How to get the Squared Size of Measuring a Bear Hide.
To square a bear hide, have the bear lying flat on its stomach and measure the tip of the nose to the tip of the tail. Write that number down. Then measure from the tip of the longest claw on left front paw, across the back to the tip of the opposing longest claw on the right paw.
Add the first measurement, nose to tail, to the second measurement, paw to paw. Then divide by 2. That should give you the “square” of your bear.
Scoring Bear for the Safari Club International Record Books.
I. LENGTH OF SKULL
Measure the length of the bear skull parallel to its longitudinal axis. This measurement may include the lower jaw and normal teeth, if that will increase the measurement.
II. WIDTH OF SKULL
Measure the width of the bear skull at a right angle to its longitudinal axis. This measurement is taken across the zygomatic arches, or cheek bones.
III. TOTAL SCORE
Total the measurements. When measuring in inches, record fractions in 1/16ths of an inch. Metric measurements are recorded to 0.1 cm.
Damaged skulls: Only existing bear skull material may be measured. Missing skull material must not be estimated or allowed for. Details of any skull damage should be noted on the entry form.
Repaired skulls: Only original bear skull material from the same animal may be measured, either in its original state, or acceptably put back together so as not to increase any measurement. Any other material, either natural or taxidermic, that has been added to the skull is not to be measured. Details of skull repair must be noted on the entry form, and photographs clearly showing the repair will be required. The Trophy Records Committee reserves the right to require a repaired trophy to be submitted for inspection.
Source: Safari Club International
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The Bear Hunting Blog
Giant Coastal Black Bears in Alaska
Alaska is considered to be one of the premier regions in the world for big game hunting, and those who have already tried their hand at hunting elsewhere come up to Alaska to see if they can really make it. One type of big game that is popular and plentiful to hunt is the black bear. The Prince of Wales Island, located in Southeastern Alaska outside of Ketchikan, is one of the best areas to harvest black bear. This Coastal Island black bear hunting yields success rates of almost 100% for hunters, due to the plentiful nature of the bears here as well as their legendary size.
A black bear that is harvested during Coastal Island black bear hunting season can be over eight feet in length and up to 350 pounds or more, making this truly the region to harvest larger bears than anywhere else in North America. Most of the bears in this area will measure over six and a half feet, and their skulls are usually over twenty inches in length as well, making them massive trophies. This species is now recognized by Safari Club International as a separate trophy category. However, bears are not the only draw for nature enthusiasts who wish to see something truly unique. The Alaskan wilderness teems with life, however, and you may also spot whales, bald eagles, black-tailed deer, and wolves during your adventure.
For the most successful Coastal Island black bear hunting adventure, you will need to have access to tents that allow you to plant yourself directly in the thick of the woods here. If you have no experience with hunting big game, it’s highly recommended to use a professional guide for this purpose. Boats are also needed to hunt in between different small islands off the Alaskan coast. While hunting in some regions will consist of baiting the bears, most hunters here will choose to spot and stalk their prey the old-fashioned way.
This makes Coastal Island black bear hunting more adventurous and exciting than other types of hunts. Not for the faint of heart, this pits man against nature in an up close and personal way, and can be an excellent bonding opportunity for fathers and sons or groups of friends who are interested in taking part in something unique from other types of hunting. Alaskan black bear hunts take place during two seasons, either the spring or the fall, when black bears are most on the move.