VLOG #12: Four Tips for Shot Placement on Bear (Rode a Mule to Morrell Targets..It's a JOKE)

Clay rides his mule to Morrell Targets in Alma, Arkansas to pick up a bear target. (It's a joke...he really didn't ride that far.) Then he discusses four tips for shot placement on bear. (this isn't a joke, there are some great tips)
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[@45KevinG45]

Target info starts at 4:00 Great video thanks!

[@jamiewiatowski311]

Best explanation of the "middle of the middle" I've heard. Thanks

[@bearhuntingmagazine]

Jamie Wiatowski thanks, Jamie.

[@bobalvarez2577]

Clay, based on the views of this video, it looks like your fanbase want to see more on shot placement with bears. Appreciate what you’re doing!

[@bearhuntingmagazine]

I guess so...Thanks, Bob.

[@aaron159r2]

Just recovered my bear via tedious grid search pattern after a night sleeping in my car waiting for return of daylight. I took a quartering toward shot with a 460 gr fixed triblade broadhead arrow out of a 60 lb compound bow. Cleanly severed the 5th rib, right lower lobe of one lung, liver and gut. Absolutely no blood trail left. In the end, it ran 90 yards through VERY heavy Pacific Northwest wooded brush. Eventually, because of the gut penetration, and by pure luck, I picked up a trail of purple blackberry juice drips on a rock (stomach and intestinal contents). I was able to recover the body the next day after 18 hours post-shot (7 hours of which where spent tossing and turning in my vehicle all night coping with the guilt of not knowing the animal's fate). I will only broadside double lung a bear from now on.

[@Ragnar11B]

I'm just discovering your channel by the way. I'm going into hunting on my own. The tradition was lost in my family. I'm so grateful for anything you share as well as Beargrease too

[@mustafam956]

This is the most Southern thing I’ve ever seen.

[@TheTruthMatters]

We, here in Louisiana, have/are bringing the black bear population back up. The population declined over the last 50-100 years to almost extension in this part of the world. I believe we are now at the point that they have a short season to harvest them. But they seem to be thriving. And another fun fact, BALD EAGLES, yes Bald Eagles are on a comeback in southern Louisiana. I was lucky enough to actually see 2 Bald Eagles eating something dead in the road on the eastern edge of the Atchafalaya Basin in 2017. I tell you what, That was a mind blowing experience having absolutely no clue that they had a Bald Eagle reservation program in Southern Louisiana. Awesome video

[@B-kl8vj]

“Global Headquarters” that’s good stuff! I do like that bear target.

[@bearhuntingmagazine]

Be K right on man. Thanks

[@Calaveras32Spcl]

Wish I had seen this sooner. Almost lost a bear due to a bad shot. 308 pushing 150gr non lead at less then 100 yards, square in the chest when he was facing me. Found puddles of blood and arterial spray on rocks and trees. With a buddies help, tracked it a half mile and hit it with his 270 and again with my 308 to bring it down.

[@809FILMS]

I’ve never wounded a bear in my 13 years of hunting them, I use a ruger 44 carbine shooting Winchester 240 gr, every kill I’ve put the crosshairs right at the top of the shoulder just behind the shoulder drops them every time never tracked a bear and don’t plan on it as I heard it’s a nightmare sometimes even with a lung shot, i shoot to break the front legs and pass through the lungs but yet again 240 grains makes a hell of a hole!

[@eatem]

Can confirm. Just behind the shoulder is a sure way to avoid gut shots, and loss of animals due to poor shot placement. I have even heard some say hit "middle of the middle" which is an awful idea and a sure set up for failure. At least in this video he stated middle of middle and back a bit. I will always shoot just behind the shoulder, though.

[@809FILMS]

@@eatem I’ve heard that as well and if you ask them they will tell you they’ve lost multiple bears, I’ve yet to not see one drop

[@eatem]

@@809FILMS spending hours, or days tracking a wounded and potentially adrenalised predator is not exactly what I would consider an ideal hunt. Keep doing your thing man, it's a proven method 👍 We're allowed 2 per year where I live, and spring season starts in April. I will likely be filming my spring season, if you're interested in keeping up with that.

[@fredivory4304]

Was kinda sceptical at first after the whole mule thing but you pulled it out at the end. Good job.

[@bearhuntingmagazine]

Fred Ivory thanks for watching Fred....

[@ziruk-king4466]

Great explanation on exactly where to place shot. perfect -- everyone that hunts bear should watch this video.

[@georgedodd3970]

Hay buddy, I just came upon your channel . It's been many years since I've hunted anything. But the thing that caught my attention was that mule. After one video I don't know much about you but that mule says a lot about your character.

[@sherirottweilersforever7772]

I love mules!

[@devinduncan2830]

I live, born, and raised in Va in Western Va in the Alleghany Mountains. We use mules to hunt back in George Washington National forest.

[@rob16268]

First video I watched of yours. What can I say...! Instantly subscribed.

[@bearhuntingmagazine]

Rob Vinde thanks Rob! Appreciate it.

[@1bobharvey]

I don't know if its cause I grew up around horses and cattle, that I did a ton of livestock judging in FFA, or that I have broke down a lot of carcasses. But, why does no one talk about visualizing/tracing the arm/shoulder bones when they talk about shot placement? Every animal I picture a shot on I visualize the bones of both front quarters based on what their feet are doing, then imagine the ribs and how both lungs are oriented. I will say bears body cavity can be fairly misleading to a lot of people (partly shape partly color), but their heart sits pretty high in the cavity between the lungs as well as large arteries since their front quarters have far more articulation than cervides so they can do bear stuff with their arms. Plus them being fuzzy doesn't help, just think of any coyote carcass you have ever skinned. At least for me half the time looking at a coyote carcass I am surprised I ever hit the damn things since they look pretty big till you get them skinned, then you realize the 1' tall target you were shooting at 350 yards out running was really like 6" tall at max.

[@bendrixbailey1430]

Very informative. I’m a Maine Guide and will be sending this link to my clients. There will be a test!

[@bearhuntingmagazine]

Bendrix Bailey right on, Brendrix. Thank you.

[@chadkampster7425]

I see that Jed must have been busy doing other things so he didn't have to walk 86 miles. Great video.

[@bearhuntingmagazine]

Chad Kampster yes, he was very busy. I’m really hoping know that it was a joke and I really didn’t ride or walk that far? Lol

[@chadkampster7425]

If it's on the internet it must be true. You had to ride that whole way.haha. Did you have to put preparation H on your feet also?

[@bearhuntingmagazine]

Chad Kampster I actually went back into the video and put up a couple captions saying it was a joke!

[@TomRussellatAFA]

Sure enjoy these weekly videos and these are very interesting points. The big cats require similar consideration. Their hearts are much lower and further back than most quadrapeds. If you've been taking impala, hartebeest, wildebeest, etc. where you come straight up the foreleg hit them in the pocket above the elbow and try the same shot on a lion or leopard you will shoot in front of the heart. I would imagine it's the same for mountain lion but have never hunted them.

[@bearhuntingmagazine]

Tom Russell good feedback. I didn’t realize that about big cats.

[@dougharlow6037]

Love seeing your dog (jed) and your mule

[@Ragnar11B]

A 44 mile walk in them boots? Son that's some tough feet. I bet that was good experience for your mule at that age

[@flylowkey3407]

First of all the 44 mile mule trip was awesome and the fact you walked back shows a lot about your character. Kudos to you sir. Now thats out of the way thank you for the knowledge. Very well explained. Got a new sub sir 🤙

[@pensnut08]

Excellent tutorial!! All deer hunters where bears are legal should watch this!!

[@iammee1111]

Just was guiding two bow hunters last week. They didn't listen and shot them like deer. Needless to say never found the one and the other guy got lucky after a 400 yard track job!

[@jonathanphillips2349]

Going on my first bear hunt to Saskatchewan in May thanks for the video

[@jamespollyjr.3498]

When did Jed get glasses?! Tell him I think he looks more sophisticated with glasses and don't let it bother him if other Plotts call him 4 eyes! 😀

[@bearhuntingmagazine]

James Polly Jr. He trusts his nose more than his eyes anyway.

[@jasonschuneman791]

Dear lord. That was 4 minutes of my life I won't get back.

[@johnbarker2033]

I haven't been watching Clay long but the mule bit seems pretty much him.

[@aduckonquack9142]

Going black bear hunting this spring thanks for the educational video !

[@fishnwildlife]

Absolutely fantastic video. Great practical lessons to learn from - especially because I'm doing my first spring hunt starting this weekend. Good timing and thanks.

[@bearhuntingmagazine]

willy&chester great! Good luck hunting. Let us know how you do. Where you hunting?

[@fishnwildlife]

Bear Hunting Magazine Thanks for responding. Canadian born and raised. Hunting Ontario.

[@bearhuntingmagazine]

willy&chester good luck up there. Do many Canadian residents bear hunt?

[@fishnwildlife]

Bear Hunting Magazine Totally. But, there's definitely a big non-resident market here as well.

[@davekoehler2700]

Another excellent and informative video Clay job well done

[@bearhuntingmagazine]

Dave Koehler thanks. Appreciate it.

[@esticolis]

Great channel! Thanks for the useful info on bear-hunting!

[@BlauLion]

Keep the wild places wild ! Very important for humans and animals

[@bearhuntingmagazine]

AGREED.

[@obernund4371]

We only have a fall and early winter black bear season.

[@runningbirds]

Thanks Clay, this is a great video. Hopefully I'll get to use what I learned on my first bear hunt this fall

[@curtguru]

That dog just kills me!!!

[@simplyoutdoors1321]

I would be a starter if you need footage from bear hunting in Northern Quebec. Izzy seems to be coming along good. Good advice on shot placement!

[@bearhuntingmagazine]

Thanks and good luck hunting up in Quebec! Izzie is doing really well.

[@MrHrKaidoOjamaaVKJV]

Well done! Very important, informative knowledge to know and employ for harvesting Black Bears.

[@richardburnett6972]

Love the Videos Clay!!! Spring Bear can and do you eat them? .Bear Hunting Magazine needs a Calendar !!!!

[@bearhuntingmagazine]

Thank you and, yes, you can absolutely eat spring bear.

[@citysticker-chris]

Good info Clay, just posted up a new video about Pa Elk visitor center over @ City sticker- Chris on KZbin.

[@bearhuntingmagazine]

Will check it out.

[@waynebrett4200]

Thank You for this video. I need help with shoot placement.

[@bearhuntingmagazine]

Hey Wayne, thanks for watching. Here is another video on shot placement on Black Bear. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ioKQpWl6md12ntk

[@extortionist4123]

High quality video Clay! Informative and to the point. Love the videos and the content you bring thank you for your time and dedication to the hunting community! Good hunting and stay safe!

[@bearhuntingmagazine]

ExTortionIst 412 appreciate it. Thank you....

[@doctortabby]

Thanks! Hopefully I will be putting this to the test for my first time today on 9-11-22. 🙂

[@StevenBocker]

Excellent advice for hunters new to black bear hunting

[@mountainfeist3750]

I don’t even bear hunt , but like all your videos. Wish I could find a dog like that.

[@bearhuntingmagazine]

Thanks, Tim. Appreciate it. We may make a bear hunter out of you yet.

[@papd1117]

Great educational video!

[@bearhuntingmagazine]

papd1117 thanks

[@christopherch7307]

Good morning and thanks for the video. 👍

[@bearhuntingmagazine]

Christopher Ch thanks!

[@ethimself5064]

Pretty darn good advice👍

[@mattmusselman5055]

Thanks for the information..i never miss a video..

[@bearhuntingmagazine]

Thanks Matt.

[@masoneversole575]

I worked there for 2 weeks and it sucks those targets are basically bags full of trash and cloth with a fancy cover stapled too it it’s cool to think that your building archery targets but the labor is no fun lol

[@kensummerlin180]

I just gotta pic of one about 450-500 lbs on my trail cam

[@kmerkingdomfilms]

Thanks for sharing on tips and tricks of how to shoot bears. Now I'm ready to hunt!. Great info.

[@Bowfella]

Bear hunting is much easier than white tail hunting. - easier to bait - they don't spook as easily - worse eyesight than deer - they don't run as far as deer. - they're easier to spot (when the sun's up) I got three blackbears from a tree stand in an area I only take vacation is before I got a white tail near where I live.

[@Tikka510]

What do think about 7.62x39 Ruger ranch rifle with PPU Centerfire Ammunition 7.62x39 PSP 123 Grain. for tree stand Black bear hunting. Thanks.

[@45auto]

Every time I hear you talk I think Dubya has takin' up bear hunting. Maybe one day I'll get to hunt bear though I think I'll stick to rifles. Nothing against archery I'm just more into shooting.

[@rkba4923]

Yup and it's a f'in bear man!

[@melaniemacfarlane6248]

the thumb nailndot needs to be brought to the left a dot and above it will be the shoulder blade straight down for a rifle or below the heart for a death moan with a bow

[@evandickens3917]

Hey I've drove by there before I live near alma I didn't now we had bear around here

[@bearhuntingmagazine]

Evan Dckens lots of bears in the Ozarks!

[@evandickens3917]

Bear Hunting Magazine I hunt zone 7 a but I don't own my land

[@bartgomez4872]

Thank you!

[@Thedarkdog95]

Is it the same placement of shot on let's say brownbears in Scandinavia?

[@bradleyjohnson8293]

How do you get a bear to stop or pause to get an archery shot off?

[@michaelconner1771]

Damn, you should have worn some walking shoes. Great 40+ mile workout!

[@MrWigV25]

Good vlog..

[@bearhuntingmagazine]

Thanks for watching man!

[@MrWigV25]

Bear Hunting Magazine you welcome my friend did u had a look at my videos to..

[@Wicka1957]

I will be doing my first bear hunt from a tree stand with a crossbow. Do you have any tips for shot placement from an elevated position?

[@dylankorpi137]

I’m doing the same thing LOL and since it’s an arrow type thing (or bolt in this case) be sure to aim just a half an inch to and inch low to compensate for the arrow or bolt rising after being shot

[@kennethscribner6673]

Amazing video thx

[@ericwiitala5407]

That's a great education on the vitals and shot placement on a bear.

[@bearhuntingmagazine]

Eric Wiitala thanks Eric.

[@jamiesloan5902]

The biggest rifle bore that I own is a .243. Is that enough? With a well placed shot at close range? I usually take my 12 gauge, loaded with Brenneke slugs.

[@drsmac1498]

You want bigger. .308, 30-06, .270

[@bearhuntingmagazine]

A bigger caliber would be better, but a well placed .243 bullet would kill a bear. You’d just have to get a broadside shot.

[@outdoorsman812]

Don’t take much to poke a hole through their thin ribs, just don’t hit the leg bone. .243 will do it

[@colinpinkerton6945]

.243 is the minimum. I've seen it used here in the PNW by youth and women with mixed results. Would only shoot broadside. 6.5 creed or 7-08 is a much better choice for a smaller cartridge. Better bullet selection for a bear, and more leeway for a shot that hits bones.

[@204orin]

Great advice, but you have no idea how hard it is to get hunters to follow it!

[@SquatSimp]

Thanks for upload man!

[@ziruk-king4466]

What is your favorite bear eating dish? Thanks

[@wehuntfisheat2724]

You’ve recruited me sir

[@bearhuntingmagazine]

We Hunt Fish Eat right on.

[@tomekbarka6565]

What is the miminal power in lb to Reach average bear ?

[@davidcalhoun1828]

What kind of dog did you have on your show

[@AlexKurashev]

Absolutely love your content! Thank you for the tips! Going out on my first spring bear hunt in a month.

[@bearhuntingmagazine]

Александр Курашёв good luck to you. Where are you hunting?

[@AlexKurashev]

Clay, I’m going to Alaska to sit at a bait site. I’ve been chasing them here in Virginia for the past 5 years or so. Had several encounters but never quite had an opportunity to draw my bow. So I figured I’d change my approach a bit. But come winter, I’ll be back at chasing them in VA where there’s no baiting.

[@AlexKurashev]

And when I say “chasing” I don’t mean dogs. Just scouting on my own, setting up trail cameras and spending countless hours in a treestand. But I have been considering getting a dog in the future.

[@bearhuntingmagazine]

Excellent. You'll enjoy Alaska. Keep us posted how it goes. Bring a Thermacell!

[@AlexKurashev]

Will do :)

[@bradmacdonald7626]

If I got into an altercation with a black bear, and all I had was a 5 inch knife, where should I stab the bear?

[@bearhuntingmagazine]

Brad MacDonald that’s a tough question. Probably wherever you could....

[@fckfracking6409]

bear have cubs in the spring.. not to many here in PA but we hunt them in November so cubs can take care of themselves... couldn't imagine seeing a mother with small cubs and shooting it knowing they'll starve ... what state is this in?

[@tomhall3172]

40 mile on a mule make ya walk funny

[@theonexyooj3779]

Thanks 4 the explanation 👍

[@andrewscrimger7548]

Think you need to walk it now ha ha ha ha ha

[@rosshill1386]

I'm confused, were the 2 "chalk" circles on the bear supposed to be lungs and heart?

[@rogersmicharl]

AT LEAST YOU HAVE BREECHING ON YOUR MULE . IS THAT A MULE SADDLE TOO, I HOPE ? DO YOU LET HIM KNOW YOU ARE GETTING ON BY JERKING THE SADDLE HORN , HE WILL PLANT HIS FEET WHE YOU DO THAT SO YOU CAN GET ON EASIER .

[@travisandrews3909]

How to hurt a bear with a bowl arrow in Gatlin Tennessee??

[@scottpulver4920]

Good advice. My first bear hunt and were told take a head shot....?

[@Bowfella]

Unless you have a zeroed in .308 and want to ruin a trophy then don't. Go for the lungs, they're easier to hit anyways.

[@jethroOffroadAdventures]

just come across your channel and awesome info for bear hunting I got a cabin in north Johnson county I just purchased and hope to finally get to kill a bear with my bow

[@Megeep]

Going on my first bear hunt on labor day. This is a fantastic video. Love the podcast love what y'all do!

[@andrewscrimger7548]

How many hours did that walk take

[@bearhuntingmagazine]

Andrew Scrimger hey man....we really didn’t walk that far....it was a joke!

[@twobears1224]

Plott hounds rock!!! ;-)

[@coodyoutdoors8766]

Alma my home town

[@morganlin3117]

awesome

[@rogersmicharl]

THATS A SMALL TARGET . THEY DONT MAKE LIFE SIZE ONES ?

[@MrNjfan]

Russellville, Arkansas hunter here! I really would love to get into bear hunting! Don’t know anything about it, but would love to get in contact and learn all I can!

[@bearhuntingmagazine]

Excellent. Keep following our content and magazine and you'll pick up the gist. Thanks for watching the vids. You're in some good bear country just to North of you.

[@PreferAndroid]

So what happens if you shot a bear in the head? That won't take him down?

[@bearhuntingmagazine]

PreferAndroid yes, but it’s not the best shot. Head is always moving and can be hard to hit. We’re mainly talking about archery shots too.

[@PreferAndroid]

@@bearhuntingmagazine.. OK cool. Gotcha! Thanks!

[@heatherh2784]

killed many bear, "so the heart is where the home is."just like all critters

[@Life-nj3pd]

Очень полезная информация👍

[@cozyrules6250]

Keep it mule bro

[@SquatSimp]

4:10

[@leeg2787]

4:00 Your welcome

[@Hollywood41642]

44 miles in cowboy boots .. Not..

[@donnicholson4095]

Lol why not ta Ke a vechile

[@yaddahaysmarmalite4059]

Keep wild places wild?! But there's petroleum in that thar ground!And what about land speculation for suburban developments?!Rich people can't get richer by keeping wild places wild!

[@papyfred7817]

Why hunting bears ???

[@bearhuntingmagazine]

Food, hide, tradition and conservation. Black bears are thriving in North America because of hunting.

[@509Gman]

And fawn survival.

[@Bowfella]

Killing older males also ensures bear cubs survive, bears are cannibals and territorial. Like @thegreatandini said, it also promotes the survival of their prey since blackbears are so populous. I've NEVER seen a single deer in the area I hunt bear in. Infact I've never seen anything other than chipmunks, squirrels, and bear of course.

[@leeedwards8859]

How far can a bear run with a lung shot?

[@509Gman]

lee edwards in the words of the late, great Jack O’Connor: about as far as he can hold his breath.

[@Bowfella]

Not as far as a deer.

[@brianclay5191]

Mine ran 88 yards.