What a wonderful week in the wilderness of Manitoba!
This year the TallTines crew consisted of Brian Wessel and his father Mark from Iowa, Mike Mitten and Matt Smith from Illinois, and Bryan Burkhardt and me from Michigan. We would be there for the Black Bear rut.
I am gathering up photos from the adventure, but I will start it out with this:
I am happy to say I was there in the beginning...the beginning of what will certainly be the long and legendary outfitting career of Ryan Derlago
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b351/osminski/2012%20Manitoba%20Bear/P1000413.jpg)
Shown with his trusty attache and super guide David :D
Yes, I've been waiting for this one. Let me pour a fresh cup of :coffee: and sit back and enjoy.
Glad to hear Steve, been waiting o this on myself.
Me to! What is taking you so long Steve!lol
This is going to take a while, I am sneaking a few posts in when I can. LOTS of catching up to do at work after a week of NO contact.
Last year we had camp at a comfy lake cabin. This year I believe we had an upgrade...canvas tents with wood stoves. Very comfortable camp life.
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b351/osminski/2012%20Manitoba%20Bear/P1000401.jpg)
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b351/osminski/2012%20Manitoba%20Bear/P1000404.jpg)
The camp kitchen and dining hall was a big toy hauler. Ryan's Mom, Miss Bea, fed us like kings
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b351/osminski/2012%20Manitoba%20Bear/P1000398.jpg)
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b351/osminski/2012%20Manitoba%20Bear/P1000399.jpg)
Until we could take no more and were either going to pop like an egourged tick (me) or grab a quick cat nap to preserve the predatory reflexes...
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b351/osminski/2012%20Manitoba%20Bear/P1000405.jpg)
:readit:
QuoteOriginally posted by wapiti792:
:readit:
X2
Hey Steve- I resemble that last remark.
Hi Steve O! Thank you for inviting us to join this special adventure. Contemplating with considerable anticipation as the story unveils.
To appease my desire to immerse myself and thus experience a voluminous intimacy, would you consider being a little more specific in identifying the individuals in the pics?
This promising excursion is likely one that I would not wish to miss whether a successful harvest is effected or not.
Really looking forward to following this!
Welcome back Steve,I was just wondering how things were gone!!
I'm excited for this one! :)
Man you need to get this done by tom night, or you'll have to stop by the booth with pics and tell the story in person :)
Felix...you need to give me the Italian word for "awesome". I am thinking mucho gusto?
So, Ryan's hunt unit has a lot of elevation to it and quite a bit of varied terrain. It definitely has uplands and lowlands and lots of lakes to use as funnels. There is active logging in the area. Clearcuts and new plantings. I don't know how big the area is; I should, but it is big enough for me. To get around, we use the "iron horse"
Bryan B negotiating an "easy" trail to stand:
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b351/osminski/2012%20Manitoba%20Bear/P1000486.jpg)
Brian W was my chauffeur the first night:
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b351/osminski/2012%20Manitoba%20Bear/P1000381.jpg)
One of the things I believe sets Stickflingers apart from other outfits is their attention to detail. They don't just slop out a pile of goodies and set you in a spot willy nilly. They hunt big bears like one would hunt big whitetails; VERY carefully. He leaves "sanctuary" areas within the unit for security. You don't hunt a stand if the wind is not right. Ryan keeps Lone Wolf stands and sticks in the truck so a portable can quickly be hung to hunt a setup effectively. Brian is carrying one here to an evening stand.
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b351/osminski/2012%20Manitoba%20Bear/P1000384.jpg)
:thumbsup:
:campfire:
Come on Steve-O... we impatiently need a "hit". UB
Tap, tap, tap....
:campfire:
Excuse the pun, but it looks like y'all were "loaded for bear" with all those freezers! :biglaugh: :biglaugh:
looks like fun
Couple more random shots. Bear camp is a lot of fun. Even guys that are SO intense can find some time for fun and frivolity.
Rare shots of me!
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b351/osminski/2012%20Manitoba%20Bear/smithandsaltercom-8855.jpg)
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b351/osminski/2012%20Manitoba%20Bear/Profile.jpg)
One of my room mates does whatever it takes to be ready for bear camp!
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b351/osminski/2012%20Manitoba%20Bear/P1000473-1.jpg)
Ace tracker Mark Wessel making "the plan"
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b351/osminski/2012%20Manitoba%20Bear/P1000491.jpg)
:thumbsup:
Steve O - Thank you for accommodating the impaired.
Awesome thread. The only way I will ever be able to go.Look forward to the rest of the stories.
:campfire: :archer:
This is going to be good Thanks Shane
Steve O, come on brother! I'm gonna pour me a cup of Joe and patiently wait by..... great pics too.
Loving it thus far Steve! :coffee:
:campfire: :coffee:
Sorry guys. My son was at a football camp and I was watching and picking him up.
I will put up some shots for Bryan B. Hopefully he can get in here, I know he has a busy week catching up too.
So, here we have the first helping of "chocolate"
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b351/osminski/2012%20Manitoba%20Bear/P1000476-1.jpg)
Bryan took this 6'-2" boar on the last day of our hunt. If you look close, you will see 'ol snaggle toe has something wrong with his left ring claw. I have a trail cam pic somewhere in this jumble I will get up when I find it.
Bryan made a perfect shot, so it was an easy recovery. Mark and I were in camp chillin' out, so we hopped on a couple quads and did our part to pitch in.
The recovery team :D
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b351/osminski/2012%20Manitoba%20Bear/P1000506.jpg)
The tool of choice (can't remember the specs on the TT, but I know BB was using Eclipse broadheads)
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b351/osminski/2012%20Manitoba%20Bear/P1000489.jpg)
A nice shot of the best dressed man in camp...
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b351/osminski/2012%20Manitoba%20Bear/P1000492.jpg)
What a beauty...
Congrats Bryan!
Wow...THANKS Steve O...
A high class Bear Camp!
Cool deal! Great story so far. Can't wait for more!
Congrats to Bryan on a beautiful bear.
Bisch
Very nice bear! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Lookin good, :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Wow, love the color phase of that bear. Congrats to a fine hunter. Now where's that second scoop of chocolate Steve?
Great pictures! I'm really enjoying how this story is unfolding. Keep it coming! :clapper:
Bernie Bjorklund
NC Iowa/SW Wisconsin
Thanks for posting the pics Steve! What a week we had at Manitoba Stickflingers. Ryan is a super guy and he has a fantastic area for big bears. The camp was filled with quality bowhunters and everyone was a class act!
We all saw plenty of quality bears and a few of the guys saw world class black bears. Let me say right off that my bear was "bite size" chocolate compared to the other bears shot on this hunt. My bear weighed 190 pounds and squared 6'2". One of my goals was to shoot a nice color phase bear so I'm very happy with the end result. Now I just have to figure out if I want to do a rug or lifesize mount.
I would like to thank Mark Wessel for helping me track and find my bear. I owe SteveO a big thanks to for helping out with some of the heavy lifting. It's always nice to share great memories with great people!
My sweet shooting TallTines recurve is 54# @ 28". Here is what a happy bowyer, hunter and outfitter looks like :D
(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p293/shootsarrows/P1000509.jpg)
Steve O and Bryan
Great pics guys, thanks for sharing it with us. The only thing that would those pictures look better is me in them! LOL!
Thats what it's all about Good Friends having a great time and making memories.
Hang'em Low
George
Beautiful bear! Congrats
QuoteOriginally posted by Bryan Burkhardt:
(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p293/shootsarrows/P1000509.jpg)
And
NOW you see what I mean about normally ultra serious hunters letting down their guard a little at bear camp.
You have STONES "Kuiu Ken" Burkhardt :notworthy:
Here are a few shots of Big Mike Mitten; the hardest hunter in the woods. When you look up "persistence" in the dictionary, they have a photo of Mike there...no words.
Mike got into his situation, assessed it, improved on it and capitalized.
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b351/osminski/2012%20Manitoba%20Bear/smithandsaltercom-9250.jpg)
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b351/osminski/2012%20Manitoba%20Bear/smithandsaltercom-9246.jpg)
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b351/osminski/2012%20Manitoba%20Bear/smithandsaltercom-9263.jpg)
I believe Mikes TallTines is a 64" all Bubinga three piece. Can;t recall the poundage, but plenty to drive a heavy aluminum tipped with a 250g Woodsman Elite thru one of the biggest bears ever taken with a stickbow. 8 foot square and 432#. A trophy of a lifetime.
I bet you are glad I talked you into coming with us to this new and unproven outfitter a few years ago...
Now that is a Manitoba Monster, Yikes.....It could eat all the bears I saw on my bait in one bite.....Ryan has got the bears. Congrats Mike.
Congrats to everyone else who got their bears as well. Keep the stories coming.... I want to see more colour.
That is a fine week you guys had there. Congrat's.
Nice story and pictures!!
(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p293/shootsarrows/P1000509.jpg) [/QB][/QUOTE]
This picture speaks volumes!!!
OK, I actually have a big double chunk scoop of chocolate :thumbsup:
This fine brown beauty was my best friend at Stickflingers this week.
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b351/osminski/2012%20Manitoba%20Bear/P1000390.jpg)
Every time I saw her, she had a different suitor.
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b351/osminski/2012%20Manitoba%20Bear/P1000394.jpg)
Most of the time she was happy with the male bears...only one time did she try to climb the fallen tree my stand used for cover to get cozy with me. I lost my nerve at 6 feet and stood up.
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b351/osminski/2012%20Manitoba%20Bear/P1000391.jpg)
That is the beauty of Ryan's area. A bear this big and perfect would be shot immediately in most bear camps. Here she was safe to breed. I was much more interested to see who she kept looking over her shoulder for.
Everything went well with the shot. I saw it flick right thru just behind his shoulder about halfway up the body. He let out a roar and launched himself in the direction he was facing. There was a lot of crashing for a few seconds as I could see nothing in the thick cover. Then I heard 4 or 5 very loud death moans. What a relief.
I sat for a half hour and then went out to get some help. I was not going to be dragging this bear out by myself if I did not have to.
Here is how I found him when Ryan and I came back to track:
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b351/osminski/2012%20Manitoba%20Bear/Howhelaid.jpg)
I hunted a setup station called Determination. I never got to hunt it last year, but the guys that did saw dozens of bears. This year there was a report of multiple bears, but at least two sows with three cubs each. At first I was excited to hunt this bait, but knowing that sows with cubs can be protective and run other reseptive sows off the bait made me apprehensive. I only saw one bear during the first 3 days. That's hunting to me. On day four, the sow finally came in with three cubs so I had something to watch and film. Then at about 7:45 I saw a big boar coming in from behind the bait, the problem was I move the stand to behind the bait to have a better wind as well. He was coming in at a steep angle. He was long and very tall!!! As he got within 15 yards from the tree, an ATV drove by on a near-by trail and scared him away. I think he came back with another bear right at dark, but it was getting too late to judge and he never came into the clear.
The follwing day I saw the same sow and cubs along with a cinnanon boar, a young sow, and another boar that was a six footter, but rubbed. Then the boar ran off, the cubs were already up a tree 25 yards away on my left, and their mother was on the right side of the bait about 20 yards in the brush, so I knew something else was comming. The cubs huffed a little, but went sielent when the new bear was under them. At first I saw leggs, then a huge long tall form moving steady through the back of the bait station in the direction of the sow. Previously I poured sow-in-heat lure down her back as she came in under my stand. I don't think it had much of an effect, but you never know. Ha! As the big boar cleared two trees behind the bait, I made a perfect shot and he stopped after a brief 20 yards. The 67 # TT bow just felt good that evening. I was lucky to take the bear on the 5th day, ten minutes before the end of legal shooting, on DEtermination Stand.
I had a choice to hunt another stand that I knew had at least 5 other bears on it, but I stuck with my orriginal plan, much to the joy of David my guide. Ha! Ryan has a good spot, but is an even better host. Thanks, Mike
I am pretty sure everybody knows how I love my TallTines. I love this one over all of the others put together. I have taken one of Brian's fine tools and turned it into an ugly beast with camo dipping and a plastic quiver. A plastic quiver which BW actually threatend to rip off the bow and stomp on it till it was powder in the rocks :biglaugh: I fill that quiver with a mishmash of carbon and aluminum cladded carbon arrows. Arrows fletched with feathers and arrows fletch with vanes. There is a (gasp) elevated rest on it. But I have more confidence in that bow than I have in myself. It goes on every trip I make, even if it is a backup to one of the gorgeous TTs in the stable, because I know I can put it together and it will kill whatever I need it too for any reason.
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b351/osminski/2012%20Manitoba%20Bear/bowshot.jpg)
After spending time with Larry Hannify and watching him build the Abowyer heads, I cannot see any reason to use another 2 blade. The quality just oozes off of them. The Brown Bears I am using now are precison flying scapels. Truly one of the finest pieces of equiptment I have ever found. I have big plans for some of the big Whitetail heads Larry makes for this fall.
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b351/osminski/2012%20Manitoba%20Bear/Broadhead.jpg)
Here is another shot at my bear where recovered. Sorry about jumping into your story Steve. I type slow.
(http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff289/MittenM/Untitled.jpg)
My best scoop of chocolate. A mature black bear.
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b351/osminski/2012%20Manitoba%20Bear/Favorite.jpg)
He squared just a fraction over 7 feet and weighed 312#.
Mike, do not worry about jumping in this is OUR story. Folks will figure it out :thumbsup:
I am always happy to share camp with you and all of the TallTines/Professional Bowhunters Society guys. You know the hunt is going to be good when you hang out with people like that whether we bring home the animal we are looking for or not.
What an abundant harvest!
Gotta love the colour in Manitoba, Congrats on a fine chocolate Steve.
Congrats on some manitoba monsters!!!!
I was hoping you were going to drag the end out till tomorrow. Fine job, by all. Thank you for taking us along.
Since this is a trad site we can't show the final bear, but I think it would be OK to show a picture of the live bear. Maybe Terry can confirm or alow a picture of the live bear taken by the hunter 5 days before he killed it. No mention, just a simple picture of a live bear. If not, no big deal. Thanks to all. Mike
Great stories and great bears guys. Congrats to all!
Great stuff. These type of threads keep me a a loyal trad gang fan. Thanks for taking us along.
CK
Absolutely love these threads so folks like me can enjoy the times between our hunts...keeps the year moving along, and keeps up pumped for our next outing.
A big hand to you guys for some great bears!
:clapper:
Congratulations to all of you :thumbsup:
Congrats Steve and evryone else!! Looks like a lot of fun :thumbsup:
Congrats to all for a great thread,great determination and great professionalism.
All the bears are been taken fast and clean.
You did a great job.
Steve,I was trying to immagine wich one mistress would have been your choice.(Magnifico!)It is 2 years I am thinking to join you,but family reasons kept me to come,I hope in a near future.
Thanks for taking us along.
Aswesome posts and great pictures.
Thanks for sharing.
-Inder
Monster bears in black and brown - bear hunting just doesn't get better than that!
Congratulations everyone!!
Good shooting gents. Sounds like a great time. I am looking forward to hearing more this weekend.
Man.... Where Have I been the last couple of days?
Truly incredible. Congratulations are in Order to Ryan and your crew. Its always nice when hard work pays off.
Awesome hunt guys Congrats to the great times had and the fine bears taken. :clapper:
QuoteOriginally posted by Herdbull:
Since this is a trad site we can't show the final bear, but I think it would be OK to show a picture of the live bear. Maybe Terry can confirm or alow a picture of the live bear taken by the hunter 5 days before he killed it. No mention, just a simple picture of a live bear. If not, no big deal. Thanks to all. Mike
Go right ahead with the live picture buddy, that's fine....and thanks for asking.
Congrats to you,and all the rest of the TT crew on an awesome adventure :campfire:
Congratulations guys on an awesome hunt and the incredible bears. Couldn't happen to a nicer group of gentlemen.
Just back from a week in Florida, fantastic job guys!
This bear was a huge part of our hunt, and a symbol of ethical bowhunting. Mike (http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff289/MittenM/smithandsaltercom-8963.jpg)
HOLY COW!!! I mean BEAR! That is one big bear.
QuoteOriginally posted by Herdbull:
This bear was a huge part of our hunt, and a symble of ethical bowhunting. Mike
very nicely worded Mike. Awesome looking bear! what did he measure?
QuoteOriginally posted by Herdbull:
This bear was a huge part of our hunt, and a symbol of ethical bowhunting. Mike (http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff289/MittenM/smithandsaltercom-8963.jpg)
Matt was able to get photos and video of "Coach Ditka" Sunday night. He passed up a low percentage shot I believe on Tuesday, and was able to make it happen on Thursday. This was the first time I have been able to hit the black bear rut and it was amazing.
What was the experience and outcome of Mr. Brian and Father Mark Wessel's encounters with these furry critters?
Couple of other shots.
My buddy, Gary Wissmueller, part of the original TT crew could not join us this year. A few years ago, he had to back out of one of our Alaska trips and he gave me this Shiller knife so he would always be along on hunts even after he is gone.
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b351/osminski/2012%20Manitoba%20Bear/P1000460.jpg)
I also got a new waterproof Panasonic point and shoot camera recently, so was taking a few shots learning what it could do.
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b351/osminski/2012%20Manitoba%20Bear/P1000470.jpg)
I am pretty happy with it.
I can see what your always saying about cleaning my lens. It just might help me...a little.
AWESOME bears and awesome hunt. I really want to do a bear hunt and will have to see about getting in with Ryan.
Bisch
Great stories and hunts! Thank for all the pics too!
Steve,when I was in Saskachewan I met Shiller on a bear camp and bought a pair of his fine knives,they are excellent.I am not sure he is still making them,at least on regular basis;I am been told that he had some health issues.I hope he is healing!
Congrats to all on some awesome bears!!! Thanks for sharing the stories and pictures!
Mark was hunting in a stand that Brian killed his huge bear at last year when a giant boar came in and walked passed the bait. Mark will only shoot at standing targets, so he let the great bear walk passed at ten yards. He saw quite a few other bears during the week as well.
Brian- Took one well over 7 foot square last year and had hopes of repeating. He passed on a nice bear that he estimated would go over 7 feet because there was rumored to be an even bigger chocolate one in the area. We had a few days of bad weather and thunder storms that shut the hunting down a little as well. I think Brian and his Dad both came to Stickflingers with expectations not to just shoot any bear. Trying for a mature male adds much to this challenge and keeps the hunt alive. They both had a good time.
Great hunt, fantastic Bears!!! Ryan has some terrific animals up there... Congrats to all!!!
:coffee:
Lets see now
week one hunters went 4 for 5
week two hunters went 6 for 6
week three hunters went 4 for 5
100 % shot opportunities.
4 seven footers, one 8 footer and 6 P & Y bears!
BTW my bear's scull after being cleaned and boiled scores 19 & 3/8.
What a place to hunt! what an outfitter! Thank you again Ryan for a wonderful time
Congrats to all you guys! Taken game or not it sounds like you had a fantastic hunt! Mitten your bear looks like a stud and your efforts never cease to amaze me!
Love these bear hunting threads! Probably never get to hunt them myself, but at least I can live a little through you guy's. Thanks Steve O and the rest of you all for the awesome pics!
Jason
I'm at a bit of a loss for words...congrat's to you all and thanks so much for taking us along!
Travis
Great hunt and congrats to all!!!!!!!
Awesome hunt you all Congrats to everyone.
QuoteOriginally posted by Steve O:
QuoteOriginally posted by Herdbull:
This bear was a huge part of our hunt, and a symbol of ethical bowhunting. Mike (http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff289/MittenM/smithandsaltercom-8963.jpg)
Matt was able to get photos and video of "Coach Ditka" Sunday night. He passed up a low percentage shot I believe on Tuesday, and was able to make it happen on Thursday. This was the first time I have been able to hit the black bear rut and it was amazing. [/b]
THAT'S ONE BEAUTIFUL BEAR!!!!! Y'all going to make this southern boy want to hunt bear!
Congrats, guys! Awesome hunt!!! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Steve, Matt passed on that 12 yard obstructed shot on Wednesday. He knew it was Coach Ditka, but never told any of us. He just said it was a no-doudter, and that he watched it stand there for ten minutes!!. Well on Thursday, what you guys may not have known is, that Matt offered to switch stand sites with me just before we loaded up to go out. He was just so excited about seeing so many diffrent bears and seeing The Coach that he just wanted me to experience what he was. I turned him down and hoped that he would finish out the week with a bear. The right guy shot the right bear after all. It was one long cold wet evening with all three bears finding their way to camp finally - at 3:30 AM. Ha!
Thanks for the pics guys, adding fuel to the fire!
Thanks for sharing....I've only seen a couple that size in the Cohutta Wilderness....and on foot they are spectacular...and kinda make me feel small.
Just haven't been able to put an arrow in one that size yet...but I'll be after them again this fall.
I really like hunting the bears here in N GA, but I'm going to have to do one of these hunts sometime.
Thanks again guys.
Nice bears! Congrats all.
Ive had enough. I gotta get up there!
Wow, that's impressive! Congratulations on a fine camp/hunt and some outstanding animals.
So Steve, are the black bears from up there as good to eat as our MI bears??
Very impressive gentlemen! Some great stories and pics. Thanks for sharing as I do love these hunting trip threads! Congratulations to all!
Kenny :bigsmyl:
Nice pics great bears! Thanks for taking me along. TD.
I really enjoyed your stories and pictures, that looks like a great time. Congratulations to all!
-Jay
Great stories and bears guys.That is some bear outfit.I've known Bill Schiller for several years and have several of his knives also.
Thanks again everyone for all the stories and pictures.
My family has enjoyed all the pictures and stories, and it has been a topic of conversation all day.
THANKS so much for sharing and allowing us all to be a part of it! :campfire:
Thank you all for sharing!!
Wow thanks for taking us along...enjoyed!
Thanks for the great stories, everyone. :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Great bears everyone,thanks for sharing.
This has been a super thread! I've really enjoyed seeing all the pictures and hearing the stories! Thanks for sharing everyone!
This was an awesome post. Great pictures and stories. thank you for sharing I want to go now. :o )
CERTAINLY there were more pictures taken than this????
WOW - Just totaly Awesome! Great pictures and great story, thanks for taking us along with you! :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :campfire:
QuoteOriginally posted by Steve O:
QuoteOriginally posted by Bryan Burkhardt:
(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p293/shootsarrows/P1000509.jpg)
And NOW you see what I mean about normally ultra serious hunters letting down their guard a little at bear camp.
You have STONES "Kuiu Ken" Burkhardt :notworthy: [/b]
Hey Bryan, tell us about the left front claw. What's up with the ivory looking one?
QuoteOriginally posted by jonsimoneau:
Ive had enough. I gotta get up there!
Took the words right out of my mouth
QuoteOriginally posted by Ray Lyon:
So Steve, are the black bears from up there as good to eat as our MI bears??
We shall see...Two time straight MLA Chili Champion Daniel O. has commondeered a set of the loins to chunk up for his "Hot Chocolate Chili" for Saturday's contest at Compton. He is starting on it right after football practice, so I may sneak a piece or two as it browns.
Stash a bite for Mr. Subtle tomorrow would you? I'd sure like to have a taste.
Those are some awesome Bears, congrats to all, and thanks for taking us along..
Congrats guys!
Awesome hunt and bears. :thumbsup:
Tracy
:campfire: :clapper: :clapper:
Great job Steve! Thanks for sharing :archer2:
Great story Steve....congrats to all!
Update from the kitchen: big bear loin is great :thumbsup:
The kid has some chili brewing that should be a contender.
I was tasked with browning the chunks, so I had to test a few to make sure they were done :D
I think I'll be the judge of that. Oh wait, I am! Great story, great hunt, looking forward to judging the chili :D
WOW! Bear is some of my favorite game meat,and you kind sir,have just flung a cravin' on me.
You better bring me a handful of them browned,seasoned just right chunks of loin so I don't have breakdown today. If it is mixed into the Chili,well, Thats ok too.
Hey Steve, What a fantastic journey you guys had,That flung a cravin' on me too.
Some great bears taken and agood time had by some of the best guys in the game. CONGRATULATIONS to all and see you at the show.
Thanks for sharing you stories
CTT
QuoteOriginally posted by Steve O:
Update from the kitchen: big bear loin is great :thumbsup:
The kid has some chili brewing that should be a contender.
I was tasked with browning the chunks, so I had to test a few to make sure they were done :D
Good luck with the competition. Now that Ron's out, you're a lock to win. :rolleyes: ;)
Well here we are 9 pages of stuff and I'am no where to be found on any of these pages!!!!! I know you told me I should have gone, but you never said you would have this much fun or that much success. Where is the love Brother? Seriously looks like you guys had a great time. Ryan has done it again. Perfect hunt perfect host, what a camp. I knew I should not have given up my spot for this year, but a higher calling led me away. There will be no living with you now Steve, you are the man. Can't wait to read the story in TBM or PBS. Great bears, great guys, can't wait to see you at Compton this week. :clapper:
All I heard in camp from my guide David was, Gary did this and Mr. Wissmueller did that, blah blah blah. Ha! Ha! wish you were there too Chimaster.
Exaaaaaaacctly!
"Gary said..."
"Andy Shartran said..."
"Chimer and Shartran would have had us tagged out by now"
There were all kinds of mythical creatures being bantered about...
We all missed you buddy. Don't let it happen again!
Great thread, really enjoyed reading about your trip. :campfire:
might have to do that hunt again - great story....makes me want another bear.
We just got back from the Compton Traditional Bowhunters Rendezvous. Daniel took 1st place with his "Hot Chocolate Chili" :thumbsup:
It was definitely worth giving up one of the loins. I am very proud of him for his grace under pressure dealing with tough judges. His nemesis, and multi year chili champ Ron LaClair switched over to the judging side this year. Ron gave Daniel
A very nice compliment..."Young man, you have come far."
What a fine end to a fine hunt.
AND that was some mighty fine "Hot Chocolate Chili"! Thanks for the pics and stories, and thanks for letting me be a judge.
Mike,
You were a tough judge, but not as tough as tough as Michelle Eichler! You have a spot next year if you want it.
Forgot to post a pic of my champ:
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b351/osminski/Post%20Pics%202012/092584f5.jpg)
Congrats to Daniel on his awesome win in the coveted Compton Chilli Contest. I am glad to see the return of the cooking contests. The best part IMO is entering and sampling the other contestants entries (yes, I am a loser). Enjoy your win Daniel.
Daniel did a fine job. It was honestly one of the best chilies I have ever had the pleasure of eating. I have to admit it was VERY tempting not to grab a bite every time I opened the fridge seeing it just sitting there all lonely and stuff, but for once I resisted the urge. It was well worth the wait.
I feel especially honored to have had some of the meat before it ended up in the chili, and now I have a whole new way of looking at bears.
Thanks for all the help the weekend Steve. I'm blessed to have some very accomidating friends. Thanks for putting up with Buffalo Stabber 3000. :biglaugh:
What A great thread, I can't believe that I missed it the first time.
Congrats to all!
Its almost here again
Thanks for bringing this one back up Randy! I enjoyed this thread very much...45 days and counting for me!
Mmmmmm..... Chocolate :)
I am already going thru withdrawals. This will be the first year Ryan has had the camp that I will not be on board for TallTines week. I am going to miss all my friends in camp most of all.
Good luck boys!
Another great story. And great photos, too. Thanks for all of the attention to detail on these great hunts.
Congrats guys! Thanks for sharing.
I will be there the week before the TT crew again this year, but I would be willing to send you pictures Steve and I am sure I can convince Darryl and Bryan to do the same. You know, since you will be missing it and all. What are friends for, right?
D.P.
Dave 44 days buddy, 44 days!!!
I hear you Mike. I am counting the days too.
D.P.
QuoteOriginally posted by Dave Pagel:
I will be there the week before the TT crew again this year, but I would be willing to send you pictures Steve and I am sure I can convince Darryl and Bryan to do the same. You know, since you will be missing it and all. What are friends for, right?
D.P.
Pagel, your picture is in the dictionary under "with friends like these, who needs enemies" :D
You do have one redeeming quality as you have a nice LB TallTines that my son can grow into!
Before it is over, you boys may be taking a Sat phone so I can have a live feed...
I know I will have plenty of info being fed south to the States but It will still not replace being there. Dang mountain lions :(
Hey anything to help a buddy and your compliments with get you nowhere Steve O!
Next year will be my year to be on the outside looking in, but I am back in 15 and 16.
D.P.
How can I get in on tall tines week steve??? Lol
I'm still on page 3 but just wanted to give a big thumbs up to everyone !!!
Looks like a fantastic hunt..
Great story and photos! :bigsmyl: