How to Square a Bear Hide

Most hunters are more interested in what their bear square’s than it’s official score, which is determined by the size of the skull. If you’re wondering how to square a bear hide, it’s really pretty simple. This measurement is determined by simply taking two measurements of the flat, un-stretched bear hide.

How to Square a Bear Hide

1. Take your measurements after fleshing, but prior to salting.
2. Measure the length from the tip of the nose to the tip of the tail.
3. Then measure the width from the end of the claws, across the shoulders.
4. Add these two numbers together, then divide by two.

Let’s assume the length is 71 inches and the width is 76 inches.

• Add the two measurements together: 71+76/2 = 73.5 inches.
• Then convert to square feet: 73.5/12 = 6.125 square feet.

What does a big bear square?

• Black Bears – Black bears squaring 5-6 feet are about average. A bear over 6 feet is excellent. Seven-foot black bears are trophies of a lifetime, likely 400 pound-plus animals.
• Grizzly Bears – A big interior grizzly squares out at around 8 feet and sometimes slightly larger.
• Brown Bears – A giant brown bear falls into the 9 to 11 squared feet range.
• Polar Bears – The largest of the bear clan, a fully mature polar bear can square up to and over 12 feet!

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