Stickflinger

[Lethalflight57]

Ryan's operation is 1st class all the way.  The bears agree and they sure love that trail mix. Was cool going 6/6 last year with some cool dudes! "Sensei" Bill and "One With the Arrow" Gary put the brown down that week for sure. Can't wait to go back there again.  Good luck to all Stickflinger clients in 2017.

[Biathlonman]

I'm heading up for my first Bear hunt, first Canadian adventure, first week of June.  Any advice for a first timer?

[MnFn]

A great hunt in a very special place.   I enjoyed meeting every guy in the camp.

I will miss hunting with you, Keith.  Maybe another year.

[Mike Vines]

Originally posted by Biathlonman:
Any advice for a first timer?

No matter how great it sounds, do not be tempted to reach out and smack a bear on the A$$.  It was probably one of my top ten dumbest ideas, but luckily, it went well, and there were no reprocussions.

Be prepared to have one heck of a great adventure, make sure to sample the bait, bring a camera to the stand, keep a small notebook in your pocket w/ pen to keep detailed notes, and the most important thing I could recommend...TRUST RYAN!!!  Do what he says, and listen to what he tells you.

[Biathlonman]

Mike you sound like my kind of guy!  Smacking bears never crossed my mind but it sounds like something I would try.  lol

[lt-m-grow]

Bear hunts I think are one of the easiest hunts to self film.  Get something solid to mount the camera on and nicely frame the bait right away when you get in stand

When the bears start to come in, turn on the camera, forget about it, and be a hunter.

You will not regret having the footage.  Adds to the fun.

FWIW bear hunts are the only hunts I take video of as the camera can become too easy of a distraction for other species for me.

[Dave Pagel]

Take a thermacell.  I have only used mine a couple times at Ryan's, but it is nice to have.  Watch a lot of bear videos and try to get a feel for how they act around a bait site.  Tell Ryan what you want and be realistic.  An 8 foot blond is not realistic.  

Unless you have hunted bears a lot, you will be surprised how quietly they come in.  Also I am convinced they know you are there but see you as a subordinate bear because you are in a tree.  Be patient.  They will normally give you a shot unless it is a big boar that is just cruising in the spring.  He may necessitate a close walking shot.

Above all, enjoy the experience!  I have had great nights at Ryan's without letting an arrow go.  The bear behavior is is fascinating and if you draw Determination, take extra underwear!

D. P.