OK so I am going on my first Black Bear hunt and it is coming up fast! I am going June 6-11 up in Quebec with an Outfitter. I would appreciate any helpful tips or info from you guys who have more experience in this area, all I have ever shot at are white tail, so I am sure this is going to be a RUSH. My bow setup is a Monster MR-7 31.5" draw @63#, using carbon express 350 maxima hunters, and I have the 100g G5 T3's as well as the New NAP 100g Killzone Broadhead. I have been reading up on types of broadheads to use for this kind of hunt and the general consensus it seems whatever I am comfortable shooting will work as long as I make a good shot. Can't wait to hear back from everyone, and thanks in advance for any helpful info you guys share with me I appreciate it!!!!
I owned and operated a bear hunting operation in Ontario for 9 years and I always asked guys to shoot fixed blade heads. Only for the reason that I definitely wanted to have an entrance hole big enough for blood to pump out of. Bear have thicker hair and don't bleed as well. But, if you used an expandable, I would stick with the Killzone. Other than that, just listen to whatever your guide says. If you did your research and chose a quality outfitter he'll know what he's doing. Good luck!
I would also stick with a fixed blade broadhead, you also have to think about shot placement, avoid the shoulder and a slight quartering away shot is best.
I went up to Dans camp last year for my first bear hunt also. He talked me into fixed blades and I think that was a good choice. I would rather be prepared for a less then perfect shot if it were to happen. Two holes are better than one on a bear. They have lots of fat and fur; the holes can plug up rather easy. I saw this first hand. I went with the NAP nightmare, very similar to the thunderhead razor, and I blew right through the opposite shoulder. Your shots shouldn't be far either, I think mine was 13 yards. Tuning a fixed blade for that distance should be rather enjoyable. Good luck and have fun, your trip will bring you a lifetime of memories!!!
On the topic of fixed blades are there any in particular that you would recommend? I am not opposed to them, I just was told to make sure my broadhead is going to make a big hole so that is why I bought the new killzone from NAP. I have 3 weeks till the trip, so I have plenty of time to tune a broadhead if I get a fixed blade. I saw the G5 Magnum striker has a 1 1/2" cutting diameter compared to alot of other broadheads?
If your talking 3 blade broadheads there Isn't a better cut on contact head to me then Snuffers. Nice and big cutting diameter and fairly strong. Dan gave great advise.
Bear hunting is great, you will be hooked for ever. I can only hope your guide has put thought into bait choices and stand placement trees for switching wind directions. As far as broadheads go....the great debate continues. I for one have to disagree with what some on this post are saying about expandables.Seems there is still the old belief when comparing todays models with those in the early days. Having killed 10 bears with a bow, I can tell you they bleed quickly and stop almost as fast. Two of those bears were shot with shaving sharp Montec 100's. Fly great,penetrate great...but the blood trail is less than desirable. Shoot the largest ,best penetrating head you can get. Check out the new EXPANDEAD from Sanford Innovations. this is a head I will definitely be trying this year.
I saw those at Sanford as well, I saw both the Expandead and the bloodsport they were both intriguing. Dan with your experience with bears what fixed blade would you recommend, or would you suggest just sticking with the killzone? I have just been going back and forth alot about what to use for the hunt, I want to make sure I do everything right to prepare for this hunt!
