Trad Gang
Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: Yellow Dog on June 06, 2012, 10:08:00 PM
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Started packing for my 18 hour drive to Bear Quest 6 in 30 hours. Two Thermacells, a pair of Toelke's, 1963 Bear Razorhead tipped Goldtips, raingear, headnet and an orange vest. I'm ready :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: More to follow for sure!
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Bring some knives, y'all are going to need them!
:thumbsup: :thumbsup:
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Fred, I think I got that covered ;) Packing right now myself. Larry Surtees is flying in tomorrow night and we head up Friday morning to sleep in a nice comfy motel. While Tom & the rest of the Crew drive all night to meet up in La Tuque.
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Yup, I think Tippit will have the knife thing covered. Just in case we'll be packing a little number from Karl Andersen and a tiny little thing from Scott Teaschner. Jeff look for a red Tahoe with Michigan plates.
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Good luck guys!
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I hate it that I haven't been able to go the last couple years. That is one of the funnest hunting trips going. Good luck everybody.
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Mike, We'll be in a gray Toyota 4runner with bumper rack & Mass plates. See ya at Motel 8
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:thumbsup: :thumbsup: Good luck to you guys! Be safe!
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Have a great time gents!!
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Man!! I wish I could have put it together this year it sounds like alot of fun. Just couldn't get everything to fall in place, already saving and making plans for next year. Good luck guys!!
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Yep, Im finishing up packing today. My son serviced my truck yesterday. Going to meetSome of you at Toms house. See you all there, & drive safe!!
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How could it possibly be fun or enjoyable when you are in a beautiful woods to hunt in,great food,great company,plenty of game to hunt,relaxing at camp on a beautiful lake,bowdoc and a great bunch of bowhunters.Man going to be thinking of everyone for the next two weeks.Have a great time,take plenty pics and good luck.Kip :bigsmyl:
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Yellowdog, you have a safe journey, enjoy yourself, and tell me all about it. Good luck.
Denny
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Someday I gotta make this trip! Good luck to all!
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Originally posted by Yellow Dog:
Yup, I think Tippit will have the knife thing covered. Just in case we'll be packing a little number from Karl Andersen and a tiny little thing from Scott Teaschner. Jeff look for a red Tahoe with Michigan plates.
I see, nothing but the best knives for those hogs. Good luck and stay safe !!!
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Hey guys good luck and have a safe trip...try to weed out the little ones. :thumbsup:
Jean-Pierre and I will see you at the turn around..
God Bless, Pierre
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Pierre, we'll be giving those SBD strings a workout in week one :thumbsup:
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Ya'll have a good, safe trip! Good luck and we'll see ya'll in La Tuque on the 16th.
LD
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Mike,
Amen to that... :saywhat:
God Blesss, Pierre
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Go get 'em :thumbsup:
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Originally posted by meathead:
I hate it that I haven't been able to go the last couple years. That is one of the funnest hunting trips going. Good luck everybody.
I have to agree with Meathead. Here's a little something to help you with the next few days. Good luck, have fun, be safe!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v450/Fletcher610/DSCF0398.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v450/Fletcher610/DSCF0468.jpg)
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Good Luck Mike!
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Best of luck guys. My sincere apologies for having to pull the plug in the last minute. Don't forget if any of you have any friends that can go my slot is up for grabs with the discount. Man I wish I was going! Keep us all posted for both weeks please. We all want to be there if only via internet. Have fun but be careful! BW aka UB
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My bags are packed, and heading out the door to my overnight stay, then off to the airport in the wee morning. I am looking forward to a good time.
Keith
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You guys are KILLING me! Good luck and have a safe trip!
Glenn
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Just passed through US Customs, had a little paperwork to take care of.
:goldtooth:
Over fifteen hours non stop on the road with a few more to go. Super time with a great bunch of Trad Gangers. More to follow, for now need to finish the final leg of the journey home.
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You're going to leave us hanging until you get back to Michigan? What a guy! UB
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I just received some inside information. What's coming on this thread in the next few days should be GREAT. Stay tuned. UB
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:campfire:
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Good Luck!!! Dont forget the pics and words. :archer:
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:campfire:
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Hate I'm not there this year but I will return to Bear Quest. Good Luck. Have Fun and take lots of pictures so we less fortunate can share in your adventures.
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:campfire: :coffee: Looking foward to this one!
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Pretend you're in a treestand waiting... have patience. It will come. UB
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:campfire: :campfire:
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Finally unpacked, have some pics downloaded and attended the Graduation party that was the reason for my leaving for home a day earlier than the rest of the Bear Questers in camp.
Arrived in La Tuque early Saturday morning. After introductions and unpacking it was time to get out and do a little baiting. The stands had been baited by Tom Phillips and Zack Crossland the previous weekend so we were anxious to get out and see how many were active. :)
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Since I'd hunted the water baits the previous year I headed out with Larry Surtees, Bill Terry and Eric Port to bait the Cove, Moose Tower, Blowdown, Sundown and the Hillbilly. We found all had been hit hard with the exception of the Cove which was untouched.
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Once everyone was back at camp we were all gathered together by Tom and given a rundown of the camps do's and don't's and what to expect if we were a first time bear hunter or new to Bear Quest. Next each hunter drew a stand from a hat and as luck would have it, I drew the inactive Cove on the water.
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After dropping off Eric at the Moose Tower I swung back to camp for awhile. I'll be the first to admit I was dead tired, going on 40 hours with no sleep. About an hour later I gathered up my gear and headed for the Cove. A 5 minute boat ride and I was quietly slipping over the moss on my approach to the stand. After making sure, from a distance, that there were no visitors currently at the bait site I made my way to the stand and up to my 7 foot high perch.
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Here I sit in the bush of Canada, bow in hand, with the hiss of a Thermacell and the buzz of skeeters and blackflies bouncing off my headnet. Something else is also bounching. My chin off my chest as 40 plus hours of no sleep is catching up with me and I struggle to keep my head up and stay awake during my first night on stand. I finally give in and cinch up my safety belt to keep me in position if I do nod out. As legal shooting hours end I climb down and point the boat for the Moose Tower to pick up Eric. I had seen NOTHING on my first night on stand :(
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Way to :clapper: :clapper: go Yellowdog!!
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The following morning finds us back in the boats tending to the baits. As it was yesterday, all baits showed activity with the exception of the Cove. Prior to the bait run Tom told me to pull my camera and I could hunt one of the vacant land baits if the Cove appeared not to be hit so the camera was in the boat on our return to camp. Once back I plugged the controller into the little Covert Ca3 and it said I had 30 pictures on the card.... Interesting :dunno:
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You're doing well, Mike. Keep it coming.
Denny
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I plug my SD card into my little card reader to see what I have and it tells me I have no pictures :dunno: Back into the camera it go's and again it says 0 pictures :dunno: :dunno: :dunno: OK where's Larry Surtees? Larry brought his laptop just for checking these things out.
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Into Larrys laptop it goes and as the card is downloading pictures start popping up. Then Larry says "there's a bear"! Sure enough it was a bear and the time stamp on the photo said 20:05. Larry looks at me and says 8:05, you were in that stand at 8:05. Yup I was and sound asleep at that!!! A few pic's of what I call "Sleeping Bear". I'm sure he was wondering what that was snoring 7 foot up in the tree as he came in and checked things out
:biglaugh: :biglaugh: :biglaugh:
(http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e173/Yellowdog3822/IMAG0017.jpg)
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Sunday evening finds me in the "Roller Coaster". Once you take a drive back into where it's located you'll see where it got it's name. Up and down all the way. Larry Surtees filmed the entire ride in a couple of days later. I take the short walk down the trail, bait the empty barrel, mount a camera and climb up to the stand. Looks good.
:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
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The Roller Coaster
(http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e173/Yellowdog3822/P6100787.jpg)
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Michael - sleeping! Now that is something I would never do. Did you take my Hunter's Smart Hammock (ooops I mean seat) with you.
Some guys at Ray Hammond's place tried to accuse me of that on Memorial Day weekend. Good thing they didn't have a camera set up!
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After a while of soaking in the silence of the Quebec wilderness the noise starts. Red squirrels chattering and jockeying for position at the bait site full of goodies. The little buggers seem to have a pecking order, and it doesn't take long to figure out which one is the "boss squirrel"
Then there it is, the sound of what I think is a bear. Nothing but an anxious nervous long exhale of breath coming from the thick vegetation behind the crib. I strain my eyes to try to find it's source and there it is. It's a bear :eek:
Jet black and pacing back and forth, wanting to come in for the treats but he's aware that there's a visitor in his woods and you can tell he's not sure what to do. He's hungry and whatever's in the tree near his dinner is keeping him from coming in. Finally he starts his cautious approach, he starts out slowly and darts the final few feet to grab a mouthfull and quickly retreats to the safety of his hiding spot behind the crib. After a few minutes he makes a second approach and retreat, then a third followed by his last visit where he decides it's safe and stays
(http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e173/Yellowdog3822/P6100792.jpg)
(http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e173/Yellowdog3822/P6100790.jpg)
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Yup Gil, they tell me I was the first one in camp to ever admit sleeping in the tree. Hard to deny when you have pictures to prove it
:biglaugh: :biglaugh: :biglaugh:
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My visitor came and left a total of fives times before I came down from my perch. Everytime he came in he looked a little bigger but it was early in the week and I kept my arrow on the SBD string of my 60" Toelke Curlew, 48@30.
(http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e173/Yellowdog3822/P6100778.jpg)
(http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e173/Yellowdog3822/P6100798.jpg)
(http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e173/Yellowdog3822/P6100793.jpg)
(http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e173/Yellowdog3822/P6100791.jpg)
(http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e173/Yellowdog3822/P6100796.jpg)
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:coffee: :coffee:
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I get back into camp Sunday night and show my pics to the rest of the gang. All agree it's a bear and a little on the smaller side. I'm ready for Monday.
Monday finds me back at the Roller Coaster and as I sneak my way into the stand I stop as a good bear is on the bait. At about the same time I see him he senses my presence and off he goes. As I reach the bait site the barrel is empty and rolled up against the tree the stand is hung in. They were busy last night. I reposition the barrel, fill it full of goodies and climb the tree for day three.
:goldtooth:
(http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e173/Yellowdog3822/IMAG0144.jpg)
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Great story so far! :thumbsup:
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Well off to Church, to be continued when I return :wavey:
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Hang on guys, this is a good one!! I got home late last night. Ill add my stories in a little while. Im not able to post pics at this time, Ill get alittle help from Larry Surtees.
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Day three starts as soon as I climb the tree and get hooked up in the stand. My little buddy from the previous day returns to take advantage of the fresh batch of goodies just dropped off. I spent the next two and a half hours watching his antics until he's joined by two more bears, a smaller sow and a second year cub. The sow never comes to the bait and patrols the area softly grunting while her little one feeds.
Sunset is around 8:50pm and darkness comes quickly to the woods after that. At around 9:05pm I decide I should probably chase the bears off the bait so I can get down and back to the truck. I softly clap my hands together to get the attention of the three bears in the area.
Immediately all three run into the thick bush behind the crib. Then comes more noise this time popping of teeth and huffing. The three bears run back past the crib and into the woods in the opposite direction. The popping continues from behind the crib. Out steps a bigger bear that I have not seen before in the darkness about eight yards behind the bait station looking in the direction the three bears had just ran off to.
I had only about ten seconds to make a decision, large body, not much legs and I couldn't see any ears. As the bear stood broadside I quickly came to full draw and the hot pink fletched 5575 Goldtip Traditional tipped with a 1963 Bear Razorhead was on it's way. In the failing light the hit appeared to be good, maybe a inch or two higher than I had intended but still in the right spot. The bear crashed through the thick brush opposite the stand and then there was silence. I checked the time and it was 9:10pm. I waited a few minutes, climbed down and went to the point of impact to retrieved my arrow that was stuck in the dirt. A clean pass thru with good blood, I was happy with the hit but you never know. I'd heard no death moan so I quietly snuck out back to the truck and headed for camp.
(http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e173/Yellowdog3822/IMAG0148.jpg)
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After a restless night the morning finds Larry Surtees, Bill Terry, Fred Gimble, Eric Port and myself on the trail. About ten yards into the thick vegetation Bill finds first blood and it goes quickly from there. Blood is sparse but just enough to keep us going in the right direction. After about 100 yards uphill the trail ends. My 2012 Bear Quest 6 bear.
(http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e173/Yellowdog3822/P6120822.jpg)
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Very nice bear! Congrats!!
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What a great camp, this was my third year in a row but it's going to take alot of work with my wife to make it for year four. After I arrowed my bear I was on the two track out of the bush and had a special treat. A bull moose that trotted down the road in front of me for 6/10th of a mile at about 20 miles an hour until he found a clearing he could bail out into. Can't wait for the rest of the stories. There will be some dandies coming for sure. Looking forward to Seans.
:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
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A few camtracker pics from the Roller Coaster after I arrowed my bear. Them little guys are sure tiny, and Mama sure is big :scared:
(http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e173/Yellowdog3822/IMAG0169.jpg)
(http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e173/Yellowdog3822/IMAG0193.jpg)
(http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e173/Yellowdog3822/IMAG0197.jpg)
(http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e173/Yellowdog3822/IMAG0198.jpg)
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:thumbsup: :thumbsup:
NICE bear! Cool story! I can't wait to hear the rest of the report. :campfire:
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Michael,
Great looking bear. Great shot. I like your unorthodox technique! Seems like it worked out well. Roller Coster is one othe more remote stands and so I'm not surprised you had good action. How did you fare with the scales?
Chris
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Awsome bear and a great story. Congrats. :thumbsup:
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Well done Mike!!!
Wish I could have been there this year.
Bill
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We're waiting, Sean!
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Congrats Mike. Glad you shot it with my EX Curlew. That is a great bear and i miss the Curlew, such a sweet bow.
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Great Story and Bear Michael,
Congrats! :readit: :campfire:
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Welp....here it goes.....We all met up at Toms house at about 5 pm on Friday evening. We packed every one into trucks, hooked up trailersand off we were. I had Bowdoc riding shotgun, as a surprize to most who know him, he couldn't get a word in our conversation!! We rolled into camp around 10 am Saturday morning. to say that I was excited was an understatement.
After we situated our selves,and picking our stands out of a bowl, I felt the need to get in the woods. On NO sleep for over 40+ hrs, I tightend my harness to hold me up, incase I dozed off like other members of our party. It wasn't long before a pretty good bear came in, very cautious.....
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Tell it Sean :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
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cool
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Mike, way to go! Beauty! :notworthy:
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Well done.
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great job on a really nice bear!!!!!
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Arrived last night with Larry Surtees & Keith Kemkes. Larry needed to catch an early flight out Sunday morning. Molly had a nice meal waiting, then off to bed as I had to get Larry up @ 3:15 am this morning for the trip into Boston's Logan Airport.
Keith on the over hand was flying out at 8:45pm so we had some time to kill. So Keith learned how to forge up a hunting blade and spent Father's Day dinner with Molly, Jessie (my daughter) & Matt along with my grand kids Eli & Tori. Then back to Logan for Keith's trip home. Good day with hunting friends but I'm off to bed. I'll get Bear Quest stories up in the next couple of days...tippit
Keith got to pound hot steel on each step of the way. So with a combined effort blade, I always put my stamp with the arrow UP.
Kemkes/tippit combo knife...
(http://images3a.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp73458%3Enu%3D32%3A4%3E%3B87%3E672%3EWSNRCG%3D379%3B49539332%3Cnu0mrj)
(http://images5a.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp63589%3Enu%3D32%3A4%3E%3B87%3E672%3EWSNRCG%3D379%3B49539432%3Cnu0mrj)
(http://images5a.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp635%3C7%3Enu%3D32%3A4%3E%3B87%3E672%3EWSNRCG%3D379%3B49539532%3Cnu0mrj)
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It came in about 5:30 PM, it was very cautious, really testing the air.
(http://i1225.photobucket.com/albums/ee393/seanb45/IMG_2201.jpg)
(http://i1225.photobucket.com/albums/ee393/seanb45/Untitled.jpg)
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Very cool wish I was back in the bear woods.
Carry on............
,,,Sam,,,,,
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Many thoughts were crossing my mind. this was my 5th bear hunt, 2nd with trad gear and I have yet to take a bear. I have passed the bears early on my past hunts, and it being the only bear that I was to see for the rest of the week. Barry Wensel said that there would be many bears. this was the first day of the hunt, and I'd pass on this one. It hung around for about 30 mins, tempting me the entire time. I let it walk.
Less than an hour later a small bear came in to feed. I watched it for awhile before it walked off. About 745-8 PM a third bear came in. I knew this was going to be an awesome stand. I climbed down with the bear still close by and slipped out of the woods to my truck taking with me great expectations for the up coming days.
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Mike, congratulations on a well deserved trophy. I can't wait for the rest of the stories....
:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
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Greta bear Yellow Dog! Looking forward to all the stories!
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Sunday, had me in the stand around 3 PM. I couldnt wait to see what would come in next! About 5, I had 2 bears out at about 80 yards. They came in very cautious as the others had. They got to about 35 yrds out and locked up. The farthest bear turned and walked back from where it came from. The close bear, was the 3rd bear from the night before. He sat for a few minutes testing the air. He then turned and trotted off.
about an hour later, a lone bear made its way toward me, but only to stop right were the last bear stopped.This one bolted out of there. Im now starting to think that I dont smell so good.
I had a total of 5 different bears come in, only to run or walk off. About 730, the first two bears came back in again, they ran out of there and stopped out at about 70 yrds "woofing" at me.
Again, i was argueing with myslef whether or not to climb down or stay the rest of the evening, afraid to bump a big bear off the stand. The whitetail hunter won out and i got out early. A check of the trailcam the next evening showed that the 2 bears that ran off came back 10 mins after I climbed down. I was alittle discuraged. (http://i1225.photobucket.com/albums/ee393/seanb45/PICT0060.jpg)
The next day had me running alittle late, but i made sure that I showered up before the hunt. again about 545 PM I had a bear come in and lay down at 45 yrds.
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wow, for some reason this pic wont resize!
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Great thread, hope to read more. I love bear hunting.
John
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Good stuff Sean and Jeff, Keep it comin :coffee:
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After about 15 minutes, that bear decided to come in.
(http://i1225.photobucket.com/albums/ee393/seanb45/PICT0077.jpg)
The debate in my head started....I liked the way he looked, especially with the white flare on his chest. but, I knew that there were bigger bears around....but i really liked this one. It was still only monday.....and there were bigger bears around.....
He laid out flat on his back, scratching the inside if his legs. He walked around, chased a squirrel, and I let him walk off.
He turned and came back in. I really liked this bear. I let him walk again, only to circle the crib and come back in front. this continued for about an hour, all the while, I fought myself over whether or not to take this bear. He walked off for a fourth time. If he came back again, I told myself that I was going to take him.
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I'd shoot him too if he looked at me like that. :readit: :p
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WELLLLL......He came back. Now,I had to just wait for a shot to present its self. He turned dead broadside. He had a thinspot in his coat just behind his right shoulder that gave me a good focal point. I drew my Morrison and released. My arrow hit him right in that thin spot, sinking 1/4 of the way up the fletching. He ran a big 70 yrd circle and let out a death moan. I still gave him a half hour. a thought came to me...I had just taken a bear with my recurve!
I climbed down, but could find very little blood.
I followed a trail that I saw him on and walked to where I had last heard him. there he laid, about 40 yards from my stand.
(http://i1225.photobucket.com/albums/ee393/seanb45/IMG_2233.jpg)
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Mike and Sean good job.Kip :thumbsup: :clapper:
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I had driven Jeff "Tippit" Springer to his stand, and was to pick him up at dark. I was able to get him out of the woods and in my truck on my own.
this was one of the best camps I've been in. I had tons of laughs all week long,and had made several new friends. Tom Phillipse breaks his butt up there. I plan on being there next year!
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:thumbsup:
Congratulations on your first bear!
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A big thank you to Tippit for putting up with me on Sunday.
That knife will be put on display at home. Jeff is too graceous to call it a joint effort. He did 99.5% of the work.
This trip was the best group of guys I have ever hunted with.
Keith
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Awesome story...CONGRATS!!!!!
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:notworthy: :campfire:
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Awesome Shawn, really happy for you.
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"I had driven Jeff "Tippit" Springer to his stand, and was to pick him up at dark. I was able to get him out of the woods and in my truck on my own."
How many guys does it usually take to get Jeff in a truck?
Killdeer :dunno:
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Nice story and great bear!
Congrats.
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Great stories guys. Tom is one of the best. Mike
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quote:
Originally posted by Killdeer:
"I had driven Jeff "Tippit" Springer to his stand, and was to pick him up at dark. I was able to get him out of the woods and in my truck on my own."
How many guys does it usually take to get Jeff in a truck?
Killdeer :laughing:
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Always my favorite thread of the year.
Congrats on the bears taken, and keep the great stories and pics coming.
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quote:
Originally posted by Killdeer:
"I had driven Jeff "Tippit" Springer to his stand, and was to pick him up at dark. I was able to get him out of the woods and in my truck on my own."
How many guys does it usually take to get Jeff in a truck?
Killdeer :campfire:
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Oh yea....back on target!
Congrats Sean!!! It has to be a blast to take a nice bear with your recurve!
Any camp run by Tom has to be a good one. He's good people!!
Sean, to top it all off, you did it with some great company!
:thumbsup: :thumbsup:
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I still have bloody knees from being dragged into Sean's truck. What with me being from Boston, I guess I shoulda known I'd be in trouble hunting with a NY Cop :scared:
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I'll start my story...
The geriatric mobile left for La Tuque Friday morning. Barry was supposed to be with us too but as you all know he was in recovery from a mild heart attack. Larry had been experiencing narcolepsy and couldn't drive as he falls asleep unexpectedly. Plus I'm scheduled for back surgery in July. So driving all night was Not a good option. We got into La Tuque around 3 pm Friday afternoon, had a nice dinner, and good night sleep.
The rest of the group showed up around 6 am the next morning...couldn't help saying how well rested we were :) We got into camp around noon, unpacked, and drew our hunting stands. Splitting up into baiting groups, most of the guys elected to hunt Saturday night. I tend to like setting up my trail camera to see what might be hanging around before going hunting. It helps to know if any Big Bears are frequenting the stand...maybe keeping me from getting itchy three fingers under on the first sight of a bear.
The next day my camera had a few smaller bears plus a Big one except she had three small cubs. That could be to my advantage if a Big Boar was sniffin' around though.
(http://images5a.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp63547%3Enu%3D32%3A4%3E%3B87%3E672%3EWSNRCG%3D379%3B%3A%3A63%3B532%3Cnu0mrj)
(http://images5a.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp635%3C2%3Enu%3D32%3A4%3E%3B87%3E672%3EWSNRCG%3D379%3B%3A%3A63%3B%3A32%3Cnu0mrj)
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Thanks all, I'm very happy that my first bear was taken with a recurve. I couldnt ask for a better group of guys to spend a week hunting with. I think to certain moments and I start cracking up. I cant say enough about BQ6!
Killdeer, dont let his laid back personality fool you, I had to taze him and cuff him to get him in!
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Yup, I thought I might have to pick Tippit up and load him in the truck myself when I pulled into Mile Marker 41 Sunday night to pick him up. Good thing I didn't pull in too far, he was on the ground rolled up in a little ball in the middle of the two track waiting for me.
:scared: :scared: :scared:
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Sean, dandy bear and a great story :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Glad I could be with you for your first trad bear harvest. Well done!!!!
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Tippits are made to be USED Kudu!
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thanks Mike, I wasnt thinking, we shoulda takin a picture of the both of us. BTW...thats one swwet shooting bow you got there. It almost got packed in the red truck..by accident!!! :goldtooth:
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Originally posted by awbowman:
Tippits are made to be USED Kudu!
Oh... it will be used, it will be. :)
Keith
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You can bet it'll be used. Keith had 3 bears skinned...skull and all, before 2 of us had 1 leg done!!
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Yup, I was just watching in awe saying to myself "how's he do that"? I think Keith could skin a bear with a rock!!!!
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After seeing the trail camera pictures, I hunted Mile Marker 41 stand Sunday & Monday only to see one small 125 # bear come in and not return. The bait wasn't getting hit very hard either. I figured if I didn't see anything Tuesday night then I try another stand.
Tuesday proved to be a perfect day to bear hunt...mist with a few showers mixed in. Dark skies to give a longer evening cover for the bears. I had my rain gear and mojo with me...tippit broadhead and my Dad's ashes that accompany me on all my hunts. At the end of a harvest or just a good week in the woods, I always leave him where he loved to hike & hunt.
(http://images5a.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp63594%3Enu%3D3796%3E53%3A%3E332%3E288753%3A42323%3Bot1lsi)
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I'm really enjoying this thread. Trust me.. all I did was think about you guys last week. Tippit continues to get the biggest bear year after year. I'm waiting to hear the outcome for this year. By the way Jeff, I'm not sure if I ever told you this but I have a ridge in Iowa that we've named "Ashes". It's so good I want my ashes spread there someday. Thank you for the inspiration my friend. BW aka UB
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Barry,
You may not have realised it...but your presence was in camp all week. Your chair was set around the fire pit!
(http://images3a.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp733%3C6%3Enu%3D379%3B%3E%3A88%3E454%3E288%3C%3A8854523%3Bot1lsi)
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Awesome animals guys! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
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Back to my story...
To help add to my mojo, Tuesday night I changed bows to "little sister". PV had made it for me...56" 45#@28 black glass (my absolute favorite) and bocote riser longbow. Not just a longbow but tweaked PV bow.
(http://images5a.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp63579%3Enu%3D32%3A4%3E%3B87%3E672%3EWSNRCG%3D379%3B%3C%3B954232%3Cnu0mrj)
Around 8:15 pm my eye and trail camera caught this right under my stand.
(http://images5a.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp63578%3Enu%3D32%3A4%3E%3B87%3E672%3EWSNRCG%3D379%3B%3C%3B765%3B32%3Cnu0mrj)
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I'll let Jeff (Tippit) finish his story, and then I'll chime in. But this was a week that will go down in my history book. It was one of the best ever. Great hunting, with great folks so what more could one ask for?
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Tuesday night...
The Big Bear came right in under my stand like "she" owned it. I say she cause I was concerned it was the sow with the three cubs. But she came in with a small 80# bear behind her. Not seeing any cubs, it appeared that the small bear was her 2 year old which would be pushed out as soon as a boar started the mating courtship. Therefore I felt this was a shootable bear.
She circle over to the crib but was facing away from me just briefly walking broadside. The perfect opportunity of broadside with front leg closest to me and forward hadn't presented itself. I was at half draw at least 4-5 times. Once finished eating, I had the sense she was about to leave. She took that one step that opened up her chest area...the arrow was on the way in!
With a loud growl, she ran off with what seemed to be Very Little arrow penetration. I shoot all white arrows which allows me a great visual on low light situations. Plus I use lighted nocks. Being hearing impaired and only hearing out of my left ear, I can't tell direction once my quarry is out of sight. The white arrow & lighted nock allows me to see/follow the beginning of the escape route.
Now the questioning time...did the arrow which seemed like a good chest hit, catch the shoulder with no penetration or hit the off leg thus showing little penetration? Knowing this was near a 300# class bear, I would replay that scenario all night long waiting for morning tracking light.
Getting back into camp, the first thing I did was get a mason jar of wine! I couldn't even talk as Tom & Bowdoc asked for details. They would be my trackers in the morning as they have been on all my bears.
This trail camera picture is right before my shot!
(http://images5a.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp6354%3B%3Enu%3D32%3A4%3E%3B87%3E672%3EWSNRCG%3D379%3B%3C%3B766532%3Cnu0mrj)
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Hello?...Calling Doctor Springer. You can't leave us on that! Need... more.... info.... fading....fast...help doc!
:notworthy: :notworthy:
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Great story Jeff. Keep her coming!
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You guys are great! And people wonder what's so good about Bear Quest year after year. No wonder my thoughts were with you guys so much all week. Thank you guys so much for the privilege of sharing a campfire. It's truly an honor. BW aka UB
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:campfire:
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:campfire: :coffee:
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All right.....SOMEONE needs to track Jeff down!
He can't be leaving us hanging like that! :readit:
:campfire:
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:bigsmyl:
:campfire:
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Jeff, This is good, I will check back. :coffee:
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Wednesday morning...
The sun was bright and the rain had stopped. As Tom, Bowdoc, and I headed to Mile Marker 41, I had nothing but negative feelings of finding my bear. I walked to where I had seen the last glow of my lighted nock. Tom was the first to see it...my arrow lay almost at my feet all intact. There was some blood out to the fetching but I didn't think there was enough for a lethal hit. Then there was a few drops in a couple of feet, then more, and finally four inch ribbon of blood that lead right to her!!! None of us had ever seen a bear blood trail like it. She had circled around behind the crib area and died with her head in a small brook. What a happy feeling with hand shakes & hugs!
She was big with a magnificent coat. We got her into the sled and Tom pulled as I tried my best to help push.
The blood trail all the way to her.
(http://images5a.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp635%3A9%3Enu%3D32%3A4%3E%3B87%3E672%3EWSNRCG%3D379%3B%3C%3A9%3B%3C%3B32%3Cnu0mrj)
As we found her with the head in the stream.
(http://images5a.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp63565%3Enu%3D32%3A4%3E%3B87%3E672%3EWSNRCG%3D379%3B%3C%3A%3B88%3A32%3Cnu0mrj)
Dad RIP
(http://images5a.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp63548%3Enu%3D32%3A4%3E%3B87%3E672%3EWSNRCG%3D379%3B%3C%3A9%3B%3C932%3Cnu0mrj)
In the woods @ recovery.
(http://images3a.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp73455%3Enu%3D32%3A4%3E%3B87%3E672%3EWSNRCG%3D37%3A257934232%3Cnu0mrj)
Tom & Bowdoc...Best Friends & Trackers a man could have!
(http://images3a.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp73437%3Enu%3D32%3A4%3E%3B87%3E672%3EWSNRCG%3D379%3B%3C%3A%3A23232%3Cnu0mrj)
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Congratulations Doc!
WAY TO GO!
Thank you for sharing'!
Shoot straight, Shinken
:archer2:
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NICE! Great job, guys!
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Back @ Camp...
She weighed in at 258#.
(http://images3a.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp733%3C5%3Enu%3D32%3A4%3E%3B87%3E672%3EWSNRCG%3D379%3B%3C%3A%3A23332%3Cnu0mrj)
(http://images3a.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp73439%3Enu%3D32%3A4%3E%3B87%3E672%3EWSNRCG%3D379%3B%3C%3A%3A23532%3Cnu0mrj)
(http://images3a.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp73457%3Enu%3D32%3A4%3E%3B87%3E672%3EWSNRCG%3D379%3B%3C%3A%3A23432%3Cnu0mrj)
With plenty of picture and congrats, it was time to skin her out. Now the surprise...she was a HE!! My credentials as a veterinarian have come under a black cloud! To think I wasn't going to shoot her/he until I was sure it wasn't Mom :eek:
He did win the pot for the Biggest Bear taken in week one...But he wasn't the biggest bear seen. That is another story! tippit
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Very nice bear.
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Great accomplishment, and a great way to honor your Dad. :thumbsup:
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Jeff: You make me proud.... again. GREAT job by all involved. Man.. that is a heck of a trail of A-Positive. Excellent. UB
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P.S. Bowdoc... REAL men don't wear headnets. XOXO UB
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Nice bear Jeff! Congratulations to you and everyone in camp! I sure miss being there this year.
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:bigsmyl: :bigsmyl: :clapper: :clapper:
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Well done Doc!
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:clapper: Jeff !! Congrats! Thats the way to paint a carpet. Your broadhead did an amazing job! Quick work as well seeing as "she" only made it to the brook.
Originally posted by tippit:
He did win the pot for the Biggest Bear taken in week one...But he wasn't the biggest bear seen. That is another story! tippit
Does the pressure of taking the biggest bear most years ever get to you? :biglaugh:
Couldn't happen to a better man
Speaking of other stories of big bears Mr Gimble???????????????????????
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I forgot to say my tippit broadhead took out the heart, the brachial plexus (arteries coming out of the chest to front leg) of the off side leg, and hit the off side humerus thus the appearance of little penetration. I'm sure he had a death moan just that I couldn't hear it.
I left my tippit arrow with Tom...hopefully he'd add some more mojo this week.
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Paul,
You aren't gettin' Little Sister back :saywhat:
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Congratulations to you and everyone in camp! Tom runs a great camp and there are plenty of bears.
Bowdoc is just icing on the cake. :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
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Very nice Doc!!!
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Uncle Barry, doesn't Bowdoc look like a sultry little vixen under that veil? I guess what happens at Bearquest...... :rolleyes: ;) :nono:
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Congrats to all! It sounds like ya'll had a great trip!!!! Awesome blood trail Jeff!
Benjy
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Some great bears fellas! And even better action stories!
Yellow dog...that is a brute!
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I started my Bear Quest 6 adventure when I left Kentucky for Boston via U.S. Airways where I was met and hosted by one of the greatest men around on TG -- Jeff (Tippit) Springer. We had a great evening and a sound night's sleep for the trip to La Tuque the next day.
(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg20/lsurtees/P1030421.jpg)
Jeff and his lovely wife, Molly, have quite a beautiful home. I must say that they are great hosts.
(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg20/lsurtees/P1030420.jpg)
Jeff had to tend the horses since Molly was away at a horse camp in Vermont.
(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg20/lsurtees/P1030428.jpg)
(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg20/lsurtees/P1030429.jpg)
Before we left Jeff's house on our trek to La Tuque, I studied the bear target out back to make sure I knew where the kill zone was on a bear.
(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg20/lsurtees/P1030431.jpg)
Friday morning couldn't have come soon enough for me. But it did and Jeff and I were ready to make the 8 1/2 hour drive. But before we left, he had to say goodbye to the girls.
(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg20/lsurtees/P1030423.jpg)
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The only regret to the entire trip, was that Barry Wensel wasn't with us. Last year Jeff, Barry and I made the trip together. Barry was surely missed, but not forgotten on this adventure.
(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg20/lsurtees/P1030709.jpg)
(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg20/lsurtees/P1030710.jpg)
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The weather was just right. No too hot and not too cold. The scenary was breathtaking.
(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg20/lsurtees/P1030451.jpg)
(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg20/lsurtees/P1030450.jpg)
(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg20/lsurtees/P1030448.jpg)
(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg20/lsurtees/P1030436.jpg)
(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg20/lsurtees/P1030435.jpg)
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Once we went through customs, I knew that our trip was about half over. Quebec is beautiful.
(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg20/lsurtees/P1030484.jpg)
(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg20/lsurtees/P1030489.jpg)
(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg20/lsurtees/P1030487.jpg)
(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg20/lsurtees/P1030491.jpg)
(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg20/lsurtees/P1030493.jpg)
(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg20/lsurtees/P1030492.jpg)
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Great Pictures Larry. Great Job on the story Jeff!
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If you haven't been on a Bear Quest hunt, I fully endorse it. Save up and go on one and you won't be sorry. Here are a few more pictures I would like to share of the trip to La Tuque.
(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg20/lsurtees/P1030468.jpg)
(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg20/lsurtees/P1030468.jpg)
(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg20/lsurtees/P1030501.jpg)
(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg20/lsurtees/P1030497.jpg)
(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg20/lsurtees/P1030499.jpg)
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:campfire: :coffee:
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Awesome pics Larry and congrats "Big Bear Slayer", Im glad she was a he. Any close up pics of Little Sis?
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Congrats on the great bear, Jeff. It looks you all had a great adventure.
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Wow, all the way to the skinning table before you figured out it was a boy, huh?
Jeff, Jeff, Jeff.... :biglaugh: :biglaugh: :biglaugh:
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Yup, flipped him over on the skinning table and Sean said "hey Doc, I think you better go back through Sex Ed, this ones a boy!" it was priceless!
:biglaugh: :biglaugh: :biglaugh: :biglaugh:
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Welll Mike....III wasnt gonna bring that up :clapper:
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I love BQ, never disappointed reading this thread. Nice bears!
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This is always one of the threads I wait for. Thanks Larry for all the great pictures.
Y'all are going to make me hunt bear one day. Never thought I'd ever want to bear hunt, but it gets closer each year.
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Izzy,
I just got back from a mandatory Sex Ed Re-Fresher class in order to keep my state veterinarian license current...here are a few pictures of Paul's "little sister". Awesome bow!!
(http://images3a.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp73452%3Enu%3D32%3A4%3E%3B87%3E672%3EWSNRCG%3D37%3A2683%3A%3B432%3Cnu0mrj)
(http://images5a.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp63579%3Enu%3D32%3A4%3E%3B87%3E672%3EWSNRCG%3D37%3A2683%3A%3B532%3Cnu0mrj)
(http://images5a.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp63567%3Enu%3D32%3A4%3E%3B87%3E672%3EWSNRCG%3D37%3A2683%3A%3B632%3Cnu0mrj)
(http://images5a.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp63554%3Enu%3D37%3A2%3E5%3B2%3E8%3B%3B%3E28935%3B29%3A%3C23%3Bot1lsi)
(http://images5a.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp63574%3Enu%3D37%3A2%3E5%3B2%3E9%3B%3B%3E28935%3B2%3A%3A%3C23%3Bot1lsi)
(http://images5a.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp635%3B6%3Enu%3D37%3A2%3E596%3E965%3E2893596%3A5623%3Bot1lsi)
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I really wish I could go on this hunt someday!
Great stories!!!
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Outstanding Jeff!!!!! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Looks like you had the perfect pair of "trackers", but by the looks of that blood trail, you didn't need 'em much! Given Don's "head wear" the bugs must have been making a good showing!!!
Looking forward to tasting "him" via some of that great CT-made bear sausage while at Denton!
:campfire:
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I love the "flat" black glass on that bow.
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We finally made it to La Tuque. Jeff and I checked into our room and had a great dinner and retired for the evening in anticipation of meeting the entire group the next morning.
(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg20/lsurtees/P1030438.jpg)
(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg20/lsurtees/P1030443.jpg)
(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg20/lsurtees/P1030480.jpg)
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That's some pretty country
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When 6 a.m. rolled around Saturday morning, we found the entire group and made introductions. Most of the guys were pretty tired since they traveled all night.
(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg20/lsurtees/CopyofP1030481-1.jpg)
We had a quick breakfast and then headed to the camp. It would be about another hour before we actually arrived at the camp.
(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg20/lsurtees/P1030497.jpg)
(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg20/lsurtees/P1030499.jpg)
(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg20/lsurtees/P1030494.jpg)
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We finally made it to the camp. The camp owners were great
(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg20/lsurtees/P1030504.jpg)
(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg20/lsurtees/P1030549.jpg)
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After unpacking and storing the gear, we determined stand locations. I had drawn a water bait. I enjoy the solitude out on the water baits. There were 3 out of the group that hunted the water baits on a regular basis.
(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg20/lsurtees/P1030506.jpg)
(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg20/lsurtees/P1030509.jpg)
(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg20/lsurtees/P1030514.jpg)
Bill Terry and I hunted water baits and traveled to and from camp to our stands together every day.
(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg20/lsurtees/P1030515-1.jpg)
(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg20/lsurtees/P1030523.jpg)
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I think I saw the most bears out of Group 1. I was basically covered in bears every night. I saw 7 bears the first night. I wasn't in the stand more than an hour before I had my first visitor.
(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg20/lsurtees/P1030528.jpg)
(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg20/lsurtees/P1030531.jpg)
Although I was tempted to let an arrow fly the first night at one bear that looked pretty good, I waited to see what the next nights' might bring.
(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg20/lsurtees/P1030532.jpg)
(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg20/lsurtees/P1030536.jpg)
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Wow Larry my friend, you passed on that???? Looks like a good one. Hope theres more to the tale.
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Izzy, I have more to come.
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I hunted a stand named the Sundown. It was the furthest water bait. So I would drop Bill Terry off at his stand named the blowdown and then head on to mine.
(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg20/lsurtees/P1030518.jpg)
(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg20/lsurtees/P1030517-1.jpg)
(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg20/lsurtees/P1030524.jpg)
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The second night on stand was the most exciting. I saw a bear that I thought was a wildabeast (sp???). It was rubbed pretty good.
(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg20/lsurtees/P1030572-1.jpg)
(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg20/lsurtees/P1030573-1.jpg)
(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg20/lsurtees/P1030574-1.jpg)
(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg20/lsurtees/P1030570.jpg)
(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg20/lsurtees/P1030566.jpg)
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I'm looking for a BLOODY arrow.
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The third night was a bit frightening to me. I encountered a nice bear with a pretty coat not long after I climbed into my stand and got all set up. It stayed in the crib for about 1/2 hour and then left.
(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg20/lsurtees/P1030662.jpg)
Then a female came in. She was a beauty. I was going to take her, but then 2 cubs came in. They were small, and there was no way that I was going to shoot her. She talked to her babies the entire time she was in there.
(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg20/lsurtees/P1030663.jpg)
(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg20/lsurtees/P1030664.jpg)
(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg20/lsurtees/P1030665.jpg)
After about 3/4 of an hour, I saw that she was eating all the bait and had no intention of leaving. It was fun to watch the cubs romping around and being 2 little clowns, but it was still early in the day, and I wanted to save some bait. So I took an arrow and threw it at her. It landed right beside her. She let out a huffing sound and the babies ran up a tree. She went over and looked at the arrow and then grunted a few times and I guess it was an all-clear message for the babies to come down. She continued eating and the cubs continued playing and horsing (bearing) around. She was such a pretty bear, but the angel on my right shoulder was louder and got through to me even though the devil on my left shoulder was really getting to me to shoot.
I decided I had to do something to get her and her cubs out of the bait. So I stamped my foot on the bottom platform of my stand. The babies each ran up a separate tree and momma ran about 10 feet and stopped and turned back toward me. She seemed to be staring at me and then she turned toward the tree I was in and approached it quickly. When she reached the bottom of my tree I could see her through the slats of my lock-on tree stand. She pawed at the tree and then stood up and started swatting her paw at the underside of the lock-on. My heart was racing and thoughts were running through my mind. But I remained as still as possible and she finally turned and walked a few feet away and started grunting again. She would walk a few steps and turn and look at me and continued to grunt. Her babies started back down the tree very slowly and when they reached the ground, they joined momma and they walked out of the woods. I was relieved that she had left and not started up my tree. Besides there was not enough room for her and me on the stand together.
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Continuing with the 3rd day hunt. About an hour after momma and cubs left, I heard a lot of cracking in back of me. There was still about an hour of light left before I wouldn't be able to shoot. It seemed like about every 10 minutes or so, I would hear some cracking and movement in a different direction. The cracking was in a 360 degree diameter. I'd hear it to the left of me and a few minutes later to the right of me. But I couldn't see the culprit causing the cracking. Then about 10 minutes before last light, I saw the bruiser. It was a good bear. It was very cautious about entering the bait site. It remained too far out for a shot, and then it decided to come in and give me a nice broadside shot. It was a picture perfect shot and as I drew back and let my string go, the bear stepped forward. The arrow entered the bear and I could see about 4 inches of the arrow sticking out as the bear took off. However, as the bear stepped forward, I knew that my arrow had hit further back than where it was suppose to go. I waited about 20 minutes and didn't hear anything, so I quietly slipped down and returned to the boat. We would track the bear the next morning.
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OHHHHHHHHHH YEA!!!!
Wait, I'll go get some coffee.
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Excellent story! Ready for the rest ANY time Larry.....
:coffee:
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Great stories so far!
Jeff that picture of the blood splatter looks like a GIANT bloody hand print! :scared:
Larry if you get a chance give me a holler. I need to know what color Copperhead skins you prefer.
Bill
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OK Larry..........you have us "baited"!
That rubbed bear just has the latest fashion for Quebec.......a "mohawk 'do"!
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Great thread, love reading this!!!! Congrats to those that took bears already, and looking forward to the coming stories.
I have never seen a bear rubbed that bad Larry, wow! :scared:
David
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That rubbed bear looks just right for bowdoc.Another succesful Bear Quest wish I was there maybe next year.Congrats to all involved.Kip
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I had a hard time sleeping that 3rd night wondering if my shot might have hit in a place that would have taken this bear down. It was the biggest bear that I had seen. It made the bait bucket look small.
I was anxious the next morning to get out and see if we might be able to track down the big critter.
5 total folks helped in the tracking. About 10 yards from the hit, we found the end of my arrow -- a piece about 6 inches long that had good blood on it. About 25-30 yards later we found blood. Trailed it for about 100 yards and then nothing. Which way would it have gone? So we spread out and combed the area. After an hour or more of tracking, we called it a loss. I hate to leave a wounded animal.
But I do have more to tell.
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Bears have BIG LUNGS or so I see! :pray:
(http://i1254.photobucket.com/albums/hh601/ftrahan/bear-target.jpg)
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Kip I was thinking that would be the biggest trophy Bow Doc could ever take...a bear with hair just like his.
love ya Bow Doc
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I did feel bad about not finding the bear. But I hunted again on the 4th evening and saw 3 bears. None of them would come into the bait. I think there was just too much activity durin the tracing of the bear. But at any rate, now I had skiddish bears that wouldn't come to the bait. The same thing happened the next night, except there was no citings. So I switched water baits and hunted the Hillbilly.
I was determined that if a bear came in on the 13th and it had a good coat that I was going to take it for Chris (the 13th was an anniversary date of his death).
I sat in my sand watching the ground squirrels playing or almost 2 1/2 hours. Then I did hear a crack and then another, and finally the black object immersed into sight from the woods. The bear was on the small side, so I let it pass. Then I had another and finally just about last light when I had 10-15 minutes left, a nice bear came in. The coat was in excellent shape and the bear looked to be a good one to shoot. I let it get into position and it presented a good broadside shot. I raised my bow slowly and picked the spot and I don't even remember getting to full anchor when I realized that I had put the arrow right dead center of the spot I chose. I don't think it was but 2 - 3 seconds later, I heard the death moan and I knew then that the bear was down. I had a complete pass through and the bear was only 38 yards away.
(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg20/lsurtees/P1030670.jpg)
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NICE!!!!!!!!!!!
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:thumbsup:
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Here are some random pictures taken that ya'll might enjoy.
Our Hero -- Tom Phillips. Thank you for a great time!!!
(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg20/lsurtees/P1030622.jpg)
The Real BowDoc -- One fella that could never be replaced!!!!!
(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg20/lsurtees/P1030512.jpg)
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Wow the camp has been cleaned up and painted since last year.Bowdoc looks the same though.Kip
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(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg20/lsurtees/IM000017.jpg)
(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg20/lsurtees/IM000019.jpg)
(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg20/lsurtees/P1030620.jpg)
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(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg20/lsurtees/P1030623.jpg)
(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg20/lsurtees/P1030624.jpg)
(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg20/lsurtees/P1030625.jpg)
(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg20/lsurtees/P1030627.jpg)
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(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg20/lsurtees/P1030628.jpg)
(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg20/lsurtees/P1030633.jpg)
(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg20/lsurtees/P1030637.jpg)
(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg20/lsurtees/P1030640.jpg)
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Things had been getting a little out of hand at home so I was very excited about heading to Mass. to meet up with Tom for my third Bearquest adventure . I was not disapointed . I rode up with Bill Terry who is a bowhunting and bowfishing fanatic , we had a lot in common and the trip to La Tugue didn't seem as long .
The first evening in camp we can either hunt or relax and settle in , I had to hunt . Picking stands out of a hat can be trying , by helping with the baiting during the past 2 hunts I know which stands look good so I have personel preferences . To say I was excited when I drew "The Resurection " stand of Uncle Barry fame would be an understatement .After climbing into the stand first night I only had to wait about 20 minutes before the first bear came in .
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(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg20/lsurtees/P1030646.jpg)
(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg20/lsurtees/P1030647.jpg)
(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg20/lsurtees/P1030666.jpg)
(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg20/lsurtees/P1030669.jpg)
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I'll keep adding pictures later.
Thank you
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If you can't be there, you can't beat lots of pictures. Thanks Larry.
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Nice bear, Larry!
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Great stories and pictures, looking forward to more.
-Jay
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Larry that last pic of Bowdoc could pass for Jack Nicholson's brother !
Let me start by saying that trail cams can be a two-edged sword . Sat. evening I went to the Resurection stand with the highest hopes . I carefully hung a trail cam about 15 feet from the bait . I hunted till dark and saw 3 bears and quietly snuck out at dark . Next morning around 11 am I was tending baits and when I came to my stand I changed sd cards in my camera and thought nothing of it . I hunted that night and saw 5 bears , some pretty good but I'm a little fussy , some say stupid . You can decide for yourself . After coming back to camp around 10;30 that night I asked Larry Surtees if he could load my pics on his laptop . Being Larry he said " of course " . The camera was set on video by mistake and showed the 3 bears before dark , then overnight they were coming and going pretty regular . Then to my surprise the camera showed sunlight in the back ground and bears were still coming in when all of a sudden Bearzilla showed up . He was there sometime between daybreak and 11 am . I was hooked before I realised what was happening . After dinner and stories I went to bed around 12;30 . Borrowing Tom"s alarm clock I was up at 3 am and out the door by 3;15 . The stand takes about an hour to drive to and I was up the tree at 4;30 . Legal shooting time is 4;25 but under the canopy of trees I needed a flashlight to get to my stand and couldn't see well enough to shoot till about 4;45 .
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Some good bears came and went before 6 am but no sign of the big one . As the morning wore on the bears coming in kept getting smaller and smaller ; just the opposite an evening hunt when the later it gets the bigger bears come in . That night Mike had shot his bear so I slept in and helped find and drag his bear out of the woods . A perfect hit . Congrats again Mike !
That evening a sat my stand and saw 7 bears but no giant . next morning was the same and I was wondering if I would ever see him again . My bait barreel was empty every day and I had to bring in more goodies every time I went to the stand . I would bait it in the morning and watch as the bears cleaned out the barrel before 7 am and I would bring more in the afternoon and it would again be empty in the morning . Fourth afternoon as I approached my stand I surprised a small bear at the bait , he just walked off about 35 yards and sat down . He watched as I unloaded the donuts and changed sd cards and must have started back in while I was climbing into my tree as when I got up and turned around he was already in the barrel. I like it when a bear is nervous around a bait as it usually means a bigger one is lurking about but this guy was oblivious to everything so thinking things would be calm for awhile I unexpectedly took a little nap . I was awoken by the sound of the barrel moving around and saw a decent bear at work getting his evening meal . I only dozed off for about 15-20 minutes . Shame on me . I didn't mention it in camp but since Sean came clean about sleeping in his tree what thew heck . Just before dark a large lean bear came in and paced about . Part of me wqanted to shoot him and part of me wanted to wait out the bigger bear . If I am not fully fired up and focused about a shot things usually don't turn out well. I shot and it felt good but I remember hearing a crack when it hit and saw about half my arrow sticking out of his chest cavity . No death moan but even half penetration would get both lungs if it was where I thought it was . I waited till almost dark and crept away feeling remorse for making poor decisions . I had the big bear on my mind and should have stayed the course .
Four bears were hit that night and it rained pretty hard till almost daybreak .Without an exit wound blood would be sparse under the best conditions . I had Mike , Keith and Greg helping me out . We spent a couple hours and couldn't find any trace of him . WE did several grid searches but didn't have anything to go on , I shoot wood arrows and we couldn't even find the shaft which should have broke off as soon as he hit the edge of the clearing . I want to thank these guys again for the effort they put into the search . . It happens to the best of us but it's still pretty hard to choke down . I was wondering if the stand was cursed but being honest it was all me .
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Before Fred gets too far into this incredible story. I just wanted to reassure all those that helped me look for my lost camera somewhere between Beaver Pond, Roller coaster, Glove, and Mile Marker 41 stands, I now have a visible polar fleece case that should show up in my fanny pack :knothead: tippit
(http://images3a.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp73454%3Enu%3D32%3A4%3E%3B87%3E672%3EWSNRCG%3D37%3A2837%3B8332%3Cnu0mrj)
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My favorite Tippit pic. Jeff hauling Mr/Mrs Big to the freezer in the little red "meat" wagon.
(http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e173/Yellowdog3822/P6130873.jpg)
(http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e173/Yellowdog3822/P6150932.jpg)
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Well done Jeff, I did my best, I looked and looked and looked for that little black pouch with your camera in it and never found it. Glad you found it :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: Now back to Fred's story.
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I know I know...as it turns out it was in my fanny pack all the time but camo'd with the black lining :rolleyes:
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Great story so far Fred!! for thoseof you who never met Fred, He is one hard core hunter. And hes a great guy to boot!
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Has Bowdoc been rubbing again or has he contracted the mange? ;) :bigsmyl:
(http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c199/BillrK/Bowdoc.jpg)
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Yup, Fred is a quiet, humble man that has accomplished so much as a bowhunter. I'm honored to have spent a week with him and such a group of special guys. This hunt should be part of every trad bowhunters "bucket list". It's not about the harvest but the quality time you spend with some of the finest people you'll ever meet.
:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
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Once we all saw what was coming into Fred's stand, we were all pulling for him. I've never seen a bigger bear on camera in Quebec. I wanted to see him up close & personal in camp!
Fred certainly rose to the challenge and put the hard hunting time in...mornings & afternoons.
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I went back to the stand that evening with high hopes thinking maybe it just wasn;t meant to be to find my bear and that I was destined to get the big one , I am given to flights of fancy like this at times . Besides I have a yen for one of Jeff's knives and even though Jeff shot a hog of a bear I was sure I could outdo him if given a chance . Another flight of fancy , but that's what keeps us going . The usual group of 5-6 bears showed up at what seemed to be prearanged intervals . At 9 pm a large bear showed up and started to feed , he wasn't the big one so I just enjoyed his company for a few minutes when it started popping his jaws and walked out to my left . He circled around me still popping
his jaws till he was about 40 yuards outand right behind me when all got quiet , then I heard popping again from behind me only closer.I was sure it was the same bear and let my guard down when all of a sudden from directly under my stand a bear came in with a melon the size of a beachball . He walked about 5 yards out in front of me and looked over his left shoulder at me . Even under my camo head mask he probably seen my mouth open and eyes bulging . Our eyes locked for what seemed like minutes but was really just seconds . No chance for a shot the way he was standing so I thought I would exercise my best option and do nothing and let the bear make the mistake . He must have been in this postion before , maybe this was Uncle Barry's bear , but he wasn't going to play . He bolted hard to my left and never made a sound . Well I knew he was still around and with 3 days left I had to come up with a plan .
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Pulling for you Fred
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Barry had his stand set in some pines just east of the bait , Tom thought it would be a good idea to change things and move the stand more southeast . Barry's bear came in from the left right where the new stand location was and this bear came in right under the stand . I asked Tom if I could move the stand and he said go ahead . Next day after my morning vigal I came back to camp and with the help of Mike we baited some stands and came to mine . We took down the stand and moved it about 15 yards back to where it was before . I sat in the stand and pictured the bear coming back the way he had and realised I was exposed if he just looked my way before coming all the way in . I was worried about the setting sun in m,y face also . Maybe I shouldn't have moved things / That afternoon I got back to the stand at 3:30 and brought some wire and pruning nippers with me . In a few minutes I had cut 5 branches and wired them to a sapling next to my tree so they would form a curtain between me and thew trail the bear had taken . I could see througfh it good enough and when he came in and looked back up the tree he would be broadside looking away and I would then lean out past my curtain and plug him . I was happy , so simple it couldn't fail . Feelilg like a true predator I settled in for the wait . Good bears came and went and I never raised my bow , I was on a mission .
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CONGRATS TO ALL!!!!!
Great stories and pics Fellas!!!
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Great Bears guys This is Great!
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Great read along!
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I was feeling very confident, two days left , plenty of time for my new setup only no one told the bear . That morning I stayed in the stand till 8:00 and then got down , I had a gnawing feeling about the bear I had shot at earlier and thought maybe he headed uphill across the trail I come in on . So I hid my bow and pack along the trail and took a compass reading and headed out . After 2 hours I realised I was not going to find it and hjeaded back to camp with high hopes for the afternoon . I figured the bear would come in quiet and from the side . I wouldn't see him till he was 15 yards out . Anticipation kept me on the edge of my seat . Going for the past 3 days with only a couple hours sleep made me glad I had brought along some 5 hour energy drinks , I was using a half a bottle an afternoon , I felt like a junkie . I guess the long hours were catching up to me as I got up at 3;45 the last morning . I was aggravated with myself for sleeping late but headed out anyway . Got to the stand a little after 5 and settled in . The barrel was empty and rolled off to the side about 10 yards from the crib .I didn't bring any bait in with me and thought I would leave the barrel where it was . I thought maybe I was overfeeding them . A few minutes went by and a small bear came in and started to eat some crumbs without a care in the world . I thought this isn't very good as the bigger bears must have been here already today . Then I got the idea to move the barrel back and make noise doing it as if a bear was moving it around . So I got down and the small bear woofed and ran off . I got to the barrel and deliberatly began to roll it back to the crib . I took my time stopping every few feet and then would start again . I made noise but not too loud , I tried to copy the bears I had seen doing the same thing . I got the barrel in place and returned to my stand . 20 minutes went by and I started to think I didn't work when a large huffing noise came from the left side just passed the trail the big bear had come in on . At about 40 yards out I could see a huge black shape in the brush . The wind was coming out of the west and the bear came in from the south ,or crosswind of me , he circled to the west and kept moving till he was about north . I could see him well and it was no mistaking him as the big bear . He just circled the bait and left . This was around 7 am . My heart was still pounding at 7:30 when another bear came in . It was a fat bear , taller than the barrel , but not the one I wanted . Then out of no where the big one came back from where I had last seen him and circled around to the west . He was 40-50 yards out and just looked to the bait . I cursed myself for not bringing in more donuts that morning but I don't think it would have mattered . He just stood there still as a whitetail for 5 -10 minutes until the bear at the bait ate a few meat scraps and shuffled off northwest of the bait . when the bear left the bait I realised it must be a sow as the big bear walked over to her abd tagged along behind her out of sight . I waited an hour and left the stand . I knew what he had on his mind and would be kept busy for awhile . I figured he would come out early and hungry that afternoon .It would be my last chance .
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I'm not sure how this will turn out, but I have no doubt you had a successful hunt, kill or no kill. Excellent story :clapper: :clapper:
This thread has me sharpening Bear Razorheads this evening.
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It felt great to see the enthusiasm shone to me by everyone in camp . They all honestly wanted me to score and I honestly didn't want to let them down . I headed to my stand a little after 2:00 . A longer then usual sit but I couldn't wait . Most nights the first bear out is a small one and the last bear to come in is usually a big one . At about 7:00 a really nice bear came in and I was thinking that if it was in the last few minutes before dark I might reconsider things . Lucky for him he was early . He left full and content and a fat bear came in which I thought was the sow from the morning . this may be the moment of truth . No such luck , she fed for awhile and left , I still had high hopes that things would work my way . A medium size bear came in and fed for 30 minutes or so and he also walked out . Finally just before dark a small bear came in and fed till I couldn't pick a spot on him . I run him off by getting down from the tree , I packed up my trailcam , licked my wounds and headed back to the spot Sean was to pick me up . Bill Terry was with him and both were ready to drag a bear , great guys both , they seemed as disapointed as myself , if that were possible . Back at camp everyone was expecting good news . I hope I didn't disapoint them , after all I got to hunt hard all week , mornings and evenings , bear sightings and shot opputunities every day . I got to see the biggest black bear ever and even got to hunt in Uncle Barry's favorite stand .I got to enjoy Bowdoc's cooking and wisdom . I got to meet and hunt with some of the best Tradganger's in the world . even helped some track and skin bears . I got to see a few guys get their first bear , congrats , you'll never forget that .I got to enjoy God's great creation for a week without thinking about work too muich . There will be other chances as Tom will probably be doing these hunts for many years , he's a real workhorse . I want to thank Tom again for all he does , thanks also to Larry for the "company" on the hunt . Jeff one of these years I am gonna get one of your knives . lucky you Keith you got to see one made . Sean and Eric congrats on your first bear , your enthusiasm was contagious . Thanks Mike for helping me move my stand and letting me help track your bear . Bill Terry was a joy to share a ride with up and back to Tom's place , a true bowhuin ter . And greg I am taking your advice and stretching more now , thanks guys for letting me share time and adventures with you .
The only thing harder than starting this story is finishing it , I'm done , hope you enjoyed it half as much as I did living it , Fred
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Great story telling Fred and great restraint and determination.
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Right there with everyone else Fred. Congratualtions on a great hunt and great memories made. Fine story telling too! :thumbsup: :clapper: :clapper:
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This is always a great thread.My question is how old do you need to be to hunt in that providence?
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Fred,
We all thought that bear was going to drop his guard. Maybe you wore him out for the guy lucky enough to sit Resurrection on the 2nd week.
You definitely get the award for the Hardcore Hunter of the week! Make another trip North but this time stop in Boston. We'll make a Hardcore Hunter knife together!
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Awesome story fellas, congrats to everyone on a great adventure and some southbound bear hides.
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Congratulations on a great hunt Fred. Thanks for sharing your experience with us.
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This thread gives a person the idea why this hunt is so special. After reading Fred's recall of his daily venture you can see why I loved "my" stand so much. That monster bear is likely the one I hit right where the humerus joins the lower shoulder blade three years ago. I mentioned in a chapter of my book he was by far the biggest black bear I'd ever seen in my life long pursuit of bears. Living for almost thirty years in Montana and seeing tons of grizzlies I could only recall seeing two big grizz that were maybe bigger than that black. And he would have given them a heck of a fight!Now my brother and some of my friends might believe me. Fred was my room mate at BQ a couple years ago. It was only fitting we got to share the same stand. His daily explanations really brought back the memories because I'm so intimate with the area. A personal thank you Fred. It was actually my idea for Tom to move the stand over to the new spot for a trial basis and to move it back to the original location if it didn't work out. Fred's hunt mirrored my own in previous years. I just love the fact he got to experience it all. Here's to great memories and a sincere thank you for sharing them. UB
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Great story telling Fred!!Sometimes the ones we don't get stay with us forever. :)
Thanks to everyone that has posted their stories and pics!!You have captured the essence of BQ perfectly. Next best thing to being there.
Glad the bow is working for you Jeff.Think you might call it Jeffs bow that Paul built. I only build them,you make her sing.
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After reading last years stories, it was a hunt that I had to do. I was not disapointed. I ate like a pig, laughed my butt off, saw 7 different bears in 3 days on stand, and made a bunch of new friends.(I also came out of there with 1 more bow than I started with) what more could you want.
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Nice job Fred. Did you ever try any sow in heat lure like I gave you a couple of years ago? Its not the real thing , but may have given that old bear a reason to get into and stay in position longer. I think it might be a good idea to set two stands on that bait so you can quietly move from one to the other as needed. Since there is a slight hill by that bear, I think that old bear keeps a pretty good eye on things and is one reason why that bait is so productive with multiple bears. Great story and I hope you guys get him next time, or maybe he has fallen to an arrow already this week. Thanks for bringing us along. All the pictures are great and I can see myself there right now having a "quiet" discussion with Marty, Fred, Barry, Tom, Paul, and all the gang. Thanks, Mike
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Fred - I'd say you had an outstanding adventure up there with the lads!
Something tells me that there will be another day with the big bear in your future.
Thanks for sharing. These annual threads always make me want to head north for my birthday and fight off some bugs! Not to mention enjoy some great company, eat some of Don's fine cuisine and laugh till my sides hurt........and possibly get a nice bear!
:campfire:
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fantanstic thread. Great job to all! :notworthy:
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Fred,
I enjoyed your story. Well told and the emotions and effort you expended on that hunt were reflected in your writing. I love hunts that are more than just a simple....animal appears...shot animal...story over. It's the drama and effort that makes a hunt what I think a lot of us are looking for in the end. I went on last years Bear Quest and before I left I remember looking at all the previous years pictures. You were there in 2010 and I told myself I wanted to shot a bear like the one you arrowed that year. Beautiful pumpkin head bear. I was envious of your bear then as I am of your experience this year. I would say you held up to the standard of the Resurrection stand. I doubt anyone will shoot that bear and maybe thats ok because the legend will grow!
CK
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This is top notch tread. Congrates to all on there BQ adventure. I have been in contact with Mrs Bowdoc multiple times and shes doing well. Im very glad the bowdoc got back to BQ adventure. Knowing firsthand the hard times over the last yr and a half. Cant wait for more BQ adventures.
UBarry, glad to hear ur doing well. Thank u to all that took there time in sharing these storys. Somebodys gotta get these memories in a book... :clapper: :clapper: :clapper: :clapper:
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Thanks to everyone for your encouragement and comments .
Jeff , thanks for the invite to the "Tippet Forge " This really puts the squeeze on me to return next year !
Barry I think I found a chink in ther big bears armour . He made one move 2 times and if I had a few extra days there might have been a different ending . I'd give a lot to get another crack at him .
Mike I used Sow in heat lure every day sparingly as all it took was a little bit last time . Thanks for the tip , I won't be in bearcamp without it .This bear knew the game and was playing by his rules .
Paul you make an awesome bow! And your cookings not bad either .
Chris I took that bear the fifth night. I had a trail cam set up and he wasn't seen at that bait before . Only 2 or 3 other bears were coming in . Goes to show you any stand is good that time of year , you just have to be patient . By the way that bear qualifies for P&Y.
I still get chills thinking back at the excitement of Eric , Sean and Mike on their first bears . Any bear taken with trad gear is a trophy and an accomplishment to be proud of . I think Teddy Roosevelt once said something about he would rather lose on the field of competition than to sit on the sidelines and make comments , having never expierienced the contest . We all hunt for different reasons and we all hunt for the same ones . The Lord has Blessed me with a great life , I've taken some really neat animals in some very special places but looking back I seem to have enjoyed the times I came home empty handed as much , if not more , than the times I scored . How much longer is it to Bearquest 7 anyway ?
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Some more pics of BQ 6 (First Group)
(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg20/lsurtees/P1030683.jpg)
(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg20/lsurtees/P1030700.jpg)
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(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg20/lsurtees/P1030703.jpg)
(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg20/lsurtees/P1030708.jpg)
(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg20/lsurtees/P1030713.jpg)
(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg20/lsurtees/P1030715.jpg)
(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg20/lsurtees/P1030718.jpg)
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(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg20/lsurtees/P1030720.jpg)
(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg20/lsurtees/P1030721.jpg)
(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg20/lsurtees/P1030725.jpg)
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Congrats to all involved! Always one of the best threads of the year!
Fred, That was awesome brother :thumbsup:
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(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg20/lsurtees/P1030538.jpg)
(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg20/lsurtees/P1030540.jpg)
(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg20/lsurtees/P1030542.jpg)
(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg20/lsurtees/P1030543.jpg)
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(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg20/lsurtees/P1030544.jpg)
(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg20/lsurtees/P1030546.jpg)
(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg20/lsurtees/P1030558.jpg)
(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg20/lsurtees/P1030559.jpg)
(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg20/lsurtees/P1030562.jpg)
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Guys, a case of Bush Lite in Canada???? That should be illegal...
So you lucky dawgs that tag out early, what do you do?
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Great stuff guys. That is one wild looking Rubbed Bear Larry,
Fred awesome account of a great and successful hunt!
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Originally posted by Gator1:
Guys, a case of Bush Lite in Canada???? That should be illegal...
So you lucky dawgs that tag out early, what do you do?
Gator 1.....it is in fact illegal to drink Bush Light in Canada.! Great stories all. Congrats on the hunting. :biglaugh:
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Few More pictures from my lost camera...
Don't underestimate my He/She bear with that pumpkin head, I believe he is a P&Y qualifier. Quebec bears coming out of a long winter aren't as heavy as some other parts of the country due to food sources...but they are every bit as big body wise.
(http://images5a.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp6354%3A%3Enu%3D32%3A4%3E%3B87%3E672%3EWSNRCG%3D37%3A2%3B2838432%3Cnu0mrj)
Packing out, Tom & I pulled & pushed him past the "Old Mile Marker 41 stand" for those who hunted it in the past. I think Bowdoc was trying to re-build it for himself ;)
(http://images5a.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp635%3B6%3Enu%3D32%3A4%3E%3B87%3E672%3EWSNRCG%3D37%3A2%3B2838532%3Cnu0mrj)
Morning in camp with skinning tent.
(http://images5a.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp63633%3Enu%3D32%3A4%3E%3B87%3E672%3EWSNRCG%3D37%3A2%3A%3B7%3A8632%3Cnu0mrj)
River in front of camp.
(http://images5a.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp63583%3Enu%3D32%3A4%3E%3B87%3E672%3EWSNRCG%3D37%3A2%3B2838732%3Cnu0mrj)
(http://images5a.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp63587%3Enu%3D32%3A4%3E%3B87%3E672%3EWSNRCG%3D37%3A2%3B2838932%3Cnu0mrj)
Larry all cleaned up for the ride home.
(http://images5a.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp63596%3Enu%3D32%3A4%3E%3B87%3E672%3EWSNRCG%3D37%3A2%3A%3A%3C9%3A732%3Cnu0mrj)
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Seems every year this is the best thread ever, yet every year you guys out-do the last.
Great pictures Larry!!
Excellent accounts of your tales of adventure!
Fred, you had me on the edge of my seat all the way till the last period!
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So you lucky dawgs that tag out early, what do you do? [/QB][/QUOTE]
Bowdoc owned us. He had us slaving away cleaning the kitchen, washing dishes, sweeping floors. He was brutal!
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GREAT JOB GUYS!!! Some awfully big bruins this year...
:notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy:
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Originally posted by Bill Kissner:
(http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c199/BillrK/Bowdoc.jpg)
Mo-mullet :eek:
separated at birth?
(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg20/lsurtees/P1030562.jpg)
Love ya mean it, bowdoc!
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Well, the week two team should be breaking camp this morning. Looking forward to their tales over the coming days!!!
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As you've already seen from guys past & present, one of the great thing about Bear Quest is having the time to really get to know your fellow hunters.
Sean is one of NY's finest...that's saying a lot from a Boston boy :biglaugh: We baited stands together and got to know each others passions. Sean is a history bluff and really into the American Revolutionary War. He is also quite a talented artist. He brought one of his handmade power horns for BQ6 Show & Tell. I live 10 minutes away from the Old North Bridge in Concord, MA where the Minutemen turned the British Red Coats back April 19th, 1775.
Even though I don't shoot black power anymore, I was smitten with what Sean had done on the power horn with scenes/map of Boston. Luckily I had brought an extra recurve for Larry to use in case his failed. Sean was also taken with my recurve. I rarely shoot recurves anymore so a deal was struck.
Sean's powder horn is now proudly on display with knives from bladesmiths that have taught me. I can even find where my veterinary practice is on the horn because Paul Revere's ride when passed us...tippit
(http://images5a.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp635%3C%3A%3Enu%3D32%3A4%3E%3B87%3E672%3EWSNRCG%3D37%3A2%3C5%3C9%3B932%3Cnu0mrj)
(http://images3a.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp73447%3Enu%3D32%3A4%3E%3B87%3E672%3EWSNRCG%3D37%3A2%3C5%3C9%3B%3A32%3Cnu0mrj)
(http://images5a.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp6355%3A%3Enu%3D32%3A4%3E%3B87%3E672%3EWSNRCG%3D37%3A2%3C844%3B%3B32%3Cnu0mrj)
(http://images5a.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp63635%3Enu%3D32%3A4%3E%3B87%3E672%3EWSNRCG%3D37%3A2%3C844%3C232%3Cnu0mrj)
(http://images3a.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp73453%3Enu%3D32%3A4%3E%3B87%3E672%3EWSNRCG%3D37%3A2%3C844%3C332%3Cnu0mrj)
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Thanks for the kind words Doc,I am truely humbled. thats one sweet little bow, I think I got the better end of the deal!
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Originally posted by Gator1:
So you lucky dawgs that tag out early, what do you do?
As Sean said, you're Bowdoc's slave; sweeping, washing dishes, but we also sleep late, take naps, bait stands, go fishing, skin and package bears, take guys out and pick them up, tell stories, sharpen heads, take pics and video, etc. I shot my BQ2 bear on the second night and it cost me a few days of bear hunting time, but I found other ways to use the time. I wanted to hunt longer, but didn't want to pass on this bear, either.
Great thread and stories, guys. Really makes me think about going back. Yeah Jeff, I'm sure yours will make P&Y. He is gorgeous. Congrats on your hunt Fred. You got full mileage out of it and I know you are satisfied with that.
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Once you tag out it's baiting bears, tracking bears, skinning bears, moving stands, being Bowdoc's servant and working on that box of Busch Light that y'all were asking about. Also spending time away from the rat race with people that enjoy the same things that you enjoy.
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More Bear Quest pic's in random order.
(http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e173/Yellowdog3822/P6140928.jpg)
(http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e173/Yellowdog3822/P6140924.jpg)
(http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e173/Yellowdog3822/P6140918.jpg)
(http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e173/Yellowdog3822/P6140887.jpg)
(http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e173/Yellowdog3822/P6140885.jpg)
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(http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e173/Yellowdog3822/P6140884.jpg)
(http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e173/Yellowdog3822/P6140883.jpg)
(http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e173/Yellowdog3822/P6130881.jpg)
(http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e173/Yellowdog3822/P6130877.jpg)
(http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e173/Yellowdog3822/P6130864.jpg)
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(http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e173/Yellowdog3822/P6130861.jpg)
(http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e173/Yellowdog3822/P6130854.jpg)
(http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e173/Yellowdog3822/P6130850.jpg)
(http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e173/Yellowdog3822/P6130842.jpg)
(http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e173/Yellowdog3822/P6130836.jpg)
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(http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e173/Yellowdog3822/P6130834.jpg)
(http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e173/Yellowdog3822/P6130830.jpg)
(http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e173/Yellowdog3822/P6120824.jpg)
(http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e173/Yellowdog3822/P6110813.jpg)
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(http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e173/Yellowdog3822/P6090776.jpg)
(http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e173/Yellowdog3822/P6090772.jpg)
(http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e173/Yellowdog3822/P6140930.jpg)
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Hold on to your hats, I just talked to Tom & Bowdoc as they got back in Vermont. They got a late start this morning as some were still tracking bears. 2nd week had one heck of a hunt!!!
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:campfire:
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Official La Tuque Bear Skinner in the works today. When we have skinned & cleaned the meat from the bears, we take the carcass deep into the woods and dump it over a bank. There are old bones there from many years past. Amazingly hardly any of the bones have been chewed by rodents or porcupines. So I took a bunch of old moss & mineral stained bones home to make up some Real Bear Skinners!
Started this one this afternoon. The bones are real porous and weathered. If you sand them and fill all the pores with thin super glue, they polish up like marble with real interesting colors. Since we're waiting for the 2nd group's stories, I thought I'd post the beginnings of the La Tuque Skinner. The picture is poor due to low light. I'll finish it in the morning and post the finished blade...tippit
(http://images5a.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp63569%3Enu%3D32%3A4%3E%3B87%3E672%3EWSNRCG%3D37%3A33%3A5%3A4832%3Cnu0mrj)
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What a fine time ......... Next year.
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Before the Week 2 Crew starts regaling us with their stories and successes, I want to say "Thanks!" for a great thread. As an alum of BQ4, the pictures and hunt reports stirred a lot of wonderful memories. It was good to see faces of some of the men with whom I shared my hunt who became friends in the space of that short week.
Doc, if you kill the biggest bear four or five more years in a row, folks are going to start believing it's not just "luck!" And, the La Tuque Skinner looks like it is going to be a beautiful and special piece. Don't you ever sleep?
Fred, yours was an excellent story, well told! There's so much about it that shows what hunting is really about. I'm glad you had such a wonderful hunt.
Thanks for taking the time to share some of your experience with us, guys. I really appreciate it!
Daryl
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What a great week of hunting, and stories well told!
Jeff, for the record, how many times have you been to BQ, and of those how many times have you taken the largest bear? There is more than random luck involved there!!
Fred, I've always known you were one of the hardest hunters I've ever met, and your story just confirms that. Outstanding week of hunting!
Congratulations to all - first timers, biggest bear, supremely challenged - every story is outstanding! TP's bear camp is as good as it gets!
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Whip,
Don't be too quick to think I took the largest bear!
I glued up the La Tuque Skinner this morning...but I had a little fun first. We all know Bowdoc is a little more unorthodox that most of us :eek: In the past he has mentioned jumping out of his stand to do hand to hand combat with a spear! So I figured I'd give him the option: either learn how to shoot this arrow or hand to hand combat :biglaugh:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/IMG_3155.jpg)
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Can you tell about how you package your meat for the long trip how, such as do you bone it out and what how do you take care of the hides?
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ranger 3,
There are three freezers in camp run by generators. Hides and boned out meat is frozen. When bears come in there are usually 2-4 guys skinning and getting shoulders, hams, loins, and even inside tenderloins cut off. You then can be as picky in cleaning up your own meat as you like. Your tag is filled so you got plenty of time...unless you shoot on Friday night. We don't salt hides as freezing is a preferred method.
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La Tuque Bear Skinner finished...OAL 7" same as my two skinners in camp. Forged from a 3" scrap of 1084 steel and weathered bear bone. It is incredibly light in the hand...just might have to be next year's BQ7 Big Bear Knife ;)
(http://images5a.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp63569%3Enu%3D32%3A4%3E%3B87%3E672%3EWSNRCG%3D37%3A33%3A5%3A4832%3Cnu0mrj)
(http://images5a.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp63633%3Enu%3D37%3A2%3E%3B68%3E482%3E2893%3B6857323%3Bot1lsi)
(http://images5a.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp63549%3Enu%3D37%3A2%3E%3B68%3E484%3E2893%3B6857523%3Bot1lsi)
(http://images3a.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp73438%3Enu%3D32%3A4%3E%3B87%3E672%3EWSNRCG%3D37%3A34%3B4%3B8532%3Cnu0mrj)
Top is my Bear skinner from this year.
(http://images5a.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp635%3B6%3Enu%3D37%3A3%3E2%3A3%3E857%3E28942%3A394823%3Bot1lsi)
Rebecca Parker sheath adds the final touch!
(http://images5a.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp63584%3Enu%3D32%3A4%3E%3B87%3E672%3EWSNRCG%3D37%3A352784332%3Cnu0mrj)
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Originally posted by Whip:
Jeff, for the record, how many times have you been to BQ, and of those how many times have you taken the largest bear? There is more than random luck involved there!!
Well said, Joe. That was the point I was trying to make with my quip. Feeble attempts at "comedy" don't always translate well to a forum, I know! Jeff has shown himself to be an amazing hunter, with great skill, decision making, and timing on shot selection.
PS- That is a great looking knife, Doc, and chock-full of significance!
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great Bears and well told stories,,, Mike what did your Bear weigh? the picture looks like it is a nice one.
congratulations to all.
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Great stories guys. Congrat's on all the bears. I have got to get back up there.
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Originally posted by tippit:
Whip,
Don't be too quick to think I took the largest bear!
True enough. We'll need to wait for the week two stories to unfold. Those boys should be about rested up by now, shouldn't they??
But whether your bear gets beat or not, it is still one heck of a fine bear!! You're doing something right up there :thumbsup:
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Waiting for the week 2 guys to chime in...im dying here!! :campfire:
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The combination of Tippet knife and Parker sheath is intoxicating! Great work!
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Originally posted by gregg dudley:
The combination of Tippet knife and Parker sheath is intoxicating! Great work!
Totally agree
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It's Monday already.....what happened to group 2? :confused:
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Originally posted by buckeye_hunter:
It's Monday already.....what happened to group 2? :confused:
Yea, WTheck, y'all going to make us beg for pictures! :banghead:
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Week 2 seems to have a lot of gear to unpack...so I'll keep it going with a picture of Future La Tuque Bear Skinners :rolleyes:
(http://images5a.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp635%3B%3A%3Enu%3D32%3A4%3E%3B87%3E672%3EWSNRCG%3D37%3A3%3B6%3B39632%3Cnu0mrj)
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I can see a couple really interesting potential handles in there. The twisty one at the lower right is neat!
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Jeff, better hide them from the dogs or you will have La Tuque bones buried all over your yard!
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Jeff, I wonder which one of those might be from your past bears, or perhaps my first bear? Beautiful knives you've struck since your return :thumbsup: :thumbsup: The suspense is building in anticipation of the tales of week two.
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I would think that the bones would take a tint well. Maybe something to bowdoc's liking.
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After talking to Tom,, the wait on group twos pics and storys are :banghead: me..
Tippit knives are now my favorite..Well done Doc Springer.
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I know that sometimes the inclination is to think that week 2 guys are at a disadvantage - that the week 1 guys have already picked everything clean.
But reality says that they may have the best of it, knowing what was learned by theirs crew. I'm on the edge of my seat waiting to find out!!
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I'll break the ice but you all will be disappointed. I drew the 41Mm stand , the stand in which Tippit got the biggest bear of week one. Saturday sat 7.5 hours and had a nice bear circle me about 30 yards out at 8:30. Sunday ,same stand 6.5 hour sit . Had a 100lber come in at 7:30 but she looked at me when crawling under a limb and did a 180 and bugged out. Sat there monday through wed and saw no bear. Switched stands thurs....not a fun sit . My thermacell took a crap at 5:00 so I sat there with just a headnet til 9:45. No bear. went to my son's origianl stand on Friday. My son passed on a few smaller bears on the Glove and switched to the Beaver pond . He saw a small bear and a "real nice one" as he put it. He turned in his seat and his seat cushion sweaked ....big bear took off. On Friday night , the small bear came to my bait at 7:30. I let him get comfortable and put a good shot on him. He died in seconds. I shot at 7;34 , I packed out the stand and bear and was in the truck to pick up other hunters by 7:52. So it worked out for me at the last minute, but I didn't have my camera and had to pick up 2 other hunters....not to mention we had to skin it out before we packed out We hunted very hard all week . My son put in 44 hours in the stand and did not quit.And he wants to go back. We had a blast and plan to be back if possible. Those that have not been to bear quest are missing out. It's a great time.Thanks to Tom and Bowdoc and all the guys in camp that helped out.
There will be better stories than mine to follow , I'm sure .Give 'em time.....work sucked today !
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Congrats Kuch ! You got a bear! Tell your Son not to be disapointed He's doing the right thing by putting in the time . You never know when things will happen and besides you can learn alot by watching and waiting . Bring him back next year . Fred
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One of the most challenging and rewarding trips I have ever had the chance to experience. My bear sighting were limited but it wasn’t for a lack of effort. I drew the cove for my first spot, after my first three days I am now very fluent in squirrel chatter and have a much better understanding of their social hierarchies. On the 3rd day I spotted a sow and 2 cubs making their way along the tree line to my right but they never gave the bait a thought. Later that evening I did spot what looked to be a pure white creature with very distinctive ears in the thicket off to my left. The mysterious creature never left the thicket but when it moved it was very smooth and always had its attention directed to either me or the bait. Very cool encounter. After talking back at camp it was either an albino moose calf or a wolf. Never got to see it again and never got a picture. The next day Dennis and I spot 2 moose on the cove to the right on the way into the cove stand. They didn’t stay around long enough to get a picture before they busted their way into brush. Yet another damn cool encounter.
After that I moved around to the moose tower, black label and moose path all with the same luck. I did get the chance to see good bit of the area around black label after my good pal Chad sent me into the wilderness with some miss information! :D Love ya Chad! Hahaha For anyone that heads out there in the future, the path to the stand is at 11 o’clock from where you pull in!
My week was filled with great laughs and even better people. I learned a ton thanks to Zach, Larry, Jay and of course Tom and one of the greatest people ever to walk this planet BowDoc! I have already stated my plans to my wife to make it next year. I have some unfinished business! I’m not sure it’s possible to really explain in words just what kind of experience this trip is. It’s a hunting trip, it’s full of laughter and great food, it’s a trip to meet new people and make new friends. It’s a trip I want to make sure I experience every year.
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Man I'm loving reading all these stories.I've yet to be on a deer hunt with a traditional bow but you all have got me wanting to go on a bear hunt.
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Awesome guys, congrats Kuch!
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Might as well start at the beginning..... Right off, I knew was going to be a hell of a trip at this point.... Chris forgot his camera while leaving on Thursday morning, so we went back to Chris's house and got his camera and Jean-Pierre, Chris, and I were on our way. Glad we did.
About half way to Tom's house we all decided to make a little detour and instead of spending the night in Pittsfield we would spend the night in Rockport, Massachusetts. A quaint little New England town on the ocean that I had visited some 30 years ago. We got there around eight that evening got a room at a bed-and-breakfast right on the ocean. The owner directed us to a place up the road a few miles to the Lobster Pool where we proceeded to stuff ourselves on fresh delicious seafood. A great little place on the ocean with a beautiful sunset, lobster, fresh clams, fresh oysters and a few adult libations made for a wonderful evening in Rockport. That evening we spent some time outside on our deck overlooking the ocean listening to the waves crashing and enjoying the stars.
The next morning we got up early to watch the sunrise at about 0430, took a little tour through Rockport and we were on our way to Tom's house at around noon to meet up with Jay, Larry and the Dwight…
Have to get back to building some strings…. enjoy the pictures.
(http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg54/PierreLucas/rockportsign.jpg)
(http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg54/PierreLucas/iphone106.jpg)
(http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg54/PierreLucas/LP.jpg)
(http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg54/PierreLucas/iphone095.jpg)
(http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg54/PierreLucas/iphone103.jpg)
(http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg54/PierreLucas/iphone116.jpg)
(http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg54/PierreLucas/rockport3.jpg)
(http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg54/PierreLucas/jppierre.jpg)
God Bless, Pierre
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Pierre, looking good so far :clapper: :clapper: :clapper:
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Should have said something, My friend has a condo in Rockport. I will be there next weekend cashing in on the Blue Fish.
Cool stuff Chad, Congrats.
Pierre, Looking forward to the rest...... :campfire:
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thanks guys. really one of the most fun hunts to go on. I look like rudolph from where the black flies kept biting my nose thru the head net when my thermacell died.
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Chad, congrats on your last minute bear. Tom knows how to do it right.
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Okay folks here is where the tempo of the hunt begins to pick up. We are now off to Tom's house a 2 hour 45 minute drive to meet up with Jay, Larry, Dwight. We arrived at Tom's house and a few minutes later Jay Larry and Dwight show up and we exchanged pleasantries and got on with the task at hand. Four drums of cakes and supplies for week two are now being loaded into our truck and Jay's SUV which are already fully packed we are now scrambling for places to stick everything. Vehicles loaded and everything in shipshape where now on the race to La Tuque. We arrive two 2 o'clock the following morning and we hook up with Chad Eli and Brian on the way, pull into a roadside parking place in La Tuque and try to catch a few zzzzs.
It's now Saturday morning, the guys are up and about and ready to go to the sport shop and meet up with week one guys. The excitement and anticipation is in the air and you can cut it with a knife.
At the sport shop we meet up with Chad, Zack, Jeff and Dennis, the rest of the week 2 hunters, while the week 1 guys are checking in their bears. We meet Tom and Bow Doc and congratulate all the week 1 hunters and hear all the stories. It doesn't take long and we are on our way. About two hours later after traveling on a dusty gravel road checking some baits sites on the way, we arrive at camp. Exhausted from the driving the day before and only getting a few hours of sleep everyone is still excited and starts unpacking and the party and hunt has begun. It's now Saturday afternoon and things are about to get started. Bow Doc puts out some lunch for everyone(more on Bow Doc’s cooking later) and Tom puts all the stands in the hat and explains what is going on and we now draw our stands.
Hopefully some of the other guys will jump in and take over on Saturdays hunts.
(http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg54/PierreLucas/lt6.jpg)
(http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg54/PierreLucas/lt1.jpg)
(http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg54/PierreLucas/lt2.jpg)
(http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg54/PierreLucas/lt3.jpg)
(http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg54/PierreLucas/lt4.jpg)
(http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg54/PierreLucas/lt5.jpg)
JP
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The best part of Bear Quest threads is that we get all the great stories from week one, and then just as they are winding down week two steps in to start it all over again!
Bring it on boys!!
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I don't know Whip, looks like a "relaxed" bunch right there in the last picture. :bigsmyl:
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Yep, that's obviously the result of overfeeding by Bowdoc. :biglaugh:
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Thats me in the sleeping bag as I had to lay down.Jay and Larry are in the toyota and jay snoars like a live bear so the ground was calling me.Man were we tired.We met Bowdoc who is an elderly man that was like a 12 yr old on steroids and had ADD multiplied 10 times.there was never a dull moment with him.sorry Doc I just could not resist saying this about you.l did eat good all week as Doc was always cooking up something good.I will let someone else chime in here and pick up the day on Sat.
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Mr. Dwight,
Need for you to tell us all about your stand and hunt on Saturday night. This is a good one.
Mostly everything is a blurr on Saturday after the lack of sleep and the rush of excitement...so let us hear it my friend. :clapper:
God Bless, Pierre
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OK, for all you bear hunters, I have seen a lot of diagrams of bears and they all seem a little different. So on a real bear say about 200# in you guys opinion, how big of a kill area is it?
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Sat eve.I got to the stand around 2:30pm while Tom led me in.He placed the doughnuts,twinkies.and hostess cupcakes in the barrel.I saw the stink bait hanging in the tree and would smell it all afternoon every time the wind blew it in my direction.It was close to 90 degrees.Tom handed me my bow then walked over and beat the barrel with the lid of the bucket as I had seen about 10,000 magots and flies swarming on the cut meat bait lying on the ground.Surely all this preparation would work so I told Tom "he had done his homework."Everything was feeling pretty good except me as I soon found myself holding my head on my knees while I was nestled in the stand.I had to fight sleep and just being weary all afternoon.Around 6:30 I thought about getting down but the walk back would be a pretty good trek so I made my mind up I was gonna sit till dark.I was determined.My therma cell was putting out its fine vapor so it made it easier.Occassionally I would want to close my eyes but forced myself to stay awake.The red tailed squirrels were giving me a show as one after another would scoot in the barrel and get a marshmellow half the size of their head and quickly scatter off with their prized catch only to come back time and time again for the sweet morsels.They were coming from all over. A 22 pistol would have have gotten a bag full but I just kept on watching esp when they would chirp and call while perching themselves up looking all around.Sometimes I thought they were telling all "come and get it" as this went on relentlessly.Still hanging in there around 8:30pm I saw a black blob coming down the ridge that had the crib facing it with a big old pine blowdown providing cover for the bait.Tom had made an opening to come under the tree and big ole boy stopped and surveyed the situation for a couple of minutes.I sat there motionless with my bow in hand.
I soon saw him come out and he walked out in front and circled slowly to the bait.I told my self I was gonna pass as he was not as big as the barrel.he stuck his head in the barrel and quickly withdrew and walked away the same as he had approached.I thought "allright go on and go home,leave." He stopped behind the crib and blowdown and watched the bait again as if he knew something wasn't right.No more than a minute later I saw him approaching again longing for his sweet tooth to be satisfied.He came again with the same approach and I began to rationalize to take him. He got to the barrel and stuck his head in and I began to draw only a few inches and he heard the arrow on the beaver reat on my bow.I was astounded for He quickly backed out and I just watched him move away being able to shoot broadside for several steps.I let him walk and felt pretty good as I would wait for another bear for this was the 1st day of the hunt.He got back through the blowdown tree and turned and began to study the bait for the 3rd time.He then came again for the barrel.I could not believe my eyes as his belly was getting the best of him.This time he entered the barrel only to pick his right shoulder up toward the barrel exposing his whole right side.With that happening I could not resist as I saw the arrow fly straight through him from my Arroyo.IT wAS LIKE SHOOTING THROUGH A BIG MELON.WOW>IT had happened.AND I watched him go 20 yds and gaze at me for 30-45 seconds.I kept waiting for him to show signs of going down.He then blurted diagonally up the hill and I thought "oh no,he's got plenty of strenght to go uphill" so I thought he was going to get away.He soon stopped and I begin to hear a lot of falling and noise on the ground.Soon I heard 3 faint moans one after the other,not a long sounding moan.Then I heard what I had never heard from shooting an animal.It sounded like a bucket of water falling out and hitting the ground.Honestly thats what I heard.I could only picture in my mind that it was blood finally rushing out his side or his mouth.Anyway,I felt much better believing him to be down on the ground.I sat a few more minutes as night was approaching so I got down and walked over and pulled the arrow out of the ground that had blood saturated on the feathers and shaft.It had stuck pretty deep in the ground and I felt good as I believed the Simmons bh had done its work.I then walked the 20 yds.and saw blood everywhere that he had stopped at.I did not want to take a chance as it had only been about 15 min since I had shot so I left silently and would go back in the am.
Tom wanted to know all the details so we decided it best to go in the am.Jay and Larry went with me the next day and it did not take hardly any time to find him.He was 162lbs on the scales and I later found out that Jeff had harvested one at around 6:30 on the 1st day.
Was a great hunt and all the guys high- fived me and everyone was getting pumped up with bears in the camp.was truly a great day.Only problem now was I had used my tag and no more hunting for me.fishing would now get the nod so I had several days to catch some.
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I think it's my turn I just wanted to say thanks to Tom, Bowdoc, and the hard work that Zack did setting up baits and stands. I meet alot of great people, Dwight the renigade preacher thats all I will say about that he knows what i'm talking about, Ha. Ha.,Small Chad, Eli, JP, Pierre, Chris, Brian, It was definatly a pleasure meet these guys, and the guys I already knew Larry, Jay, Jeff, Zack, and Dennis there's not a better group of guys to share camp with. Congraulations to all the guys in harvesting there bears, and a special congrats. to JP on his first bear and harvesting the largest bear of Bear Quest 6. I love bear camp and Canada anybody who hasent had the oppertunity to experiance both should definatly put it on there bucket list. Thanks again Tom and Bowdoc for a great week you guys are a class act.
Chad Tomlin
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Ok, Great stories from the second group, but where are the pics,LOL.
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will try and post them later.
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Man,these guys are sure dragging their feet! What another great adventure in bear camp! Tom puts in a lot of hard work and it sure shows,not a better host around. Then there's Bowdoc, what can I say.Love him like brother,but man, he ain't right! A great cook and heck of a lot of good entertainment, but he ain't right!
The hunting started off great. I knew Jeff had set the bar pretty high in week 1 and since over the years I have developed a burning desire to own a "Tippet" knife, I knew it was "Go Big, or Go Home"! I drew the Long Trail, so I already had a feeling that I was in the money! One of my favorite stands. Saturday night Jay and I elected to bait our stands then "relax" for the evening. Sunday I saw 3 bears. Two came down into the bait, not bad bears but they weren't going to take home the Tippet knife. The third bear was considerably larger, but would never come closer than 40 yds. Monday evening had a couple more bears come nosing around, but again, no shooters. Tuesday was a bust, no bears sighted. Wednesday started out pretty slow, then about 7 pm the urge to answer natures call got pretty strong. As I'm standing in the stand, with a pee bottle in one hand and my business in the other, I look up and see this large black object coming down the hill in front of me. Big and black enough to immediately get my attention! Holy crap on a cracker, now what do I do? Luckily he turned to his left and walked across the bottom of the hill and back into the brush, about 40 yds away. Just enough time to remedy the "situation" that I had in my hands and get my bow off of the hanger. He came back out and proceeded to walk off to my right, all the way down to the trail that I had walked in on. He then turned around and circled in front of me, still 40 yds out, all the way to my left. All in all he spent about 25 min.just walking around, but never committing. Finally he decides it's snack time and heads for the bait.
I should mention that for some crazy reason, we had baited that morning instead of taking it in with us when we hunted. When I got in there that night,of course all of the goodies had been eaten and all I had was a bag full of Marshmellows and chocolate chips. It would just have to do.
As he's coming in to the bait, head on facing me, he finds the chocolate chips. He gets to about 8 yds, turns broadside, head down eating chocolate chips, with his head behind a large pine tree! WhooHoo, game on! I start to draw and get to about 3/4 draw and he takes a step. Now his vitals are covered by the same tree that just a few seconds ago, was my friend! As I glance over towards his head,I now see these two beady little black eyes staring right at me! Crap! He slowly turns to his right and walks directly away from me,offering no shot, back up the hill the same way he came in, never to be seen again. So Close! With no actual proof, I believe this bear would have definately been in the running for the Tippet knife, but I guess we'll never know. Saw a few more bears the rest of the week, but they just didn't measure up. Man, what a fantastic experiance with some of the most fantastic guys that I have ever had the privelidge of sharing a campfire with!
Dwight and Jeff,it was an absolute pleasure helping you recover your bears and I thank you for allowing me to be a part of it. Good Lord willing and the creek don't rise, I'll be back next year, without a doubt! Gotta keep the string going, my fourth this year, five next year. Besides, Still don't have one of those dang Tippet knives!
LD
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JP! HEY, JP! You got some 'splainin to do! :bigsmyl:
LD
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:campfire:
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Great thread!! Love reading all the stories!!
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Good deal Dwight ! Like your choice of broadhead too. What stand did you draw ? And as importantly did you catch any fish ?
And Caddo did you score ? or like me just had fun . Fred
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Like you Fred, Tag soup! Looking for Mr.Big, close, but no cigar!
LD
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Fred,I drew the cardiac stand.Tom told the whole group that there had been one seen the night before and was real nervous.I think I was the second to draw out of the bucket as it was being passed around.Fred,I do remember your insight as we met at the sporting goods store and you told me about meeting a big one and you had tried all week to get him.I think everyone wanted the resurrection stand for we knew " Big John" was in there.anyway I went with what I got , what I drew ,and was content with that. I had never hunted over bait in my life so this was a whole new experience for me.The steep hill made it easy to drag out.Larry pulled the bear most of the way out and enjoyed it for he knew it was my 1st bear with a bow and was happy for me.Jay made a bunch of pics and I will try and get some posted on here.thanks to all for your help.
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I went fishing with Pierre and JP the 1st day.we did catch some my first being a shad type or as Pierre said a "fall" fish.jp got some walleye.we came in and filleted them.I went with Jeff and zack and caught some good walleye and a good size pike.my walleye was close to the 21 in rule and I never measured him for we had to get enough to have the fish fry we had planned.where I come from you throw the little ones back and keep the big ones.I n Canada they make u throw anything over 21in back acc to Pierre.I guess I thought as long as I don,t know then I'll keep him.later I saw a decal on the rail of the boat with measurements.he had been on the stringer so long I couldn't bear to let him go.Zack caught some and we had a good amount to add for the fish fry.Anyway they sure tasted great.
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It is now Sunday, Father’s Day and with the events that took place on Saturday night some additional stands became available. Sunday morning I was helping dress out a kill from the previous night and Tom decided that we should draw for the available stands. My hands were bloody so JP decided that he would pick for me. Needless to say he picked the infamous Resurrection stand for me. Mind you it is now Father's Day and JP has already given me my Father's Day present by picking the resurrection stand. Sometimes things are just fortuitous.
After getting all the bears butchered completed and dressed out from the night before we plan our daily routine and get ready to go. Jeff takes me to stand around 3 o'clock because it's an hour drive and he had been there the previous night. Now it is my turn in and he will show me where it is. Finally, I got settled in my stand around 430 and the wind was blowing pretty hard swaying the tree back-and-forth. Jeff had baited the barrel and placed 2 other satellite piles of bait closer to the base of the stand.
It was a very hot and humid day on Sunday probably in the mid-80s and very windy and noisy. Nothing was really moving with the wind blowing except for a bunch of squirrels that just kept chattering and fighting over the marshmallows in front of the stand. Even the snowshoes got involved.
Just around 730PM the wind died down and became very calm. At this point the woods came alive. Birds chirping, squirrels chattering, shadows growing in what appears to be movement behind every bush. Your eyes are now playing tricks on you, wanting to see bears that are still shadows. Right around 8 o'clock I catch movement to my right coming down a small ridge and trail. Could it possibly be, I'm watching, I'm hoping. I drew the Beaver Pond on Saturday and have yet to see my first bear.... In only a matter of seconds I realize that it is a bear and appears about 8 yards in front of me and starts eating rapidly as much as it can consume. I realize it is small bear estimated around 80 pounds. It is eating and very nervously looking around. At that point I made the decision that I was not going to shoot this bear and try to relax and watch the show. It was so funny because it was eating so fast it would throw up and then eat it again just like my beagle Bubba does. This now is taking place about 8 to 9 yards away from the base of my stand. I'm just sitting there enjoying every second shaking in my boots. Can't believe this is happening.
With my attention focused on the small bear I suddenly catch a black blur coming from my right at a speed which I've never seen animal run in the woods before down the same trail. Another much larger bear appears on the scene immediately and hits the smaller bear at full speed and pins it to the ground. The smaller bear is now pinned down by the larger bear and starts biting its face and throat only 8 yards away from me. The fight continues for what appears to be minutes but probably only lasts seconds. The sounds that I can playback in my mind are horrific, the growling, the fighting, squealing, the snapping of jaws all taking place right in front of me. It was surrealistic. No time to think or react I just made myself become invisible. (It is an old Indian trick that Bow Doc taught me, called “no poopy your pants”.) Now the smaller bear was released from the clutches of the larger bear and ran up a tree about 10 to 12 yards away from the tree my stand is in. The smaller bear was at the very top and the large bear followed and pursued it in a vicious manner breaking limbs off the tree the size of my arms to get to the smaller bear to knock it out of the tree. I know what you're thinking, my pants are still clean at this point but I am still making myself invisible. (The old Bow Doc trick). Just as suddenly as the woods came alive with the screaming and growling they became very calm and quiet once again. I could hear and see the big sow climbing out of the tree that she had knocked the smaller bear off of and as it ran away. I now realize that she is coming back to the bait and I have to calm my breathing and settle down after all that excitement.
The big sow has calmed down and she is circling the bait. The big girl circles the bait three times and now heads to the satellite pile that Jeff placed right in front of my stand. She is at 8 yards at the base of my stand staring at the base of my tree. To me it looks like a really big bear but obviously I'm still excited. I wait for her to face to the left and start eating the satellite pile of donuts, chocolate chips and hostess pies. I know now that this is my shot. Her left leg extended slightly forward, her head down and quartering slightly away but it's is a very steep angle. I pick a spot about 6 inches behind the shoulder just below the top of her back exactly where I want the arrow to enter. I don't remember drawing or releasing but I see the Luminock light and like a laser beam it hits the very back of the shoulder breaking the scapula with a loud cracking sound like a 22 going off. I can play the shot over and over again in my head it was a little forward and I didn't get a complete pass through like I had hoped but I had about half of the arrow sticking out. (Commercial break plug for the sponsor… SBD Bow Strings, she didn't hear it coming.) Immediately the bear takes off and runs a wide circle around the bait site barrel and I watch it go behind the bait barrel with the Luminock still lit, glowing the whole time in the dark woods. I'm now praying that I got enough arrow into the bear. I held my head between my legs and listened intently to all the surrounding sounds hoping for a death moan. I looked at my watch, it is now exactly 811PM. I will give it 30 minutes and then walk out. Time passes very quickly and I climb down from my stand not knowing whether that there is wounded or dead bear at this point, just praying that I made a good shot. I don't even remember getting back to the truck but I did and made it back to the camp safely. When I got back to camp I describe to Tom and Bow Doc all the details of my story (biggest and meanest bear in the world..LOL) and they reassure me it was probably good hit and it will be a long restless evening… but my next Father's Day present is going to come shortly…
The next morning we get up early. Tom, Kuch(my nephew), Chris and I pile into the truck and make the hour drive to the Resurrection stand. It doesn't take long and Tom finds the blood trail. It was a team effort about 45 minutes and Tom and team found her lying behind a blow down in the tall wet ferns, arrow still intact embedded in the shoulder. My sincere thanks to Tom, Kuch, and Chris for a great tracking job in helping me find her. She only went about 100 yards in a circle. I did not realize at the time, it was just a death run in a large circle. She died about 45 yards behind the bait site.
When we arrived back to Camp needless to say the celebration continued everyone excited that I had found my bear.
(http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg54/PierreLucas/pal0.jpg)
(http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg54/PierreLucas/pal1.jpg)
(http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg54/PierreLucas/pal2.jpg)
(http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg54/PierreLucas/pal3.jpg)
(http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg54/PierreLucas/paljp.jpg)
(http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg54/PierreLucas/tg1.jpg)
Can't describe the experience and emotions that you go through during the week of Bear Quest. It is a roller coaster ride of mega proportions. Tom runs such a professional operation his knowledge with bears is incredible. Bow Doc”s cooking for 15 guys constantly having food on the table, delicious meals, and great stories… My brother from a different mother… what can I say man, I love you dude.
Hey, special thanks to Zach who set up all the stands with Tom and really gave us a lot of support and knowledge throughout the week. Thanks to everyone. Would not have missed it for anything. Amazing how virtual strangers with a common passion can become best friends in a matter of a week.
And my next part of Father's Day present begins… Come on Jean-Pierre…. As LD said…………“you got some splainin to do boy”.
It's not over yet folks, wait to you hear about the fishing stories.
God Bless, Pierre
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Great story with pictures .... it's going to be a good day!
Congrats Sir
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Way to go Dwight! I've been hoping you would get one since we shot together in March. Good job to all the hunters as well!
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:thumbsup: :clapper:
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:clapper: :clapper: :clapper: :clapper: :clapper:
Wow.
Joe
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Alright well I guess it’s my turn.
We all got in camp at around 1130 and after lunch we all drew for our stands. I wanted to go to a water stand so I got lucky and drew the hillbilly stand. I had no clue what to expect. But when we all got in the boats I knew things were going to be great. I figured if I didn’t see any bear I was going to enjoy the boat ride to the stand. When we got to my stand everything was cleaned out; I was pumped. Then we hit all the other baits and the coolest stand besides mine, haha, had to be the moose tower. But once we were done we got back to camp and relaxed for a bit and waited for everyone to get goin.
I got in my stand at about 3 or 3:30. And yes I was really tired but the squirrels were entertaining, so I was good for the night. At 5:30 I was starting to daze off but I happened to look behind me and did a double take.
I could not believe it; an actual bear! I have never really seen a bear in the wild but it honestly looked like a black Volkswagen coming through the woods. And then my heart started pounding, it felt like my heart was in my throat. At this point he was about 40 yards behind me. He would stop every 5-10 yards; look around, smell, and check everything out. He was in no hurry to get to the bait. It took him about 15 minutes to cover that 40 yards. Then he was about 4 yards to the left of my stand.
(http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg54/PierreLucas/jpstandlefttg.jpg)
While he was covering those 40 yards I was able to get my bow so I could be ready and yes I was going to shoot on the first night. I figured he might be 190 lbs. ??? But when he was right by my stand he would look right up at me and just stair. At this time I was nervous as all get out. I could not stop shaking. But then after a couple of minutes of him just standing off to the left of my tree and decides to come closer. And now I’m looking at him through my stand. I was remembering when someone back at camp said "don't let the bear get in your tree.", and I was hoping he would not try to come up here. But as soon as I said that to myself he looks up and stairs at me again. He then gets on his backs legs and puts his front paws on my tree; is if to start climbing. I don't even know how to describe the way I was feeling. But I thought me going to stand up and maybe scare him off but I didn't have to. He was got down and went back the way he came. Never heard him coming and never heard him leave.
All I can say is what a rush; I’m really awake now!
Then after squirrels came and ate for a bit and I started to daze off once again and now it’s about 8. I grabbed my bow at 7:30 cause I knew it’s the magic time. But I just happened to look the way I walked in and now there is a black object taking up the whole trail and knew it was him again. He did the same thing stopping every 5-10 yards smelling and looking around. And in no hurry.
(http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg54/PierreLucas/jpstandright.jpg)
Finally he got close and he looked like he was not big enough to take up the whole trail but I remember there is a pink ribbon on this one tree next to the trail and his back was a good foot to a foot and a half taller than that ribbon.
He messed around about 15 yards below the bait for about 10 minutes; which seemed about an hour. Then finally he went to the bait. He was real couscous about getting donuts out of the barrel. Before he committed, he gave me one more stair down. He put his head in the barrel and grabbed some donuts and walked directly away from but he didn’t get far until he realized he wanted more. So I figured when he sticks his head in the barrel I got to stand up for the shot. I was finally able to stand up but when I was ready he had his whole vitals covered with his shoulder and arm from leaning in the barrel. Then he had enough and walked around the barrel and looking at me the whole time. I was just following him and twisting ever so slightly and when I moved a little more and took off up the hill and stopped after about 20 yards and looked back at me.
And of course bow doc had an awesome dinner waiting for us back at camp.
JP
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Now it’s Sunday and headed for my stand at about 3:30 with more donuts. I remember smaller Chad told me to put satellite piles of donuts out to make the bears move and get them committed to the bait.
There was nothing going on earlier except for squirrels of course.
(http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg54/PierreLucas/standtg.jpg)
Then at about 7:30 I see a bear coming from the top of the mountain down to the bait but he was really skittish and would not come any closer than about 40 yards. After 20 minutes or so he walked back from where he came. Then about 15 minutes later I catch a glimpse of a bear behind me and he starts working his way to where he was earlier. He didn’t cross my left side any closer than 30 yards. Once he made it up above the bait where he was earlier he made a decision to come closer to the bait and he was coming straight down the mountain to the bait. But he stops and sits down Just above the bait behind a bunch of small trees checking everything out. He is only about ten yards from the bait. He starts walking away from me but along a trail just above the bait. But he stops just a short ways and ends up walking back up the way he came the first time; up the mountain. I got to watch him circle down toward the lake. The ridge almost forms a bowl behind me and I eventually lost sight. Now its 8 o'clock and I’m sitting in my stand with my bow and arrow knocked. I hear a twig snap and thought, "oh it’s just another squirrel". WRONG! When I looked in behind and to the right I saw him about just coming out the thicket at 8 yards away. He would look up at me a few times but like the other times, he would stop look around and smell; again in no hurry. So finally he came to the bait sight and quickly ate the donut pile below the barrel. Once he was done with that he headed for the barrel and would not get anything out of it. There was something he didn’t like about the barrel. So he started to walk away but his hunger got the best of him. He headed for the pile behind the barrel and behind the tree. Once his head was covered with the tree I was able to stand up and get ready. Once he gave me the shot I wanted I told myself to calm the hell down. That was useless. Haha. But I waited for him to go back to eating and smoked him!
I watched that arrow go right behind the shoulder and disappear.
He took off straight up the hill and he stopped in a little opening and fell over. He tried to bite the wound but then he started his death moan. At the same time I could hear he coughing and knew it was a lung shot. The death moan went for a good 20 seconds.
I was about fell out of my stand, cause I was so excited. The feeling was indescribable! I then saw my arrow sticking in the ground covered with blood and could not believe I got a pass through.
He only went about 40 yards up the hill. And I knew the shot was perfect at the moment of release.
I ended up shooting him at 8:22 and could not stand sitting in that stand another second. I wanted the guys to come pick me up with the boat. But I didn’t want to leave early so I would not disturb anything. So I made till about 9:15 and made to the lake and sat on a log in the water and waited for about 30 minutes and finally I heard the boat coming.
(http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg54/PierreLucas/stand2tg.jpg)
I told Chad and Dwight that I killed bear and watched him go down. They were ready to go get him. So I got my arrow and made to the bear and could not believe how massive and beautiful this bear was. I figured he weighed about 190 but when we were draggin him I thought about 350. Haha. Defiantly not an easy drag.
Yes for those of you that have hunted this stand I know it’s pretty much downhill but I promise it was terrible. Especially when we got to the logs that were over the marsh part by the lake! Then we had to get him in the boat then once we did and got Dwight and Chad in the boat the boat was beached. But I just pushed harder and we were finally on our way after about a 2 hour drag.
Then we made it to camp and tom was the first to greet us and was so surprised. Then came everyone else and everyone was so nice and were congratulating me. They were saying it was over 250 lbs. but that didn’t matter to me. I was just happy to be done draggin him. And the fact that I killed a bear with a recurve.
We the got him on the scales and I was blown away!!! I never would have guessed it. 275 lbs. !!!!
(http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg54/PierreLucas/jpweighedtg.jpg)
(http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg54/PierreLucas/jpscaletg.jpg)
I couldn’t be more happy!
Then my dad decided not to say anything but Jay told me that my dad got one and that just topped off the night.
What can I say, not a bad father's day after all!
(http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg54/PierreLucas/tg1jp.jpg)
(http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg54/PierreLucas/jptg.jpg)
Oh and cannot forget about the infamous draggin crew. Thanks guys.
(http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg54/PierreLucas/jpcrewtg1.jpg)
Now the real work is starting.
(http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg54/PierreLucas/jpskinnedtg.jpg)
Well it all would not have been possible without a couple of great people. I want to thank everyone at camp but mainly Tom, Bow Doc, and Zack for all the hard and long hours they put in getting bear quest ready. Tom was always doing something and always helping when you needed it. Same goes with Zack, he taught me a lot about baiting and about the bears. They do a fantastic job and are great people.
And let’s face it bear quest would not be the same without Bow Doc. He makes sure food is always on the table and it’s the best food you could ask for. There is never a dull moment with Bow Doc in camp. If you weren’t eating you were laughing. Since I killed my bear the second night I got to spend a lot of time with Bow Doc and loved listening to all the awesome stories he had. But when joking was aside he was truly genuine.
All in all it was a great hunt. Wouldn’t trade it for anything.
All thanks to my Dad!
And then on our days off Dwight, my Dad, and I went fishing. Zack and Jeff joined us on our last day of fishing. We were able to feed the camp with 15 guys for lunch with all the walleye and pike we caught and had some left over. We caught quit a lot of fish.
And LD, sorry bout the Tippet knife. I can say it is sure a relly nice knife. Thanks Tippet.
JP
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(http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg54/PierreLucas/tomjptg.jpg)
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JP,You were taught well, learned well, and did the job. Good for you. That's a great bunch of guys you were with. No, you will never for get the 'BowDoc'. Congrats.
Shick
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Great job! Congratulations on a very very NICE bear!
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Congratulations!!!..great story JP
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Wow!!!! You killed an awesome bear JP, congrats. :thumbsup:
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Originally posted by see:
Thats me in the sleeping bag as I had to lay down.Jay and Larry are in the toyota and jay snoars like a live bear so the ground was calling me.Man were we tired.We met Bowdoc who is an elderly man that was like a 12 yr old on steroids and had ADD multiplied 10 times.there was never a dull moment with him.sorry Doc I just could not resist saying this about you.l did eat good all week as Doc was always cooking up something good.I will let someone else chime in here and pick up the day on Sat.
Dwight.......I would for sure be checking my food real close at the next Bear Quest had I called bowdoc an elderly man! :) :knothead:
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JP,
Great bear, story and photos. You and your dad sure had a great trip.
Well done.
:clapper: :clapper: :clapper: :clapper: :clapper:
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JP, what an awesome bear ..... and with a Bubinga Bear!!! Can't get any better than that.
What BH did you shoot him with?
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Quote: Dwight.......I would for sure be checking my food real close at the next Bear Quest had I called bowdoc an elderly man! :) :saywhat:
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WOW, sounds like you second week guys had a super hunt. Congrats to all on some fine animals. You did well JP, the only thing I can think of that would be harder than getting a bruiser down from the Hillbilly would be toting one up! You had a good pair helping you, them Firemen can do just about anything!
:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
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JP, excellent story and Bear, congrats!
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I always look forward to the stories and pics from bear quest.Thanks for all the great stories ,pics and bears taken.
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Nice job JP
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Awbowman,
I used an abowyer wapiti, with an easton axis shaft. Thanks everyone.
JP
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What can I say about Doc.he's young at heart and never a dull moment with him.where in the world does he get all that energy to go all day long on? He has something to say about everything and knows more about archery than probably all of us at the camp put together.Yet he is an old looking dude(looks older than me).I was being kind to Doc when I called him an " elderly looking man".He does look old don't he? ha!But like I said earlier,he's like a 12 yr old on steroids,never getting tired.He should have been a lawyer for he is the wittiest person I think I have ever met.He don't have to think about what to say,it just pops out no matter the subject.
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Thanks.to all that took us along.on there BQ.adventure. Good job and congrates to.all...
HOW MANY ARROWS DID BOWDOC TAKE THIS YR TO HIS STAND???? been tryin to talk him in to post his pics and share. Hopefully he will have time.. Congrates to all and the owner of a new Tippit knife... :clapper: :clapper: :clapper:
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Thats it Eagleeye will be 12 in 2014 we are in.This is one of the best threads of the year Tippit make us a spot.
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I will join you and be camp B#$@^ As long as Hayden can hunt.
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Wow, great stories and pictures!!
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JP,
Congrats on a Great Bear!!! I'm very happy and mighty proud that you earned my knife!! Plus all the other goodies ;)
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JP,
Congrats again on an outstanding bear! You earned that Tippet knife and I coundn't think of a better recipiant! :banghead:
Looking forward to sharing future campfires with ya'll.
LD
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Finally got the pics with my daughter-n-laws help.
look below.
fantastic week
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JP,
If you and your Dad want to put slabs on that blade, it is already drilled to accept 4 penny finishing nails as pins...tippit
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Some great story tellin boys.Keep it rolling.Cool pictures too.
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Tippit,
Thanks but I think JP likes it just the way it is...beautiful knife and craftmanship.
We saw this a couple times at bear camp and have no idea what kind of creature this is???
It kept sneaking up behind people...
(http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg54/PierreLucas/chad1.jpg)
God Bless, Pierre
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That was after eating Bowdoc's DOC omlette !! I felt a little ....uh...funny...
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Just got done grinding and butchering up a bunch of bear meat....gonna be some good eating up at Denton Hill..
Friday was fish fry day at Bear Quest. Caught enough walleyes and pike to feed 15 hungry bear hunters and had some left over. It was excellent thanks to Bow Doc's culinary skills.
(http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg54/PierreLucas/groupfish.jpg)
(http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg54/PierreLucas/JPpike.jpg)
(http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg54/PierreLucas/palbigfish-1.jpg)
(http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg54/PierreLucas/jpfish.jpg)
What more could you ask for?
God Bless, Pierre
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The more I see of Bear Quest the better it looks and the more I want to go. I'm starting to save my nickels and dimes now so I can be part of BQ7.
Great photos, Pierre.
Way cool.
Joe
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Joe, I'm telling you, it was the best bunch of guys that I've been around. Tom busts his butt putting guys on bears and running the camp. When I saw Tom's post for a few openings this past winter, I couldn't pass it up. It was worth every cent, even if I hadn't gotten a bear!
It was my first bear, by everyones reaction, you would have thought that it was thier first bear! I can't say enough.
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Sean,
That sounds so good. I am convinced. The money hoarding starts today.
Thanks,
Joe
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thats great Joe' I'm in for the first week again.
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First week for me to, all ready signed up with Tom. I have a year to convince sweet Wife that I need to do this for my fourth straight year, best time you'll ever have with a bow in your hand.
:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
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Mike thats awesome. Eric Port is in too. Bring your Toelke so i talk you out of it! :bigsmyl:
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Sean,
May I PM you with some questions?
Let me know.
Thanks,
Joe
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Joe, absolutly!
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Tippit,
Thanks but no thanks. Its awesome the way it is. Thanks and great job on it.
JP
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Nice pic, Chad! Right click, save as....
"And here, Ladies and Gentelmen, is a typical representtive of the WV populace!"
:pray:
LD
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LD,
That ain't nothin yet....You know how they say "Viginia is for lover"
Check this one out 4X and BD caught in action....
(http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg54/PierreLucas/4XandBD.jpg)
Old Virginia boy there..
God Bless, Pierre
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I'm starting to think that those boys aren't coming to BQ just for the Bear hunting anymore!
:knothead:
LD
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Ohhhh wow! Fortunately, I must have been out hunting when that pic was taken. Is that a smile or a grimace on Bowdoc's face?
I have been trying to find the time to read through the thread here, but between work an our weekend power outages, I guess I will have to catch up later.
A super big thank you to Tom, Bowdow and everyone attending Bear Quest. This was my 5th straight year on BQ and if anyone is thinking about making this hunt, do yourself a favor and just sign up. You won't find a better time anywhere!
The bears I brought home were all on video, but the opportunities were there. I moved to the Resurrection stand after Pierre's encounter and there I hunted for the remainder of the week. No bears on my first evening, but at least 1 bear was seen each of my remaining sits. The first bear I saw seen on Tuesday evening proved to be my biggest for the week. At the time, I estimated 180-200 lbs..broadside at 8 yards. Given Fred's encounter the prior week, I wasn't too anxious to take the shot, but if that bear proceeded 5 more feet, I might have reconsidered. Instead the bear made the decision for me as he turned and walked dead away. If the truth be known, as that bear walked off I realized I just let a really good bear walk. Over the next few days, I determined that my field judging skills were off and that bear was probably in the 250 lb range, or bigger. The remainder of the week I was visited by smaller bears, but big ones never made an appearance. It was a great week!
Below is a short clip of a smaller bear I was protecting from expired hostess cakes.
http://youtu.be/QJVBhSu-Nlg
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Here is a pic of Dwight about 80 yards above Cardiac stand. This pic gives new meaning to a Bear Hug.
(http://inlinethumb49.webshots.com/49968/2767032860049059966S600x600Q85.jpg)
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The dynamic duo, Pierre and JP celebrating Father's Day.
(http://inlinethumb01.webshots.com/48448/2041380580049059966S600x600Q85.jpg)
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I bet JP doesn't get tired of seeing this pic. Congrats JP!!
(http://inlinethumb59.webshots.com/49850/2512969250049059966S600x600Q85.jpg)
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Awesome pictures guys! :thumbsup:
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And...one for Dennis....
After looking over this pic again, I happened to notice something was missing. Here is your "before pic" of Lefty. It looks like you did get him after all.
(http://inlinethumb08.webshots.com/48519/2523992580049059966S600x600Q85.jpg)
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those are some great looking bears guys. Now I have to try talking my wife into hunting a bear with her bow, that would be a cool vacation for us!!!!
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Jay,
great picture of tripod as Dennis called him...that was a beautiful bear.
God Bless, Pierre
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If you plan on going to Canada to hunt bear know that they and other critters can be very dangerous at times..
We encountered this creature on the side of the road. Please use extreme caution when stopping to look at these critters... :biglaugh:
(http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg54/PierreLucas/BDhithchiking.jpg)
See ya at Denton bd.
God Bless, Pierre
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Originally posted by BlkDog:
And...one for Dennis....
After looking over this pic again, I happened to notice something was missing. Here is your "before pic" of Lefty. It looks like you did get him after all.
(http://inlinethumb08.webshots.com/48519/2523992580049059966S600x600Q85.jpg)
:dunno:
Hi John. For those of us not in the loop please. explain.
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[ (http://i343.photobucket.com/albums/o478/see242/Bear%20Quest%206/BearQuest62012039.jpg)
(http://i343.photobucket.com/albums/o478/see242/Bear%20Quest%206/BearQuest62012041.jpg)
(http://i343.photobucket.com/albums/o478/see242/Bear%20Quest%206/BearQuest62012047.jpg)
(http://i343.photobucket.com/albums/o478/see242/Bear%20Quest%206/BearQuest62012055.jpg)
(http://i343.photobucket.com/albums/o478/see242/Bear%20Quest%206/BearQuest62012062.jpg)
(http://i343.photobucket.com/albums/o478/see242/Bear%20Quest%206/BearQuest62012029-1.jpg)
(http://i343.photobucket.com/albums/o478/see242/Bear%20Quest%206/BearQuest62012004.jpg)
(http://i343.photobucket.com/albums/o478/see242/Bear%20Quest%206/BearQuest62012020-1.jpg)
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bowdoc?????? I have to meet this man one day!
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You'll never forget him when you do!!!!
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Oh, he'd never forget me either! :biglaugh:
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Gatekeeper, another "three legged" bear. If you look close you can see a portion of the right front leg missing. Tom has talked about killing bears in the past missing paws or parts of a leg. Victims of snaring by the locals.
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You can see in the 5th pic down in my last post is Dennis and his 3 footed bear.There is no paw on the right leg.His left shoulder side had grown much larger from having to use it so much more than the right side.Dennis hung in there after several no shows and got this big brute.Hey Dennis you need to tell your story.
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Gentlemen, Great stories.I'll have to admit I'm home sick for bear quest.Havent been in a few years.And its good to see Tom is still providing a great hunt.Congrats to everyone and who knows I might just have to consider going next year. :goldtooth: I got the hots for a tippit knife!
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Tom,
Dwight and Mike were correct. The bear Dennis shot only had a missing right paw. After the Moose Path had been cold for a few days, it suddenly got hot again. I hung a trail camera and we found three bears had hit it at 5 am the following morning. The trail camera pic above was one of them. When Dennis saw that pic, he said, "Oh! I want him!" He hunted it the following morning from 4am-mid morning but they didn't show. The second or 3rd evening, he arrowed a nice one. I don't think Dennis knows it, but he actually got the one in the pic. We never noticed that the bear in the pic was missing a paw. I just caught it late last week when I was uploading pics. 239 lbs if I remember correctly!
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Jay,
Thanks for bringing to lite the fact that one of the bears in Picture on "Moose Path" was the one Dennis arrowed.
Pretty Cool. P&Y qualifier & would say for sure.
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Originally posted by BlkDog:
Tom,
Dwight and Mike were correct. The bear Dennis shot only had a missing right paw. After the Moose Path had been cold for a few days, it suddenly got hot again. I hung a trail camera and we found three bears had hit it at 5 am the following morning. The trail camera pic above was one of them. When Dennis saw that pic, he said, "Oh! I want him!" He hunted it the following morning from 4am-mid morning but they didn't show. The second or 3rd evening, he arrowed a nice one. I don't think Dennis knows it, but he actually got the one in the pic. We never noticed that the bear in the pic was missing a paw. I just caught it late last week when I was uploading pics. 239 lbs if I remember correctly!
Now I see. The game cam picture made it look like there was a paw on the right side. Thanks for bringing me up to speed. How did you and Larry do on this hunt?
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Larry & Jay both passed on Bears in the 180# and up class :-)
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Originally posted by Tom Phillips:
Larry & Jay both passed on Bears in the 180# and up class :-)
:biglaugh: You guys! :biglaugh:
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I never drew my bow, but I had a great time! I love watching them critters (well, as long as they aren't too close).
Every year I have seen bears over 200 lbs...so I don't mind holding off for the right one. I know the only way to shoot a biggen' is to let the little ones go. Maybe those little ones will come back and visit me next year.
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The great thing about a trail camera is seeing what's coming in. Makes it easier to hold off for Mr Big!
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Thats my plan for winning me a Tippit knife!!!!
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Happy Birthday to the Legend of Bear Quest.
Happy bday Tom, sorry for not keepin it a secret,,, and thank u to all that shared there BQ experence... :clapper:
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The big 5 0! :campfire:
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Have a "Happy" Tom!!
See you at Denton.
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Thanks gent.Hopefully haulin bait around will keep in shape for another 50 years !!!
PM's about 2013' BQ just answered.
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A big happy 50th to the "Energizer Bunny".
:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
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Congrats to all, looks like a blast !! This one's going back to the top !!!!
Froggy
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Does anyone have the trail camera pics of the big one Fred was seeing? It seems like Tippit said something about a photo but not sure. BW
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(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac18/Warberg/2012-07-29133024.jpg)
First class group. :thumbsup:
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Hey UB, I think Larry Surtees may have downloaded all the pics on his laptop. He may still have them on there.
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Damn, this is the best thread I ever seen. Howdy Pierre, Roy from the Thursday night Trad shoots..
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Larry: You have any pics of the big guy still? UB
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UB, I think Fred had some footage. The first time he put his trailcam out by mistake it was setup for video instead of pics. He has alot of footage of several big bears but not sure if he had any of "the bear". As Sean said, I think Larry may have some on his laptop.