"Bear with Air"

[Sniperdad69]

I started preparation to hunt a Black Bear with an airgun this year.
I was ridiculed on some other forums and basically told not to be stupid.
Well in the last two weeks I have become aware of two Black Bears taken with airguns in the last few weeks.
One in Canada and one in Alaska.

I am still on my quest to take a "Bear with Air"
I can not be the first but that won't stop me. (I will be the first to do it with my gun, LOL.)
I first thought about it several months ago when I knew my DAQ LA.458 would be ready in time for Big Game season this year.
I originally thought about a Buffalo, but then I thought that the Buffalo had been done a few times, and what would be the next in line for the ultimate airgun trophy. Not that Buffalo is less of an animal, but the "Bear with air" seemed to have more excitement too it.

What are your views on this new airgun trophy?

Cheers, David.

[Gene_SC]

The question that comes to my mind is..... Is it legal to take a black bear with an air gun.. What state do you live in?

[Brod_Man]

Good luck man. I saw those pics of that black bear taken with that DAQ, It looked pretty big too. I think if bison can be killed with a well placed shot, so long as you have a back up in case something goes terribly wrong, i think you'll be fine.

[daveshoot]

"The LA Outlaw shoots a 430gr bullet at 732fps, which is 509fpe" http://www.quackenbushairguns.com/LA_Outlaw.htm

I think our ancestors probably took bear with less. You'd need to be well under 100 yds, In forested areas this is quite possible for a skillful hunter.

[shadow]

I've seen the pic's and stories myself and big game animals can be taken with the right air shooter and ammo for the job. But when hunting any large and dangerous game safety is first on the list, be prepared for a follow up shot and the unexpected since Ma Nature and her animals can be very unpredictable. Good luck on your quest and be safe. Ed

[only1harry]

Go for it if it's legal in your state but make sure you have a side arm or a powder burner with you in case things "turn ugly".  

It can certainly be done if you 're within 50-60yds and you have around 500ft-lbs or more on demand.  Remember you only get 2 shots at the most from a powerful DAQ.... Also evaluate your tracking skills.  Chances are you will have to track this bear down after you shoot it.  If don't make a good heart/lung shot, you may never recover it.

[Sniperdad69]

Yes it is legal here as long as I Muzzle load it.

I am still hoping my .56 cal MZ air cannon will be ready by then, if not the LA will have to be slightly reconfigured into a MZ for the shoot.
I will only coincide taking a shot at a Black Bear if it is broadside, with near leg forward and under 50 yards. I also have the 280fpe DAQ Pistol for a close shot, under 10 yards. If that is not enough I laso have an SKS with 5 rounds as fast as I can pull the trigger.LOL.
I will also have a second hunter with a camera and a 30-06 and a .45 automatic pistol. I am prepaired for it. Now all I need is the co-operation of the Bear.

It all goes down to knowing where to place the shot for a quick kill. As I said, I have been preparing for this over the last several months.
I shoot a few rounds at least 3 times a week from 10 yards to 45 yards, Offhand with both guns, just to keep intune with the DAQs.

Cheers, David.

[North Pack]

Like the idea, - but hunting bear with a single shot, - well, who knows?

[daveshoot]

Yeah, but bear were hunted with single shots front-stuffers for what, 2 and a half centuries on this continent, before any repeaters were commonly available. And you never even knew if those suckers were going to go off the first time. Most bears are shot from ambush, and if it doesn't happen, you get a click- not like an enraged Cape Buffalo who has spotted you, or anything like that.

If you wound one (with anything) you are obligated to go after it, and then those fpe might weigh on the mind. Sounds like he is going in plenty well backed-up.

[Bogey]

Well, I will probably P-ss some people off with my comments of hunting large and or dangerous animals with Bows, Pistols/revolvers ,  Single shot rifles of all types, sling-shots, pea-shooters or even paper clips and rubberbands.  If you have the urge to do this type of adventure then go all the way....No back up high power rifles ,shotguns or pistols .   I believe if you want to hunt with any of the above named 'primative' weapons then go all the way my friends.  Don't rely of 'Back Up'.  This would certainly make the shooter desire a closer and better shot. And increase your excitement quota.  The only other weapon that should be on the scene is the knife that you plan to skin the kill with.

I got tired of these 'Hunting Shows' on TV that had the host with his bow, or what not, being backed up by enough modern fire power to take over most small countries.

I know men who hunt wild hogs in south Georgia with only knives and dogs.   No firearms at all.

So if you want to hunt large game  and possible dangerous game with an AG then be real about it.  At most the 'back up' should only be another AG and your knife.

[strongbow88]

I agree with bogey, I hunt with a self made primitive bow, and if i was to hunt bear i would not want a back up.

[only1harry]

Sorry I disagree with all this manly BS.. but everyone is entitled to their opinion right?

If someone wishes to hunt black bear with a big-bore airgun then I give them a lot of credit, backup gun or not. It's been done before and there have been hundreds of deer taken with large caliber airguns maybe even thousands. The only difference between a 200lb buck or large deer species and a 200lb bear is that the bear is more dangerous and can kill you easily, not that an angry buck can't seriously hurt you either but it's a lot less likely.

The excitment factor and adrenaline rush is still very high whether you have a backup powder burner or not. You still need to get in close and get a good shot off. Do you think the whole time a person is stalking and aiming at the bear is thinking while he has her in his sights, "oh this is no biggie, I don't care what happens because I have a 30-06 as backup..". Not likely.

The backup gun is just an insurance policy and might save somone's life. Hunting dangerous game with a single shot or a DAQ that only has 2 shots before you need to re-fill its air tank, without a backup gun is NOT SAFE and you are gambling with your life. You try to show you are brave or fearless and disregarding safety.. The cost you could pay for that is very high. That is not thinking.. A lot more hunters died 200yrs ago too.. It doesn't have to be that way in the 21st centurty, but if someone likes to hunt with a single-shot or an airgun so be it. It is still a very thrilling experience. I think not having a backup when going after bear is plain insane. If one loses their life or gets hurt it would be a shame because it could have been completely avoided. Safety comes above all unless you have no regard for your life or another hunting partner that might be with you.

BTW, I would take a 550-600fpe DAQ rifle with me any day over hunting with a regular handgun because the DAQ with its long barrel will be more accurate beyond 30 or 40yds than most pistols. Unless it was a large handgun made especially for hunting with at least an 8.5" barrel and a .44 caliber or greater. Even then it would be very difficult for a pistol cartridge to reach 600ft-lbs of energy unless it was some custom job with larger than pistol or (used) rifle cartridges. Even hunters that hunt dangerous game in Africa have a guide with them that carries an Elephant gun in case things go wrong, and things often do go wrong over there especially with lions, leapards and Buffalo. What do you say to those people? "Oh be a man and just use your 375 Mag or .458 and go get a 450lb lion by yourself? Natives did it with spears not long ago.." Not smart advice.

[Gene_SC]

My only comments are that common sense goes a long way and the safety of yourself and others is always first.

[Timmyj1959@yahoo.com]

I say go for it David!! I would not even give it a second though myself. MANY large game animals have been taken with less. YES it can be dangerous & I would not dream of it without at least having my trusty 44 BP revolver on my side for back up. My Buddy J Woodcock is working on my 50 cal Dragon Slayer right now & is "shooting" for 400 ft lbs.!! I would not hesitate to use it on a Black Bear even when it was "only" producing 300 ft lbs with 300 gr. slugs!:o I would limit my range to about 25 yards though. Your DAQ should be able to reach out somewhat further. Good luck Buddy,, I say go for it & make that shot count!! Tim.

[Sniperdad69]

Tim.

Your DS is almost the same as mine inside. I know because J and I have compared notes on the DS.
Mine has already got over 400fpe, but I was using a bigger caliber. I got a 500gr .69 HP up to 640fps
And they say the Dragon can't be modded for much over 200 fpe

Just like some said the max power from a 12" barrel was 100fpe, That's why my Pistol from J is getting 288fpe
with a 12" barrel. Almost 3 times their so-called maximum.

J will get it up there once he finds the right hammer configuration.

Cheers, David.