Shooter?
Contributors to this thread:Bears
From: PECO
23-Aug-17
Colorado bear. How big is he? Shooter? This would be my first bear. I will be hunting this area so hopefully there is a tag left. It is an OTC w/ caps.
From: Bou'bound
23-Aug-17
For me
From: drycreek
23-Aug-17
Never saw one in the wild while hunting but he would be toast (I hope) if I were.
From: MTNRCHR
23-Aug-17
For some, not for others. Only you can answer that question.
From: DL
23-Aug-17
First bear? Heck ya!! My first one was 150 pounds. Yours is twice that. Good luck.
From: HUNT MAN
23-Aug-17
Yep
From: Buskill
23-Aug-17
I don't think you'd be disappointed.
From: JackPine Acres
23-Aug-17
Head looks long compared to the width. A big bear will have what appears to be a "short" snout. I would pass.
From: Ibow
23-Aug-17
If it were me, yes. Nice bear.
From: Shug
23-Aug-17
While it's almost impossible to judge a bear closely without something to compare it to,you can get an idea weather or not its mature from its build.
The bear in your pic appears on the young side.
As for being a shooter or not if you never killed a bear and if you would be happy with one under a couple hundred pounds but still in the average size taken in North America each year ... let it rip... good luck
From: Overland
23-Aug-17
That looks like a good bear. Not 300lbs, but would be an excellent trophy.
From: APauls
24-Aug-17
You ask if the bear is a shooter, yet say nothing about what the qualifications of a "shooter" are to you. So is it a "shooter?" Who knows. Personally, considering you've never shot a bear, if I was to apply my own qualifications to a brand new species I would say the fact that it's got a beating heart makes it a shooter. Enjoy yourself. If it gets you excited, trip the trigger.
If only an old mature bear will do, I don't think this is that bear.
From: PECO
24-Aug-17
Here is the thing, I don't want to shoot a cub. I want a respectable hide to hand on the wall, and some bear chile. I do not care about record books. I think this is a respectable bear for Colorado, just looking for confirmation. I believe I got it. And I just wanted to share a cool picture!
From: PECO
24-Aug-17
I should not have said "shooter" that is one of those horrible TV terms.
From: Alexis Desjardins
27-Aug-17
Give it to him, a bear steak in the pan is better than one in the bush. Good luck
From: DarrylDunsloppy
27-Aug-17
1-2 year old. "Cub"
From: carcus
28-Aug-17
Looks like a 3 year old to me
From: venison
28-Aug-17
Good luck !
From: Glunt@work
28-Aug-17
Not a big bear but probably bigger than my first, Big ears and a pointy face are quick indicators of a smaller bear. Since we can't bait, being choosy with a bear tag in CO is a little different than if you are hunting in Alberta with several active sites.
From: SteveB
28-Aug-17
I agree with 3 year old, but who really knows. My first bear was a dry old sow that wasn't much bigger than that one. I was very proud of it. First bear? Not a doubt.
From: wild1
28-Aug-17
Size is ok, but you might want to take a closer look at the hide (if you're planning for a rug). That might be a large rub on the back, above the shoulder (hard to tell).
From: Fuzzy
28-Aug-17
looks tasty, so yes.
From: PECO
28-Aug-17
Wild1, I was hoping it was just the lighting in the photo but I think you are correct about the spot on the shoulder.
From: LBshooter
30-Aug-17
If the top of his shoulder wasn't bare I would take it. For me it's all about the coat, if it's nice and full I'd take it. When it comes down to it, it's your hunt and your trophy.
