OK, Maybe you remember this thread from last year....
http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=115396;p=1
It got me through the weeks of waiting. So I figured we'd get a new one started for this year.
Let's hear all about it. Who's goin'? Where ya goin'? What ya takin'?
I'm heading up to Manitoba again, this year I'll be there the last week of May. I understand they are still kinda cold up there. Wool base layes, wool middle layers, wool top layers. Im ready.
Not sure what I am taking yet. Maybe one of my older Bear Kodiaks, my new Bear Kodiak, or it just might be Mr Wallace's turn.
Help me pass the time between now and then by reading about everyone else headin' out for bear this spring... so post up!
I'm going with Stickflingers the the first week.
Will be taking along my two Wild Horse Creek bows. Only 53 more days till I head the truck north!
I am not likely to go bear hunting this year...I spent over 40 days in bear camp last year and only got one small bear...at a hundred dollars a day it adds up
DDave
I shot my bear on May 28 and I was wearing shorts at 58 degrees North latitude...it is not always cold in the north...I do not recommend wearing shorts when bear hunting any more...bears have a nasty habit of running through the thorniest area they can find before expiring...by the time i got to my bear i was bleeding quite profusely
DDave
I will be in camp with you Brian. This year is a Robertson TribalStyk one piece, cocobolo riser and Montana juniper limbs, 54# @ 28. I will be shooting 1918s and 145 grain Trailmakers. Should be fun again.
D.P.
QuoteOriginally posted by Dave Pagel:
I will be in camp with you Brian. This year is a Robertson TribalStyk one piece, cocobolo riser and Montana juniper limbs, 54# @ 28. I will be shooting 1918s and VPAs. Should be fun again.
D.P.
Which VPA you going to be shooting...I shot mine last year with a 200 grain 3 blade and was a little disappointed in the penetration I got, I think mostly because I have trouble getting those heads as sharp as I would like...I have switched over to the 2 blade VPA's and I find them a lot easier to get shaving sharp
DDave
Reading this thread while watching my kids play on a 6 foot high snowbank in my front yard makes me want to prepare for building bridges this spring. I think we're in for a bigger adventure than last year. The bonus to the later spring is that the bears are gonna be really hungry!
Today sitting here watching it snow makes me wanna scream...until I see this thread. March 25th is a whole lot closer to bears at Stickflingers with Ryan and the guys. Here is what happens when you spend about 4 hours on stand as a newbie there: you end up with a 7 foot mount you can see every day!!!
(http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r296/wapiti792/mount013.jpg)
And when you force your wife and kids to live in a barn while your house is being built and have no room for a Christmas tree, you get "King" the Christmas bear. I even have permision from the boss lady to move 'ol King over to the house when we move our stuff the 150 feet next week. I will have to have a Christmas tree next year, but this bear is a whole lot cooler!!!
(http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r296/wapiti792/1812007.jpg)
Damascus Dave,
I usually shoot the 200s or 250s, but this setup likes the 150s. I shot clean through with a 160 Snuffer last year so I am not as concerned. I use the KME alumina ceramic stones and finish them on a piece of tanned elk stretched over a board. Hair poppin!
Mike, that is an awesome bear! I can only hope. I look forward to meeting you.
Ryan, sounds like the river crossings could be "interesting".
D.P.
Dave P and Mike D
I am SOOO looking forward to being back in camp with you guys and our friends from Colorado and Iowa.
No tags here this year :( I can't even go bait! Going to sorely miss hunting bear this year. Mabey ryan needs another camp hand :wavey:
Almost everyone has checked in for stickflingers the week of may 26th. The only debate I have is how many bows to bring and which one like to swim in the river crossings. This is going to be awesome. Should have my 7 footer back from last year next week. This year I'm holding out for at least 2hrs.
Best of luck to all of you. I will miss this years spring hunt do to work conflicts but hope to make amends next spring. Manitoba sounds like a good choice too, did Alberta and Sask. already.
John
I'm hunting northern Saskatchewan the first week of June. Probably taking my 63# TD Silvertip recurve. Shooting 650 gr carbons with 4 blade Eclipses or Simmons sharks. We will be hunting on a large lake with excellent fishing for walleye and pike. Every morning we go fishing then come in for a fresh fish shore lunch and then head out to the baits in the afternoon. This is my third year in a row doing this hunt.
Just got an invite to go back to Quebec, now have to tell wife
Quebec for Bear Quest 7. Didn't plan on going again this year after going the previous three years but when I got the nod from Sweet Wife a couple of weeks ago, my check was in the mail. Really enjoy the week in camp away from the hustle and bustle with a super bunch of great Trad Gangers but not a big fan of the spring bugs and the 18 hour solo nonstop drive. Can't wait.
:archer2:
my wife and I are headed to newbrunswick the last week of may for our bear hunt we will both be shootin bigjims bows she will have a new recurve 48@27 and my new TC long bow 56@30 we cant wait to go plus its my first time outa the USA should be fun she will be shooting a 300grn grizzlie bh and I will be shootin a abowyer bh weighin in at 320grn. cant wait to go
Opens here in Idaho April 15th. We have had a long and late snow fall. Could be iffy at first, but we'll get'r going before long. My bear medication is a 175 gr. Simmons in front of 250 CE Heritage launched from a 58# Dale Dye recurve. Bait will be cheap dog food,sweet feed and stale backed goods drowned in the grease from the local burger joint. I lay barrels flat and cut a hole in the side--chain it to a tree and hunt out of a tree stand at twelve to eighteen yards. If it don't happen pretty quick, I'll have to deal with dog folks running hounds off my bait. Keep your fingers crossed.
Bear Hunting! i cant wait!
I'm going to Ron Henri's in Quebec for my first bear hunt. i will be there the week of May 26th (right after college graduation)with my mom, dad, and brother. So excited for school to be over and to be out in the woods!
Will be shooting my 60# predator with doug fir shafts and 160gr snuffers from Dave Pagel.
Anyone else going to Ron's?
Gosh, I am going to miss being up with my friends in Manitoba this spring. I am going thru withdrawls already :(
And unlike Mike, my 7' Chocolate is still sitting in the taxidermists "to do" pile :help:
Good Luck to all you guys who are going after spring Bear..!
No spring season here for quite a while, last time I got to hunt spring Bear was in Alberta a few years ago. Can't wait for the stories.
I'll just have to amuse myself with chasing Turkeys in the Mountains this spring.
Lucky enough to get invited back to Quebec with Buckster to hunt with our great friend Alain. Going to try to hold out for a bigger bear this year...when Alain finds your bear and proclaims in his French-Canadian Accent "awww-is a puppay" you can afford to hold out for a bigger one next time :archer:
I have never been on a guided and outfitted hunt; the closest I have been is day hunting in Texas. So, this spring, I'm treating myself to an Idaho bear hunt in late May. I don't know just what to expect, since I have never done any hunting with a guide. I'm hoping for a chance at a color phase blackie to go with my jet black boar that hangs on my wall. It should be fun!
April 1st is our opener here, and some of the lower south facing slopes are greening up, so some spot and stalk, and then some calling when rut begins in mid-late May.
My 67# Shawnee using footed 7595's and Grizzly's with steel adapters will be the rig this year.
I've booked my week in May, so i can see some light in the tunnel...
Will be hunting spot and stalk here in BC with my friend DEllis. It will be my first time packing traditional gear. I'll be using a 66" Omega 55lbs @ 30" draw pushing 350 Heritage arrows with a 160gr Magnus I and 100gr insert.
Just waiting for it all to show up in the mail, fletch the arrows and learn to shoot it!
Bear Quest 7 for me. This will be my first bear hunt. I'll be there the second week, June 15th-June 22nd. I don't have a clue what all I am taking yet.....except my Sarrels Blueridge longbow and a thermacell!
Bisch
QuoteOriginally posted by bculberson:
Will be hunting spot and stalk here in BC with my friend DEllis. It will be my first time packing traditional gear. I'll be using a 66" Omega 55lbs @ 30" draw pushing 350 Heritage arrows with a 160gr Magnus I and 100gr insert.
Just waiting for it all to show up in the mail, fletch the arrows and learn to shoot it!
If you shoot it as well as you were shooting those Goshawks the other day, you will be ventilating a bear sooner rather than later.
Darcy :)
I will be hunting back home in Alberta. A buddy has kindly offered to run the bait for me until I return from Afghanistan. Providing my wife does not kill me when I bring up the idea, I plan to hunt for a couple of days. I will be using my Blackwidow LFII (56" 60#@28) shooting Easton Axis, with 100gr brass inserts and Silverflame 125s. Dreaming about being home with my family and doing this hunt are what is keeping me going these days...
June and Bear Quest 7 for me. First group. I will be taking a 62 pound Monarch longbow and 57 pound Bruin recurve. Shooting Simmons Interceptors. Getting closer to crunch time every minute,LOL.
Double tap...not sure how but I did!
Tracey and I will be heading to Quebec June 1. We will be hunting At Ron Henry's bear Camp
I'm headed up on the mountain to look for some bait sites for my nephew tomorrow. I don't have a tag this year but I will at least be able to tag along and help run baits. Good luck to those that are hunting this year!
I'm gonna be at stickflingers the same week as you guys. Looking forward to meeting all of you guys! Except for mike, I already know him! Ive spent lots of time looking at "King" the xmas bear and picking my spot. Can't wait to get to bear camp and meet all you guys in person.
If Tim would chime in all of week 2 would be present, but I can't picture him on a computer!
It should be a great week!
D.P.
Yep Tim ain't no computer jockey :)
Is it May yet? It is great to hear about all of the guys in all parts of the west and Canada bear hunting. Hoping we ALL have stories to tell and bloody arras to momento this spring!
Doesn't seem possible but in only (?) 7 weeks or so (mid May) I'll be getting after them on the greening up slopes. Here's one in May last year.
.
(http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh271/chinook907/rszdrbrhll.jpg)
.
On the way up, the forget-me-nots were awesome.
.
(http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh271/chinook907/rszdrwyupflwrs.jpg)
.
And one I got not quite close enough to on that same trip. Couldn't have gotten an arrow thru that tangle anyway.
.
(http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh271/chinook907/rszdrbr50.jpg)
.
Wishing you all the best.
Nice pics. Almost forgot.... Ill be taking the shrew classic hunter. 49lb @ my 27" draw. Shooting Bemans tipped with 170 grns of zwickey. tic toc tic toc..... I'm with Mike is it may yet.....
some fuel for the fire.....from spring 2011. Medium sized "sausage" bear and 6'6" boar. Both taken with a 65# osage selfbow, ash shafts and magnus2 heads. Spot and stalk.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v486/45stomp/P5210144.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v486/45stomp/P5290156.jpg)
Darcy :campfire:
April 1 is the spring bear opener here in Oregon. Pretty sure I will be taking that day off! I have cabin fever and need to get out with bow in hand ASAP.
Bear Quest 7 for me starting June 8th in Quebec. I'll be taking a couple TimberGhost bows with either AD Trads or Axis Trads and Simmons broadheads. My bows are 59# and 62# unless I decide to shoot one of my one piece hybrids at 53#. It'll be my first bear hunt and I can't wait.
Still at large...
(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a140/jbrandenburg/TreelineTrailCorner015.jpg)
They are on the move here in NY already. Cant really say that they denned up for long to begin with as we had no snow and food was plentiful. Good luck fellas.
Will be putting baits out in moose hills lake area again this year. Ryan get dippin buddy. Rich.
my stickflingers bear may 2012 good luck bear hunters
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7093/7283193618_282bd10fc6.jpg)
Lots of great picts on this thread - great bears! :thumbsup:
I think I'll be bringing hip boots with me to Manitoba this spring! :)
Jim, that there is a bear :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Had an amazing 2012 season! Passed on a gorgeous bear the first night in the stand, if it were the last week I probably would have taken him.
Had bear action every time I was on stand, even had one nice shooter in, couldn't stand up before he got into the bait, he stood there broad side for the longest time only 5 yards away, I felt he was waaaaay to close to even blink let alone try to stand up for a shot! He just turned away & disappeared into the bush never to be seen again!!!
I got lots of pic's of several shooter bears at the bait throughout the season, but one bear stands out more than the rest....
This is him
(http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa48/WESLEYTHEBEAU/Bear%202012/BEAR059.jpg)
Come on April 15th!!!!!
Just found out today....I'll be headin up to Manitoba again this year with my Dad and youngest Son. I'll be bringing my Cari-bow Slynx 55@28, CX Heritage w/200 grain VPA. :campfire:
:campfire: :campfire:
Love'n it. Keep 'em coming folks. Great pics. Great stories. Great adventures about to unfold.
24/7 that is a sweet bear! Can't wait for the season and get reacquainted with some bear hunting pals and make some new ones!
Looking forward to more picts like this!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v75/Ibow1/e3915d26-4400-4fe4-9f76-ac0295e9601d.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v75/Ibow1/60dbfb22-073c-4bca-96f3-160b03cab84c.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v75/Ibow1/0056d8a0-5141-4ac6-bb13-cdcba60fbb9c.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v75/Ibow1/Whatyadoinupthere.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v75/Ibow1/46.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v75/Ibow1/579507_3511998472071_1035153812_32571871_1817793022_n.jpg)
Some more inspiration.
(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a140/jbrandenburg/Trough08040_edited.jpg)
(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a140/jbrandenburg/Trough08039_edited.jpg)
(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a140/jbrandenburg/Chute010119.jpg)
Joeabowhunter-- Just wonderful that we have to leave our province that is crawling with bears for a spring hunt!!! Great management and leadership!!! :banghead: :dunno: :deadhorse:
Went to Quebec last year and had little success for spring bear. I will buy a bear tag when I go moose hunting in the fall but that is about all the bear hunting for me this year. :archer2:
quote:
Originally posted by Wiley Coyote:
Joeabowhunter-- Just wonderful that we have to leave our province that is crawling with bears for a spring hunt!!! Great management and leadership!!! :thumbsup:
I know most of the guys that are going to Ryan's for the last week, but who is going the first week?
D.P
I am. Can hardly wait to get there!
I am excited too Hermon. Do you know any of the other guys in camp with you?
D.P.
No, I don't. You are going week 2 correct?
Maybe some week 1 folks will chime in here?
I will there 2nd week as well...tic toc. 56 days and counting!
Man all the bear hunting shows this week are killing me. I think were Down to 55 day's.
I am headed to Saskatchewan with good friends Larry Jones, Joe Atherton and Joe Furlong the last week of may. We will be staying in a lodge so we are taking our wives along. Haven't been bear hunting for a few years and looking forward to it.
2nd week at stickflingers for me as well!
I'm going to have to try this spring bear stuff one day and see what the buzz is about.
Good luck guys. I love hearing the stories.
I wont be going this year but going to try my best to go next year...back up to Carrot River ...as I saw more different bears during my time there than ever heard of anyone seeing before. Hoping my brother and nephew are ready to go with me as they just got into traditional archery in December and taking them to their first big shoot in NC in two weeks. :)
Bear Quest 7!! Went last year, shot my first bear after 6 fall hunts and had a blast. I'll be taking my KB X and my PCH II.
Leave for Stickflingers in 11 more days. Start hunting the 19th. Time can't pass quickly enough for me. :campfire:
Love this thread ! :thumbsup:
The baiting is going good over in Idaho right now. Actually if I ckeck my quiver it might have half a bloody arrow in it. Will post more as soon as possible.
Hey Chris, looking forward to how that half bloody arrow ended up there. :bigsmyl: :campfire: :coffee:
Bring it Chris...so looking forward to the first hunts being posted :archer2:
19 days Mike, 19 days.
D.P.
Good luck guy's. 28 days for me..... :campfire:
Like a kid at Christmas Dave :)
I am already packed :archer2:
Good luck to everyone, I unfortunately had to give up my spot do to an injury.
So about a week and a half ago I went to Idaho and started my baits. I was baiting spots I had started last year. I moved my barrels just a bit to get closer to some trees with good cover.
Last Wendsday I headed back over to check the baits and rebait. One of the sites was cleaned up so I decided Saturday I would go back and climb up a tree with my lone wolf and make a sit.
I headed in Saturday with high expectations and wasn't let down as my bait was cleared up. I did not set any cameras so I had no idea what was around. I climbed in my stand after rebaiting and was ready by about 2 p.m. Besides for two martins I didn't see a single critter for the first 4 hours. Around 7 I heard footsteps coming and saw a black ie heading my way. I picked up the video camera and filmed him for about 15 minutes as he got to the bait and started to clean it up. I could tell he was a nice boar but wasn't in a rush to shoot. I let my blood pressure get back to normal. After a while I seen his eyes roll up and look at me and he walked over to my tree. I filmed him as he stood on his hind legs sniffing the tree. Than he decided he wanted a closer look and boogied right up my tree about half way to the stand. I moved a bit and he slid back down and headed for the barrel. I said that was close enough and decided to shoot him. As he got about 6 yards away I picked a spot and let my arrow fly. I saw the arrow bury down through his lungs and knew that was it. He maybe made it 25 yards and piled up. It was the first animal I have killed with a recurve in maybe 7 years as I have just been shooting my Centaurs for a long time. It was also my first kill with a wood arrow in a while. Equipment- 60# hoyt huntmaster riser with custom Zbowstick limbs, Surewood fir shaft, Simmons interceptor.
Thank you lord for a wonderful evening in the stand and a perfect clean kill.
(http://i475.photobucket.com/albums/rr111/hillbilly-kim/P1040170_zps8026f61d.jpg) (http://s475.photobucket.com/user/hillbilly-kim/media/P1040170_zps8026f61d.jpg.html)
(http://i475.photobucket.com/albums/rr111/hillbilly-kim/P1040176_zps2e87e97a.jpg) (http://s475.photobucket.com/user/hillbilly-kim/media/P1040176_zps2e87e97a.jpg.html)
(http://i475.photobucket.com/albums/rr111/hillbilly-kim/P1040186_zpsc6649389.jpg) (http://s475.photobucket.com/user/hillbilly-kim/media/P1040186_zpsc6649389.jpg.html)
(http://i475.photobucket.com/albums/rr111/hillbilly-kim/P1040191_zps13c4f9c6.jpg) (http://s475.photobucket.com/user/hillbilly-kim/media/P1040191_zps13c4f9c6.jpg.html)
dandi of a bear!! congrats!!
OUTSTANDING :clapper: :clapper:
Beauty of bear...done by yourself. Way to go!!!
Nicely done! Congrats on a beautiful bear!
Great Bear, Congrats. I would have shat myself if he climbed my tree. :scared:
:clapper: Congratulations on your bear!!
Oh man, that canoe shot is choice. Nice job, sure is rewarding doing that on your own.
Nice! :thumbsup: :clapper:
Thanks guys, looking forward to hearing lots of more bear tales this spring. Good luck to y'all!
Great bear congrats. And yep that canoe shot is awesome!!
Excellent bear. Congrat's.
Sweet looking bear. What are you using for your bait?
Tracker,
Pretty much just using oats and popcorn covered with molasses, fryer grease, and Boarmasters scents. A few marshmallows thrown in for fun.
Very nice!
Nice bear and great picts to. Congrats!
Congrats, sounds and looks like a great hunt!
Chris way to go great read THnaks Shane
Very nice bear .... the canoe pic is special. This time next month I will be in my second day at Stickflingers !! Can't wait ... :jumper: :jumper: :jumper:
Most-excellent bear TFG!
Enjoy the feast!
Shoot straight, Shinken
:archer2:
Awesome Bear! Congrats!
Went with my wife last night and rebaited. Baits are still getting hammered and I have a fresh tag in my pocket. Next weekend should be fun. Good luck to all with upcoming hunts. Bears are addictive.
Great Bear and great shooting with the camera also! :clapper: :clapper:
Awesome bear.
Thanks for priming the pump and starting us off with a dandy.
Keep 'em coming guys!
Great bear and story, congrats!!
I am so happy for you on a great bear I leave Friday for my first bear hunt and time is draggin this is worse than waiting on a new bow to get here
Congrats!Great bear and pic's.
realy cool congrats for the bear and the pics to a really dream time adventure !!!
Really nice bear!! Congrats!
Congrats, love that canoe shot! :thumbsup:
QuoteOriginally posted by HUNT 24/7:
Had an amazing 2012 season! Passed on a gorgeous bear the first night in the stand, if it were the last week I probably would have taken him.
Had bear action every time I was on stand, even had one nice shooter in, couldn't stand up before he got into the bait, he stood there broad side for the longest time only 5 yards away, I felt he was waaaaay to close to even blink let alone try to stand up for a shot! He just turned away & disappeared into the bush never to be seen again!!!
I got lots of pic's of several shooter bears at the bait throughout the season, but one bear stands out more than the rest....
This is him
(http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa48/WESLEYTHEBEAU/Bear%202012/BEAR059.jpg)
Come on April 15th!!!!!
Start practicing from a sitting position so the only movement one has to make is drawing the bow. I've been hunting bear for over 40 years and everyone I've shot was from a sitting position. Even do the same deer hunting. All that is needed is just a little tweaking of ones stand to make shooting fro a seated position possible.
Brian, Mike and Mike,
Are you guys ready to hit Manitoba? I am leaving very early Saturday morning and will probably drive most of the night before I stop to sleep. When are you guys leaving?
D.P.
Friday night! My stuff is packed. Only thing I gotta do is break down my bow and get in the truck. Ready!!!
Yesterday was my last day of work for 3 weeks.
Im gone already. Bahaha!
Good luck everyone. Shoot straight
Great bear!! Good luck everyone! It's killing me not to be baiting right now!!
Hello from bear camp! Nice having cell reception this year. Week one is going well with the 1st two TGer's tagging out well before dark the very 1st night. They saw 17 bears between the 2 of them and both made fantastic shots! They'll share their stories later.
The baits went crazy 2 days ago with multiple shooters and color phase bears according to the cameras. I know I'm not making this any easier but the next few weeks will hold many adventures.
Good luck to everyone, be safe, and share your stories!
good luck every one, I'm waiting for some good stories. I need'em to cheer me up!!!!!
Ryan, looking forward to the tales. Jumbo spring bears like nowhere else :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Bags are packed and waiting for the guys from southern Illinois to pick me up. See u Sunday Ryan. Big and brown
Man o man...I just hate we are gonna roll into Ryan's when the baits are crazy :)
Big boned and blonde, Ryan, big boned and blonde.
:campfire: :coffee:
Good Luck guys!
It's going to be hard to watch this one, but you can bet I will be! Wish I could be there, but the next best thing is reading about all of you!
Good luck all :thumbsup:
That's great news!
Joe, I'd sure enjoy sharing camp with ya up there at Ryan's someday. I have my dates booked thru 2019.
Something to think about... might take your mind off the elk. No wait. We see moose and elk up there too.
:jumper: :jumper: Just be sure to save one for me boys, I'll be heading North in two weeks !
Had a slight set back last week when I broke the little finger on my string pulling hand last week doing some backyard logging. I was attacked by a falling tree and was fortunate to have been wearing my hard hat or I would not be typing right now. Have a splint on but will be back to shooting my bow next week. The down time will be used to sharpen broad heads and get gear in order. I have not told my Dr my plans .. LOL
Good luck to all and be safe ... leave the logging to the professionals
Go gettum', Ken! Can't keep a good man down!
Just stopped for the night on the way back from week 1 of Stickflingers.
First off I have to say that everything that I was told was correct. This is a first class operation. I could not have been happier with my time in camp.
For those of you going the next couple of weeks, there are some changes in the staff of Stickflingers. They have a new "junior apprentice" guide working with Dave known to week 1 hunters as "Magic Mike". Mike is a great guy that works just as hard (or maybe even harder if that is possible) than Ryan and Dave and he is a great addition to the crew.
There is also a new cook in camp that made wonderful meals all week that put weight on all of us, even if we didn't need to add any weight. Just be warned though. If you don't eat dessert the new cook gets tempermental!
The new guide Mike was awarded (or maybe saddled) with me and the other TG'er in camp. On the first sit was taken to the "Pit" stand. Here is how it looked when I setteled into the stand..
(http://i1212.photobucket.com/albums/cc452/ghermon/100_2520.jpg) (http://s1212.photobucket.com/user/ghermon/media/100_2520.jpg.html)
It was quite windy most of the week and there was not any movement for the first few hours. Around 4:30 I had a small black boar come in for a few minutes and I just took a picture of him. After a couple of bites of bait he moved on to the north and was not seen again.
As a little background on my bear hunting experience, I have only been on one other bear hunt over 20 years ago that I never saw a live bear. So I was VERY excited to be in Manitoba with Stickflingers. Upon hearing my story of my first hunt Ryan threatened to not let me take any arrows to stand the first couple of nights. He should have done it as here is what the bait looked like around 8:30...
(http://i1212.photobucket.com/albums/cc452/ghermon/100_2522.jpg) (http://s1212.photobucket.com/user/ghermon/media/100_2522.jpg.html)
A beautiful 5' chocolate boar came in from the north and even though it was the first night of the hunt and everyone told us there were lots of bears I just could not resist a color phase bear broadside at 12 yards!
I drew my Wild Horse Creek Quest and picked a spot. The arrow hit about 1" from the the hair I was concentrating on. The bear made a short 50 yard dash and coughed a couple times and fell over. There was plenty of daylight left so I walked back to camp to burn off the excitement! Magic Mike and I went in and found him and here he is...
(http://i1212.photobucket.com/albums/cc452/ghermon/100_2534.jpg) (http://s1212.photobucket.com/user/ghermon/media/100_2534.jpg.html)
Even though he is small for what is at Stickfligers, I am thrilled with him.
His hide is perfect and the color is beautiful. The blaze was unusual in that it almost made a figure "8" except that it lacked an inch or so of connecting at the top of the "8".
I spent the next few days tagging along with Dave and Magic Mike checking and filling baits.
I guarantee that this won't be the last time that I am at Stickflingers, as I am already booked for 2016. Next time I won't be quite so anxious to shoot (but I may have Ryan hold onto my arrows for a day or two, just to be safe).
I will let the other TG'er in camp tell his story of his time on stand. Just let me say that it was a very good night!
Thanks again Ryan, Dave and Magic Mike for a hunt that I will never forget!
I would just like to share a picture of the bear my son Ross got Saturday evening.He made a exellent shot on him and only went 40yds.He was using a bow I made for him,58"ntn. 51#@28".Goldtip trad shafts and a Zwickey Broadhead.Hope you enjoy the pics,Dell.
(http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m285/delljohnson/DSCF1413.jpg) (http://s107.photobucket.com/user/delljohnson/media/DSCF1413.jpg.html)
Beautiful bears guys! Congrats to all of you :campfire:
Hermon, I know about the pit stand...oh boy do I know about that stand :)
12 hours and we are rolling, riding...
Most excellent!!
Hermon.. what a dandy. You gotta be proud of that one. A perfect set up, an arrow in the boiler room, a bear on the ground. And color with a blaze. Big Sexy would have dropped that string without a second thought. Well done.
Dell.. Nice! Shooting a bear with the bow your pop made for you... can't imagine what a thrill that was for your son. You must be proud.
Mike.. Im almost packed.. you sure you don't want me to pick you up at 6?
I will be getting out bright and early tomorrow AM. Tomorrow is actually my wife's birthday so I am staying tonight for a nice dinner and such. However, the truck is ready to go!
D.P.
Very nice...I am jealous
Just pulled in to Kamiah, Id, to head in tomorrow on a week long hunt. I live in great country, but this is really a wonderful place if you love wild and remote. Almost reminds me of parts of Alaska.
We stopped in Hamilton, Mt., yesterday, and took a great tour of Howard Hill Archery. When I can, I will post pictures as Craig gave us the royal tour. Look for some pics of Howard Hill's personal bows, clothes, and trophies after I get back from this bear hunt. If you get a chance, stop by and visit with the Ekins'; great folks.
Hope to have a bear in the truck when I report back.
Hermon, to me the colour phase of that bear combined with the shape of the white blaze makes that about as nice a bear as you will ever see...one thing I learned the hard way about shooting a bear with a blaze mark is that it virtually disappears with a conventional skinning job...I hope someone reminded you of that and you were able to preserve the blaze...that boar just begs for a full body mount
DDave
Be patient Stickflinger boys! Call me on the way home if you would and let the crew know I miss 'em. Big Mike--"Tiffany" should be all fattened up and just about the right size for you this year. "Big boned and blonde" indeed. Good luck boys and don't all of you come back talking about yourselves in the third person! Hah!
Man, am I jealous of all of you guys heading up to Stickflingers. That's a dream hunt of mine. Good luck to you all.
The pics are getting me antsy. I have two weeks left till I leave on Bear Quest!
Congrats on the bears, guys,
Bisch
Good Morning Folks,
I did something a little different and tried to put my story in video...hope you enjoy it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jmrgh7txVVw
I will come back later and add some stuff...
And yeah, Herman's bear was very cool and one that was admired by the entire camp!
Great video Dave! Congrats on a beautiful bear!
That video makes me miss camp already. Great shot on a great bear. Enjoyed sharing camp with you Dave!
I am sittin in bangor Maine airport and want to go back to camp already I had some really nice bears com in on Monday and Wendsday and ig rained the rest of the time I had no shot opportunity my wife shot her bear wendsday and it started raining and hot to dark went back next day and found no bear looked for the better part af a day realy frusterating bht it was fun back in 2 years I guess
Very nice Dave! Congrats!!
Good shoot'n Dave, very nice bear .... can't wait :jumper: :jumper:
Nice video, tastefully done!! congrats on your Manitoba Bear!
very nice bear and great footage!!!CONGRATS
Any more updates? :campfire:
Congrats Dave! nice kill and that centaur is a quick bow! :thumbsup: :clapper:
Nice shot and beautiful bear. Congrat's.
Just thought I would share a pic of the bear I shot Tuesday evening.It was the first night I sat and was blessed with this bruiser.I used a homemade bow,it's 64" ntn 52#@28,Goldtip trad shafts and zwicky broadheads.He only went 80yds. before expiring and was a nice chocolate brown.I haven't got him offically scored yet,but I would rough him at the high end of 19".Hope you like the pic,Dell.
(http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m285/delljohnson/DSCF1441.jpg) (http://s107.photobucket.com/user/delljohnson/media/DSCF1441.jpg.html)
QuoteOriginally posted by lt-m-grow:
Good Morning Folks,
I did something a little different and tried to put my story in video...hope you enjoy it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jmrgh7txVVw
Great compilation! And congrats on your bear!
Bisch
Congrats on the bear.
Oldway, congratulations on a dandy bear! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
congrats, awesome bear!
LTM Grow, nice video and beautiful bear. Congratulations! :clapper:
Great bear Oldway!
Way to go Dell!
WOW, he's a bruiser!!!
Great looking bear oldway. Congrats!!
Congratulations to you Oldway! Awesome bear! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Very nice bear Oldway .... very nice :thumbsup:
Here is a picture of the bear I shot last Tuesday just north of Choiceland, SK. I used a Robertson Fatal Styk recurve drawing 61# @ 28" and home made cedar arrow with a 165 grain Simmons tree shark. Thanks for looking.
(http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j299/grizbait/IMG_0504_zpsea3cd500.jpg) (http://s83.photobucket.com/user/grizbait/media/IMG_0504_zpsea3cd500.jpg.html)
Rusty
Nice bear Rusty,were you hunting Jeff Smith?
Thank you Dell, you got a nice one as well. Yes I was hunting with Jeff. Had a great time. I was in Nipawin on Friday the 24th. We were going to fish Tobin lake but a little to windy that day. Great country you have up there. Hope to return soon.
Rusty
We are out of the woods, so to speak. The bear camp was about 60 miles, mostly on dirt roads, out of Kamiah, Idaho. We stayed at forest service cabins and worked several different baits in some extremely rugged, mountainous country that we accessed by atv and then on foot.
Bears were abundant. I saw several bears, and had them on baits at ranges of 10 to 15 yards. I was holding out for a color phase bear, so I had great, easy shots at two blacks that I did not take. One day, sitting on a ground blind (I was on the ground the whole time), I had a beautiful chocolate/red bear come to the bait from directly behind me, and he almost stepped on me before figuring it all out and leaving after huffing and popping his jaws.
I had a shot at another chocolate mature bear and missed. All I had for a shot was through brush at an uphill angle, and I shot right over his back.
The last night, I had a young and badly rubbed bear come to my bait, and I couldn't get it to leave. Talked to him, squeaked at him, got up and waved my arms at him, and he would run off about 10 yards and then come right back to the bait. Very much fun, but not the kind of bear I wanted to put an arrow in.
Although I didn't score, it wasn't because there weren't a lot of bears. The trip was an absolute blast and I have already booked for next year. Awesome place, great food, fun hunting, and a really great guy for the guide/outfitter. The guide, who is not a sponsor so I won't post his name or outfit, but is a lifelong trad archer, and really knows bears and the country.
When I get home, I will post some pics of the awesome country that the Clearwater drainage is.
Mr. Pagel killed. dont think he will be mad for the update.(atleast i hope not :) ) have a couple buddies heading up now and should be in stickflingers camp tomorrow and from the sounds of it they should have a great time and should see alot of bears. congrats to everyone on there 2013 spring season and hopefully dave has a story and pics for everyone he didnt call....
good luck everyone
Nice bears Rusty and Dell.
Yes, Dave P will have a great tale to tell. I am looking forward to reading it once he gets a chance to come down off the Mountain Dew.
Lol! Dave get that story up here ! It's a good one, looking forward to seeing some pics!
"I'm all hoped up on Mountain Dew!" :)
Before David gets going, just a big thumbs up to Ryan, Mike, and David at Stickflingers. I saw 51 bears in 6 days and ppppassed two 6 foot boars "trying" to catch lightening in a bottle and shoot another 7 footer there. It didn't happen and I have no remorse and no regrets. It is just phenomenal! From the guides, to the outfitter, to the beauty of the bush...as well as those special animals that call the Porcipine Mountains home, it truly is a magical, inspiring place.
I have some stories but want the folks that closed the show to tell theirs. I had the time of my life on my second ever bear hunt and will be back! Tim, Mike, Pagel, Gage, and Lance. Thank you men, thank you so much for the fun!
Great hunt. Indeed. I saw 65 bears in 4 sits. Unbelievable really. Looking forward to Mr. Pagels tale. Great trip. Congrats to all who shot straight made them arrows count and came home with one of these majestic creatures. Looking forward to being in bear country again.
Great stories and great bears guys!
Also, thanks for the kind words...
Well, I ended up posting my story to the Stickflingers thread if you are interested. Here are a couple of pictures.
D.P.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v292/dpagel77/Stickflingers%202013/DSC01720_zps563bf60e.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/dpagel77/media/Stickflingers%202013/DSC01720_zps563bf60e.jpg.html)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v292/dpagel77/Stickflingers%202013/DSC01712_zps7588a261.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/dpagel77/media/Stickflingers%202013/DSC01712_zps7588a261.jpg.html)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v292/dpagel77/Stickflingers%202013/DSC01713_zps6b7eb77d.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/dpagel77/media/Stickflingers%202013/DSC01713_zps6b7eb77d.jpg.html)
Great job Dave - congrats!
:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Spring Bear Hunt Manitoba Duck Mountain Outfitters.
June 6-9, 2013. First Bear! 188 lb Black Bear with Bear Archery Patriot Longbow, 160 grain Winsel Woodsman Elite Broadhead, Tred Barta Wooden Arrows. 12 yd shot, 20 yd recovery. Double lung and heart. Guide Andy did a great job. Will try to post pics.
(http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag108/heathbryant11/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_1618_zps2a82ef98.jpg) (http://s1301.photobucket.com/user/heathbryant11/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_1618_zps2a82ef98.jpg.html)
(http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag108/heathbryant11/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_1627_zps0305ae74.jpg) (http://s1301.photobucket.com/user/heathbryant11/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_1627_zps0305ae74.jpg.html)
(http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag108/heathbryant11/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_1617_zps5efab182.jpg) (http://s1301.photobucket.com/user/heathbryant11/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_1617_zps5efab182.jpg.html)
Since I can't show a dead bear, I will show a live one. This pic was taken on a game camera just seconds before I blew the shot on this bear. Oh well, he will only be bigger next year.
(http://i886.photobucket.com/albums/ac67/peastes/CinnamonBoarDean3site_zpsce02f8b5.jpg) (http://s886.photobucket.com/user/peastes/media/CinnamonBoarDean3site_zpsce02f8b5.jpg.html)
Typical country where we hunted.
(http://i886.photobucket.com/albums/ac67/peastes/IMG_2006_zps87f69484.jpg) (http://s886.photobucket.com/user/peastes/media/IMG_2006_zps87f69484.jpg.html)
Northern Idaho rain forest.
(http://i886.photobucket.com/albums/ac67/peastes/IMG_0085_zpsc210540e.jpg) (http://s886.photobucket.com/user/peastes/media/IMG_0085_zpsc210540e.jpg.html)
Typical ground blind..nothin' fancy, but the bears didn't care.
(http://i886.photobucket.com/albums/ac67/peastes/IMG_0084_zps9e982947.jpg) (http://s886.photobucket.com/user/peastes/media/IMG_0084_zps9e982947.jpg.html)
Nice pics guys!!
Awesome first bear Heath. Congrats! :thumbsup:
TTT