Now I know that this topic is not for everyone. I am just curious to hear how it went for those who did it. Also where you hunted(state that is I am not asking for directions to your secret spot).
I went along on one two years ago with a buddy here in CA.
Awesome experience. Houndsman and their dogs are awesome. Seeing them work together is a great experience. Like a lot of things the end result (dead bear) is only a sliver of the experience. Chasing a pack of hounds in the mountains will whip anyone.
Everyone should do it, or go along on a hound hunt at least once to appreciate it. You just can't "get it" unless you see it and experience all that goes into it first hand.
Been following the hounds for the last 5 years in VT and NH. Out of the 50+ bear tree's I been at I've only seen one taken. For me it's all about the chase and not the shot. It can get REAL interesting in a heartbeat though....
Chasing a bear with hounds is a good time, especially if you like chasing mountain lions. Bears can travel great distances with the dogs on their heals, this can be a very physically demanding hunt, more so than the lions at times. I tag along with a friend that hunts them in Idaho, and also chases them in Utah. You can apply for a chase only license in Utah.
I've been along before. If you think you are in shape, go chase hounds!! Had a ball, bear are more likely to run than tree. I have a friend in CA that does it, and has a great time. Good luck if you do it Randy. Hounds are fun to watch and are an incredible animal.
I've bear hunted with hounds my whole life here in Va. Like it was said above of the 100 or so bears that I've seen up a tree only about 25 were taken. The bear hunters that I group with are extreme consevationist. The truly only take the big, old, male bears. Its fun, great exercise and oh yea, A LOT OF HARD WORK! If you're thinking of going better get used to walking atleast 5 miles in unforgiving terrain.
Put your suspenders on you'll need them Ha!JG
I am no stranger to hounds I have been on a lot of lion trees and have a hound myself. Just have never hunted a bear. Really think I would like to some time though.
I tagged along with a houndsman here in NH...we did not take any. We treed quite a few. He (the houndsman) is very selective about what he lets hunters take.
QuoteOriginally posted by speedbump:
I tagged along with a houndsman here in NH...we did not take any. We treed quite a few. He (the houndsman) is very selective about what he lets hunters take.
Any good houndsman is
Sounds like a great experience but it sounds like it will for sure kick your .
I did it one year about 25 years ago. Talk about an adrenaline rush. I didn't get one but had a blast chasing them. They can run much farther than a cat. And a big boar will often times turn around and start killing the dogs. Gary
I grew up doing it, its alot of fun I think. I would recommend anyone trying once.
My ex Father-in-law was an outstanding houndsman. At the time, I was a hard charging Marine in good shape; or so I thought. Everyday I was dragging my tail off those West Virginia mountains. I hunted a couple of years with him, and took one bear. But each chase was just as exciting.
One of the toughest days I ever spent in the hills was chasing a pack of hounds running a bear.
Though todays GPS collars has taken some of the thrill away.......... IMO.
I grew up chasing a pack of hounds after bears in WV. You'd be surprised how far a big ol' bear can run! It's definitely not for the faint of heart. Usually the smaller bears will tree in a mile or two but I've seen big boars cross into the next county, stop long enough to kill a few dogs and keep on going without ever treeing.
I did it about 7 years ago and it was a BLAST ! Hunting bears with hounds was what got me into traditional archery . The thought of using a gun or even a compound on a treed animal didn't appeal to me so , I took up hunting with a longbow for the challenge .
Here in california it is illegal to use gps. WE can only use telemetry. I never had the desire to do it until about 4 years ago. One trip and I was hooked. I love everything about the dogs and at the end of the trail, one of the neatest(and tastiest) critters out there. I will also note, Ive heard about the bears treed next to the road, but mine have all been 3-6 hour pack jobs. I guess its like anything,
The reward is directly related to the effort!