Home Forums Hunting & Shooting General Big Game Should I forego Bear season?

I doubt a 22-250 or a 243 will wind you ..

If you can't get winded you better take those hills very slow. And have someone ready to help you drag this season!

-Jake

Absolutely!

Id do what ever it takes to be into the woods! Years ago I had to have back surgery, and couldnt draw my bow,my buddie that owned a Archery shop, offered to let me use a crossbow, I hated the idea, he asked do you want to deer hunt or just sit home! I used the crossbow, didnt get a deer but was still hunting! I got better and used compound bows and even Longbows, now 20 plus years later im back with a Crossbow, But still HUNTING!

That's how I feel. Plus, my Dr. told me the surest way to die is to become inactive and the surest way to live is to become active.

I like what Doc said about being active.

I'd be hunting and just pick my shots carefully. That would be with or without doc's permission.

your health is top priority, plus if you don[t think you are in shape to carry the appropriate rifle then its best to let this season go, there is always another one.

I wouldn't worry about shooting a bear with a 223 or 22-250 given good bullets. I would be a little concerned with all the associated activity, especially the post kill dragging/packing. I would see that I had a contingency plan for a successful hunt.

I can carry any rifle made. It's shooting them that's the issue.

Agreed. I pretty much have that in place.

I hope you can make it work, Mike.

About 10 years ago, I had rotator cuff surgery on my right shoulder 30 days before the Pa. buck season opener. In my case, I had to be careful getting around, the doc was concerned about me falling and ripping his handiwork out of my shoulder. So I hunted wearing a sling and then a swath to bind the arm to my body.

No way could I use a rifle, so I hunted with my Redhawk in my left hand. A handgun is a lot lighter than a rifle, that could be important when you consider all the weight of clothes, food, and other stuff we hunters typically have with us.

Best of luck with whatever your decision is,

Dale

Unfortunately my Dan Wesson hunting revolver was stolen and I can't afford to replace it at the moment. But a revolver would be a welcome solution.

Thanks.

I don't particularly recommend .22 centerfires for bear but in capable confident hands they are deadly. A close friend of mine killed several bears with his 22-250 while I hunted with him some 25 years ago. He is a good hunter, calm shooter and a superb shot who knew where to place his shots and had the ability to do so. If your resume fits and you have the discipline...

Edited to add that blood trails are less likely with any .22, so a hit that puts the critter down fairly close to where he was when hit is desirable.

.243 with a barnes 80gr ttsx in the neck. That will drop a bear with no tracking. Just like shooting a hog.

Or a .223 with same but lighter ttsx.

One of the good guys here, Dober, found a .22 centerfire satisfactory for the task:




I'd imagine the walking in, and shooting, should be pretty manageable. Getting a bear out of the woods, though, should probably involve a few buddies.

I sure hope you can do it, & tell us about it!

FC

I'd get a second opinion, that recommendation sounds pretty contradictory. Spend a few more dollars and see another doctor, it's your heart and with the time and effort.

250-3000 with 80 grain Barnes ttsx.