Bear? What to do if I shoot one?

[merogers]

Well, bear season is open this year where I hunt. There's been three sighted on the property and the owner wants me to plug them if I see them. I only like to kill what I eat. Never really heard a "good" bear eating story. Always that it was greasy or made them sick. Don't get me wrong, I'll try eating it. Anybody got any tips to make it tasty? Also, what's the going price to get a bear hide tanned, or a rug made. All responses about food or taxidermy appreciated. Mark (Now that I've asked, I'm sure I won't see one)

[joshfkntaylor]

403 6778 jimmy fulchers number of fulchers taxidermy tell them josh taylor sent u, hell hook you up with very good price

[BayViews]

I'm no expert, but I have helped friends gut them out and drag bear out of the woods on several occasions. In general you would field dress a bear just like you would a deer. However, if you want a head mounted rug, a good taxidermist may be able to give you better advice so that the potential mount is not ruined. I have had quite a bit of bear meat (having lived in prime bear country NH - VT - ME). Don't let anyone kid you, bear meat can be top notch. Like any game, the type of preparation can make a big difference. Most folks tend to use the meat for roasts and hamburg. A well prepared bear steak can also be a treat. There is more fat on a bear than a deer. But there should be no reason for bear meat to make anyone sick. I'm sure you can find some fine recipes with WEB searches. Best of Luck.

[crabby and son]

I have killed two bears. I had one made into a rug 15 years ago at the cost $510.00. The second bear was a full standing mount 10 years ago at a cost of $1695.00. Bear meat is very good BUT you must cook it to 170 degrees. You can't eat it rare. The internet has plenty recipes. I have several wild game cook books also. If you want the bear mounted, I would just take the whole bear to the taxidermist the day of the kill. Good luck............Gary

[joshfkntaylor]

gary, you are very knowledgeable. if i ever have any questions, you are #1 on my list on TF :p

[BLUEYZWAITN]

I second that Josh,
Gary has always had the best advice....

Jay

[shellfish]

A buddy gave me a hind quarter from a bear and i sliced it up thin and soaked it overnite in milk then fried it in seasoned flour and it was just as good if not better than deermeat it was really tender a lot more tender than i was thinking it was going to be i would eat it again for sure

[h2oboss]

I've had bear on several occasions, however it was always the same recipie.....bear and beans. I'm here to tell ya it was down right tasty. From what I gathered they slow cooked the bear in a crock pot and then made a huge batch of home made baked beans (brown sugar, whorchteshire, tomatoe sauce, etc,etc) and they slow cooked the whole dish for about a day. Real Good!

[Tracker12]

I have killed 4 bears and all but the one I killed in Canada I butchered and ate. The meat is great if taken care of and prepared poperly. Big thing is you have to remove all the fat. Bear fat is very bitter and will ruin the flavor. I grind most of it into burger and mix it with pork butt. As was recommend cook any of hit well done. I wrap all steak and roasts with bacon. I personally like shoulder mounts with closed mouths. Bear are beautiful animals and I hate the old growling pose. I love bear hunting if you need help hunting them let me know.