup. I would personally shoot an arrow that allowed me a little better trajectory at that weight, but if you feel confident with that shot then shoot it. I killed my first elk with a 60lb bow, 315gr arrow going about 280fps with a 3 blade chisel tip broadhead. You have way more momentum than that bow did, i would choose a cut on contact head though, something similar to a Magnus buzzcut with bleeders.

 

[Desk Jockey]

My $0.02 is your bow and arrow set up have plenty of gas to make the kill. Harder part is making the shot. 50 yards is a long poke with a bow. I have shot that far at an animal but I have also missed and had bad hits even closer. I am no expert and have only been shooting a little longer than you, just finished my 4th season. I have capped myself at 40 yards the last two years and am glad I did. Most of my shots in the last two years have been under 30 anyway.

 

[Rodéo]

@Desk Jockey Appreciate the input. You're right. I've only been shooting at the range out to 50 and I'm getting solid groups out to 40. But shooting at game is a way different animal, no pun intended. I may rethink my 'ethical' range a little before the season starts.

 

[Rob5589]

Absolutely. A zone bucks are small as are the bears, generally. Bear tag is a good idea, We see bunches of them every year, usually only the ass as their running away

 

[Loghog]

Also bring a pig tag!

Bears are generally not tougher to kill than a deer, but they may run a little harder with a hole in them, is my experience. So come prepared to do a good tracking job, even with a well placed shot.i would have flagging tape and a very good light.

I also agree you should reduce your range to 40 yds. You don’t want to risk a poor shot ... shooting a live target will definitely decrease your accuracy. Bears are pretty easy to stalk - stay down wind. Their eyesight and hearing is poor compared to deer. Both bears I killed still hunting were in the 30 yard range (rifle!) and I could have gotten closer.

That time of year it is important to get the meat chilled fast, specifically the bear. I have lost a bear in a summer hunt - I mean the meat spoiled on the long hike out.


Good Luck,

Loghog

 

[Zac]

I have absolutely no experience shooting bears but I've mostly heard positive results from huge mechanicals.

 

[Rob5589]

I have absolutely no experience shooting bears but I've mostly heard positive results from huge mechanicals.

I have read that many times as well. Supposedly due to the hair being able to soak up a bunch of blood and leaving poor blood trails. No personal experience, however.

Good call on the pig tag, @Loghog. Plenty of them in A zone.

 

[gabowhuntnfool]

yes . your setup should be fine. Bears have pretty thin hide . make sure you have a sharp coc broadhead and you'll be fine.

 

[Blockcaver]

I killed a grizzly, brown and polar bear will fairly similar equipment...60-65# compounds at 29" draw and 385-475 gr arrows equipped with a 2-blade 1.5" Ulmer Edge expandable, a 3-blade Rocky Mt Titanium fixed replaceable blade head and a 3-blade 1.5" NAP Spitfire expandable respectively. No penetration issues on any of the bears.

 

[Rodéo]

Appreciate the experienced input everybody. Invaluable stuff as always