That's a bruiser Greg. I didn't see any that big...biggest was maybe a bit over 200. And every bear over 150# I saw was rubbed up pretty bad. That one has a gorgeous coat!
6/26/07 New baits were chosen this morning; I was interested in a place where Ray shot his bear, "The bowl". Barry would go back to the stand where he had numerous encounters, Tippit would try a spot where he thought he would have a chance with a stone point.
After the skinning chores (seems like we were always skinning
) and baiting duties, I spent about an hour in the treestand behind camp shooting my broadhead into the 3D bear under Ray's guidance. I was determined not to make the same mistake twice...and Ray was instrumental in getting my head back in the game from the last botched encounter. I soon realized why I had missed: from a seated position, which I never shoot from, my lower string was hitting my thigh at full draw, raising my bow slightly right before release. Even at the short range it was causing me to hit high. Many shots later, I felt like I could comfortably shoot at the steep angle and stay sitting.
It may not be a big deal to those with many more years of experience, but I certainly learned something I had not experienced before while on that stand practicing. The more I learn...the more I realize I don't know and the more I want to learn. Never having shot from that position/angle, I took it for granted it would be a slam dunk. But lessons learned hard are not easily forgotten.
Another equipment check and sharpening session...I was confident and hopeful as we geared up for the evening stand. Allen and I headed out for the long ride to the stand. "The Bowl" was set off of a beautiful scenic lane...single track...staying true to the lush, rainforest views we had seen so far.