Shoot Bear Where?

by
posted on March 14, 2014
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
qa_ah2015_fs.jpg (9)

Q: If charged by a bear and forced to shoot, where should I aim my rifle?

A: When a bear decides to strike, time is of the essence as the animal will be moving fast. It is wise to try and hit the middle of the bear coming toward you. The bear (charging on all fours) will have its head roughly close to the middle of what you see coming toward you. If you miss the head (a near miss), the spine or chest will be hit. A center-of-mass hit is your aim, and fast bolt, lever or pump-action work is necessary, assuming you have time for multiple shots.

Latest

First Breach 223
First Breach 223

New for 2026: First Breach Ammo

Hagerstown, Maryland’s First Breach is a new company, based on a father/son team who are passionate about quality ammunition.

Top 10 Bowhunting Items of SHOT 2026

Bowhunting is a gear-intensive endeavor. Make sure you have the very best.

MDT Expands Timbr Core Line with Savage 110 Model

MDT has announced its Timbr Core Walnut Stock for the RH Savage 110 Short Action, expanding the Timbr Core lineup and bringing classic walnut craftsmanship to a modern, precision-focused rifle stock.

Knight & Hale Expands Run N' Gun Vest Line with New Models

Knight & Hale Game Calls has expanded its Run N' Gun turkey vest line. Designed for hunters who demand speed, stealth and efficiency in the field, the new lineup promises lightweight comfort, storage and versatility.

#SundayGunday: Taurus 650

On this week's #SundayGunday, we’re taking a deep dive into a compact wheelgun that’s built to balance power, concealability and rugged reliability. This is the stainless‑steel Taurus 650—Taurus’s reintroduced small‑frame, five‑shot revolver chambered in .357 Magnum. Learn more about it in this exclusive video.

52 Bears Harvested in Florida Season

There were 52 bears harvested during Florida’s first bear season since 2015.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.