Finally recovered a bullet (Black Bear)

GMC403

GMC403

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I was able to put the new Whelen to use today on a Black Bear. He was no Monster (5ft), but should be good eating.

Stalked up to him and closed the gap to about 40yds, then brought him into the open with a fawn call.
First shot was a broadside heart/lung through & through. He bolted straight towards me and covered 25yds in about 2 seconds. He was already dead but didn't know it, so I followed up with head on shot to the chest and he dropped on the spot.

Recovered the 225gr TBBC stuck to the inside of the hide on his rear quarter. So it almost went the whole way through. I was impressed at the lack of bloodshot meat with this round.



 
I really like the 35 Whelen cartridge.

The black bear I took last spring reacted to the shot like the hand of God reached down & snuffed its lights out!

Congrats on the bear, enjoy the meat.

Cheers
Jay
 
35 Whelen is on my list... everyone I know talks about "The Hand of God"

I found that 180gr 308 rounds does a good job. Usually they don't go more then 20 meters and less if you break a shoulder.

OP,

Congradulations on the bear, are you making some sausages?


Jay said:
I really like the 35 Whelen cartridge.

The black bear I took last spring reacted to the shot like the hand of God reached down & snuffed its lights out!

Congrats on the bear, enjoy the meat.

Cheers
Jay
Click to expand...
 
Congrats there GMC403, sounds like a fun way to spend the weekend.
Stalking Blackies with your new rifle and tagging out.
Sounded exciting when the bear decided to run towards you too.
What scope setting did you have it on for the shot?
Looks to be a Leupold 1-5x ??
Bon Appetite !
Rob
 
FLHTCUI said:
Congrats there GMC403, sounds like a fun way to spend the weekend.
Stalking Blackies with your new rifle and tagging out.
Sounded exciting when the bear decided to run towards you too.
What scope setting did you have it on for the shot?
Looks to be a Leupold 1-5x ??
Bon Appetite !
Rob
Click to expand...

Yeah It bumped the adrenaline that's for sure. I don't think he was running at me intentionally, just heading back the way he came and I was in the way. He certainly would have steamrolled me if the 2nd shot missed.

You're correct, Leupy 1.5-5. Had it set @ 1.5, I love that #4 reticle.
 
GMC403 said:
...Stalked up to him and closed the gap to about 40yds, then brought him into the open with a fawn call.
First shot was a broadside heart/lung through & through...bolted straight towards me...
Click to expand...

Upon review would a shoulder shot (as I tend to favor to mitigate risk regardless) been better to anchor it right there and then? :eek:
 
Slamfire said:
Upon review would a shoulder shot (as I tend to favor to mitigate risk regardless) been better to anchor it right there and then? :eek:
Click to expand...

Hindsight is 20/20 and a shoulder shot could very well have anchored him on the spot. However, I tend to shoot for the vitals as that's what will ultimately dispatch the animal. This particular area was open enough that a bit of a run (if it happened) was not a huge concern...... that said, a run straight towards me was not what I was expecting.
 
I always prefer to spine it because it's DRT (provided of course the round being used is up to it). Otherwise get ready for a goat rodeo.

Change of drawers not required. :p

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