SHOT PLACEMENT of a Black Bear
Shot placement on a black bear is extremely important in order to get a quick kill. This is mainly due to the black bears having heavier bones and hides compared to other big game animals. Another factor is black bears have long thick fur and layers of fat that can inhibit a good blood trail. So good shot placement results in a quick kill.When using a bow to hunt black bear it is imperative that the hunter knows how that arrow is designed to kill. Broadheads are designed to cut arteries and veins which results in blood loss. If the arrow hits both lungs this causes the lungs to collapse, which results in a fairly rapid death by suffocation.
When using a firearm to hunt black bear it is imperative that the hunter knows what that bullet will do. Bullets are designed to cause shock, tissue destruction and can even shatter bone. Again, good shot placement will result a quick kill especially when vital organs, such as the heart or lungs, are hit.
WHERE TO AIM
When using a bow the best shot is when a bear is standing broadside. To find the best aiming spot wait until the bear moves the nearest leg forward. This opens up the chest area and the best opportunity to take out the lungs and heart. You want to concentrate on a spot behind the shoulder. The arrow will penetrate the rip area, but you want to avoid the shoulder area completely.When using a firearm the best shot is when a bear is standing broadside. With a firearm you can take a shoulder shot, but waiting until the bear moves the nearest leg forward will guarantee a good chest shot.
Head, spine, and neck shots can be effective in bringing down a black bear. With a head shot a firearm is the only way and the hunter needs to be very proficient with his/her firearm since this is a very small target protected by heavy bone. Spine shots are again shots that need to be taken by those who are very proficient and precise with his/her shot. With neck shots you are dealing with a very short area and the only artery of any size in the neck is the carotid, which is the size of a pencil.