After 3 days of hunting in SK, I only saw four small bears, so I decided to go into the stand at 9:30AM and sit all day. I didn't see a bear until 8:30PM. Looking behind me, I saw bear with huge body and head slowly walking up the hill toward me. He waddled has he walked with rolling fat swinging along his sides with each step. He got four yards from the base of my tree as I tried not to move. He was scent checking the air, as I held my breath. Walking toward my right, he turned and walked away until reaching forty yards, then rearing up on his hind legs, he rubbed his scent on three trees in the area to mark his territory. He came back in my direction and sat down on his haunches and slowly looked around.
He came back to the back-side of my tree once again, and again scent checked the area. The wind was slight with uplifting currents. I felt good as he got up and circled me. The great bear, walked 5 yards behind the bait barrel, which was set at 12 yards in front of me. I was feeling a little stressed when he lumbered straight at me and ended up at the base of my ladder stand. He never looked up directly at me, but seemed satisfied he was safe. Turning, he went back toward the bait station. After lapping a few mini marsh-mellows from the ground, he turned broadside and gave me a 10-yard shot. Mike
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What an awesome animal! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Nice bear Mike!!!
What outfitter did you use?
Not sure why duplicate photos posted on thread. Seems we have a new format on Tradgang. Anyway, thanks. I used a 2219 tipped with 1 1/2 inch VPA 3-blade shot from a bow I made. Seems like a solid blade snuffer. Glad I did. The huge bear laid down after walking in a semicircle about 100 yards. I snuck out of there and found him the next day.
That's a dandy bear! Congratulations.
That's a very nice bear Mike, congrats
Great bear Mike. I aspire to be half the bow hunter you are. Your stories inspire me. Congratulations again.
Big Black Mike Congrats
Beautiful Bear Mike ...Congratulations ! :campfire:
Great Bear!
My My, a very nice Bear Mike
Congrats on a fine kill
A "beauty". Congrats Mike.
Wow... Nice job Mike! Retirement dun you good!!!
Beautiful bear Mike! Congratulations again buddy.
Now that's a bear. Congrats.
Awesome bear, Mike. I always enjoy reading your exploits.
:campfire: :coffee: :archer2: :campfire:
:clapper: :clapper: :clapper:
Congratulations!
Mike,
Thanks for sharing, that is one hellacious bear. Every one should reread your accounting to fully understand the amount of restraint you exemplified to make it happen.
As always,YOU DONE GOOD......REALLY GOOD!
AK moose this year?
Awesome bear Mike, congrats!!
I was blessed to watch this bear for nearly 30 minutes and observe how cautious he was and how he was still preparing the area for the rut.
Walt, Yes I am planning and looking forward to going to AK for another solo moose hunt this fall. I've had a successful spring, taking two turkey and a bear. I've also written a second book and have gone to the printer. I hope to have a launch mid-summer.
Mike
Awesome bear,Mike!Congrats! I doubt if i could have lifted his head off the ground for a pic. :thumbsup:
Congrats on a beautiful bear sir!
Congrats on a great bear!
Congratulations - that.s a beautiful big bear! Thanks for sharing with us.
Great bear Mike, congratulations! Looking forward to your new book.
I'll be keeping my ear to the ground as well Mike.
:campfire: :coffee: :archer2: :campfire:
Beauty. Congratulations!
Quote from: Herdbull on May 22, 2025, 10:50:15 AMI was blessed to watch this bear for nearly 30 minutes and observe how cautious he was and how he was still preparing the area for the rut.
Walt, Yes I am planning and looking forward to going to AK for another solo moose hunt this fall. I've had a successful spring, taking two turkey and a bear. I've also written a second book and have gone to the printer. I hope to have a launch mid-summer.
Mike
Mike,
Looks like a great year for you so far, may your moose be more rewarding than last years moose.
Looking forward to your new book, I want to buy a signed copy for the library and a second copy to read during my moose hunt this fall. Let us know when they are available.
Great Bear. Congratulations
Thank you everyone. Spring bears are a lot of fun.
Walt- I'm gearing up for Alaska, I hope this is your year to return, as I know you love it as much as me. I will save a pair of books for you. "The Enchantment of Bowhunting" will be 325 pages, full color, hardcover and will feature my adventures and the collateral benefits of decades a bowhunter. I'm not sure how much I can talk about the new book at present, but will reach out to you or Terry to make sure I stay within TradGang guidelines. Mike
Great Bear!!!!
Now THAT is a bear! Way to go, Mike!
Darren
Quote from: Herdbull on May 26, 2025, 12:00:57 PMThank you everyone. Spring bears are a lot of fun.
Walt- I'm gearing up for Alaska, I hope this is your year to return, as I know you love it as much as me. I will save a pair of books for you. "The Enchantment of Bowhunting" will be 325 pages, full color, hardcover and will feature my adventures and the collateral benefits of decades a bowhunter. I'm not sure how much I can talk about the new book at present, but will reach out to you or Terry to make sure I stay within TradGang guidelines. Mike
Mike,
Terry is the best one to discuss the guidelines with.
Thinking I will use the top, sides, and bottom of the pages of the second book for my journal. Did that with the extra copy of Massey book The Bowyers Craft on an AK hunt, it was great going back and reading my thoughts about that hunt. Unfortunately, I haven't been able find that book in 10-12 years. Still have all his books, but that one was/is special.
Yes, this is my year. Got a little inspiration from you, going in solo on September 5th, out on the 26th. Was trying for going in on August 30th but work is getting in the way, the dang contractors want to get paid while I am gone.
I pulled a few clips from video taken during the bear hunt.
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Nice bear Mike, congrats!