Hunting black bears with bow or crossbow requires some study of bear anatomy for correct shot placement. When I taught bowhunter education years ago we focused largely on whitetail deer.  My Outfitter will cover shot placement as well.

The National Bowhunter Education Foundation sells small synthetic 3D black bears, deer, etc. ($65) where the anatomy can be seen and a pin representing the arrow can be inserted to see what vitals were hit. The next best is a special target sold by Amazon. The company is called “ethikill” anatomy targets. On one side is a broadside bear and the opposite side is the anatomy, bones, heart lungs, liver and intestines. The hunter can shoot it and see the opposite side, e.g., what vital organs were hit. Many experts prefer a slight quartering away shot so the arrow enters and penetrates forward. 

The downside is that bears don’t often stand quartering for such a shot for any length of time. Broadside is still a great shot.

A video from “Bowhunting road” does a great job to educate. Here it is…

The Ethikill target is excellent for broadside shots. Instructors say draw an imaginary vertical line down the midsection of bear and then a horizontal line across the middle of the bear. If the bear is facing right then shoot the upper right quadrant or left shoot upper left.

Too high here and you will hit the bony scapula and miss the vitals.  With the arrow centered just above the lateral line, your in the vitals, especially lungs, a preferred organ.

A double lung hit and your bear won’t go any distance at all, sometimes just feet. 

Good Bear Hunting!