Vermont Bear

[MK-M-GOBL]

While turkey scouting yesterday in southern Vermont, we came across what we thought at a distance was a strutter. As we got closer we saw that’s wasn’t a strutter but a bear…a HUGE mamas bear with two cubs.

Looking through my spotting scope, it was pretty cool watching the cubs rolling around and playing. Mama was busy eating away at grass. Masshntr asked how far I thought they and I did my yardage estimating method and said probably 500 yards. Masshntr said good guess, she's standing at 475 yards. So if she looks small in the photos, that’s why.

We watched them for maybe 10 minutes before moving on. When asked what I thought she would weigh I said at least 300 maybe even 350lbs. Now I’m not saying she’s at the top end 350 and I am by far no bear expert. However, if you were looking at her in person through my Leupold 15X45X60 Spotting scope and saw how thick and big she was, you might agree she was not your average New England sow.

Masshntr stopped in to the landowner’s house to let them know in case they want to see them. He was watching her the day before and got pretty close before she winded him. He added, yes...she is a very big bear!!

[mjflores]

That's awesome! Those cubs look tiny.

[ecgreen]

Very cool experience!

[MK-M-GOBL]

Yes...it was pretty cool After talking with my local CO, I think my field judging on the weight is probably off by a good 100lbs She's huge but probably wasn't that big.

That's OK because I'm not much of bear hunter. In fact, I only hunt them when I see them coming under my deer stand or while out deer hunting