Big Wyo bear, luck was shining down on me!

[Shedrock]

I haven't hunted for a bear since 1998. I shot a nice 6 footer in Ontario on that hunt, and had shot one small one a few years earlier.

A friend of mine has 2 active baits going now. We have a 4 sow quota in this area. Once 4 sows are taken, season is done. Up to this past Saturday, 3 sows have been taken, and my buddy wanted me to hunt one of his baits while he hunted the other before season was done, which very easily could have been yesterday, with more guys out, and a good possability the fourth sow would be shot, and all his hard work gone.

My bud ended up really sick and couldn't hunt at all. He did take me to the bait where he had a pretty big bear hitting at night. There was also a small bear that had been visiting the site during daylight hours. I really didn't want to shoot a small bear, but wanted to hunt, just to get out and hunt.

We checked the trail cam and saw that the big boy had come in around 7:30 pm with plenty of shooting light the day before. Boy was I pumped! I still thought with my luck the bruiser wouldn't show himself.

I got in the stand at 11:57 and sat all afternoon. Bears on his other bait were coming at all times of the day, so I had high hopes.

[cacciatore]

Can't wait for the rest of the story!

[PV]

This is going to be good.......  

[ron w]

  I guess I jumped on to quick...lol! I can wait for the rest of the story!!

[lpcjon2]

I am waiting        

[Shedrock]

It was a beautiful day for a long sit. I just love the peace and quiet whether a bear shows up or not. Listening to the rushing creek in the distance, and hearing all the different songbirds singing was what this was really about.

I forgot to bring a book to read. That didn't matter, the time flew by.

I checked my clock when the chill hit me. The sun was creeping behind the trees, taking away the warmth I was enjoying.

The clock showed 6:22, and just a few minutes after that a nice bear shows up out of the thick, black timber, and was on the bait quick.

[huntnmuleys]

Anxious for this one to unfold!

[Shedrock]

I was caught pretty much with my pants down. I was sitting, my bow hanging with no arrow nocked. I knew I had to move at a snails pace. My bud had been busted a couple times by the very nervous, smaller bear that was coming in.

I now know why the small one was on edge.

I was able to get stood up without the squeaky stand making a sound. I slowly grabbed my bow and nocked an arrow.

Then, my legs started shaking, and my heart pounded out of my chest. I told myself to calm down and pick a spot.

The bear layed right down and ate lazily on the sweet grain and grease, but facing me. No shot, and my shaking was getting worse.

After a couple long minutes, the bear got up, but layed right back down, broadside this time.

Should I take a shot at a bedded bear? I felt 100% positive I could make a good shot on him, so I did.

[tradbower]

 This is going tobe good!!

[Steve O]

 

I just happened to see the pictures already...that is a stud!

[Shedrock]

I don't remember releasing the arrow. When it hit, the boar spun and growled, and was headed into the thick stuff in record speed.

Then I heard the crash and moan.

[Shedrock]

I waited a short 30 minutes, maybe 27, and headed into the timber where I last saw him. He only went 40 yards. That Wilderness Custom Arrow tipped with a Woodsman Elite, shot from my little 52# Pronghorn went through both lungs for a quick humane kill.
 

[steadman]

Congrats Tracy!! Always good to have good friends  

[Shedrock]

This guy measures just over 7' from his nose to his tail and he has a huge head. Real pretty chocolite color. I am blessed!

[pitbull]

Awesome bear, congrats!  

[Phil Tuccillo]

Congrats!Great story and BEAR.

 Thanks,Phil

[L82HUNT]

Sweet  

[lpcjon2]

What a head !! congrats

[elkbreath]

well done! how big is this guy, his head looks massive and old. and thanks for the story!  where are you in wyoming?

[DBGJR]

Nice Bear!