Opening Day Bear Hunt in Minnesota

Opening day hunts are rare and unforgettable. For Lynsey G., September 1st, 2025, brought a milestone moment — harvesting a 332-pound black bear with her CenterPoint Wrath 430X. With her husband, Paul, by her side filming, everything came together for a hunt that will be remembered for years to come.

Location: Near Effie, Minnesota
Date: September 1, 2025
Crossbow Used: CenterPoint Wrath 430X

Where did this hunt take place?
It was near Effie, Minnesota — one of my favorite spots to chase bears.

What were the conditions like that day?
The weather couldn’t have been better. It was sunny and in the 70s. The timing was perfect too — the very next day a cold front came in and dropped temps down into the 40s.

Who were you hunting with?
I was with my husband, Paul Gallion, and he was filming the hunt. We ended up capturing the shot on video from two different angles.

Tell us about the bear.
It was a 332-pound black bear — definitely a memorable one.

What gear did you use?
I was shooting the CenterPoint Wrath 430X with CenterPoint bolts and lighted nocks. This was my sixth bear overall and my second with a crossbow.

That must have been nerve-wracking! How far was the shot, and how was the placement?
It was a 20-yard shot. I aimed right behind the front shoulder and made a clean double-lung hit. The bear only went about 40 yards before expiring. From our stand, we even heard the death moan.

How did the recovery process go?
Dragging a 332-pound bear through thick woods is no small task! We used an otter sled to make it easier. Thankfully, because the bear only went 40 yards, the recovery was short. Honestly, I’ve found that bears shot with a crossbow don’t go far and leave better blood trails than when I’ve hunted with a gun.

What made this hunt so memorable?
This was the first bear I’ve ever taken on opening day, which made it really special. Everything came together perfectly — from the setup to the shot to having it all on video. And sharing the experience with my husband made it even more meaningful.

What does this hunt mean to you?
For me, it’s about more than just the hunt. My freezer is full now, and I’ll be saving money on meat this year. We grind the bear meat and use it for all kinds of meals. I even rendered some of the fat for cooking, and I’m going to try making lotion with it. Hunting provides for my family — and moments like this one remind me why I love it.