I was hunting last saterday. No deer not yet. Still got one weekend left. Anyway I was heading back to my truck to get a afternoon snack and saw a deer spine on the ground. So I went to investigate it of course. While I was checking it out I noticed in a thick bush about 5 feet from me the largest black bear I have ever seen. Usually when I see a bear they run off. This one stood its ground. I think I was right next to it's dinner. I drew my bow and backed off slowly. I don't have a bear tag and would not take a shot that close on the ground unless I needed to. My question is if you need to shoot a bear or cougar in defense and don't have a tag what do you do next so you don't get in trouble? I mean do you just load it up and leave or what?

Check your state's laws.  Some require you to contact DFG before moving and get their instructions.

I have heard a few states allow post-mortem purchasing of cougar tags, however haven't read any regs that allow such.

In Alaska you have to surrender the hide and skull to the state and fill out forms.

Her in Kalistan I would bet a cougar shot in defense would be treated as a crime scene and other wildlife questioned by the pet whisperer...

I don't know and don't think I would ask this type question on an internet forum as only your local wildlife and fisheries agencies can tell you what to do in this situation and YOU SHOULD LISTEN TO THEM!

me and my buddy were talking about this yesterday in the woods.
we came up with shoot it to save your life and let the game warden know what happen and go from there. we were in bear woods yesterday did not see any but they are there.

In Alberta if you're forced to shoot an animal you report it and don't touch it.  The warden will ask some very pointed questions and decide whether or not to charge you.  I doubt it's ever a good idea to "load up the bear" and never take trophy shots of it.  It really makes it look like you wanted to kill it instead of having had to kill it.

If you felt that he was gonna come for you would you truly question shooting him. From 5 feet I dont think he'd give you the opportunity and would be on you in 100th of a second but if it comes to my life or the bears the answer is easy. A month locked up or be the next link of vertebrae on the ground.

QuoteOriginally posted by Izzy:
If you felt that he was gonna come for you would you truly question shooting him. From 5 feet I dont think he'd give you the opportunity and would be on you in 100th of a second but if it comes to my life or the bears the answer is easy. A month locked up or be the next link of vertebrae on the ground.

X2

In this state and probably many others,after shooting you leave as is and call a game warden.They usually come to investigate and take possession of the animal.I always keep a bear and mountain lion license.

QuoteOriginally posted by Izzy:
If you felt that he was gonna come for you would you truly question shooting him. From 5 feet I dont think he'd give you the opportunity and would be on you in 100th of a second but if it comes to my life or the bears the answer is easy. A month locked up or be the next link of vertebrae on the ground.

X3

Well put, Jason

Many years ago a friend had to shoot a charging bear. It was a sow defending her cubs. He shot it with a pistol. He called the local warden and explained what happened. The warden documented the info and agreed he had no choice. The warden took the bear and did not charge mt friend with any criminal acts.

Like people above said, call your local LEO's to get a solid answer though.

I was just wondering. I wouldn't load up the animal I was joking about that. But I got to tell you the truth it shook me a little.  I've been within 20 yards of these bears in the woods before on the ground and it never bugged me before. This one just looked at me. From that distance it was a little unnerving. I don't hunt bears I consider them a majestic animal. Besides have you ever seen one skinned out. It's creepy how much they look like us.