Contributors to this thread:
I am almost ready to make the commitment of booking a brown bear hunt.I have been researching outfitters that take bowhunters. I have looked at the baited hunts plus some fall hunts on salmon streams. If anyone has done either of these hunts I would like to hear about your hunt along with what gear I might need (clothes, boots etc). I am also wondering if my 65lb recurve is enough bow or should I pack my wheel bow. I shoot gold tip traditional hunters going to add a weight tube and the old reliable 125 gr snuffer. Any and all info is appreciated this is my hunt of a lifetime and want to be ready
Fred Bear used a 65ib recurve for brown bear and didn't seem to have any trouble. Some years ago I spoke to a couple of bear guides and they both thought 55 was adequate. Hope you pull this off - best of luck!!
Your Recurve is plenty of Bow for a Brown Bear.
I shot mine on a spring hunt with a 65# Recurve, 1 shot got the job done.
Rock- GREAT bear and picture! CONGRATS!!!
Sam S.- Best of luck!
Haven't hunted them but I'd go for the salmon stream hunt, saw Fred Eichlers' hunt along the stream looked like a great hunt.
Beautiful bear and great photo.
PM sent from a successful recurve shooter
Your recurve is plenty of bow. Brown bears die just like anything else if an a sharp broad head goes through the right stuff. I think the baited hunt is best odds of a really good close shot opportunity.
Ty guys for the pm's also I am ready for this hunt I can't imagine getting within 25 yds of an animal this size
If your recurve don't kill it, a compound won't save you.
I've hunted with a recurve for almost 30 yrs had to go to a wheel bow a few yrs back due to a shoulder injury Ive since got it repaired and am back to the stick and string. I've taken a lot of game with it but nothing of this size and was concerned about penetration.
65# is way plenty. Shot mine Oct 2013 with 70#. Bear hide is pretty thin.
Ihave taken two brownies and a bunch of blacks all shooting 65pound and using muzzy heads
Damn this thread. My #1 want to do is kill a brownie with a bow.
Beautiful bear R. Cooling
65# at 27+" draw with heavy arrows and you'll have no problems at all provided you shoot that weight comfortably and not just for the bear hunt.
I'd love to do a hunt like this someday
I have wanted to go for most of my life. Timing is never quite right and I never have quite enough "spare" cash.
I'll be 62 this month. Lots of my buddies have already gone to the "Happy Hunting Ground".
I sent in my deposit about 2 weeks ago (for Alaska I mean, LOL!).
The bow I shoot the best these days is a 75# caribow longbow, and that's the one I plan on bringing. I'll probably bring my 71# as spare. I shoot right through bull moose with both of those so 65# should be fine too for you.
Sam, I have never bear hunted, but I wish you the best of luck !
Rock, great looking bear !
I went to the Iowa Deer Classic yesterday and had a long visit with Jason Mogen who owns Alaska Premier Outfitters. Great guy. Google them up. The man obviously knows his bears and the hunt definitely sounds doable to get a giant brown bear with your bow. bw
Nice photos guys! Book the hunt and have fun!
As others have already said. Bear hide is not thick at all. Muscle density is high but a razor on the end of a stick is incredibly effective with.....placement. Have a great hunt, be sure to discuss follow up shots and expectations with your guide before you get into the field.
This is my dream hunt! Sam who did you book with?
They will be waking up soon!
Great bear, Rock! Thanks for the pic.
"I sent in my deposit about 2 weeks ago (for Alaska I mean, LOL!)."
That was really funny, to another old guy.
You'll never regret it!! You'll carry the memories with you for the rest of your life.....just be sure to take a gazillion photos....
Sam Sounds like you did a lot of homework. My hunting buddy and I are looking at booking a similar hunt for next year. Who did you book with? What kind of hunt did you choose? Guys those are both awesome looking bears....Congrats!
Check out this outfitter. He is a very serious bowhunter with great success on bow killed brown bear.
I see Jonah responded to your thread but may be too humble to recommend himself. Have a look.
http://www.jonahsalaskanoutfitters.com/
I havent booked with anyone yet still talking to outfitters and contacting references Kind of leaning toward the 2 bear areas Most outfitters are offering a second bear for just a trophy fee not sure I want to kill a second bear but the my theory more animals in an area to justify a 2nd bear better chances for me to kill at least one
Recent article in Bowhunter mag of a 16 year old GIRL shooting a brownie with a bow from a tree stand with a 50# compound.
Use a stickbow. If you miss, the bear will have a handy toothpick to clean his teeth with after he finishes dining. Just kidding - knock 'em dead.
Brown bears are coming out early here in southcentral Alaska. They are about 3 weeks early because of the lack of snow and warm spring!!