I think pics from the internet are pretty good reference. I'll try to get good pics that show bears from small to medium to big and finally HUGE.
I won't bother with cubs. I'm hoping all CGN regulars know not to shoot cubs!I will start with those 4' to 5' size, which I consider as small.
See what you think of these, guys.
Small Bears: 4' to 4-1/2'
Small bears will have ears that are close together and appear very large on their head. Their face is thin looking and the muzzle is skinny.
Small bears are excellent tree climbers. You will not see truly big bears up in trees!
Here's a good side view of a small bear. Probably only a 4' or 4-1/2' bear.
Medium Size Bears: 5' to 5-1/2'
These are the average 5' to 5-1/2' bears that you see most often.
This bear might look pretty good to most hunters, but check the huge ears and how close they are together. This bear will likely only be about 5-1/2'.
Small and medium size bears will have a skinny body and the chest cuts up into the armpit, when viewed from the side.
The bear pictured above this would probably look pretty much the same if you saw him standing out in the open...
Good Bears: 6' to 6-1/2'
This is what a 6' bear will look like at longer range.
So here's a bear that is likely in the 6' size. His ears don't look quite so big and his face is bigger.
A pretty decent bear. Heavier, smaller ears. Should be over 6'.
This bear now has the blockier build and you can see a seam on his head. Getting better. This bear is pretty much guaranteed to be over 6' and he might be 6-1/2'.
Another bear that will look good in an "after" picture. Nothing wrong with this guy.
BIG Bears: 7' over bigger...
A brute. Safe to say 7'+.
This would be what you call a monster. Gotta be 7-1/2' or more. This bear is from the Tofino area on Vancouver Island.
Look at the side view. Wide ears, huge muzzle, long lanky bastard with an enormous ass, deep body. Zero time required to judge this one...
As above. No time required judging this huge Alaskan bear.
Any questions?
When size don't matter!!
A gorgeous brown-phase black bear that is well over 6' and might be 7'. This is the sorta bear that you don't have to think too much about! Beautiful color and very big!
I think these glacier bears are protected. What unbelievable colors, eh?
A fantastic cinnamon bear.
The Seam
If you are looking for a BIG BEAR, first thing you look at is the size of the ears and how wide apart they appear to be, and you look for
the seam.
Big boars will develope a noticeable seam of muscle on top of their head.
Like this guy... Now that's what a seam is!
Look at the seam of muscle on this big boar's head.
The best way to judge a bear, so you do not shoot a small bear by mistake is to get close. I always try to get as close as possible; 30 yards is about perfect.
If a bear is feeding they get so pre-occupied that stalking close is easy. Just be sure that the wind is in your face and move when they are not looking.
I guess not everybody wants a big bear. If you do then hopefully you run into one like these monsters that do not require any time. It's the bears that are right around 6-1/2' that get tough.
Good luck and shoot to kill.
