New State Record Sow Black Bear
On September 10, 2024, Brian Stephens of Hillsboro, Missouri was hunting in Pleasant Ridge Plantation, which is located along the western banks of the Kennebec River northwest of Bingham. Using his 12-ga, he dropped a 356.5-lb (live weight) sow black bear. The huge bruin broke the State of Maine existing record of 355.5 lbs. for a live weight sow bear, by one pound.
The bear was weighed on state-certified scales by Sharon Flannery at the Bingham General Store. Stephens was guided by Rough Country Guide Service.
Said Stephens: “The fellas at Rough Country Guide Service, including Steve Fleetwood, Brandon Gallant, Brian Stephens, Ken Martineau and Joe Wolf, are a fine bunch of gentlemen. They are great conservationists, and great houndsmen. The big bear I harvested was the cherry on top. I’ll never forget those hunts, and I’ll be back with my kids to share the experience with them, as well.”
Congratulations, Brian!
