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

Ledesavage Arms Announces
Ledesavage Arms Announces

Savage Arms Announces Father’s Day Rebate on Axis Rifles

Savage Arms is celebrating Father’s Day by offering a $75 mail-in rebate on the purchase of any Axis/Axis II or Axis 2 rifle. This limited-time promotion is valid for purchases made between May 15, 2026, and June 30, 2026. Customers must submit their rebate requests by July 30, 2026, to qualify.

Ruger Relocates HQ to North Carolina

Amid an increasingly hostile political environment in Connecticut, Ruger has relocated its corporate headquarters from Southport, Conn., to Mayodan, N.C.

Spring Plinking: A Seasonal Rimfire Roundup

What’s in Your Picnic Basket? A spring plinker round up for your trigger time pleasure. As the weather breaks, it’s time to get outside, pack a picnic and send some lead downrange. Let’s look at some fun options to pack along in your picnic plinking adventures. 

New for 2026: Gritr 3-Slot Rifle Mag Pouch

Gritr has introduced the new 3-Slot Rifle Mag Pouch, a hook-and-loop organizer designed to provide secure storage and quick access to rifle magazines and essential gear.

Drones for Downed Game Recovery

Ready to launch your shiny new Mother’s or Father’s day drone to locate that trophy buck hideout? Doing so nearly anywhere in the U.S. makes you a poacher. There is, however, a growing roster of states that allow the use of drones to locate downed game.

Cartridge Legacies: The .308 Winchester Family Tree

I suppose it is fair to say that if you want to find the true legacy of a cartridge, you could look to its offspring and the successes and/or failures of the family. Let’s look at the .308 Winchester’s family tree, at the instant successes, and those children which have lagged behind over the years.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.