Just returned from a great bear hunt in Maine with Bowlin Camps (www.Bowlincamps.com)and took a nice bear. Live weight was 310lb but the head easily exceeded 20". I plan to score it after the requisite drying period. Once I get the pics on our website I'll post them. I used a Ruger bolt action in 35 Wheelen and hand loaded 225gr Swift A Frames. Shot was 60 yards at the juncture of the neck and shoulder. Dropped like a rock, but I gave him an insurance shot between the shoulder blades. Hey, what can I tell you it was dark and I read Capstick . Seriously though, the managing partner/guide had a nasty encounter with a wounded bear the week prior so I took no chances.

Saw lots of moose also, but no luck yet with a tag. jorge

Good for you jorge...
Any critter that bites back gets an insurance
shot from me.Tracking a wounded bear in Maine's
spruce/fir is not my idea of fun.
Awaiting pictures.
Jeff

Congratulations, Jorge! That's a good bear!

Thanks for the kind words guys. I have to wait for my sister in law to post the pics on the website before I can post them here, or maybe someone on the forum can posat them for me? Shot him at 1901, but thanks to the scope Elite 3200 1.75X6 with a 30mm tube ( don't care much for the scope as it is too big)I had a very clear picture. He was very wary. He first came to the bait, sniffed around, left and came back. He wouldn't hold steady for the shot so I had to shoot him on the move. Thankfully I "led" him a bit much as I was aiming for the shoulder proper but got him and broke his neck. Both bullets exited BTW. jorge

I'm glad someone is getting out in the woods. It's been so dry here they have had the woods shut down for some time. Now that they are open again the blueberry's are all but dried up. I guess I'll try to call one in.

Anyway thanks for the story, I can't wait to see pictures.

Good Hunting
Tony

jorge
e-mail me the pics,I'll post them for you.
Jeff

Hey, get the photos up so we can check it out! Sounds like a dandy of a bear.

jorge's bear pics

jorge: That will make a nice rug.
Did you see any deer while you were on stand?
lookin for a big one
Dave

Jorge,

Great job...You made the shot and one more for good measure..We here in Pa. when a bear is shot at, you don't stop shooting till he is down and not moving..

Mike

The Whelen and the 350mag are great bear hammers in the bear woods....

Ohhh ... Dandy Bear!!!

I'll bet that hunt will provide a few nice off-season memories.

Congratulations.

Hivel: Saw two deer up there but as I was transiting to and fro. One possible buck. I know Ken's working the areas and he's got a couple of spots for deer hunting. I did see two moose though and LOTS of sign. I was thinking about a full mount for the bear, but the wife wants a rug. I was really impressed with the Wheelen, but a shoulder/neck shot like that usually puts them down hard. I was glad though, even with that shot and the "insurance" one between the shoulder blades ( both penetrated all the way through) there was hardly any blood. From what folks say, they are hard to track as the fat/hide does a good job ov pluggin up holes. jorge

Jorge, That's a wonderful bear trophy! Way to go!!!

Jorge,
Congratulations on the beautiful bear, he is enormous. Now why didnt you take that beat up old Hornung rifle .

My elk hunt went well but the shooting was nonexistent. I did happen to walk up to within 30 yards of a very big 6x6 in his bed but he got up, put away his jammies and hit high speed before I could touch an arrow. Had a few close proximity early morning bugles to my cow calls. Now that will raise the hair on the back of your neck.

Take care.

Chic: Your "beater" was just too pretty now and It's been relegated to "good weather only" status. Being the gun nut that I am, I just thought the 35 Wheelen was the "perfect" black bear caliber. From the way that bruin hit the deck, it sure impressed me! The Hornubg rifle will go for the moose....if I draw that tag! jorge

Nice bear and nice choice in rifle/caliber! I took my blackie in Maine last year with my Ruger in 35 Whelen. Nothing like the feeling you get when you see that big ol bar sliding through the woods.