Field judging a black bear is no easy task. Even the most experienced of bear hunters have been known to misjudge a bear in their time. Unlike the ungulate species, bear don’t have the significant racks on their head to help identify a mature male. Instead we have to analyze so much more, from their body shape to the way they act, to ensure we harvest our intended game. Depending on the scenario and how you are hunting, I’ve outlined a few ways to help you identify your mature boar.
Field Judging a Black Bear
- The ears and head. You’ve likely heard this one time and time again but until you see it in person, it won’t truly resonate. “Mickey Mouse ears “ are a clear indication of a younger bear. On the latter, if you’re looking to identify a large bear, look for ears that appear small and more to the side of the bear’s head. They should also be approximately 8” apart. You’ll also want to look for a crease in the center of the head.
- The barrel. If you’re hunting over a bait, you’re likely using a 55-gallon drum which is the perfect scale to judge a bear. A bear standing next to a 55-gallon drum that’s lying on its side might look huge, but remember, that drum only stands about 22″ high. You’re looking for a bear whose shoulder height matches that of an upright barrel, about 33″.
- Their demeanor. When a large dominant male approaches, he will approach the bait with a swagger that is unmistakable, similar to the bully on the playground. He will walk with confidence and be sure of his movements. On the contrary, a younger male or sow will tend to be more skittish, looking over their shoulder more often, stopping to smell and listen, always watching for the mature boar in the area.
- Body. A mature bear will generally have a barrel-like chest and broad shoulders with a large, thick neck. Often they will have the rule of the food source lending to a sagging, full belly.
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Keep in mind, that like all animals, bear are unique, making them a very difficult animal to judge in the field. A distinct feature on one boar may not be evident on the next. Keep an eye out for battle scars, torn ears, and other evidence of abuse that has accumulated over the years of fighting with their rivals. Like anything, experience and practice is key.
