Justin, that is one fine bear. Great that you took it with a smoothbore. I think I would have bumped the powder up to at least 75 grains though. It always is so much easier to be enthusiastic about a hunting trophy if it is a fine respectable head of game.
Years ago a friend went bear hunting in Michigan. When he returned he had pictures of his bear stretched out on the tailgate of his pickup. It looked for all the world like he had shot somebodies Labrador retriever. Being a past master at engaging my mouth long before the brain, I blurted out " did you wipe the milk off his lips before you took the picture". Some statements you just can't take back, unfortunately.
Hungry Horse
