Arrows for bear.

[Mafort]

So I’m going bear hunting in Colorado when the season hits. I’ve never been but my grandfather who lives there said he’d take me. I have a 65lb pyramid style bow I plan on bringing  however I’m not sure if I want a heavier arrow for bear or would it be better to have arrows slightly lighter. Also if you e been hunting for bear what would you recommend.

[Hawkdancer]

Not a bear hunter, but I would think a heavier arrow would be better.  Bears have a very heavy coat and are putting on fat at the time of the season.  Also, be in very good condition!
Hawkdancer

[PaSteve]

A 65# bow is plenty for bears. Stay in the 9 - 11 gpp and you'll be good. 600 -700 grain finished arrow is what I would recommend. Whatever flies best and gives you trajectory you're comfortable with. Bears usually die very fast with a well placed arrow and sharp broadhead. At least in my experience that's been the case. As with all bowhunting arrow placement is key. Good luck. Hope you get an opportunity.

[JW_Halverson]

A 65# bow is plenty for bears. Stay in the 9 - 11 gpp and you'll be good. 600 -700 grain finished arrow is what I would recommend. Whatever flies best and gives you trajectory you're comfortable with. Bears usually die very fast with a well placed arrow and sharp broadhead. At least in my experience that's been the case. As with all bowhunting arrow placement is key. Good luck. Hope you get an opportunity.

Study up on the organ placement in black bears before you go and get used to looking for the shot that allows you the best chance of heart and lungs. Bear is different than deer in that respect and what may be a fast kill on a deer is a slow and painful death for a bear. Also, keep in mind, a bear may moan and cry in pain and agony much like a human, unlike deer. It is your responsibility to minimize the suffering out of respect for the animal.

[Mafort]

A 65# bow is plenty for bears. Stay in the 9 - 11 gpp and you'll be good. 600 -700 grain finished arrow is what I would recommend. Whatever flies best and gives you trajectory you're comfortable with. Bears usually die very fast with a well placed arrow and sharp broadhead. At least in my experience that's been the case. As with all bowhunting arrow placement is key. Good luck. Hope you get an opportunity.

Study up on the organ placement in black bears before you go and get used to looking for the shot that allows you the best chance of heart and lungs. Bear is different than deer in that respect and what may be a fast kill on a deer is a slow and painful death for a bear. Also, keep in mind, a bear may moan and cry in pain and agony much like a human, unlike deer. It is your responsibility to minimize the suffering out of respect for the animal.

I understand and intend on doing everything I can to ensure a clean shot and quick end with as much respect as possible. It’s partially the reason I asked my grandfather to come with me cause he’s been a few times. I’m hoping to learn a lot and enjoy the hunt. Wonder what kind of recipes are out there for bear meat. 🤔🤔🤔

[WhistlingBadger]

I have a friend that uses bear meat in a pork/green chili recipe.  It's delicious.

[Pat B]

I'd say use at least a 500gr arrow with a scary sharp 2 or 3 blade broadhead, 600gr would be better. Like others said study bear anatomy and make sure you can put the arrow right where it needs to go.
 I've only eaten bear meat a time or 2. It tasted like greasy beef to me, not bad mind you, just a little different. Save as much of the fat and render it down to bear grease. It is excellent for cooking, leather dressing(mixed with other stuff) and to hand rub into your next primitive bow.   

[willie]

a pass thru shot helps a lot with blackies,  as their hide and fat can block making a blood trail sometimes.  a wounded bear will also circle behind if trailed...not always, but it's happened before.   

[Mafort]

a pass thru shot helps a lot with blackies,  as their hide and fat can block making a blood trail sometimes.  a wounded bear will also circle behind if trailed...not always, but it's happened before.   

So he can track me trying to track him? Now I gotta be careful

[Hawkdancer]

Might be wise to have a sidearm if legal during archery.  I don't remember off hand, but I know they have to be as powerful as a .41 magnum. Mano a Mano with a wounded bear doesn't make sense.
Hawkdancer

[willie]

So he can track me trying to track him? Now I gotta be careful

and gramps too if he is your back-up. He might not want to follow too close

[JW_Halverson]

A 65# bow is plenty for bears. Stay in the 9 - 11 gpp and you'll be good. 600 -700 grain finished arrow is what I would recommend. Whatever flies best and gives you trajectory you're comfortable with. Bears usually die very fast with a well placed arrow and sharp broadhead. At least in my experience that's been the case. As with all bowhunting arrow placement is key. Good luck. Hope you get an opportunity.

Study up on the organ placement in black bears before you go and get used to looking for the shot that allows you the best chance of heart and lungs. Bear is different than deer in that respect and what may be a fast kill on a deer is a slow and painful death for a bear. Also, keep in mind, a bear may moan and cry in pain and agony much like a human, unlike deer. It is your responsibility to minimize the suffering out of respect for the animal.

I understand and intend on doing everything I can to ensure a clean shot and quick end with as much respect as possible. It’s partially the reason I asked my grandfather to come with me cause he’s been a few times. I’m hoping to learn a lot and enjoy the hunt. Wonder what kind of recipes are out there for bear meat. 🤔🤔🤔

Lotta great recipes out there for bear. But any recipe that tells you to cook it anything but well done is to be thrown to the ground, spit on, and stomped real good. It's easy to get serious trichinosis from them.

[Hawkdancer]

Plus 2!
Hawkdancer

[Mesophilic]

So I’m going bear hunting in Colorado when the season hits. I’ve never been but my grandfather who lives there said he’d take me. I have a 65lb pyramid style bow I plan on bringing  however I’m not sure if I want a heavier arrow for bear or would it be better to have arrows slightly lighter. Also if you e been hunting for bear what would you recommend.

Granted she was on the smaller side but 550 grain arrow from a 50# horsebow got me about 18" of penetration at 20 yards on my bear last fall.

I saved the scapulas and shot them using some Zwickey single bevels.  Also tested on a cow elk scapula.  Performed above my expectations.   Penetration in to the foam backing was only an inch shorter than the control shots.