After a dry run earlier this spring, Kirk returned to Western Oregon and glassed clearcut units for spring black bear.

On the Second day of his hunt he spotted a bear feeding on grass on a clearcut 550 yards away. He moved in to 300 yards, took aim and the cartridge didn’t fire.

Expelling the bad round, I jacked in another one and settled in for the shot. The bear was at 308 yards, so I put the cross hairs just below his spine, at the shot, the bear turned quickly downhill and appeared to be hit hard. He ran into a small patch of brush and disappeared.

Putting another round in the gun, I looked up and saw the bear walking out of the brush pile, appearing to be unharmed as he continued to feed.

Aiming just at/over his spine, I touched off another shot and bear crumpled, sliding a few yards downhill. Coming to rest on a downed log.

Luckily the shot took out the bears heart. She was a younger sow, probably 3-5 years old, very healthy with a great coat. I’d say she went roughly 175lbs.

Although I was hunting alone, I had some great hospitality and hand drawn maps from one of the locals.

Well done Kirk!