Rumor has it that a fellow TG'er has a story to tell! Hunter709 where are you?
:bigsmyl: :campfire:
Come on!!! Can't wait for this :thumbsup:
:coffee: All this waiting is just "wrong" haha
This should be a good one!!! :readit: :campfire:
:campfire: :coffee:
come'n Earl, where 's the story?
Bring it !!!!
:coffee:
Sorry Guys, I'm back at work now after a morning recovery with Stickflinger. The story is going to have to wait until after supper. Ryan started this thread while I was skinning my bear in his garage (thanks for the help buddy) LOL.
I know, I know, not helping skin the growler was my gift to you Earl. What time can we expect story time to be?
Earl,
Now you'll be able to change that avatar !
Please!
(Congrats, can't wait to see some pics)
I hope your not like me and eat dinner around 9:00 , I want to hear about your hunt . Congrats ahead of time . Fred
Speaking of changing avatars...cough..cough!
I believe Earl is being "Mr. Mom" tonight as ours wives have a girls night out. Hope he has time to share his adventure. Looking like an early bedtime for the kids huh Earl!
Guess I have to go to Ryan's so I'll have a reason for an avatar. Waiting patiently for your story! :coffee:
Holy smokes another from Manitoba?!
Can't wait to hear this one either!
:campfire:
Congrats on the bear! I'll be looking for the story and pics.
Bisch
Ryan ;)
working on it.
:campfire:
Sweet Brian! Just that we need to see "Big Sexy" not "Bigger Sexy"!
Congrats Earl !!!!! I know about Mr Mom, my wife is gone for the week and I am fitting in work and the kids at the same time. It seems like the bears went nuts this week. I can't keep up with them coming in. I was looking forward to a slow summer in the bear department. Cant wait to hear the story !!!!
Well what a day it has been. Thanks for your patients I've been going none stop since 4:30 this morning. The kids are in bed and the dishes are done so here goes. Thanks for all the congrats in advance of my story. I finally got it done with my recurve on a big game animal.
This story begins in 2006 shortly after I met my good friend Manitoba Stickflinger (Ryan). I was a super green bowhunter and he invited me to hunt bears at his bait near Winnipeg. That was something that I never thought I would have the courage to do, but with someone experienced sitting next to me basically holding my hand I was able to harvest my first bear with my wheelie bow. What a rollercoaster ride of emotions.
I work in agricultural research so spring is a very busy time for me and the thought of running my own bait seemed impossible with my work commitments. But this year I decided I would give it a try. I figured I might as well get the bait out and hunt it if time allowed. Well a cool wet spring in Manitoba allowed me a few occasions to fill up my bait barrels and three evening hunts in June.
My bait is the same one I took my first bear on. Ryan no longer used the bait and graciously allowed me to move in. It is quite close to Winnipeg, I can be at the bait in an hour and a half from my door.
I managed to find the old bait site and got it up and running again. Two barrels of oats and 4 pails of fryers grease and a $300 repair to my Honda CRV and I was in business. I was back 2 weeks later to find that my bait was hit and it was time to refill. Another week passed before I finally got a chance to hunt.
I got in fairly early and settled in for the evening sit. I very quickly learned to appreciate my new Thermocell that I just purchased. On the advice of Ryan I had previously hung some opened cans of smoked oysters to get some stink going and bring the bears back to this old bait site. It worked as none of the tins remained in the trees where I had hung them.
I killed my bear with Ryan exactly a week ago(not workin' now Ry)...diggin' this thread, mate. :campfire:
June 3rd was my first day to hunt, I had an excellent first evening and saw 4-5 different bears. They were smaller bears and a sow but I enjoyed watching them drift in to the bait so quietly. I am amazed that animals of that size can be so quiet in the woods, and the squirrels which are so small can make so much noise.
I had another tin of oysters with me so I hung it up to see what would happen. I was treated to some comical bear antics and even snapped a few pictures of their apparent love of shellfish.
First bear into the bait.
(http://i980.photobucket.com/albums/ae287/earlbargen/IMG_0991.jpg)
Man, something smells good.
(http://i980.photobucket.com/albums/ae287/earlbargen/IMG_0992.jpg)
A sow (I think??) finally grabbed the loot.
(http://i980.photobucket.com/albums/ae287/earlbargen/IMG_0995.jpg)
I got all the action on video. The evening ended with me having to bump off 3 bears from the bait at last light. I tell ya, my hand was on that can of bear deterrent and I wasted no time getting to my CRV. I just can't get used to being in the bears living room (that's probably a good thing).
Don't leave us hanging again now
My second sit was on the 9th of June. The barrels were almost empty so I was hoping for a good night but only one small guy came in and he only stayed for 5 or 10 minutes before he vacated the premise. I think I made too much noise trying to get more pictures. It turned out that my wife's SLR camera had dead batteries so I didn't get any pictures (note to self: always check the batteries in your camera before you head out the door).
I was a bit disappointed in the evening and was wondering if the bait had been mostly gone for a while and the bears weren't coming around any more. With only 3 days left in the season and no time to restock the bait, I went home wondering if this was the end of my 2011 bear season. I was mad at myself for not restocking my bait the weekend before.
:campfire: :coffee:
The last day of the season was June 12th and I had the green light from my family to go one more time to see if I could get my bear. I spoke with Ryan at our church picnic in the morning and told him about the previous hunt. He assured me that he had hunted empty barrels and had lots of bears come in. So with some renewed hope, 2 bags of oats and 2 pails of magic bear bait from Ryan, I headed back to the woods for one last kick at the cat.
The horse flies and mosquitos were terrible, buzzing around threatening to take a piece of me with them. I got my bug net on and started in with my bait. I got everything in the barrels and a little extra of the magic bait out in front of the barrels to buy me a bit more time to get that perfect broadside shot we all long for.
By 5:30 in the afternoon I was quiet in my stand and waiting for my thermocel to clear the air of bugs. Then 3 hours of nothing...
At 8:30 I was starting to think I was just sittin in a tree looking stupid, when I heard some faint noises behind me. I passed it off as a squirrel but suddenly in my periferal vision I saw a black mass. The bear was right under my tree and I had barely heard a sound (no pun intended).
It was a young bear that cautiously moved to the bait and began eating the magic bait. As he crunched away I could tell he liked it. He moved to the barrel that I had restocked and instead of pulling it down towards my stand he went around the barrel and a tree and pulled it down with the hole pointing away from my stand. This would make it very difficult to get a clear shot and any other bears that may come in.
He was at the bait for 20 minutes when I saw his head and ears perk up and stare to the North, past my stand and into the woods. I immediately heard bush cracking and knew something was about to happen.
The smaller bear spooked off. I stood up, grabbed my bow and flicked on my video camera. The bear came in like he owned the place with no hesitation, there was a smaller fatter bear with him and they both moved toward the bait.
As soon as I saw him I knew this was the bear I would try and take. His attitude and actions told me he was likely a dominant bear, my heart was pounding and the adrenalin started flowing. He went to the almost empty barrel first and batted it around for a bit. Then he noticed the magic bait his mate was chomping on and got up to take a closer look.
He stopped almost broadside to take a bite and I knew that the chance I had worked so hard for was staring me in the face.
It's almost nap time....for me and the bear!
Awww come on Owlbait, you ain't that old :) Besides it ain't even dark in Manitoba right now ;)
My bait is 13 yards from my stand and I practice shooting 13 yards in my basement. I have made that shot hundreds of times. I tried to remain as calm as possible and just let it happen. I picked my spot, I drew my bow and when my clicker went off so did the arrow. The next thing I heard was a loud "Thwack" like it was right out of a Batman comic. My shot was high and hit the bear in the spine, he roared and spun and dragged himself off obviously hit hard. I tried for a second shot but by the time I had another arrow on the shelf he was in the thick stuff and presented no follow up shot. My heart sunk as I knew my shot was less than stellar and just prayed that it was enough to end his life quickly. I listened to him crash through the bush which seemed like an eternity and then all was quiet.
I got down and headed for home, knowing enough to back out after a questionable shot and not wanting to try and stalk up on a wounded bear. I don't know much but I know I don't want to mess with a wounded bear.
I remember that from my hunt in 94 at Thompson, Manitoba. I was hunting Michigan hours (until dark) and the outfitter said"You damn fool, it doesn't get dark until after 11:30!) Sorry, for stepping in the story!
This is the part where I got a phone call from Earl!
As soon as I could get cel reception I call Ryan up and told him the story. We made plans to be back early in the morning to try and retrieve him. I had a very weird calm about me as I told my story, not the usual uneasiness that I get when I have made a poor shot. I took it as a good omen and tried to get some sleep.
We were at the bait at 6:15 and began the tracking job. We found blood almost right away and followed for about 150 yards. There wasn't a ton of blood but enough to lead the way. I got to within 10 yards and saw my bear stone dead on the forest floor. What a relief, I approached with caution and double checked that he was dead. After a firm hand shake and a hug I went to put my hands on my bear.
(http://i980.photobucket.com/albums/ae287/earlbargen/IMG_1001.jpg)
He is not huge but he is bigger than my previous bear and that was my goal. His face is all clawed up from fighting with a wound on the top of his head. He ain't pretty but I am more than happy with him.
(http://i980.photobucket.com/albums/ae287/earlbargen/IMG_1007.jpg)
We took a quick measurement after he was skinned and he squared 6'3".
Congrats Earl! Look how far you've come since the 1st hunt at that bait years ago. I'm happy for you!...Ry
WAY TO GO :clapper: :clapper: :clapper:
Enjoyed the story very much!
that's awesome Earl, the caribow and you got the job done. Now you can enjoy that bear burger on the bbq all summer long. congrats,, :clapper:
Great story, thanks for sharing. Congrats on a dang fine bear!
Ryan takes a great photo, new avatar, my vote is for pic no 2
For those who are curious I was shooting my Cari-bow Tuktu recurve, 56# at 28". My Carbon Express 150 Heritage arrows were tipped with 200 gr Zwicky 2 blades.
(http://i980.photobucket.com/albums/ae287/earlbargen/IMG_0987.jpg)
I can't believe I finally harvested a big game species with my recurve. It was definitely worth the effort.
I have to mention, earlier I took a jab at Ryan for not helping me skin my bear. That was a total joke, he practically had to sit on his hands in order not to help me. I wanted to do it myself (with him telling me the cuts to make) as I know one day I will need to do it by myself. Thanks buddy for all your support during this hunt, I really appreciate it.
Congrats and another great bear story.Thanks for sharing the hunt.
Way to go sir! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
:thumbsup: Love bear hunting! Congrats on a very nice Bruin!
Congradulations, nice job.
:clapper: :clapper: :clapper:
Well done!
Great story Earl. Harvesting that first big game animal with trad gear is the best feeling in the world. No sights, Range finder, peep, 80% let off, and all of the other crap. It was you, your recurve, arrow, and broadhead that did it. Congrats again !!
Great story and great bear. It is great that all your hard work paid off. Congrats on the bear.
Great story Earl Congatulations on your first Trad gear Harvest!!!!!!!!!!!
Congrats on your bear Earl.
Great story and a great bear! Determination wins again.
Many happy returns, and thanks for sharing your story! :campfire:
Congrats on your first trad harvest.
doug77
Awesome :thumbsup:
Congrats, on a great bear! :thumbsup:
WoW! Ryan must have a photography and writing workshop at his camp too!Great pics, great stories, great fun. Thanks to all for sharing.
Congrats well done :thumbsup:
Congratulations on your first Earl.And a great story to boot.But watch out,it does get addictive. With a combination of young family to raise and a love for bowhunting you best get used to juggling duties and the lack of sleep.
You were lucky to have a good teacher now it's your turn to pass you knowledge onto a newbie. Our future depends on it.Good luck on your next hunts and take care. Mo
(http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a322/Arrowworks/freakinawesome.jpg)
:thumbsup: :notworthy:
Great Job Congrats !!!!
That's a heck of a first harvest! Congrats!
Congrats Earl!
congrats! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Congrats!
Congrats Earl! :thumbsup: That is a very nice bear :)
Congrats!
thats pretty awesome, congratts! :thumbsup:
That's great, congrats Earl.
Cant wait to get home and see the pictures
Congratulations Earl. :clapper:
Congrats and great story!
Congratulations on a great bear! I think just being around Ryan helps you kill bears. He is a bear magnet!
Congrats!
Great Canadian content on this one. Good story Earl. Got me thinking about a Caribow...
Congrats Earl!!! Very cool story and a really nice bear. :thumbsup: You sure couldn't have picked a better bear hunting mentor than Ryan!
Congrads! I had always said I would never hunt bear, but this may be changing.
GREAT STUFF !!!!!!! Congrats.
Great story and a great bear!! Congrats!!
:clapper: :clapper: :clapper:
Very nice!!!!
Thank you to everyone who read my story and checked out my pictures, I really appreciate all the congratulations and support. This hunt was a big deal for me as I have been trying for a while to harvest something with my recurve. Thanks for allowing me to share it with you all.
Congrats Earl!
Congratulations :)
Congrats!!!!!
Great job Earl, you did it all yourself and that's something to be very proud of.