My best friend just shot a 11+ foot bear on the Alaskan Peninsula near Bear Lake. Skull was 29 3/4". Makes it a tie for number 32 in B&C book!
He used a 338 Win. 2 shots from 40 yards. He made 3 trips for a bear bigger than a 10 footer. He got one.
I've got a pic, but my damn scanner is screwed up!
I've shot a bunch of bears, and I guarantee to you, an 11 footer is a big bear!

TJ, I hope it was a true 11 footer. I'd like to see some pics if you can get your scanner going. If he was guided, well I take that with a grain of salt, some reason guides seem to "lie" about the size to there clients.

It still like a hell of a bear no matter what and if it was 11ft, cant beat that with a stick. sounds like a hell of a trophy. tell him congrats for me.

Joel:
The hunter, my friend, has a lot more experience bear hunting than most guides. If he says it's an 11 footer, it's an 11 footer. He is not one to cheat and stretch the hide, neither is the Guide.
The bear was shot near Bear Lake on the Alaskan Peninsula with Bear Lake Lodge.
The pics aren't very good. He was so tired after he shot the bear, he couldn't pick up the head for a decent pic.
The skull measurements tells me it was a big bear.
I've shot a lot of bears and only one in the B&C Awards book. It was a 10'6" bear.
Side note...I hate printer/scanners. If I ever find a good one, that will last more that 6 months, I'll rejoice.

Screwed with my scanner. Kinda sorta got it working. I apologize for the poor quality of the pic, best I can do.

I love hunting storys about people with standards, and they hold onto those standards, even of it means going home empty-handed.

Seems your friend paid his dues, and deserved a fine bear.

More pictures please!

TJ,
that is a real nice bear. I wasnt trying to insinuate it wasnt, I only asked about the guide thing cuz its weird how some guide's tape measure sometimes miss some numbers and are shorter than the really are.

Once again damn nice bear.

BW:
Yea, he paid his dues. Went three times for this bear. Wanted a 10 footer or bigger. Finally got it.
Joel:
No problem, I understand. I'd trust this guy to feed my dog. His numbers don't lie.
He is going to have a full standing mount done. I want to see that!
He is 70 years old and was plum tuckered out when he shot the bear. Pics were not on the top of his agenda I guess. Don't quote me, but I think he wanted to be back at the Lodge drinking an adult beverage!
He has a few more really lousy pics. If I was him, I'd kick the guides butt for not taking more good pics!
I'll try to get some of them for posting.

HUGH HEAD

Who did he go with (outfitter/guide). You said Bear Lake Lodge earlier but I searched for it and it came up as cabin rental.

Your friend did a great job. Congratulations!

Let us know later what ammo he used. The .338WM is very popular with Alaska hunters, and most shoot 250-grain Nosler bullets.

He hunted with Warren Johnson, Don Johnsons son. The lodge is just North of Port Moeller on the Alaskan Peninsula.
I tried "Johnsons Bear Lake Lodge" and got a hit. There was no hunting info on the site. I think Warren is in Kenai for a 100 Hr. on a plane, I'll ask him the name of his hunting site.
The rifle ws a pre 1964 Win. Model 70. 338 Win. Mag. I don't know what bullet he used, I'll ask him. I guarantee it was not a Nosler. He won't use them.
The shot was at 40 yards, across a gully. The bear was laying in the grass. He hit him in the neck, the bullet went through. The bear never got to his feet. The bear turned his head and looked at him. He shot again below the head and the bear died. He said the bear was dead after the first shot, but he wanted to make sure.
They figured the wet hide and skull weighted close to 200#. They put it on a piece of plastic and drug it to the plane.

Is the neck shot at this type animal a risky shot vs a shoulder type shot? Not judging just wondering for my own future reference. Damn nice bear and it looks well deserved as well.

Beautiful picture! I really like the shape and coloration of the head, nose/ears etc. Most I've seen are one shade, or nearly.

I'm mighty happy for the man.

Do hope to see pictures of this animal when the mount is finished.

Please pass the congrats from me.

George