Author Topic: Little girl takes big bear... (Read 733 times)

loaded4bear · « **on:** October 26, 2005, 04:04:21 PM »

8-Year-Old Hunter Bags Bear in Md.

OAKLAND, Md. (AP) - An 8-year-old girl killed the first black bear of Maryland's 2005 hunting season, downing the 211-pound adult male with two shots from a .243-caliber rifle about an hour after dawn Monday, the Department of Natural Resources said.

Sierra Stiles was hunting on her family's farm in southern Garrett County, said Paul Peditto, director of the agency's Wildlife and Heritage Division.

Maryland law sets no minimum age limit for hunters, but first-timers must pass a course and show that they can safely handle and shoot a firearm. Sierra scored 98 percent on her safety test, Peditto said.

Six bears were registered by 5 p.m. Monday. State wildlife managers set a quota of 40 to 55 bears for the hunt, which runs through Saturday.

10/24/05 20:04

© Copyright The Associated Press. All rights reserved. The information contained In this news report may not be published, broadcast or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #1 on:** October 26, 2005, 04:39:41 PM »

Quote from: loaded4bear

8-Year-Old Hunter Bags Bear in Md.

OAKLAND, Md. (AP) - An 8-year-old girl killed the first black bear of Maryland's 2005 hunting season, downing the 211-pound adult male with two shots from a .243-caliber rifle about an hour after dawn Monday, the Department of Natural Resources said.

Sierra Stiles was hunting on her family's farm in southern Garrett County, said Paul Peditto, director of the agency's Wildlife and Heritage Division.

Maryland law sets no minimum age limit for hunters, but first-timers must pass a course and show that they can safely handle and shoot a firearm. Sierra scored 98 percent on her safety test, Peditto said.

Six bears were registered by 5 p.m. Monday. State wildlife managers set a quota of 40 to 55 bears for the hunt, which runs through Saturday.

10/24/05 20:04

© Copyright The Associated Press. All rights reserved. The information contained In this news report may not be published, broadcast or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.

I had a smile from ear to ear when I read that.

I wish more kids got into hunting like that.

Qaz · « **Reply #2 on:** October 27, 2005, 06:05:02 AM »

I am really happy for the child and the thrill it must have been. But, I am a little concerned at her choice of calibers. Didn't anyone tell her that a 243 is not enough to kill a bear, it is hardly enough to kill a small deer. I guess it is lucky no one told the bear.

All jokes aside, I am glad Maryland has a bear season now. If only the fruit cakes in California would realize that hunting cougers is better than letting them hunt us! That is another good use for a 243.

ihunt49 · « **Reply #3 on:** October 31, 2005, 05:51:32 AM »

Like with any caliber, it's SHOT PLACEMENT that is important. .243 Win is a tad on the light side for black bear but it will do the job if the bullet is placed right. Same with whitetails.

victorcharlie · « **Reply #4 on:** October 31, 2005, 10:39:25 AM »

What can I say about the .243 except I've killed over 50 deer with one and only had 2 run, and then only about 80 yards........The .243 has done everything I've ever asked it to do..............I don't know why alot of people think they have to have some big, high energy magnum when the .243, 30.30 winchester, 32 special etc will work just fine...........Confidence problems maybe? Trust me......you put it where it needs to be and you'll get the expected results..........