Go Back   Alberta Outdoorsmen Forum > Main Category > Hunting Discussion

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 05-07-2023, 09:58 PM
HuntnVet HuntnVet is offline
 
Join Date: Jun 2019
Posts: 4
Default Thoughts on this bear?

Hi there.
Life long hunter but never been much of a bear hunter. Only ever taken two over the years and mainly because they were around every turn and the moose were giving me the slip and I didn’t want to go home empty handed.
Last fall I saw a real nice colour phase that I thought I’d like to pursue as that’s always interested me to have one.
Went scouting tonight and found this colour phase sow with a black cub. She is much closer to pack out and my spring body isn’t in the shape my fall body usually is. I’ve got a couple afternoons this week that I could burn after a bear.
The regs say you can’t take a sow with a cub under a year of age.
So my questions.
How do I know the age of the cub? I’ve seen “cubs” with sows that were nearly as big as her in the fall and thought they were too old to still be with mom. This cub is probably 3/4 her height but definite not filled out.
So, any thoughts on age?
If it is legal any thoughts on ethics?
I don’t need her that bad if the cub still needs her.
See if these pics are of any value from the distance I was.
Thank you.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg IMG_6300.jpg (52.1 KB, 972 views)
File Type: jpg IMG_6307.jpg (38.7 KB, 820 views)
File Type: jpg IMG_6310.jpg (35.0 KB, 808 views)
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 05-07-2023, 10:30 PM
addicted addicted is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Edmonton
Posts: 374
Default

Get in close and double check. If it’s a sow, let it walk. She keeps that colour phase going. Look for a nice boar. He’s not going to be far.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 05-07-2023, 10:31 PM
Lefty-Canuck's Avatar
Lefty-Canuck Lefty-Canuck is offline
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Look behind you :)
Posts: 27,775
Default

Sows have cubs in the den and they emerge in the spring and that’s not this years cub, so it’s not a “cub” in the legal sense.

Sows colored or not always get a free pass from me.

LC
__________________
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 05-07-2023, 11:21 PM
crazy_davey crazy_davey is offline
Banned
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Foothills
Posts: 2,337
Default

Definitely not this years cub.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 05-08-2023, 06:25 AM
hookset hookset is offline
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 140
Default

Not this years cub. My understanding is it would be legal. Not the most ethical thing in my eyes but if its legal have at it. I have seen colour sows with multiple coloured cubs; so letting her pass could populate future coloured boars.

I am no bear expert, but with it being legal to harvest a sow with 1-2 year old cubs does that mean there is a high survival chance of those two cubs?

Would think they would be waiting around or looking for momma bear, possibly becoming an easy meal for a bigger boar or griz.

Good luck this year
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 05-08-2023, 08:14 AM
-JR- -JR- is offline
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Edm.
Posts: 4,845
Default

Not the best picture to look at but looks like a gizz and a black in that picture.

This is how i was explained what a cub would look like if it was born that year. The cub's size would be the size of a bread loaf come spring time . From what i see in your picture that cub is over one year .
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 05-08-2023, 08:37 AM
Macdrizzle Macdrizzle is offline
 
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 370
Default

Strange looking bear. The light brown top with dark brown legs is pretty typical for a young grizzly but I don't see the hump from the side angle.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 05-08-2023, 08:46 AM
CanuckShooter's Avatar
CanuckShooter CanuckShooter is offline
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Quesnel BC Canada
Posts: 5,586
Default

Why would you let a sow walk unless the bear population was down??
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 05-08-2023, 09:17 AM
Jtenkink Jtenkink is offline
 
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Airdrie
Posts: 36
Default Grizz?

Once you said it it does kinda look grizz-ish. Hard to say for sure from the pics. Wouldn’t it be fairly usual for a grizz and a black to be so close? I’m fairly new to this but I was under the impression they don’t like to hang out with each other.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 05-08-2023, 09:42 AM
3blade's Avatar
3blade 3blade is offline
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 5,151
Default

This years cubs are the size of a Pomeranian. That’s definitely not this years cub. It will get run off by mom or eaten by a boar in June during the rut, so no it doesn’t need mom anymore

Beautiful color. I personally don’t see anything wrong with taking a sow (or doe or cow), as long as the population is healthy. There’s no shortage of bears.
__________________
“Nothing is more persistent than a liberal with a dumb idea” - Ebrand
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 05-08-2023, 10:53 AM
Grizzly Adams1 Grizzly Adams1 is offline
 
Join Date: Sep 2021
Posts: 3,684
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by addicted View Post
Get in close and double check. If it’s a sow, let it walk. She keeps that colour phase going. Look for a nice boar. He’s not going to be far.
Judging by the ears, she isn't that big either.

Grizz
__________________
Woe unto them that join house to house, that lay field to field, till there is no place, that they be alone in the midst of the Earth.

Isaiah 5:8
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 05-08-2023, 11:34 AM
Stinky Buffalo's Avatar
Stinky Buffalo Stinky Buffalo is offline
Moderator
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: A bit North o' Center...
Posts: 11,115
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Grizzly Adams1 View Post
Judging by the ears, she isn't that big either.

Grizz
That's what I was thinking as well. And in my mind, rules out that it's a grizz too...

Personally, I'd pass, but I'm holding out for a big one.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 05-08-2023, 11:38 AM
-JR- -JR- is offline
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Edm.
Posts: 4,845
Default

That one picture with the head down looks like a grizz with a hump .
A male grizz would be go after a small black bear cub but i don't thing a female would .

It would have been interesting to watch those to longer .
Did they even get closer ,maybe the one did not even know the other one was there . Could be two small bears that did not know any better .
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 05-08-2023, 12:05 PM
Pathfinder76 Pathfinder76 is online now
 
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 15,773
Default

Good grief. It’s a small black bear sow.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 05-08-2023, 12:25 PM
walking buffalo's Avatar
walking buffalo walking buffalo is offline
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 10,207
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Pathfinder76 View Post
Good grief. It’s a small black bear sow.
Right on, Chuck.
__________________
Alberta Fish and Wildlife Outdoor Recreation Policy -

"to identify very rare, scarce or special forms of fish and wildlife outdoor recreation opportunities and to ensure that access to these opportunities continues to be available to all Albertans."
Reply With Quote
  #16  
Old 05-08-2023, 12:58 PM
HuntnVet HuntnVet is offline
 
Join Date: Jun 2019
Posts: 4
Default

Thanks guys. I appreciate the discussion. In my younger days I’m sure I would pursue her with intentions to take her, but there are some bigger boars somewhere not too far I’m sure.

Yes, definitely a sow and cub. He was laying by her while she was grazing for a while. I guess I should invest in a better camera for these discussions!

I will plan on walking past them today and venture further in and see what’s over the next ridge.
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 05-08-2023, 01:47 PM
Stinky Buffalo's Avatar
Stinky Buffalo Stinky Buffalo is offline
Moderator
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: A bit North o' Center...
Posts: 11,115
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by walking buffalo View Post
Right on, Chuck.
Hee hee! I see what you did there.
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 05-08-2023, 01:58 PM
Bigwoodsman Bigwoodsman is online now
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Edmonton
Posts: 8,269
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by HuntnVet View Post
Thanks guys. I appreciate the discussion. In my younger days I’m sure I would pursue her with intentions to take her, but there are some bigger boars somewhere not too far I’m sure.

Yes, definitely a sow and cub. He was laying by her while she was grazing for a while. I guess I should invest in a better camera for these discussions!

I will plan on walking past them today and venture further in and see what’s over the next ridge.
I wouldn't pass on that colour phased bear. Sow aside, you'll save the cub from being killed by a boar come mating season. There are an abundance of black bears in the province. If you like this bear and want to do yourself an awesome rug, then harvest it. If you're just hunting for the meat then I guess a pass is warranted.

Figure out what you want to do with it. Your decision and there is no wrong one here.

BW
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 05-08-2023, 03:54 PM
walking buffalo's Avatar
walking buffalo walking buffalo is offline
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 10,207
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Stinky Buffalo View Post
Hee hee! I see what you did there.
It's impossible to resist another kick at the ball.


Nothing wrong with taking a legal sow, more hunters should.
__________________
Alberta Fish and Wildlife Outdoor Recreation Policy -

"to identify very rare, scarce or special forms of fish and wildlife outdoor recreation opportunities and to ensure that access to these opportunities continues to be available to all Albertans."
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 05-08-2023, 04:09 PM
Pathfinder76 Pathfinder76 is online now
 
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 15,773
Default

Buffalo’d again.
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 05-08-2023, 04:19 PM
Smoky buck Smoky buck is offline
 
Join Date: Oct 2018
Posts: 7,328
Default

Your tag so as long as it’s legal and you would be happy with it go for it

Personally I would pass
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 05-08-2023, 04:57 PM
Drewski Canuck Drewski Canuck is offline
 
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 3,922
Default

GET in closer and look again, real hard. The black "cub" is a great example of the game one of these things is not like the other.

IF they looked the same, then we would be looking a black bears, not a Griz and a black bear.

Wide head with short snout, Griz.

Wide stance with a hump on the shoulder, Griz.

Anyways, if you are convinced that the brown one is a colour phase black bear, your call, but it is a Griz.

Drewski
Reply With Quote
  #23  
Old 05-08-2023, 05:57 PM
buckman buckman is offline
 
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 1,619
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Drewski Canuck View Post
GET in closer and look again, real hard. The black "cub" is a great example of the game one of these things is not like the other.

IF they looked the same, then we would be looking a black bears, not a Griz and a black bear.

Wide head with short snout, Griz.

Wide stance with a hump on the shoulder, Griz.

Anyways, if you are convinced that the brown one is a colour phase black bear, your call, but it is a Griz.

Drewski
looks like a Grizz from the front for sure.
Reply With Quote
  #24  
Old 05-08-2023, 06:09 PM
Phil McCracken's Avatar
Phil McCracken Phil McCracken is offline
 
Join Date: May 2017
Location: Rocky Mtn House,AB
Posts: 2,189
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Drewski Canuck View Post
GET in closer and look again, real hard. The black "cub" is a great example of the game one of these things is not like the other.

IF they looked the same, then we would be looking a black bears, not a Griz and a black bear.

Wide head with short snout, Griz.

Wide stance with a hump on the shoulder, Griz.

Anyways, if you are convinced that the brown one is a colour phase black bear, your call, but it is a Griz.

Drewski
You are right...
Reply With Quote
  #25  
Old 05-08-2023, 06:11 PM
birdseye birdseye is offline
 
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 405
Default not sure

they both look like 2-3 year old cubs,very small,healthy with nice coats though.
Reply With Quote
  #26  
Old 05-08-2023, 06:37 PM
338Bluff 338Bluff is offline
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,844
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Phil McCracken View Post
You are right...
Yup. The one bear is for sure a grizz. It's surprising that young black bear is being that careless, but never say never.
__________________
You can't spend your way out of target panic......trust me.
Reply With Quote
  #27  
Old 05-08-2023, 06:42 PM
Smoky buck Smoky buck is offline
 
Join Date: Oct 2018
Posts: 7,328
Default

After reading a few pics I had to take a better look at those pics

After zooming in on the tiny pictures on my phone yeah I would be taking a closer look to be sure it’s not a grizz

Pictures suck so I am not going to say for sure but there is definitely characteristic that would make me want a closer look before pulling a trigger
Reply With Quote
  #28  
Old 05-08-2023, 06:50 PM
Pathfinder76 Pathfinder76 is online now
 
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 15,773
Default

Maybe the cub is a hybrid
Reply With Quote
  #29  
Old 05-08-2023, 07:31 PM
Gboe8 Gboe8 is offline
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 1,032
Default

Look at the first pic I don’t think there is any chance that is a grizz
Reply With Quote
  #30  
Old 05-08-2023, 07:33 PM
fishnguy fishnguy is offline
 
Join Date: Jul 2017
Posts: 3,658
Default

^ my thoughts too.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Pathfinder76 View Post
Maybe the cub is a hybrid
Lol.
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 01:49 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.5
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.