Has Anyone Used 12 Gauge Buck or Slugs on Bear?

[Biker]

If this is the wrong forum, sorry. In any case, I've done a lot of hunting in my time, but never for bear. I was wondering if anyone here has had any experiences with bear (any flavor) while using 00 buck or slugs and how effective the load/slug was. As a side note, I just started a new job as a zookeeper a week ago and have new respect for the power of these animals.
Biker

 

[LaEscopeta]

I haven't, but this guy apparently did:

http://www.tacticalshotgun.ca/content_sub/hunting_data/black_bear_a/black_bear_a.html

(More information then you would ever need.)

 

[Biker]

Wow. This guy is definately a detail freak. I like it. Thanks.
Biker

 

[Texian Pistolero]

Two minutes till expiration.

Does that mean the bear had two minutes to share the love?

 

[LaEscopeta]

Texian Pistolero wrote:

Two minutes till expiration. Does that mean the bear had two minutes to share the love?

Good point, especially since he lists shot range of 25 yards and distance traveled by the target as approximately 30 yards. He doesn’t say what shape the bear was in after traveling the first 25 yards, but this seem like a good reason to always cycle another round into the chamber as soon as you fire at dangerous game.

 

[cookekdjr]

Wow. Normally when I see photos of entrance wounds like those the conversation sounds like this:

me: Dr, can you tell the jury what is significant about this photograph?
dr: What you are looking at here is the gunshot entry wound. The bullet entered here at the left arm above the elbow, exited the arm after breaking this bone here, and then re-entered the body at the torso here.
me: Dr, what did the bullet do after re-entering the body?
dr: the bullet fractured the ribs here and here, and then penetrated both lungs before coming to rest on the other side of the body here.
me: how would that affect Mr. Victim blah blah blah ...

 

[cookekdjr]

Two minutes till expiration.

Does that mean the bear had two minutes to share the love?

Based on the photos I'm betting the bear laid there and died for two mins.

 

[birddog]

I haven't personally, but the couple of bear camps I've hunted in Maine always have a guy or two who swear by them. I've seen the videos, and the hits are pretty decisive. These are close in shots though, usually 20-50 yards.

If that's all I had available, I wouldn't hesitate to use slugs. Buck shot.....I wouldn't try it. Bears are tough.

 

[Biker]

I was wondering about the 00 because I've read that African Safari guides swore that both barrels of 12G 00 buck would stop a charging lion in it's tracks.
Just curious..
Biker

 

[mete]

I read a detailed analysis of guns for leopard .They said use your rifle . Buckshot will not penetrate the cat's skull or even the heavy muscles [I know the myth has been around for some time !] .Slugs are low velocity so don't provide nervous system effects that a higher velocity rifle would .So stick with your rifle !!....For the same reasons I wouldn't use buckshot for bear. You have to penetrate into the vital organs to be effective..You might have some different criteria for a zoo for safety......BTW did you read what happened to the guy who was recently attacked by chimps at a zoo ?? Does anyone know if he has survived ??

 

[TrapperReady]

Biker - This thread is an oldie but a goodie!

Ahh... Blain arguing with H&HHunter... good times!

 

[sm]

 

[DSRUPTV]

Hey Trapper,,, that's a funny thread. I wouldn't use buckshot on bear, but I don't have any experience with bear hunting.

 

[Biker]

Mete
Last I heard, the guy who got 'chimped' is still in a coma. He lost his face, fingers, and testicles among other parts. Since I started my new job, I'm sometimes nearly face to face with bears and cats and and I marvel at their strength and toughness. And the look in their eyes at times is something along the lines of "You're reeeeaaaal lucky I can't get to you Zoo Boy. Oh, and by the way, I hope you forget to lock that den door someday. Heh heh..."
It's an interesting job, but I triple check the locks at the end of every day.
Biker

 

[Biker]

TrapperReady
That is a fun thread. I have a great deal of confidance in a 12G slug, but I'd always wondered about 00B up close against a charging man-killer.
Biker

 

[Texian Pistolero]

For what it's worth, Ernest Hemimgway once wrote that you are perfectly safe going after a wounded lion with BIRDSHOT!

(What was Papa smoking?)

He was talking about point blank range, in the tall grass.

Also, re bear, are we talking Grizzlies or Blackies?

 

[kudu]

I wondered how long it would take before someone dug up the Blain argument.

 

[Bear Gulch]

Biker you might remeber the attack by the tiger on the lady at the Boise Zoo during "Feast fot the Beast", a fundraiser where zoo patrons get to see how they feed the critter. In this case the tiger decided to chew the patrons arm (resulting in loss if memeory serves). A BPD officer dispatched kitty with his .40.

I have taken black bear with slugs in Alaska, for over bait they are fine or close shotts of 60 yards or less. I have also taken one with my .243 will equally satisfactory results.