Spring Blackies

Silverado

CGN Ultra frequent flyer
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Because my fall season was ruined by work (I swear I'll stop #####ing about it by next fall...) I'm looking forward to getting out for black bear in the spring.

Generally speaking, do bears taken in the spring taste good? Also, are the coats in decent shape in spring?

Thanks.
 
The one we got last spring tasted just fine, it was VERY lean but that's to be expected I suppose. I think unless you have a helping of spring and fall blackie on the same plate how would you know??
 
Yes they are very very lean in the spring, if you get them before they rub their hair then their coats will be beautiful and thick.

I have never shot a bear in the fall because I once helped a friend skin out a fall bear. WAAAAAY to much fat on it for me, it was dripping off and it was thick.

Brambles
 
The Bear I shot last spring had NO shortage of fat. He had a layer of fat 2" over most of his torse. He went over 400lbs (estimates 250lbs + on the hook, fat, hide, head, paws, legs, guts removed). How he was so fat in the spring, I will never know.

Oh and he tasted great.
 
the spring bears tast better and i find are easyer to hunt. ive only shot 2 blackys but both in the spring and they were still half asleep and just eating grasses no fish or dead stuff.
ttyal
Riley
 
Springtime in bear country

Sounds good. So, do you lads mostly quarter it and keep hind quarters only?

Is it mostly destined for sausage? Bear makes A1 sausage.



FM
 
I kind of have to disagree. I have had spring and fall bear many times and I would have to say I like fall bear better than spring bears. I prefer the spring hides though.

Brambles.....on a fall bear I cut all the fresh fat off and let it cool, then my wife and I render it down for lard. Done properly, bear lard is snow white and makes the best pastry you will ever taste.

My wife shot a BIG one this past fall, close to 600 pounds. We rendered the fat and got 3 big coffee cans of lard from that bear. She made some apple pies and the crust melts in your mouth.
 
I don't think I've ever eaten bear (though there were some baked bbq ribs at the F&G club the other weekend that I didn't recognize...)

I was thinking mostly sausage...

Are the lean cuts good to eat in stews and such?
 
IMHO, you cant beat bearsteaks and roasts.
I dont think I've ever had bear sausage...
THe key to bear is cutting all of the fat off of it, and replacing it with bacon.
Bear fat tastes like #### (but I'd love to know how you guys do the lard Sas...)

I do have to say, i prefer sprng bear better, but havent had it since 98.
 
Super Bowl sunday my buddies wife brought bear chili for the game, made my wife change her mind about me taking another bear this spring.......that chili was gooood
 
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