Georgia bear hunt with Jerry Russell ( headed home)

[sheephunter]

Good luck! Hope you get into 'em!

[Caughtandhobble]

Good luck Randy, I'm betting on yall.  

[Crittergetter]

The Last morning-
We set up in the same spots as last night since we know there was a bear in this field yesterday morning. We checked the wind and then walked the edge of the field on the down wind side to get to the tree stand that I would be hunting. On the way in there were lightning bugs all over the ground. It was like a reflection of the night sky with little stars on the ground lighting our way. Really neat!
We made it to the stand and got set up well before daylight. It was another beautiful morning. Not quite as chilly as the previous mornings but nice! As daylight started to break and the woods behind me started to wake up I kept seeing bears all around me in the early morning fog. But everytime I would focus on one it would turn into a stump or a bush or something else. my spirits were high and I had to keep my imagination in check as I kept playing scenarios of how it would all unfold over in my mind. Eventually daylight came as I stood there daydreaming. There was more humming birds working the flowers on vines that claimed the corn on the edges of the field than I have ever seen. I tried to get pictures but It proved quite hard to do with a cell phone. I had one land on a limb right above me. Come to think of it I've never seen a humming bird land before. They're always moving around.
About an hour after daylight I looked across the field and could see a black spot on the edge of the corn directly in front of my wife. I got all excited and thought it was a bear coming out of the corn and just new she would get a shot. But as it moved further away from the corn I realized it was several turkey's. They gave my wife a good show and passed within 15 yrds of her.
Eventually time ran out and we had to pack it in and head for home. But I have a feeling the Georgia bears haven't seen the last of me!
2 things I learned on this trip.
1. A torges seat would be absolutely invaluable while hunting the woods here as there is very little flat ground on the mountains.
2. Find the beauty in the small things and life will bring you Joy!
Till next time!!!    

[Crittergetter]

I also want to thank Jerry and his son Luke for all their hard work. Everyday Jerry hiked miles and miles trying to locate some bears for us while we were hunting. He was plumb wore out by the end of our hunt. And thx for all your hospitality and taking the time to put up with us! A big thx to you both!!!!

[Terry Green]

Glad you had a good time in GA.

wish we could have met up.....wish you would have gotten a shot !

[Cyclic-Rivers]

Too bad you didn't see any bears,  It sounds like you had a great time though.  Thank you for sharing your hunt with us.

Looks like you had a good time out east, with some good folks! The kill is just the climax, but the determiner of a good hunt!

Bisch

[Jerry Russell]

It was great hunting with you guys. It was unusually tough this year with the transition from the corn to the mountain acorns just a day or two before you guys got here. I did shoot a bear in that corn field that you hunted by the combine.  I hunted in the same place you and I sat on the little bluff looking down in the corn and put a stalk on him.  

I know we will hunt together again for these Georgia bears.  Georgia is a secret bear hunting gem. Is it easy? No but it is one of THE most rewarding bear hunts a person can go on.

[Crittergetter]

Way to go Jerry! That's awesome! We are planning on coming back next sepmber, Depending on if I draw my caribou tag or not. Kristie will probably hunt the fields again but I'm wanting to tackle the mountains! I WILL be ready!!!

[akdd]

Sounds like you had a good time and met some good people.