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Topic Archives => Memorable Hunts => Topic started by: steadman on May 11, 2008, 05:34:00 PM
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Before I start, I would ask that I only get positive feedback from you good folks. If you don't like baiting, I ask that your opinion not be made on this thread. Thanks.
This hunt started back in March with the info that I had drawn a bear tag. I've never been able to hunt bear before so I was very excited. I started the process of getting the bait gathered. Bread and pastries to start with, with molasses on top. Lucky for me I have three boys to help me out.
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/IMG_1661.jpg)
My hunt started on Apr 12 and goes to the end of May. I tried to practice like I would be hunting.
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/IMG_1752.jpg)
I wasn't doing too bad. I'm alright from 10 yards!LOL!!
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/IMG_1681.jpg)
I couldn't start baiting until I got home from a CA hog hunt (i know everyone feels for me ;) ). Lucky for me a friend from church hunted this area last year , so I had a place to start baiting.
The first time up the canyon was walking over 2-3 foot snow drifts. We had near record snow fall and I was worried about getting to a bait site.
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/IMG_1750.jpg)
This is the first pic of the canyon a few days after I started.
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Sounds good so far!!! :campfire:
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Now I had always wondered about baiting. Hearing it was easy from some and not so easy from others. Let me tell you, it is a TON of work. Hauling bait 1/2 mile up a canyon on your back falling through 2 feet of snow was a little rough for a while.
I started to get bait out around the 18th of Apr. There was still a lot of snow and no sign of bears.For the next week and a half, it was haul bait 2 or 3 times each time I went up and do a burn.
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/IMG_1798.jpg)
The snow was slowly starting to melt as well. Wet snow and a heavy pack don't mix!
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/IMG_1796.jpg)
Then a couple days later, it snowed again.
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/IMG_1810.jpg)
Each time to the bait I would be excited to see if soething had hit it. Then finally on the 28th of april, my bait was hit! I was excited to say the least. I cut the track on the way in and was excited to see that the bait was somewhat cleaned out.
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/IMG_1808.jpg)
I restocked the bait and went back to the truck. When I got to my truck I ran into something strange. A hen turkey bedded almost under my truck! I thought she might be hurt or sick as I was able to get within a foot of her. I also had to pull my truck forward then back up so I didn't run over it. The bird just wouldn't move.
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/IMG_1803.jpg)
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Great photos and story so far! Looking forward to the rest of it...
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I have a schedule that I can bait and hunt 2 times a week, and on weekends. So I couldn't get back for two days. It was a long two days. I wondered if the bear had moved on, left or if more was on the bait. I was a little anxious. When I made it back up the bait was cleaned up again! Only by a smaller bear judging by the track. The first track I cut on the bait was a good inch bigger than this one. Now let me say I want a bear, but not a baby. But I was still excited that there were bear on the bait.
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/IMG_1830.jpg)
Here is the track of the first bear.
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/IMG_1827.jpg)
Notice the snow has melted quite a bit.
So, I restocked the bait and headed out, on the way out I saw something I haven't seen this late in the year. There was a herd of elk , all bulls, feeding a couple hundred yards away. All were starting new horn growth, but one. Still a hard horned 5 point!
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/IMG_1825.jpg)
I set bait that weekend, but due to soccer and having my son I wasn't able to hunt. I would sit the stand for the first time on the following Tues.
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/IMG_1820.jpg)
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The first time I hunted my stand was last Tues the 6th. I got to my stand early. Put out some more bait, and did a burn for an hour or so. I climbed up and got settled. It was 5 pm and I didn't expect much for awhile. I was relaxing and enjoying the evening, when a twig snapped up the hill. I looked up the trail and there not 40 yards away the first bear of my hunt! It is a beautiful bear. My first impression was too little, big ears, pretty small. All I've heard is how bear have terrible ground shrinkage. Now again, I'm not looking for a monster, but I don't want to shoot a dink. So I took pictures and tried not to shake out of the tree. I've seen bear before, but never hunted them. That turned up the adrenaline!!
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/IMG_1867.jpg)
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/IMG_1868.jpg)
This was also the first bear on my bait. I love to hunt, and with an oops baby(not planned) due the end of Sept. Elk hunting is not much of an option this year. So this is my "elk" hunt, and I didn't want it to end the first night. So I let this guy pass.
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/IMG_1874.jpg)
Pick a Spot!!
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I've talked with a few people who know bears, and my assumptions were right. It's about 150 lb sow or small boar. But I've also heard how pretty this bear is, and it would make an awesome mount. So if this bear comes in again, it's in trouble!
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/th_MVI_1871.jpg) (http://s63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/?action=view¤t=MVI_1871.flv)
Here is a short clip of it. Bear are incredible animal and they rank right up there with elk now. They are so much fun to watch.
Keep looking for updates as I can get them out.
I also have this weekends hunt, when Nathan Fikkert joins me for a couple of sits.
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Beautiful bear , nice story.
I'm waiting for more .
Eric .
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Very nice!! You're right, it's a small bear, but the colors are great and the hide doesn't look too rubbed out. I'd be awful tempted, myself. It's make a pretty full mount.
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Ryan, You've got my attention. Great story so far. I'll be following along for sure. I've only been able to hunt Blackies here in my state. New york does not allow baiting so I very intrigued.
Keep it coming.
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that was way kool.... great pic's... Truly God's country
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Truely awesome!!!!
Can't wait for more.
Todd
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Great story and pix. I am looking foward to following this story. Keep it coming.
Jack
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:thumbsup: :clapper: :clapper: :clapper:
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COOL PICS and thank you for taking us along....can't wait for more!!!!! Don and Sky
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Very cool...keep us updated....
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Very cool!
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Great story and even better pics!!! Keep it comin Joe
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Great story....... now go shoot the Bear and post the video for us...... Im excited for you.
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Thanks guys! I'm trying to download some more video from last night. But I'm having a little trouble with it. If anyone knows how, could you pm me. Thanks again. Stay tuned....
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SWEET!
That is a pretty cinnamon...just think how nice he will be when you draw your next tag...
If you are still hunting :saywhat: you may want to chop a blaze or tie a ribbon at the height of a 55gal drum by your bait. That is one of the ways they judge the right size in Canada, eh.
Looking forward to this!
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Great picture story, keep it up and good luck!!!!!!! :campfire:
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Ain't it fun sittin' up there watchin' those clowns! Where we hunt in Quebec we only see blacks. I think I'd fall out of the tree if I saw a cinnamon bear. Great story...Doc
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That bear may be small, but he's absolutely beautiful. Good luck with the rest of the hunt.
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Great Story!!! keep it coming....
David
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Here's what's real crazy. I have at least four mabey five bears on this bait. Not one black! Two chocolate, two cinnamon, and a blonde. And yes it's a ball watching these! I hope to have pics off the trail camera in a day or two.
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Just put in for a Fall Bear Permit here, now ya got me all fired up!! You're right though, baiting is a lot of hard work.
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So, i will tell you about Fri. I went up in the morning and found the bait cleaned again. I made two trips with a lot of bait. I filled the crib. Nathan was to meet me at 2 and showed up right on time. We headed up to the bait, hung his stand, did a burn or three, then as we were winding down the last burn, a houndsman with dogs came right through my bait. This was totally accidental, as it's illegal to run off of baits here in UT. He apologized as soon as he saw me, told me he would inform other houndsmen not to run this canyon, all the while trying to move his dogs down the canyon. It goes to show that there are classy guys everywhere. He was very polite and wished me luck. Nathan ans I got into the stands and waited.
At around 6:30-7 I saw legs moving through the timber, whispered to Nathan, "bear", and grabbed my bow.
At this time I should tell you the temps were in the low 40's. We were cold. As the bear emegered, it looked a little bigger than the other one, I was going to try to shoot this bear, one problem. I was shaking so bad that I thought I was going to fall out of the tree. The bear had a blackish belly and legs, and an auburn reddish back. It was a beautiful bear. It got to within forty yards, then turned and walked back up the mountain. I couldn't figure out what happened. The wind was right. Oh well, got to see another one! I looked at Nate with a huge grin and it was like looking in the mirror. I turned back, and there was "Blondie" forty yards away looking down at me from across the canyon. By now I was not shaking so bad, and thought to myself," when this bear comes in, take it!" This bear stuck around, between 30-40 yards for about ten minutes. It would start to leave then turn as the sweet smell of food would entice it back. Then turn to laeve again. It finally crossed where the dogs had come through and blew out of there like the devil himself was on it's tail. When Nathan and I got back to the truck, we discussed that we thought it was the dogs scent that had spooked those bears, but we weren't confident. We would find out on Sat. night if our theory was correct.
No pics from that night, I was really wanting to shoot a bear. But I found a way to rig my camera for SAt. So whan the video downloads, I will continue. Unfortunately, it might not be til Wed. night or FRi. So "bear" with me. Pun intended.
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Man what I would give to see a cinnamon or a blondie in the wild!! I'm drooling all over the keyboard. LOL
Maybe one day after the kids are all done with college I'll put in for a nonresidence tag some place.
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Real cool. Love to see what happens next!
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Great story and awesome pic's. Thanks for sharing your hunt! Best of luck to you.
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This is a great story! I can't wait until Fri.
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Great stuff. Have a good time!
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Awesome stuff man! Thanks for bringing us along for the journey.
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Great story and great pic's, cant wait for the rest !!
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I am not bear hunting this year.....This is the next best thing....THANKS.
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What happens next? :~)
Nathan
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Great story! Waiting for the next installment!
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Ryan, you are the man. i have hunted bears over baits in Alaska and you are right, it is a blast. sounds like you are on the right track witht he baits and looking for a bruin. best of luck to you my friend.
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Excellent job Ryan!! Really enjoyin this!
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Nice story and pics! Good warning about the graphic pics of bait too!
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:thumbsup:
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Am enjoying this also. Have a little hunt planned in a few weeks with friends from Florida.
Can you get your hands on some popcorn? Makes a good bait and EASY to pack. An added plus is that the bears cannot pack more than a mouthfull out from the site.
I have noticed over time that if you are getting multiple bears on site, there is an established pecking order and the smaller bears will hang up on the perimiter to make absolutely sure that the big boy (or a sow with cubs) is not there.
You can also bet that the bruins are making a wide circle and have your scent filed in their data banks. The more you photograph while they feed, the more they become convinced you are pretty harmless.
Sure fun watching them isn't it? An active bait station is a hoot along with being very educational about their little quirks.
Scotty
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What a beautiful bear! Great pics and story - keep it coming as it happens. We're right there with you!
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Great stuff! Keep it coming! ;) :thumbsup:
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I'm not a bear hunter but would love it, I'm sure. Answer me this:
What do you mean when you say you did a "burn?"
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Powduck
It is a method of distributing scent. You take a backpacking stove of somekind; and an old pot; and you put honey in it; or bacon grease; or jello mix with marshmallows.
Then you heat it to where it boils off the liquid and the remaining gook starts to smoke.
The smoke is thick; and hangs around a while.
I am sure you have been near where there was a fire where something other than wood was burned; and noticed how some things just stay in the air forever?
Well; thats the plan. The longer the odor stays in the area; the higher the chances a wandering bear will wander in to check it out.
I like burning honey more than other things; and I have had bears walk in while I was burning.
After I get a bear coming in; then I use other ways to keep it there; like cooking oil in the dirt around the bait that sticks to their feet; so when they walk off: it leaves a trail back to the bait for the other bears to follow....
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That makes "scents" :saywhat:
Thanks.
Waiting for more hunt pics, stories, and videos. Way cool thread.
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I have a couple minutes tonight, and since I can't get my blasted video to download. I will just tell the story. If I can ever get it I will be sure to post it.
So Sat. night after my sons soccer game. I head home, pick up Nathan, and head to the bait. When we got to the sight we did another sweet burn ( Thanks Brian for explaining it :thumbsup: ) We rearrage the trail camera, and hang his stand. Now let me say, it was DANG cold that night. And you have to cross a small river, which was a bit higher and went over our boots as we crossed. I will bet it dropped into the upper 30's. So it was a little hard to keep still.
All night nothing. At 8:25 I stand up look back at Nate and nod to get down. Nate motions 10 more minutes. I nod back, after all what's ten more when you are froze.
While I was daydreaming, and trying to stay warm, Nate whispers from behind, "BEAR!" I look up and see a bear, about 30 yards away. It looked like the small cinnamon (which I thought was a Blonde) from the first night. But I didn't care. I grabbed my longbow and prepared for a shot. The bear worked it's way around the right side of the bait. It's getting darker by the second. My breathes are short and I'm trying to keep my composure. I calm myself down as it works right underneath my stand. But there is no shot. The bear is facing straight away from me. Come on turn just a bit. It does! I pick a spot, and start to draw. Just about an inch from my anchor, without any reason. The nice cinnamon blows out of there. NO!!! I couldn't believe it. One more inch, and dead bear.
It was getting dark fast, so Nathan and I scramble out of the stands and high foot it out of the canyon. Man what a rush! I had to hold on to the tree trunk to keep from shaking out of the tree! I will say that it was one of the biggest thrill in all the years I have been hunting.
We can't figure out why the bear bolted. We guess it was the sixth sense. We went over the video and well that's hunting. Here is a picture the trail camera took as the bear came in.
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/MDGC0001.jpg)
Also, this is a different bear than the first one. This is a bit bigger and definetly heavier. And it is roughly 31-32" tall. I want this bear!! It is beautiful!
I will be back to tell about Mon. nights hunt with my Dad. Here's a couple more trail cam pics. Thanks everyone.
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/MDGC0012.jpg)
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/MDGC0034.jpg)
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Oh Yeah... Thanks for tellin me to sit tight Nathan!! :bigsmyl: :thumbsup: :clapper:
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wow, very nice bear. I can type a bit now, my heart rate is coming down. my wife is popping popcorn for the next chapter. good story, keep it coming !!! :cool:
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Ryan,
No problem, I am glad I was able to be a part of the hunt. So you are pretty sure that was a different bear than what we previously thought?
Now get on with the rest of the story. It was fun reading this and knowing what happened, but now I am back being on the edge of my seat.
Nathan
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You know, some websites have a deal that will e-mail you when a new post is made on a thread...I NEED that feature here...this HAS to end in a good way!
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Awesome! Awesome! THREAD!! :clapper: :clapper:
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This is just what I needed 3 weeks before my first bear hunt.Good stuff,and I'll patiently waiting! :campfire:
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Most likely the bear bolted as there was another bear in the area, and most likely bigger.
Exciting isn't it!
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Originally posted by Steve O:
You know, some websites have a deal that will e-mail you when a new post is made on a thread...I NEED that feature here...this HAS to end in a good way!
In the FULL REPLY FORM there is a check-box at the bottom of the page that says,
Email Notification: emails sent to you whenever someone replies.
Check that box and you'll get an email when someone replies after you post.
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Totally Awesome
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Looking good. I'll be waiting for more........
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Hey!!!!! Steadman!!!!!
Less doing whatever else it is that you might be doing and more typing!!!!!!!!
Todd
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this is great, iv always had an interest to see this done, im excited for you! thanks for sharing :thumbsup:
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I am wondering if the first bear and the second are the same bear... it looks like its shedding its winter coat. The first bear looks like it has some serious scars on its face; I can't see the second bears face well enough to tell.
I am playing chess with a bear right now too.
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Thank you for sharing, I feel like Im out there with ya!
Best of luck, Keep us updated!
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If you don't shoot soon...I'm going to pee my pants!
Dan
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Excellent...I have now learned another new thing! I'll get buzzed whenever I need to look here for the hero shots! Thanks.
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Sorry I'm draggin this out, but it hasn't come together just yet. So Tues I take half a day off (much to the dislike of the boss) and get to the bait ealry about 2. The baits cleaned again, so I drop more, this time some meat and pastries, and do some more burns. I get settled into the stand about 3:30. I wait, and wait, and wait some more. Nothing all night! I was alittle bummed, but knew this would happen sooner or later. I headed back home to check out the trail cam pics. Look what was there.
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/MDGC0077.jpg)
Notice the time. Man that was a kick in the gut.But that's hunting. Here's a couple more pics of bears. The one is the one Nathan and I saw last Fri.
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/MDGC0044_2.jpg)
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/MDGC0071_2.jpg)
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You might be right Brian. I do have three cinnamons on this bait. One that is rubbed on the shooulder, one that's coat is still flawless, and one that has real dark head and legs(middle pic above).
Well I just got back from putting more bait out. They loved the meat. I have more and more pics of them during daylight hours. This has gotten me a bit more excited. I am hoping to get back out hunting on Tues. This time they are in for a suprise. I moved my stand to the other sidr of the canyon, and left the one I've been sitting. If the flawless cinnamon comes in and stops to survey the situation out. It will be time to pick a spot and drop the string.Here's some more pics, I had one in there this morning before I got there. This is the flawless coat.
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/MDGC0216.jpg)
This looks like a different bear, and jugging by the ears, a little better bear.
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/MDGC0127.jpg)
Here is the same chocolate that has been there since day one.
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Oops here's the pic
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/MDGC0198.jpg)
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Great thread, I'm certainly enjoying it!
KY
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Those angles make those bears look pretty GOOD! Very cool! Most guys hunt forever to see a chocolate and you are over run with them :D
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Man that one with the flawless coat (5/17/08-06:25AM) is absolutely GORGEOUS! IMO .Given the oppertunity I'd drop the string on that one in a heart beat.
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I'll be honest with you guys. I'm gonna drop the string on anything, as long as there are no cubs(those sows are illegal). Hope to getthe chance next week. Stay Tuned........
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Ryan,
Keep at it man, seems like they are hitting when you need them to hit, now you just have to be there!
Nathan
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I was in the thick of the action and now I 'm left hanging! I'll be back for more.
Chris
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Go get em Ryan
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Finally checked out your thread here after talking to you. Looks exciting. Those are good bears for the area. You'll be hard pressed to find much bigger. After talking to my brother and friend today about running hounds up there I think you should shoot that one with the nice coat. My friend Jared has been bear hunting with hounds up there for years and hasn't caught anything much bigger than your seeing. Almost all the bears we caught in that drainage were cinnamon or brown, I can only remember 2 black phase bears. Good luck, Mike
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Great story/hunt.
I've never had a chance to do that here...but I've always wanted a bear skin rug.
Good luck! :archer:
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New bears on the bait. One is a toad!
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/MDGC0052.jpg)
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/MDGC0053.jpg)
Plus this new one. I hope this one shows up in the light. Definetly a beautiful bear.
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/MDGC0050.jpg)
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That middle one is 350# +!!!
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Come ON! That is a big bear Ryan. When is the next chance you have to sit the baits?
Nathan
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HOLY CRAP!
Even the blond bears ears are on the round of his head instead of on top, with pretty good distance between them.
That top one isn't a bear. Somebody packed a VW up there and is trying to play tricks on you.
The times aren't that far apart from each other. It's obviouse the black one kicked the blond one off the bait.
This will truely be interesting to see what unfolds.
Todd
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This is a great thread, the outcome is secondary to the great story so far, but I have a hunch it will turn out good :thumbsup:
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Thanks for posting steadman, sounds like you & Nate have had fun anyway.
can't wait to hear the rest
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Explains why some of the other bears are a mite "edgy"
Dontcha just love toting a bucket-o-bait into the site knowing what your customers look like?
Try banging the bucket a bit when you replentish the buffet...won't be long and they'll come a runnin like hogs to the trough at feeding time.
Enjoying this alot.
Scotty
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:clapper:
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Man, I'm glad I found this thread!!!!!
Those last couple bears are nice!!!!!!!
get back on that bait & :pray: :pray:
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Man who cares about the new Indiana Jones movie. This is way better. I will say a hunt prayer for you and try to get a little mojo working for you. Keep going man with all of this good working karma you have payed your dues and it will happen.
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Ryan,this is great!! Best of luck to ya!!
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Thanks Bill I needed that. I need all the prayers I can get right now. Well I took bait up last night to find that the run off is in full swing. The river was up about a foot. No problem, I'm 6' 4" and can still cross it. I go to a different spot where I thought it was shallow. Well first step, up past my knee, and I go flying into the river, with forty lbs of cookies on my back. OH CRAP!! I get up, then stumble again and go down on all fours. I stumble out of the river, my Dad's eyes are as big a saucers, then I proceed to laugh my guts out. My Dad says he ain't goin in. I tell him I'm already wet. This time I go a different route and all is well. Go up , drop a little bait off, and head back down. The crossing back over was uneventful, but now my Dad is freaked out, and doesn't want me to cross anymore. At least til the river goes down.
So now I have a dilemma. I have a friend who shot his bear last weekend, and said I could register his in my name (you can have 2 registered bait sites). But dang it, I've put in a TON of work to get these bears in. What to do? I have a ball game to go to tonoght. And have to work late tommorow. Man I'm gettin a little depressed. But I need to stay after it. I'm excited to see those two bears, and either one would be a dream come true. Thanks again for following along. Look for another episode soon. Til then......
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Keep at it Ryan. You have some beauties coming in to your bait (especially those last two ) and it will be just a matter of time now.
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Thats what hip boots are for.You have done the hard part it's time to reap the rewards. :thumbsup: Get your but up there and kill a bear. :campfire: Good luck!
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I'd be in chest waders if I had to!Bring us back that trophy pic.Thaks for sharing.
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Awesome my friend. good on you and the boys
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Alright guys. time to stop whining. In all hunts, things are bound to go wrong, or not your way.I think that getting discouraged is part of this wonderful way of life I call hunting, but giving up is not an option. I will be back up there if I have to hike from the bridge (5 miles or so) I am going to stick with my bait, I've invested too much time and effort. I will be back up there thurs night, fri, sat, and mon. Even with a terrible forcast, my hopes have risen. Thanks to a wonderful wife, an awesome friend, and you great folks, it's time to quit the poor pity me, and start hunting again. Thanks again to this great site, and the great people on it. Look for more pics on Fri if not sooner. THANKS!!
Now time to get off my butt and go kill a bear! (thanks hill boy)
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good luck
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The more "work" involved the sweeter it is!
Bears are just too cool. By far my favorite animal to hunt.
Focus, pick a hair to hit and good luck.
Let us know.
John III
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Just found this thread. WOW. Thanks for sharing, it's great. Never bear hunted but feel like I'm there with ya. Looking forward to seeing one of those bruisers laying on the ground and that big ear to ear grin on your face.
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Ryan,
As I read my way through I was hoping you wouldn't give up on that bait, but looks like you came around before I got to the end. I agree, they make hip boots, and even waders for that stuff. Just use a wading staff and a pack and you will be fine. You have worked for those bears, keep on it!
Nathan
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We are cheering you on. One thought. . . is there a place to tie a rope across the river? Good locator, hand rail, and safe.
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I think that monster black one is going to eat your camera!
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Steadman, I want to see a picture of you and your arms around the neck one of those pretty bears. Mike
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I just found this thread too...and cannot believe how long it took me. The photos are great as is the narrative.
Remember to PICK A SPOT!
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Way to stick with it, good luck. Looking forward to another update!
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And folks say that baiting is too easy...
You have several NICE bears hitting your stand. One of em is bound to ask for the arrow.
One extra little point of hope...They have GREAT memories and will all be back next year to check out the buffet...ceptin the one you take home for dinner that is 8*)
Shoot straight.
Scotty
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Don't forget PICK A SPOT! Good Luck KY :wavey:
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I'm with KSdan. Is there a way to stretch a rope across?
Good luck!!
Dennis
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I think we need a photo of the creek, it will add to the story, and then we can all give you some more advice about "crossin the crick". If it was me crossing a creek with snow melt in CA, (when there is water) I'd have one of those survival suites on. :) If you have 40 or 50 lbs on your back and slip, get your foot caught and the water flow pins you under a log, you're a goner. I'd vote for a walking stick, a rope and a prayer. :pray:
I'm green with envy!
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Alright, before I start, I just want to tell everyone thanks again.
I went up this afternoon after work to try to figure out how to get across the river. Well, quarter mile up the road, I find it. A huge log that has fallen across the river. Bingo! I test it, then gather my stuff and head to the bait. It is picked clean again. And something else. The trail cam has a hole in the plastic. Oh Crap! A bear broke my Dad's camera. Well I hope I get a pic of the assailant.
I drop some more bait, only about 50 lbs. I plan on hunting tom night if the weather holds out. I swith memory cards and head back out.
When I get home, I am excited again. BIG BOY is back, along with the OIL bear (the big blonde). But they are both at dark. I need to figure out how to get them in during shooting hours. But, I have a nice cinamon, and a nice chocolate hitting the bait. For me, it's time to drop the string. So hopefully this weekend is it. Here's some more pics from the trail cam.( I love that thing!)
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/MDGC0126.jpg)
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/MDGC0092_2.jpg)
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/MDGC0144.jpg)
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I told you a bear was going to chew on that camera! Anything you touch with those "bear crack" hands becomes bear bait. Hope things go well for you, it will come together.
Nathan
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Good luck!
Todd
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That blond is absolutely gorgeous and I don't normally like blonds :rolleyes:
Good luck
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This thread is killing me. My buddy just left for Alberta today to do the very same thing. I cannot wait to see your trophy.....GOOD LUCK!
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Good luck, great thread!
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Go get him!
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Man awesome bears,....thanks for taking us along...hope your taking the hero pics as I type....
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Rain and snow tonight have me holding out for tom. Thanks for all the good lucks. Yeah Nate, I figured it was a matter of time, but it still takes pics. I will be hunting every afternoon for the next week.
Here is one of the regulars. It's a pretty bear. Looks like she doesn't like something here.
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/MDGC0101_2-1.jpg)
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/MDGC0140.jpg)
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Acording to the time frame on the pics these bears are coming in early too.Are the time on the pics accurate?If so getting there at daylight with a load of bait and doing a burn might payoff.If you can stay all day after loading that site and doing a couple of burns would seem logical.be careful going in,take a lunch and dont leave until past shooting light.After that take plenty of pics of the kill and don't leave out any details.Thats my plan and sounds good but then again I an't kiiled no bears.Good luck and great thread.
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So this last week was filled with nothing but disappointments. And not just hunting. Isn't it life how just when you think you've cleared a hurdle like frustration, that another two or three hurdles, or tests are put in front of you. That is how this past week was for me. Between the weather, that went from 90 on Tues, to 45 on Wed, then rained and snowed up til Sat. To an unexpected hospital visit, to family crisis, to job garbage. All I know is that something good will happen soon. I hope I don't sound like I am whining, because I'm good at that, I am actually humbled to be able just to hunt this spring.
So as mentioned earlier, I didn't hunt on Fri due to the monsoon that was going on. I did however go up and put out some bait. The log I used previously had broken in two. But due to the colder weather the river was back down. I also purchased some hip boots. I'm just a little slow LOL. Problem solved.
Sat I woke up to more rain in the mtns, but forcast to clear up. It was time to hunt. Back on the stand about noon. I planned to sit til dark. It was a long sit. I saw some birds, one I call the bear bird, because previous to tonite, when I saw them, I saw a bear.
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/IMG_0064.jpg)
I also sat my new stand site tonight. Here is a view from the new stand to the bait. My other stand is straight across the canyon.
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/IMG_0059.jpg)
So about 6:30 I hear yelling above my stand, it sounds like someone lost a dog. The yelling continued for about an hour or so. I just laughed, a good way to top off the week.Nothing came in, which honestly was disapointing, especially after seeing that I still have three bears hitting the bait regularly. But again, I am hunting, not shooting.
So I will be back out first thing in the morning on Mon. Hill boy the times are right, so mabey in the morn. I will also take a pic of the creek, even though it's lower. My plan is to sit the original stan or move it off the bait a little. Since I didn't see anything. they might be winding me before they get to the bait.Here's a couple more pics of bears. As you can see "Bubba" is still there. I think he's pretty smart, doesn't come in til after dark.
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/MDGC0103_2.jpg)
But there is this cinnamon that comes in pretty regular. I think I will get a shot at this bear.
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/MDGC0081_2.jpg)
This last pic is one of my favorites. Just wished it wasn't blurry. Must have been cold up there.
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/MDGC0168.jpg)
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So I have every night to hunt this week except Fri. I can take a half day off on two of the other three days, plus all day on Mon. Sat. is the last day of the hunt. I am determined to get a shot. All it will take is some patience and perserverence. So I will post when i can. Thanks to everyone again.
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I also wanted to thanks you guys for the ideas on the river crossing. The reason I didn't want to use a rope was becaise there are hound guys in the area as well. Most don't have tags, but have pursuit permits. Here in Ut it is illegal to run off of baits, but that doesn't stop a lot of houndsman here, if they know where one is.
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Stay with em Ryan! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
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great thread! you have very good patience and perserverence mate wish you the best for the next few nights :thumbsup:
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This is a great thread steadman :thumbsup:
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Keep at it and your perserverance will pay off.
This is an awesome thread!
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Thanks for taking us along! Good luck!
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Thanks for letting us tag along. Great Stuff!
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Keep working at it Ryan.
Nathan
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the suspense is killin me! any news?
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any news? been wondering about how your getting on last few days at work....
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I am counting on you to provide some dead bear pics. Any of those from your trail cam pics will do.
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Have you skinned it yet?
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Alright guys, between work and hunting I've been gone non-stop. Will Post the full week on Sun. Thanks for tagging along.
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Thanks for having us!!!!!!
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Oh, good to hear! I was starting to wonder if that big guy ate ya' up! :scared:
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This is a great read, Steadman
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Really enjoying this one Steadman! Thanks for the great read and sharing your hunts.
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Good Luck....we'll stay tuned
David
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cant wait to hear the ending!
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Well?.......? Tap Tap
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Full story will be up by Sun. Evening. Sorry to keep you waiting. Just trying to be cool like Vance and Curt. :biglaugh:
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You have learned well grasshopper... :)
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Is it Sunday evening in Utah yet? It is here! :wavey:
Lookin' forward to your story! :campfire:
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Nearly 6:00 am in Utah ...
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He most of got one!!!! Hes acting like my brother does :cool:
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Waiting patiently.......
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OK, now its evening here. Come on Ryan!
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Nate, can't you just go over to his place and FORCE him onto the computer??? :knothead:
I'm betting there is a nice cinnamon skin at the end of this story...
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Steve,
It is a bit too far to drive, but I was thinking of calling him and making him tell me the story.
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it's sunday evening on my calendar...... come on now. :pray:
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Oh, thank YOU, Nate! :knothead:
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ok ok it is sunday nite. you're killing us.
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Sorry! It was a LONG day. So pease hang with me for one more night.
I will say that Mon day, I sat in my stand for 14 hours, in the rain. Only to have a nice brown colored come in. Only at 30 yards it stopped, looked at me then turned away. What a bummer.
Tues I went in early and moved my stand, back to where Dad and Nate sat. I then moved my bait closer. It worked. The spooky cinamon came in right to the new bait. I drew got to full draw, was about to drop the string, and again she blew out of there! I was ticked. Then she came back to the old bait and hung out for 10 minutes or so. In my rush to move stands I forgot to trim some branches, so no shot. What a great night.
I will tell you about Wed- Sat tomorrow. I will also post a lot of pics.
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I love this story
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OK, you better be fleshing a bear hide! Come on already. I leave for my first bear hunt in a couple of days and I need a fix! :)
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Alright, let's keep goin on this. Here is a pic of where I moved my bait to.
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/IMG_0073.jpg)
This is a pic of the creek I crossed every time up. Now mind you, it was about a foot higher than this when I fell in.
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/IMG_0069-1.jpg)
So on Wed I head up to find this across the creek. I was MAD to say the least. People are so ignorant. I know there are people like this everywhere, but this state seems to have more than it's fair share.
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/IMG_0075.jpg)
I knew this wasn't going to be a good night, but with only a couple days left, I had to try. On my way up to the bait. Now this is the same dumb bird that was behind my truck a few weeks ago. I can't believe she's not dead. She hung around while I chaged boots, then followed me for a hundred yards or so. What a dumb bird!!
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/IMG_0070-1.jpg)
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So I was right. Nothing!! I took the trail camera card, and this is what I found. Pretty skinny bear isn't it.
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/MDGC0127_2.jpg)
So I was mad and depressed. I had 3 days left and hounds had been on my bait. Well I kept at it, but on thurs and fri. Nothing! Needless to say I was pretty bummed. I had one more day and hounds had run bears off my bait the last three days. Now it's illegal to do this. But if they did it knowingly it would be hard to prove. I was so bummed I thought about sitting somewhere else and doing a burn. I was so frustrated. I didn't know what to do, and I wished I had registered another bait.
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Excuse my bear hunting ignorance, but what is a burn?
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A burn is where I would put pork scraps or bacon, or marshmellows with jello and cook it til it smokes. The smoke then drifts around and lures those bruins in to the food.
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NNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
:pray:
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MAN What a rollercoaster! Hope it went the right direction from here. Hiked 2 1/2 hours elkhuntin once,sat down for a minute to rest and 2 motorbikes went by at 100 yds,makes ya wanna cry!
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So here it is, the final day. I didn't go out in the morning due to a family commitment. And in my book, family comes first. So we got home around noon, I played with my sons who have been seriously neglected for the last month then headed up for the last evening.
I told my wife several weeks ago that I thought something special was going to happen on this hunt, but I didn't know what or when. I hoped tonight was the night. So i drive up to my site, and much to my dismay, a truck with a dog box parked right across from where my bait is. I was furious! I couldn't believe it!! I hung around til the guys who ran it showed up, I confronted them, asked if they knew my bait was up there. They of course said no, except I reconized the truck from a couple days earlier. Nothing I could do. They also informed me they had a client with a tag and had killed a 200 lb sow a couple miles from there.
I was deflated. Both emotionally and physically. Honestly I felt like crying.
But it was the last night, and I was going to at least go sit. I had a bunch of stuff to burn, and headed up about 3:30. I also made sure that they weren't going to use the canyon to get to the dead bear, they weren't. So I headed up, deciding to enjoy the evening on the last day of what has been one of the best hunts of my life.
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I can't tell you how much I'm pulling for you on the ending here, but no matter how this turns out, you've have had a great hunt. Did everything the right way, worked hard, saw bears, and best of all, took a bunch of us along with you.
Thanks! :notworthy:
Now - Carry on!
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Thanks for taking us all along
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I honestly at peace with what was going on. I had seen several bears and tons of pics from my trail camera. And a couple of some really big bears. So I am enjoying the evening when around 8 I hear a noise down the canyon. I have never seen a bear come from this direction, so I stood up to see what made the noise. A splsh of tan moved through the brush, and I thought " What the heck is an elk doing coming towards my bait?"
Until the "elk" popped out and instead was a cinamon phased bear. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. I turned my camera on, had my longbow in hand and focused on the shot ahead. I thought to myself," hurry with this shot, get an arrow off!"
What a mistake, the bear moved to my bait I drew, hit anchor and promtly sent the arrow right under his chest. The bear blew out of there and stopped about 30 yards away. Without thinking another arrow was on the string, and on the way. Holy Snap Shot Batman!! The arrow arched arcoss and looked like it smacked the bear right behing the shoulder.
I couldn't believe it!! I just smoked this bear! I sat down and tryed to not fall out of the tree from the shakes. While reating I looked down at my first arrow and saw it broke in half with blood on it. I hit it twice. Know I was really pumped. I replayed the video and saw that I did hit low, but hit the far leg. I looked for blood where I hit it the second time, found more, marked it and headed out to give the bear some time. I was going to come back the next morning with my Dad and a guy I met up there that knew bear real well.
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/th_MVI_0081.jpg) (http://s63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/?action=view¤t=MVI_0081.flv)
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Forget the video for now!!! Show us the bear!!!
Good thing the Red Wings are in Double Overtime!
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Sweet!! Nice job! Very well done and very much deserved! Now, we won't let you slide on the video...gotta' see that. However, some pics will hold us over till you get that video up. Come on, we know you have photos and we want to see them all. Thanks for taking us all up the mountain with you!
Actually, the anticipation of seeing the video great...kind of like slowly following the blood trail and with the anticipation of what lies at the end. Congratulations!
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So sun morning I was up early, the boys wanted to come and I figured why not, the bear was dead and it would be a short trail. I told them to stay in the truck while Dad and I took up the trail. I would come and get them when we found the bear. The trail was good to great. Blood every five feet and good blood. The only thing was I wasn't seeing lung blood, but it was spraying. We followed the trail for a few hundred yards, all the while I'm starting to get worried. If i hit this bear behind the shoulder, at a quartering away It should have hit both lungs, but for sure one. A one lung is not good, but it was leaving a good blood trail. So my hopes where high.
About an hour and a half later and a quarter mile, I was really getting worried. All the bad thoughts started flooding my mind. I told my Dad I was going to get help. He stayed on the track while I went to get my new found friend.
I had met him a couple days before and we hit it off.
I told the boys to hang tight and we returned to the track. Dad had picked up more blood and we continued.
For three more hours we followed a good to sparse blood trail. I couldn't believe this bear had gone this far and lost so much blood and wasn't dead. I always seem to shoot the representative of the species I'm hunting that has the unbelievable will to live. And this seemed to be the case again. I asked my Dad if he would head back to the truck and take the boys home. I feared the worst. He, being the awesome guy that he is, headed them back home. It was at this time I really had to keep my composure. There was a real risk of losing this bear, I couldn't believe we had tracked it this far, but I knew the odds were stacked against me. I even had the thoughts of giving up hunting with a longbow. If you recall I lost a bull elk last year. I couldn't keep from thinking about giving up for good. But I had to give this bear a little more effort, we still had blood.
Jared, my buddy, and I stayed on the track. I was having a hard time keeping my focus and not giving up. I was told stranger things have happened, and not give up. I hadn't all hunt, and this was no different.
We had gone about three miles, and it was about three, when we spotted buzzards circling a half mile away. That had to be my bear!! We headed to the spot as fast as we could. Dad wasn't back yet, but we needed to see if this was my bear.
We were in a deep canyon and a small creek ran through it. There was a trail next to it, and we headed up. I know it was a risk to abondon the blood trail, but we had to try.
We startedd up the creek, quickly but quietly. I tryed to find the birds, but they had left. We picked the brush apart where we had last seen the birds. There I saw it, the same splash of tan i had seen the night before. I crept up the trail with an arrow nocked, and there across the bank was a cinamon bear!! I needed to make sure it was my bear. It took a step, and there was the blood on the leg. I don't remember draw or letting go. I only remember picking a spot and seeing my arrow hit the exact spot. The bear turned, then tipped over into the creek!!
I was overjoyed. I jumped up yelled and high fived Jared. I couldn't believe it!! after three miles we had found my bear and got him!! ( A note to all the guys I sent pics to already, I thought it was 5 miles, but after checking the GPS it was more like 3 but felt like 10!!)
(another note video now up on page ten)
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Here are some pics of my bruin. He was estimated at about 275-300 lbs. I taped him at 6'2" and roughed his head at 18". There is not one single rub on him, and he is an awesome color. This was way more of a bear than I could have dreamed of.
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/IMG_0091-1.jpg)
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/IMG_0093.jpg)
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I had a hard time keeping his togue in his mouth for pics. If anyone knows had to photoshop that out would they let me know. Thanks!
Here's another. Thanks for tagging along!!
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/IMG_0096.jpg)
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That is just AWESOME! Way to stick with it. You sure did things right, and even with all the setbacks, I just knew it would come together because that is what happens when you are doing it for the right reasons. EXCELLENT! I even believe I predicted cinnamon a handful of pages back ;)
Almost perfect timing...Red Wings are going on the poweer play with 2:16 left in the 2nd overtime.
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HOLY COW!!!!
Unbelievable!!!!!!
I am very happy for you Steadman!!! Way to keep going and not giving up, it really payed off, that is one heck of a bear, trophy, memory, and story!!!!!
A 300 pounder, What an exciting end to wonderful hunt!!
Congratulations :clapper: :clapper: :clapper:
Thanks for sharing!!!
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(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/IMG_0102.jpg)
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/IMG_0105.jpg)
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beautiful looking bear!! Very nice!! Thank the Red Wings and Penguins for going into triple overtime! But seriously what a nice looking bear!!
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Awesome job, heck of a follow along. I head to Maine in September for bear. I hope my trip is even a fraction as exciting as yours.
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AS GOOD AS IT GETS RYAN!!!!!! AWESOME Thread and We can't wait for the next one..Skyler and Don
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Now we need a post mortem on that first shot!!! When you replay the video and stop it you can see the hit it looks a tad low but still should have taken out a lung. Did you hit him with the 2nd shot? And what did you hit with the third and obviously lethal shot?
Great video, great story and a great hunt.
Congrats!
:clapper:
Chris
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AWESOME!! I REALLY appreciate the time you took to keep us informed and to take us with you!!
WELL DONE MAN! :bigsmyl: :notworthy: :campfire: :archer: :clapper:
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and people say it is ~easy~ ... 18 ? 15 5/16.
Congrat and a tip of the hat for your efforts!
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Fantastic!
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Nice tracking job and good follow through. I have really enjoyed this thread. Great bear, by the way.
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awesome im very chuffed for you! way to go :bigsmyl:
thanks for taking us along.
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Brian, He might be 15-16. I just put a tape on him without being skinned out. I found the long part, from nose to back of head was 10 1/2. and the widest part was 7 1/2. I might be all wrong. But honestly, I could careless. Let me know if I did it right?? I will be back tonight for post mortem and wrap up. Thanks to everyone.
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Awsome :clapper: :clapper: Give us the low down on the shot placement.Excellent thread
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Steadman,
Nice Job, Congrads !!!!
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Great recovery effort! You deserve it. Great job! :clapper:
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Great story and a very happy ending.
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Way to go! Man, this was a real rollercoaster of a tale, thanks for inviting us along. :clapper:
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Congrats and thanks for the great stories.
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:clapper: :clapper: :clapper: :clapper:
Nice Job!!! Awesome Bear!!
David
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Excellent thread, This one belongs in the classics!
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Nice job and great bear.
Gilbert
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Awesome job!!!!!Thanks for taking us along. :clapper:
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Bravo! Story, Photos and Video much appreciated.
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Well done. I am happy for you.
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:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :clapper:
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Awesome :clapper: :clapper: :clapper: :clapper:
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Way to go Steadman! I really enjoyed this one. Pics and video are great. What kind of camera were you using?, and are you happy with it?
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Thank you for taking us on this hunt and congratulations. It is a beautiful bear. I am the right kind of jealous and I could not be happier for you.
Wow. The last day too. These stories make all our hunts last - till the last minute.
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Way to persevere!!! This was an inspiring story. I was on vacation last week and missed some but when I got back it was the first thing I looked for.
Congratulations and thanks for posting.
:clapper: :clapper:
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:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :clapper: :clapper:
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Congrats. Great story with the highs and lows. A well earned bear.
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WOOOHOOO!!! Very nice!
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I swear I was there tracking with you! Thanks!! :notworthy:
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wow! Congrats!!!
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Great bear, congrats
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Ryan, Just let me say this was a great read and "tag along" you don't know how much time you cost me waiting for the next story line :) . And what a way to end it with a great bear and a inner story on determination and "Stick too Itness". You have show us a great example of what happens when you work hard at a goal, you achieve it! Thanks
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Attaboy :clapper: :clapper: :clapper:
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Way to stick with him!
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Good job, congrats! Thanks for taking us along, its been a Great Thread. I've really enjoyed it.
KY :archer:
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Conrgats on your bear and thanks for taking us along.
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Now that was a show! Wow, I'm wore out!
:clapper: :clapper: :clapper:
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It is a special moment when you control your emotions and make a shot on a bear. You have not only accomplished that but had us all holding our breath right along with you. Your recovery efforts and follow up are to be commended.
I believe you set an example for sportsmen and showed the rest the right way to do it.
Many congradulations.
Hacksaw
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Awesome job!!!!!Thanks for taking us along. [clapper]
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Great job Ryan. You hunted hard and it payed off big. I was glad to be a small part of it, thanks for letting us all tag along.
Nathan
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This was awesome. . . what a dream hunt. Way to stay with it. . . this is just amazing.
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What an inspiration! Glad you stayed with the hunt and the bear! A big CONGRATS from here!!
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Now that was a hunting story! Big congrats to you Brian!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Great hunt, great taking everyone along, that is awesome! Gets everyone pumped for hunting season. Thank you for taking us along. :D
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WOW!! I am overwhelmed with the responses. It makes the extra effort of putting it on here very worth while. I feel extremely fortunate and blessed to have my hunt end this way.
To answer a couple questions: Blackstick, use a Canon S3 IS. And yes I love it. It takes great still photos as well as the video.
Now for post mortem. My first shot hit the back leg at about the elbow and came out righht behind the pad. I screwed up and didn't take pics of all this. The second shot that I thought was money...wasn't. It hit the bear forward of where I thought. It hit him in the neck. Unfortunately for me it didn't hit the spine, windpipe or jugular. But it hit some vessels. So between that and the wound in the paw it left a great blood trail for a while. That's also how I was able to keep on it so long. The wound on the foot kept opening up. The final shot, was sweet. I don't remember drawing or releasing. I just remember picking the spot. He was quartering away, so I picked the off leg. Next thing I know my arrow is buried to the fletch in the exact spot. A shot I will never forget. That shot took out both lungs and some goodies above the heart.
My equipment for those who are interested, was:
my homemade longbow 66" 62#@29" (when I draw it that far LOL!!) :biglaugh:
Fir arrows with onestringers wraps, 3 5 1/2 white rw feathers
The first two shots had grizzly el grandes
The last had a wensel woodsman.
I'm not particular on which broadhead I shoot, as long as they fly good and are sharp!
I would also like to thank Nate for coming down for a weekend, sacrificing his turkey hunt to help me with my bear hunt. Also Harden, he's a brother and keeps me going. And finally my wife, she supported me through the whole hunt without complaining once. She is a great woman, and I definitley couldn't have done this without her. I am a very lucky man. Again I can't thank you guys enough for the support. You were on the mountain with me pushing me along when i was down,and cheering when the final shot was fulfilled. Thanks again, til this fall when the mulies are in velvet and the elk start bugling. Good luck to everyone hunting this year, may the Good Lord bless you as he did me. Til then
>>>>--------->
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steadman
you have the heart of a champion...your kids are very lucky to have a dad like you...i have a dad like that, makes all the difference in the world...
heartshot
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:clapper: What great story.Congrats on the beautiful bear.I'm new here and this was the first story I read.I found a new hangout. :goldtooth:
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great ending to a great adventure. really enjoyed the rollercoaster ride for sure.
:clapper:
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Hey Steadman,
I've been watching this quietly all through the whole ordeal. I can't tell you how exciting it is to see your success. Congrats on a beautiful bear.
Regards,
homebru
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:thumbsup: Nice job. Thanks for letting us tag along!
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Good story. Good hunt. You took me there. Thanks
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I knew there was going to be a dead bear at the end of this. GREAT JOB!
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Nice work man, way to stick it out. Great story, I'm glad there was a dead bear and a happy dude at the end!
-Vig
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Good stuff! Thanks for taking the time to share.
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Great story! thanks for bringing us along.
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Great Job, Steadman!!Congratulations!! I've followed your thread from the start and it has been a really great read. Thanks so much for sharing. Doing all the work: scouting, hauling bait, setting up, dealing with the crap, and sticking with the trail, this has to be a tremendous feeling and accomplishment. :thumbsup:
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Great hunt and awesome job documenting it Ryan!!! Just read this thread for the 1st time today. Way to stick it out through lots of adversity!!! :thumbsup: :clapper: :clapper: :clapper:
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What a classic story! From start to finish, this is one of the best threads I can remember around here. From highs to lows, and back to the ultimate finish. Wow! :clapper: :clapper: :clapper:
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:clapper:
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SAWEEET!!!!!!! Well done... :clapper: :clapper:
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Steadman,
Congrats and way to stick with it. Really enjoyed the read and all your pic's.
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thanks so much for a great thread & sharing a hunt that made us all feel like we were actually along with you. congrats on your Bear
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Well told Steadman!
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happy for you and proud of you! congrats
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This has to be the best hunting story ever, congratulations on your bear, you surly earned it.
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One of the best hunting trips I've read on here. Thanks for posting it and congrats!! :thumbsup:
Dennis
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Nice report on a super hunt! Congrats!!!
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Great example of determination. Congrats.... :clapper:
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Ryan: Thanks for the visual trip! Congrats on your bear and your priorities, great pictures and times bud, tell your Dad hello for me...4finger
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Great story. Thanks for sharing. This was better than the Laker/Celtics game.!!!!
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Stead, great job posting your hunt, we got to go with you and that my friend, was cool.
I did the shot you put on him.
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Well done all around bud :notworthy:
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I've just got to say a huge thanks to everyone. I am humbled that so many would follow along! This is a great site, and thanks to mods for their hard work. Again thanks to everyone. I hope I can do another hunt a long in the near future. Thanks!!
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This is the definition of "greatness".
Thanks for sharing.
Todd
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Congratulations "Steadfast" Steadman, way to persevere! What a ride!
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Awesome story, thanks for sharing I really enjoyed it
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17 pages and worth every minute!
Great story and thanks for all the pictures along the journey. That is a beautiful bear but a more impressive story that lead to success.