Author Topic: Life weight vs hanging weight (Read 952 times)

orchemo · « **on:** May 08, 2006, 06:35:46 AM »

First bear hunt and successful.

Curious to know what the life weight would have been.

Hanging weight (gutted/skinned/no head) = 200 lbs.

Various people have given different numbers. The meat processor, said hangin weight = 1/2 life weight. Others said head = 25 lbs, skin = 35 lbs, and guts = 35 lbs.

What do people say?
Thanks
Eric

Dusty Miller · « **Reply #1 on:** May 09, 2006, 09:44:50 AM »

I've always heard that a field dressed animal looses about 30% of its "on the hoof" weight. But, that's just what I've always heard and nothing more!! :grin:

Dusty Miller · « **Reply #2 on:** May 11, 2006, 09:26:01 PM »

Then I was just yesterday reading that the loss is closer to 20%. Hey, I dunno, yer guess is as good as mine!

jk3006 · « **Reply #3 on:** May 19, 2006, 05:17:11 AM »

According to JJhack's extensive studies, a bear will lose 16% of its weight when dressed. I'm sure that doesn't include taking the head off.

loaded4bear · « **Reply #4 on:** May 19, 2006, 03:27:51 PM »

According to the biologists at the Pennsylvania Game Commission, who process thousands of bears each season at PGC check stations (4,164 during the 2005 season alone), the live weight of a black bear can be determined by adding 18% to the field dressed weight. Field dressed weight means "gutted" with meat, hide & head intact. Hope this helps!