Just got back from a week in the Canadian bush on a Black Bear hunt. Drove up from OH with 9 guys and met another 3 in camp. In total, 7 bears were killed and another 2 guys had opportunities but didn't connect. Our bears averaged 130 to 160 and the largest went 245lbs. Outfitter indicated anything over 200 in that area was great, over 300 was really fantastic - with 130lbs being average size. The conditions this year were dry/rough so bears were hitting the baits hard and they were much leaner than in years previous. Weather was perfect, 45 at night and 60-70 during the day.some Got my bear late on day 3 and spent a few days fishing in ponds that may never have seen a plastic worm.
We hunted over bait from fixed, portable and ground stands in a mix of Provincial and private land in and around Golden Lake, Ontario. Nine bow hunters and 3 rifles in the bunch; two 45-70 Marlin 1895 Guide Gun's and my Savage bolt in 458 Socom. Both big-bores connected for quick clean kills. The 45-70 shot clean through with a 300gr C/T at 1900fps. I used the Barnes 300gr TAC-TX going a bit over 2000. Very happy with the bullet and rifle's performance. My shot was from atop a 35ft rock cliff at about 45yds. Bear traveled less than 30 yards before piling up. Both lungs pierced and the top half of the heart torn off. Bullet exited the ribs then the off side shoulder then hit a flat rock that held the cover on the bait barrel. I actually recovered the bullet sitting right in the dirt. A few petals were sheared off by the rock but it looked like perfect expansion otherwise.
We hunted over bait from fixed, portable and ground stands in a mix of Provincial and private land in and around Golden Lake, Ontario. Nine bow hunters and 3 rifles in the bunch; two 45-70 Marlin 1895 Guide Gun's and my Savage bolt in 458 Socom. Both big-bores connected for quick clean kills. The 45-70 shot clean through with a 300gr C/T at 1900fps. I used the Barnes 300gr TAC-TX going a bit over 2000. Very happy with the bullet and rifle's performance. My shot was from atop a 35ft rock cliff at about 45yds. Bear traveled less than 30 yards before piling up. Both lungs pierced and the top half of the heart torn off. Bullet exited the ribs then the off side shoulder then hit a flat rock that held the cover on the bait barrel. I actually recovered the bullet sitting right in the dirt. A few petals were sheared off by the rock but it looked like perfect expansion otherwise.
