After watching the Grizzer for a while it was time to head back. I was too high...hadnt seen a bear track in all the snow I was walking. I hiked back to the spot where I had summited the ridge and began to drop back down. When I got to the big bench I slowed and stil-hunted. This is where I had seen the bear sign...big poop and tracks. It was like a new climate down off the big ridge. This place had the hair on the back of my neck standing up. It was too perfect, south facing with open mature timber and enough openings where the grass could sprout-up.
"Theres a big black fur ball" (I said to myself). Binocs..."he's a big one...shooter for sure...what should I do now...he's heading my way already...you've got to be kidding me". He was about 80 yards.
Thats about what happened the first 20 seconds I spotted him. I dropped and put on my sneaky slippers...which were brand new and never worn before. I bought them a week earlier after a long stalk on a bear where it wasnt practical to take off the boots.
Standing back up and getting squared away I relocated the bear below me...he was rolling a huge log!! And he was still heading my way. I jockeyed for position, moving over the lip of the ridge so I could see down the slope better. Here he comes still, zig-zagging but never for long and always he corrected my way. Within 10 minutes of spotting him he was standing still 20 yards away behind some small lodgepole. He had looked my way twice but never saw me. I told myself to get ready cause when he continues on a few feet he would clear the brush. No sooner thought that and on his way he went. Just as he came in the open he started quartering away and then stopped. At the same time I also realized it was hard to make out his shoulder and pick a spot. I couldnt see his belly line so couldnt see the back of his front leg. I did the best I could and zeroed in and took my shot. Looked really, really good. He growled and snapped at the 3 inches of fletching poking out of his side. He ran 70 yards and turned to thrash at his sides again. I was positive I was gonna get to see him go down in sight. Not!!! He ran again at full speed downhill and across. The open timber allowed me to see him for a ways. He was gone. Listening for a while...no sounds.
Taking up the track there was a large threat of rain. I was worried for sure. It was after 7 pm. It took about 30 minutes but I found him...he had went 250 yards give or take. When you first spot your bear (20 yards) and give him a judo in the shoulder to see if he moves and he doesnt...the party can begin. It's still goin-on as a matter of fact. :D
What an incredible animal. I was floored. I couldnt drag him so rolled him into position for some photos. I caped him...well dark when I was done. With my Bison gear pack loaded with head and cape I started the long hike out in the dark. It had started raining after pictures and it was very, very steep and wet. I made it back to the car at around 11:10 pm. After finding my keys...which had fell off there hiding spot into some car parts I was finally safe and sound. I drove out to where I could get cell service to call my wife and a few friends who knew I was out and about then back to the cozy camper by the stream. I was in bed by 1:00 something. Up the next AM and back to the bear to pack out the meat with the frame. All of it could not have went any better...what a deal. Gotta love what we all do!!
Topic: Spring Bear Story with pics (Read 6472 times)
