Home Forums Hunting & Shooting General Big Game Youth bear over bait?

Shot a few with bow and arrow and never been to impressed with their “toughness” but have heard they go further rifle shot. Got my son and I booked for 2025 and want to get him practicing hard. Current inventory has two Howa Minis in 6 ARC and 6.5 Grendel as well as a CVA scout in .350 legend. Have a case of factory ammo for each, 103 eldX, 120 fusion and 180 power point. He is currently a tiny 11 year old who is super recoil adverse, he currently doesn’t like anything bigger then a .357 magnum contender carbine I have, which might also work. Do any of the above combinations give anyone heartburn for 50-75 yard baited bears in a target rich environment? I’ll probably roll the longbow again, but want to get him lined out soon…

whoever told you they go further rifle shot was full of schitt.Any rifle/ammo combo you mentioned will work just fine.

Neck shot. They go down right there. I have killed them from everything up to a .350 rem mag.

None died any quicker than the one my young daughter shot with her 6mm rem and a 80 gr TTSX in the neck.

If hunting over bait, relax and pick your shot.

Not sure what type of bear or where you are talking about but I would assume black bear... the only one I have first hand experience with is the 6.5 grendel... I am yet to recover a bullet from deer I have shot and that includes through the shoulder shots... I would not hesitate with a barnes bullet or a partion type bullet. FWIW, if he is recoil sensitive... drop that howa mini and get him an AR in 6.5... Recoil will be less and he also can have the adjustable stock

Sako, I don’t think the AR type rifles are welcome in Canada…and yes black bear, though color phase are common.

I didn't know KY allowed hunting over bait. Especially for bears.

Heck, the game wardens can even cite you for feeding the bears if you put your garbage out early and the bears get into it for "unintentionally feeding the bears" or some such foolishness.

forget the AR`S Canada is against them completely

Lives in Kentucky, booked bear hunt in Canada.

You mentioned a contender carbine. I shot a bear in Idaho with one in 7-30 waters. Pussy cat to shoot and easy to load for. Mine was over my dogs so a pretty controlled deal just like a bait situation. One square in the chest and he was done kicking within 3’ of where he hit the ground.




That or a .30-30 barrel might be a simple solution on a platform he is familiar with.

I've always been intrigued by the 7-30, but don't know if it offers enough more then the Grendel or ARC to justify the cost of entry. Kind of why I'm leaning toward the CVA, it's operation is basically the same as the contender, but can get a whole rifle for what a contender barrel costs these days.

Would think your 350 Legend or 357mag carbine would be about ideal over bait?