Trad Gang

Started packing for my 18 hour solo drive to Bear Quest 7 in four days. Two Thermacells, a pair of Shrew's, 150 grain Magnus Stinger tipped 5575 Goldtips, raingear, headnet and an orange vest. I'm ready. More to follow for sure!

  :thumbsup:    :thumbsup:    :thumbsup:

Sounds like your are ready.
Keep us posted Buddy.
Call Your Own Game
George

Sounds lethal

Have a safe trip and good luck

  :thumbsup:

Good luck Mike!!! I'm going to keep myself busy so I don't think about all the fun im missing out on!!!     :(     Ill be watching this thread in the weeks to come.  good luck everyone and DRIVE SAFE!!

Hey, Yellowdog, make sure y'all leave a few bears for those of us going in week two!

Good luck to you guys and we'll be coming as y'all are going!

Bisch

Yellow Dog, you are always in control.  I know you will have an excellent trip.  Take care of everyone up there.
Shick

I'm about packed too. I know I'll be useless at work all week! Looking forward to it!

Putting the finishing touches on getting ready myself.Getting down to the wire. Look forward to meeting everyone.

Good Luck Mike, be careful on that drive. Save me a good one!

LD

I'm just about fully packed.  Got some 1 1/4" VPA 3 blades shaving sharp and ready to roll!

Mike, Best of luck to you and all the week 1 folks!  You guys have a safe trip.  We'll see you on the 15th.

Jay

Does anyone need a camera arm to film their hunt? I have an extra I could bring.

I've got three days of travel for work, then up at 3:00 am to get to the airport on Friday.  Have no idea how everything will get done, but it will.  I'm really needing some treestand time...    :archer2:

Best of good times to all of you. Jay,Edward and I will be heading your way pretty soon. Hard to believe the time has almost come for us to go and we are looking forward to this one

Safe travels and good hunting Mike
Don't forget your pepto for bowdocs cooking   :eek:

You don't need pepto for bowdocs cooking.  Just a diet plan after the trip.  Last year I gained weight after his cooking.  

Keith

Travel safe and the best of luck!!    :archer2:

Good Evening gents,Just taking a break from unwrapping BEAR chow !!! Got back from 2nd bait trip Sunday night 11:30 pm along with Mad-DOG Wapiti Mike O'Connell.Picking up Bowdiddly tommorow evening and will have him working the minute he gets to my house :-)
 Safe flights for all you Bear Questers that are flying.

Yup, the Camp Chef, can't help but love him   :biglaugh:    :biglaugh:    :biglaugh:    

(http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e173/Yellowdog3822/P6220579.jpg)

Kudu Kid and Bowdoc having a little conversation about the nights menu.

(http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e173/Yellowdog3822/P6140883.jpg)

Good luck Mike !!!


Bill

Good Luck, Have a safe trip!!!

Good Luck Mike!

Good luck guys! Can't wait to read the stories!!

Good luck, can't wait to hear the story's, real and made up..

Thanks guy's. This will be my fourth year in a row on this hunt and it's the highlight of my hunting year. What a great time with people that enjoy the same things. The most fun you'll ever have with a bow in you're hand.  Can't wait to get up there and see old friends and make new ones. The harvest of a bear is just a bonus to what it's all about.

  :thumbsup:    :thumbsup:    :thumbsup:

QuoteOriginally posted by Yellow Dog:
Yup, the Camp Chef, can't help but love him    :biglaugh:      :biglaugh:      :biglaugh:      

 (http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e173/Yellowdog3822/P6220579.jpg)

Just curious, where did BowDoc get all that hair? Did he kill a platimun blonde bear and steal a little?

I'm feeling a little low today. I should be packing my stuff in a truck to head to Toms place for the drive up to bear camp, but because im a clutz, I'm sitting this one out.  Travel safe guys, shoot straight.  I wish you all the best of luck!

Good luck guys and have a great time! I'm looking forward to the stories.

Week one hunters should be heading that way and getting ready to kick it off tomorrow! Good luck fella's, getcha some!

Week two folks, we're in the on deck circle, see ya'll in a week or so!

Dang, this waiting sucks!

LD

I've also been thinking a lot about missing the hunt. I again had to back out for the same reason as last year. I'll be watching the thread for updates and stories. Safe hunting and travels to all. UB

Can't  wait to here all the stories good luck to all, Mad Dog take it easy on Bow Doc

Good luck fellas. I'm gonna be keeping an eye on this thread!

I'll be watching this thread with great interest. I plan to go on BQ-8 as a birthday gift to myself, so this will be my research.    :)

Can't wait to "read all about it"

  :bigsmyl:

Good luck have a safe and GREAT HUNT I hope there's some big ones on the ground!!

Best of luck to Mike and  all they rest of you lucky buggers ! Sean you will be ready for next year and hopefully you to Barry . I am undecided about next year as the nickles aren't coming in as they once were . If anyone ever thought about a bear hunt  this is it !

Hey Fred, I'll be all set for next year fore sure!!!  I wanted to break in my new bow on this one.

I hate having to wait until they come home!

  :campfire:    :campfire:

Good deal Sean , get on the mend for now and lets see what happens for next year !

Howdy fellow Trad Gangers!!! Sitting in the La Tuque McDonalds so I could get a WiFi connection, had to run into town to get a new tire, these rocky roads are tough on sidewalls. Not the place to be without a spare, especially when you have to make the drive into the Resurrection everyday, more to follow but just not yet.

  :goldtooth:    :goldtooth:    :goldtooth:

MIKE!!!!!!  you're killing me!!

Guys sounds like the normal fun going on.  Sure do miss being there..but I made my bed, now got to lay in it.  Off to chase some more Redfish with my other One String weapon  :)

Good luck Mike!  You guy be safe, bears at mere feet instead of yards and tree stand heights of 6-8'  yoo hoo!

Mike, good to hear something out of LaTuque.  Thought maybe you were on a fuel run.  Keep us posted.
Shick

I'm all packed and will be headed to the airport at 3am in the morning. I am getting pumped and ready to fling an arrow at a bear!

I hope all you first week guys are doing well.

Bisch

Good Luck Bisch, and have a safe trip.

I am headed to the airport,3hrs, to hookup with Bisch and meet Caddo in Albany,looking forward to this trip for sure. Hope to see some cool weather.

See you cowboys at the airport . You might need waders just to get in the truck but the rain looks like its gonna pass quickly and be dryer for the next week.

Good luck and have a safe trip.  If you see Ishawannabe at the airport tease him a bit.

This trip is on my list...

You kids have fun.

  :archer2:

The Texans have landed. They are now well fed and in good spirits, Ive managed to keep them out of trouble. But they keep hollering about some sports team that no ones ever heard of. The Spurs???? Whatever.

Spurs????  Must be a group of  rodeo clowns.   :laughing:

Hey, you guys watch out! I had to quit on that game early as I could see how it was going to end. Old goat and I met up with Izzy, Blk Dog, Caddo, and see and his grandson for dinner at a nice place The home boy (Izzy) picked out. We will be headed to bear camp today!

Catch up when I can

Bisch

Oops! Double post!

Bisch

I'm having fat finger issues with this phone this morning! Sorry for the double posts.

Bisch

QuoteOriginally posted by Bisch:
Here is a pic of all of us at dinner last night. I have not even seen any woods or critters yet and am already having a blast!

 (http://i579.photobucket.com/albums/ss239/archeryrules/null_zps0c60dfdf.jpg)

Bisch

Man, I am excited for all you boys. Enjoy the ride up. There is some beautiful country here in the northeast for you to gander at. With the sun finally out life is good. Kill some bigguns.

Good Luck guys, I wish I was meeting you at the registration site!! Izzy, give it a good long thought for BQ 8!

You know Shawn,,, I think Ive killed my last bear but if I were to want another La Tuque would be the place.

Bear Quest 7 is just a memory for me now, rolled back into Michigan at midnight last night. What a great time with a great bunch of Trad Gangers. Amazing thing is I was just out unpacking the truck and I was still getting bitten by stowaway La Tuque mosquitoes! I'll try not to drag this one out too long, much to tell by many.

  :archer2:

I've been waiting for this Mike, its been a long week for me!!!!!!

Me too. I'm anxious to hear what Ol' Yeller saw on the resurrection stand I sat for so many years. UB

I know Fred Gimble saw a good one there last year, and he remained unscaved after week 2.  I can't wait to hear.

:campfire:   Mike????   :campfire:    Glad you had a safe trip..long drive for you.  

I'll never forget my last years Father's day..

God Bless,   Pierre

Good luck and good hunting! Hope you shoot a biggun'    :bigsmyl:

Saturday morning finds us in La Tuque at Motel 9 for the meeting of the hunters that drove in separately to La Tuque and those that drove or flew in from across the country and rode up in the overnight caravan from Massachusetts with Tom. Time to see old friends and meet new ones. After a hearty breakfast complete with pork and beans on the side, must be a French Canadian thing, we were on our way for the final 45 mile drive north on the gravel wilderness trail to camp.

:campfire:    :coffee:

Once in camp the unpacking and stowing of gear begins. My bunk mates were Kevin Symes from Kansas, Greg Krause from New York and Kent Roberts from Arkansas. I might add Kent is a very talented Bowyer and had a few examples of his work from TimberGhost Archery in camp, beautifully crafted bows.

   :thumbsup:      :thumbsup:      :thumbsup:

Once everyone was settled in we gathered together to go over the do's and don'ts for camp with Tom and drew for stands. I was the last to draw and drew the "Bird" stand. Tom told me the Bird was set up for a lefty but we could move it for a righty if I wanted to hunt it. Greg Kirkland, who's a lefty, said "I'll trade you". Greg had drawn the "Cardiac". I'm here to tell you it's called Cardiac for a reason and if I remember right Tippit named it. I baited it once a couple of years ago and vowed I would avoid that climb again unless it was to help someone roll a bear down the side of the mountain. Since I was the last to draw there wasn't a problem with me drawing again. So I gave the Bird to Greg and had to choose one more time from the six remaining stands, three on water and three on land. I drew "Resurrection".  

  :scared:    :scared:    :scared:

Resurrection. There's something about that stand that has some mystery about it. Not that any stand is better than the other, good bears have come from all at one time or the other. In the seven years of Bear Quest, week one and week two, I think the largest bear has never came from the same stand. Like a moth to a flame, Resurrection.

     :dunno:          :dunno:          :dunno:

Uncle Barry has spent untold hours there. I think he posted he'd seen one of the largest Black Bears he's ever seen there. Fred Gimble spent every minute of every hour of light there last year because he'd seen "the bear". The Resurrection.

I tried to find an old picture of Uncle Barry & I baiting Cardiac.  I think we each had a Quart Ziplock bag a Donuts   :biglaugh:

I made the 14 mile drive from camp to Resurrection for the first nights hunt. Visions of being covered in multiple bears raced through my head. Armed with a bag of treats, a bottle of bear spray and my 58" Super Shrew with a Great Northern Quiver stuffed with 150 gr Stinger tipped 5575 Gold Tip Trads, I quietly slipped into the baitsite to ready for the nights hunt. Upon arrival it was cleaned out, not a morsel left. A good omen, hungry bears with me sitting eight foot over them awaiting their return. I rebaited the site, mounted a little Covert CA4 camera, and settled in for the first nights hunt.

The Resurrection.

(http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e173/Yellowdog3822/image-1_zpsed362796.jpg)

Well to make a long story short after about an hour on stand I was awakened by the dull thud of my bow hitting the ground as it tumbled from my lap. A victim of 36 hours with no sleep on the first night again     :archer2:

My daily routine was to head out in the morning and stop at the "Deli" to bait it and finish up at the Resurrection to bait and pull my camera card to see what visitors we had. On Sunday morning the bait appeared untouched but when I pulled my card from the trailcam it showed a jumbo bear had cruised thru at 7:00pm the previous night after I'd left. No doubt he was checking the area for girlfriends and had no interest in stopping for something to eat. He had other things on his mind and food wasn't one of them. I'd post that pic but I erased the entire card by mistake trying to clean it up with the hundreds of pictures of rabbits and ravens on it.

  :dunno:    :dunno:    :dunno:

Getting good Mike!!!!

Sean, missed you big time!!!!!

Thaks, I was thinking of you guys every day around 4:00!!  How'd Bill Terry make out??

Hard to believe but I wound up sitting at the Resurrection for four days and never saw a bear, with nothing on the trailcam while I wasn't there. Just got a few pictures of this little guy on Wednesday morning. Time for a move.


  (http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e173/Yellowdog3822/image-1_zpsdd624442.jpg)

Wednesday night finds me in the "Longtrail". No bears seen from stand during the evening hunt but it looks promising. Hung a camera and got out. Time is running out but I'm looking forward to Thursday.  

    :thumbsup:        :thumbsup:        :thumbsup:

Thursday evening finds me back at the Longtrail. This time I'm toting my 56" Shrew Lil Favorite recurve, 51@30.


  (http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e173/Yellowdog3822/image-1_zpsf7cb9560.jpg)

:clapper:  

Keeper coming mike ill get a cool one ready I'm getting a FEELING

The stand at the Longtrail is set up to shoot sitting down. It's the price you pay for ultimate concealment. At 8:00pm I'm standing to stretch my legs a little and out of the corner of my eye I see a black blob shuffling down the side of the steep ridge to my left. I immediately grab my bow hanging from the hook in front of me and slowly fold down the seat on the stand. CREAK! At 60 yards the bear stops and stands motionless for several minutes, turns and heads back up in the direction he'd came from. Busted!!!!! As I sit quietly, a few minutes later I see what I think is the same bear coming back down from the ridge again. When I baited the stand prior to climbing up, I put about a half dozen satellite piles on the ground around the bait site in spots I knew I could comfortably launch an arrow to. The bear cautiously approached the furthest little pile on the trail and grabbed a bite full and turned to go back in the direction he'd just came from. I picked a spot through the trees that gave me about a foot wide gap to put an arrow through and when the bear stepped in my window at twelve yards the arrow was on its way. THUMP. Because of where the bear was I couldn't tell exactly where I'd hit it and I was afraid it might be back further than I would like. Shooting through my chosen little window all that was visible was the bears nose on one end of the clump of trees and part of its rump on the other end, timing my release when the bears chest passed through the one foot wide gap. The time was 8:08pm. After ten minutes I quietly climbed down from my perch and retrieved my arrow which was buried six inches into the ground. It was covered in dark blood. Liver?????? I quietly slipped out and headed back to camp.

:bigsmyl:

Oh yea, things are getting interested

Thursday was a sleepless night.

  :dunno:    :dunno:    :dunno:

Friday morning finds myself, Greg Krause, Ed Guthro and Zach Crossland on the trail. After 50 yards up the ridge Zach finds good blood and it goes quickly after that. My 2013 Bear Quest 7 bear.

  (http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e173/Yellowdog3822/image-1_zps9c614658.jpg)

  (http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e173/Yellowdog3822/image-1_zpsdccc9c14.jpg)

(http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e173/Yellowdog3822/image-1_zpseee86412.jpg)

Very Cool Stuff!!!

Keith

Congrats.

That's Zach doing the toting. A Fireman carry by a real Fireman   :thumbsup:    :thumbsup:    :thumbsup:

Awesome Mike, Congratulations bud!!!  I'm waiting on Greg's story!!

More good stuff to follow. I'll wait for the rest of the guys to tell their tales before I go into it. The week two guys are going to hit the bear rut perfectly. Big bears to fall for sure.

   :thumbsup:      :thumbsup:      :thumbsup:

Just got back home from my first Bear Quest and first bear hunt this morning. Didn't come home with a bear this time but enjoyed every minute of it and learned a lot about bear hunting. Met a bunch of great guys and made some new friends. Meeting Bowdoc was an experience in itself! I saw 7 bears during the hunt, a couple good ones but didn't get a shot. I'd highly recommend this hunt to anybody and hope to do it again. Tom, Zach, Bowdoc and Mike did a great job getting everything set up. Thanks guys!  :thumbsup:    :thumbsup:

:clapper:    :clapper:  


I knew it way to go congrats

Nice job.  I have been missing bear quest.  Time to go back up.

(http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e173/Yellowdog3822/image-1_zpsbe22c0b4.jpg)


(http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e173/Yellowdog3822/image-1_zps42a40a5a.jpg)

I always like hearing the equipment rundown.  I know the Shrew did its job, but what arrows and heads did the bear in Yellowdog?

Good job Mike and thanks for sharing

Congrats Mike!  Looks like a fine bear with a thick coat.  Good thing Bowdoc wasn't sitting there...to much hair  :)

Great Bear Mike! Congrats!!!

You had a good tracker with you. If Greg couldn't fond it, it wasn't dead yet.

Mike, as always you 'done good pilgrim'.  Congratulations, job well done.  You are becoming, "Bear Quest".  Once again, good job.
Shick

Nice bear, congrats.

Nothin' to it for you Mike    :thumbsup:     Nice job!

Congratulations, Mike!

Congratulations, Mike! I can picture both stands in my head. Fun times for sure.

Only 36 hours without sleep, ha you got off easy!   :biglaugh:

Mike,
Nice work on the bear!
I can't believe resurrection was a dude but its a fickle deal. I miss all the smells of Canada...except the meat buckets of death!
looking forward to more stories.
CK

Chris, yup that's hunting. There were trailcam pics of multiple bears there during shooting hours the week preceding my time on stand. They're there, just not when I was. Who ever is hunting the Deli this week is in for a big surprise. We hung a camera there on Monday and on Wednesday a GIANT started showing up. Huge bear in close quarters.

    :scared:        :scared:        :scared:

The cool thing about bear quest is you never know which stand is going to be the best.  Luck of the draw is just that.
CK.

Well, it was my first trip to Bear Quest and it will not be my last. It was an amazing trip.

The first night I drew "The Deli" stand. Mike brought me out to the bait and walked me in on a his way to "resurrection". The bait had not been touched but I climbed in as he walked off and we wished each other luck. I was so tired, as I had been up since 9am the previous day. It made for a sit where I could barely keep my eyes open.

At camp that night Tom said I might want to try "Cardiac" the next afternoon, because it was available and had been hit. I climbed in to the stand around 3:30. At 7:15 I hear some crashing and saw a flash of black running behind me. And I mean running, like a damn horse. I head some more crashing and caught some more black. My first thoughts were, this bear is like something from the Matrix because it seems to be in 2 places at once. The second thought was, I hope I didn't spook it. All was quiet then until just before 9:00. I heard more branches being broken and all kinds of bear vocalizations. I realized that I had 2 bears behind me standing off with each other. One of them was shaking the spruce tree we had leaned against my stand to give me cover.  I was perched just 7 feet directly above this pissed off bear. It was great.

one of them started to come into the bait and I was standing at 3/4 draw waiting for him to turn broadside. Just as he started to turn at 7 yards, the other rushed in and pushed him off. This one was bigger and offering me a steep quartering away shot almost straight down at 5 yards. I picked a spot just to the left of his spine, hoping to come down and catch at least 1 lung and the heart. If I was off I would hit the spine. He turned a little as I released, but I hit right where I was aiming. To my shock and horror, the arrow got very little penetration. He ran off pulling line from my string tracker. The line stopped and then a few more feet pulled out with a crash of branches and growling. I was hoping the broad head had done more damage than I thought.

I waited a little while and climbed down. As I got the the ground and headed for the trail out to the road, the other boar came crashing in and stopped just a few yards short of me. He was huffing and popping his jaws. It was intense.

I was not happy about the shot, but everyone at camp tried to stay optimistic. In the morning Zack, Ed, Kent and myself headed out on the trail. we followed the string tracker for about 100 yards through heavy brush before the bear had run circles around a few trees and broke the line. we managed to follow pin pricks of blood every few yards for over 500 yards, no good blood and no sign of the bear bedding, before we lost all blood and had to call it quits. I was upset but we did an amazing job.

Later that day I helped butcher another bear and while taking the backstraps out, realized the vertebrae are different from deer. They have much heavier bone sticking out on either side of the spinal column. That must have been what I hit. It took some of the guilt away, knowing that the bear was probably not dead out there somewhere.

Over the next few days I got some pictures of bears in the mornings and tried a few morning sits with no luck. I sat every other morning and the bear came in on opposite mornings. I should have hunted all of them but I was beat!

One afternoon I heard crashing and saw a HUGE black thing coming down the hill towards me. I about had a heart attack, until I realized it was a yearling bull moose and his mother! What a cool sight!

Since I wasn't having bears come in during shooting hours, on Thursday I switched to "Blowdown", a water bait.  Around 7:00, I saw a good size bear appear before me at 35yards. I got excited until I saw 2 tiny cubs with her. At that point I pulled out my camera phone, but she turned and left with her cubs in tow. 30 minutes later, they came back to the same spot and the cubs started in. She called them back and they all circled the bait at 50 yards. She was huffing and popping the whole time. When they made almost a complete circle the cubs shot up a tree and she started to come in. She was still huffing and popping as she would get closer and then walk away. She did this over and over, getting closer each time. She finally committed to come in and would get some food and back off to 15 yards to eat it. At times she was right under my stand. I took some pictures and video and even drew a few times to see what i could get away with.

Just before dark, she walked away a little bit and called her cubs from the tree. Not wanting to get caught next to her and her cubs in the dark, I quickly climbed down. As I hit the ground she noticed me and came down the hill like a freight train. She was really making noise now and hit the brakes and less than 20 yards.  I slowly backed away toward the water with an arrow nocked. She kindly "escorted" me all the way to the lake and then stayed about 20 yards in the woods, pacing back and forth until the boat came to get me.

I sat cardiac in the morning again on friday and long trail in the afternoon but didn't see another bear.

I was disappointed at myself for the shot I made on the bear, but the week was still amazing. I met some really great guys and had a blast. I will be back again with a score to settle for sure!

A picture of my 56" Shrew leaned against my stand at Cardiac. These stands are low!

 (http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g167/skipmaster1/IMG_0547-1_zps5485ffda.jpg) (http://s56.photobucket.com/user/skipmaster1/media/IMG_0547-1_zps5485ffda.jpg.html)

The cubs from Thursday night

 (http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g167/skipmaster1/IMG_0561_zps36f72122.jpg) (http://s56.photobucket.com/user/skipmaster1/media/IMG_0561_zps36f72122.jpg.html)

Mamma at the Barrel

 (http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g167/skipmaster1/IMG_0586-1_zpsed84c1c2.jpg) (http://s56.photobucket.com/user/skipmaster1/media/IMG_0586-1_zpsed84c1c2.jpg.html)

Me and Mamma

 (http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g167/skipmaster1/IMG_0593-2_zps13f27445.jpg) (http://s56.photobucket.com/user/skipmaster1/media/IMG_0593-2_zps13f27445.jpg.html)

Awesome story Greg, and great shots of the bears. I had a great time being in camp with you and the rest of the gang as well. I will try to get my story on here sometime today.

Cool story so far Greg!!  Which ones the bear??!!

Greg,
I guess Cardiac now has several more meanings to the name!  Great story...tippit

Nice bear Mike.  

Like the story thus far gregg

Ok, I guess it is my turn to tell a tale. My bow for the trip would be a Monarch Longbow that Monty built for me about 25 years ago. Sixty two pounds at twenty seven inches.   Although I had hunted with it numerous times over the years, I had never taken a critter with this particular  bow, and decided Bear Quest would be a perfect place to break it in.  My arrows were GT 5575's tipped with Simmons interceptors and 100 grain inserts.  I had hunted bears with stick bows as a kid in Montana but never actually got close enough to shoot at one. I did kill one in Montana in 1985, but that was with a rifle, and we all know that doesn't count, LOL.

My trip started at 0600 Friday morning leaving the house for the airport.  The flight, for the most part, was uneventful, and I arrived in Albany a little after 1400.  When I made my way to the baggage claim area, I observed a man with a bow tube, so I asked if he was there for bear quest.  It turned out to be Kent Roberts, who I can say is one of the nicest, most mild-mannered people I have ever had the privledge to meet.  A short time later, Brian Landrum and Kevin Symes arrived, along with our ride, Greg Krause.  Brian's luggage had not arrived- including his bow, so we waited a couple hours at the airport for it to show up.   Thank goodness it finally did.  Several of us had extra bows, so he was not going to be without, but I know he wanted his own rig just like I would.  Then it was off to Tom's house with Greg at the helm.

After getting to Tom's place, some final loading was done, everyone figured out where they were riding, and the all night drive began. Greg drove the entire distance, with several offers to take the wheel, but he turned them down.  I managed to make myself stay awake to keep him company, but it was not easy, LOL.  Once we arrived in camp, we all unloaded and found our bunks.  Then it was time to draw for stands.  I drew the roller coaster, and before we went out to hunt I was informed by Zach that I had drawn a very good stand.  It had been getting hit hard.

Saturday evening was the first time on stand.  Zach got me to the stand at about 1530.  He showed me how to check the bait and what to look for.  The barrel had been moved 15-20 yards down the hill from where it was supposed to be.  Zach got everything rebaited, sprayed some scent around, and left me in the woods alone with the bears, LOL.

At this point, I had been awake for about 35 hours or so.  The first four hours on the stand were slow, and I was afraid I was going to fall out of the stand as I was doing a good bit of nodding.  The squirrels and snowshoe rabbits were putting on a show trying to help me out, but I was still doing some head jerking.  Then at 1930, I saw a black ghost coming down the side of the hill in absolute silence.  The bear was cautious and held up several times before coming in. When he did come in, he did so from the wrong direction, giving me a bad quartering to me angle.  The bear would take some bait, then go back out of range and lay down to eat it before returning.  Each time the bear returned, he was shifting more and more in the direction that I needed him to.  On the third trip in, the bear was broadside at five yards with his head stuck in the barrel.  Of course I was doing my best not to shake myself right out of the stand during all of this, LOL.  I began to draw my bow and as soon as i reached full draw, the bear bolted right over the top of the barrel.  I swung with the bear and he stopped at about ten yards, I was still on him, or at least thought I was, so I released.  The arrow caught the bear low in the front shoulder, apparently hitting dead center of the bone.  The arrow only penetrated a few inches.  The bear ran off and the arrow fell out about five yards from where I shot him.

The bear did not go far, then stood around just out of sight behind a blowdown making all kinds of racket, obviously very ticked off.  A few minutes later, I saw him walk off into a thicket.  I was so mad at myself for taking the shot.  Knowing now what I didn't know then, I think he would have come right back in since he stopped.  The only bright side was that I was sure the bear was not badly hurt.  Zach came and picked me up at about 2130.  I shared the story with him.

The next morning we returned to look for the bear.  Zach, who is an excellent tracker, managed to find some blood and we were able to follow it a short way into the thicket, but it was obvious that the bear had nothing more than a cut, and I was glad for that.  Two nights later, I would see what I am pretty sure was the same bear, but I had educated it far to well to come into the bait before dark.  Also when I shot that bear, I thought he was an absolute monster, but as the days went by and I saw bears killed by others in camp, I think he was probably about 150 pounds or so.

Sunday, no bears showed up on the roller coaster.  Most of the day had been spent listening to Bowdoc and Mike O'connell. With those two in the camp, there was never a dull moment.  There was a lot of experience in camp- both with bears and bow hunting in general.  I picked the minds of all of them.  Bill Terry was a wealth of knowledge.  He reminded me of the beer guy, you know, the most interesting man in the world guy.  And he really was, LOL.

Tuesday morning I hunted a few hours and saw one very small bear that came in, but I passed on him.  That evening I saw several bears, but none of them offered a shot, including what I am pretty sure was the same bear I shot Saturday.  The bears really put on a show that evening blowing, huffing, just making all kinds of racket.  It was very intense.  Pretty scary just trying to get out of the stand when it was time to go.

Wednesday morning, Greg and I decided to go hunting.  We left out early. I dropped Greg off at the cardiac trail, and was in the stand at the roller coaster at 0430.  I stayed until 0700, then decided I had to get a nap.  I came down and went to the truck where I took a little nap. When I woke up I went and picked Greg up.  My trail camera showed that 16 minutes after I came down out of the stand to take a nap, a very nice bear showed up and stayed for about an hour, LOL.  Just my luck.

With only two days left after Wednesday's evening hunt, the clock was starting to tick, as Maddog Mike kept reminding us.  I found myself in the stand at about 1600.  At 1800 I saw him coming.  The bear was very cautious and stayed well away for a long time.  Then the bear made numerous trips around the bait before ever stepping into the clearing.  Finally the bear was within range and in the open.  He was not at the bait but was broadside and turned to look away from me like he was looking for something back up on the hill. I took this time to draw.  At about three quarters draw, the bear looked back at me and started to bolt.  I came to full draw and let the arrow go. Once again I was not happy with the hit, but when I got to the ground there was good blood all over.  I went and picked up Zach, and told him the story.  The following morning would find Zach, Greg, Mike Buska, and Myself back at the roller coaster.  Zach and Greg were on the blood like a couple of blood hounds and the bear did not go to far into the thicket before it died.  Mike actually spotted the bear before we got to it with the blood.  To say I was happy and relieved is an understatement.  My bear was the smallest of the trip and I could not be happier with it.

I can say that Bear Quest was hands down the best time I have ever had with a bow in my hand.  I hope to be back every year for as long as I can.  Thanks to all of the guys in camp, and to Tom, Zach, Bowdoc and Mike. You guys did an awesome job.

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Ed, thanks for the great description of your hunt.  You truly are among a super bunch of guys that surely can be counted on.  Kudos to the Bear Quest bunch.  Like your choice of bows.
Shick

Great storys and congrats to all...keep the stories rolling!

Nice bear Ed, congratulations!!

Thanks Sean, sorry you could not make it this year. Hope you are healing up well.

Great story and photos looks like a great bear to me

  :clapper:    :clapper:    :clapper:

Ed, beautiful bear. It was an honor to be on the trail and in camp with you.

   :clapper:      :clapper:      :clapper:

There were two Mike's in camp for week one. Myself and "Wapiti" Maddog Mike O'Connell. Mike did the the bait trip with Tom the week prior to the hunt and set alot of the stands we hunted out of. Mike surely knows what he's doing with a bow in his hand and is the perfect sparing partner for Bowdoc. Mike is a Bear Quest veteran and if you've spent time in camp with him you know there's never a dull moment for sure. I hope Mike weighs in with his tale of his week hunting and filming at the Beaverpond. It's a dandy of a story.

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The bear assembly line, or I should say the disassembly line. All hands on deck, everybody pitched it.

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Great stories and very nice bears ! Congrats Ed on a good looking bear ! And congrats to you Mike I enjoyed sharing a camp with you . Who sat the grouper stand this year ? I can't wait to hear Maddog's story . Between him and Bowdoc I don't know whose got the upper hand !

Fred, the Grouper was given a rest this year and went unbaited. I killed my first Bear Quest bear there and I know you took a dandy there yourself a few years back.

The butchering don't look right with out Tippit doing his necropsy on table 1!!

A few pics on the trail for Ed's bear.

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Downtime at Bear Quest. I think Bowdoc might be putting something in the chow   :biglaugh:  

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Sean,
I just got my SC Veterinary License...so next I'll do Redneck Necropsies  :)  

Ed,
Nice bear.  Glad you got to see a bunch of Black Ghosts!

Rugged beautiful country.

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My hand after changing a tire with a four inch tear in the sidewall after a logging truck ran me off the road heading to the Relay Station to get some gas. No bug dope or Theracell to protect me during that adventure. Trying to find a tire 900 miles from home when nobody can speak English and I can't speak French was even more fun! But that's another story!

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QuoteOriginally posted by Skipmaster1:
  I was perched just 7 feet directly above this pissed off bear. It was great.

Best Quote Greg!!!

I was there when you called Jamie. My heart sank when I heard the news.  better luck next time and sounds like you had a great trip!!!   :thumbsup:    :thumbsup:

This is always a highlight thread of the summer!  Great stories, and nice looking bears.  Keep it coming - I'm loving it all!

Congrats Ed on a nice Bear!!!

Mike O'Connell tried to get me to go sit the Beaver Pond Friday morning as time was running out but being the hard head I am I went back to the Bird. His trail cam showed later that morning that he was right with a nice bear at the barrell about 9am. You can bet next time I'll take Mike's advice. I think he saw more bears than anyone did all week. I think his Dachsunds were givin him pointers. May bring a couple with me next time.

Just a little more about what Bear Quest is really about. On my first Bear Quest, Bear Quest 4, I had the opportunity to share camp with Denny Scicchitano from Pennsylvania. In all my years of bowhunting I've never met a finer fellow. Spending time with Denny and the rest of the hunters in camp made my trip and I vowed I would return as often as I could for future Bear Quests. Denny goes by "Shick" here on Trad Gang. Denny has a true appreciation for traditional archery and its history. Shortly before the hunt Tom Phillips received a small package in the mail from Denny. It contained a small bottle of water, complete with a wax seal, that Denny and his wife Marg had collected in 1994 from Michigans Au Sable river during a trip to the original home of Bear Archery in Grayling Michigan. The Au Sable river was a special place to Fred Bear and he fished its upper flys only water near Grayling often. This very place was the birthplace of Trout Unlimited in the late 1950's. It's affectionately referred to as the "Holy Water" by hardcore fly fisherman. We took that little bottle of "Fred's favorite water" and Bowdoc did the honors of splashing a little on our bows for a little luck from Fred. The pictures tell the story.

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Congrats on a great trip guys. It is killing me seeing pics of people and  places I have seen in the flesh. Next year if God willing.Kip  :wavey:    :thumbsup:    :campfire:

WOW, Mike; I've never felt so humbled.  I appreciate the kind words and you know I feel the same way about you.  My wife Marg and I went to the PBS banquet in Traverse City, Mi, in '94 and you know I had to stop in Grayling.  She still thinks I was nuts for wanting some of the 'holy water'.  Been sitting on it forever.  I thought in the hands of 'BowDoc', this magical liquid would be some good mojo.  The pictures of "The Annointing of the Bows" should be all time classics.  We thank you for your detailed reports and photos.  Perhaps the next "Quest" we will share camp together.  Stay Safe.
Shick

Great shots Mike! The one of you hand tells the bug story better than I can find words for. I am going to have to show that one around,LOL.

On the holy water note, it worked for sure. Bows were blessed shortly before I shot my bear.

Come on guys!!!  There's gotta be more. You can work later!!!

Great stories so far!!

Congrats, guys, on some fine kills.

I'm sure there are more tales to tell!

Thanks for sharing the stories, keep'm coming.

Great going !  Keep the stories rolling.
Glenn

Can't wait to hear the tales from this past week.  Really hoping Edward and Dwight (see) had good luck.  Met them at the big trad. shoot here and really hope all Edwards hard work paid off.

These forums are a great opportunity for both entertainment and educational values. The timing is right this morning so please bear with me (no pun intended). Last year I was unable to make BQ because of health issues. This year the same thing. This spring was slightly easier for me as I saw it coming and had time to prepare for my disappointment. At any rate, hunting in LaTouque with Tom Phillips and his crew is an honor a lot of people take advantage of, yet a lot of people let the opportunity slip away. This annual
thread is anxiously looked forward to not only for the entertainment but nostalgic values. I found it really interesting the Resurrection stand seemed in a slump. In fact I find it really hard to believe something not so obvious was different or wrong. A handful of previous guys who have hunted the stand can relate well to what I'm about to say but hopefully the rest will maybe consider some insight for future reference. About two thirds of the way into the present stand from the road you'll pass where the original Resurrection stand was. In fact, it's movement, I understand resulted in the stand name. It was a very wise move. Although Tom has some outstanding stand locations, in my opinion I think the Resurrection is one of the best. And I'll tell you why. Bears will use all three senses when approaching a bait. The exact location, winds and time of the year will dictate their approach. Before the vegetation gets too thick they rely on their eyes when approaching the stand. I it tends to be windy and everything is moving they'll rely on their noses and if it's quiet but they can't see they'll rely on their ears. Their approach is extremely important to them not only because of possible human confrontations at the bait but serious confrontations with other bears and the pecking order. Be right back. BW

I'm a little embarrassed to say I can't remember the exact compass reading at the Resurrection. If I recall correctly you enter basically from the east and the barrel sits straight west of the stand placement. Let's use those points as a reference for examples sake. The stand is placed in one of three trees just east of the barrel. The tree I prefer is the center one because it sets just a couple feet back and hides you better. When the stand is in the one on your left many bears that approach from behind you to the left will bust you because of the more obvious profile. The center tree eliminates that problem. The "secret" to the baits success is the location. Unless you walk around it's not so obvious. Tom's already done that for you so just trust him. The stand sits just east of a slight ridge line that runs north/south. That little ridge sits between the swampy area you cross when walking in and a series of grown over clear-cuts to the west. It's a perfect travel pattern for bears cruising. Especially for boars cruising for sows. I'm also convinced you'll see some of the same bears at the Deli Stand that you see at the Resurrection. It's in the pattern. The gradual slope behind, west of the Resurrection is an opportunity for bears to approach above the barrel and actually be able to see other activity around the bait. This is especially true the first week and/or years when the vegetation hasn't filled in so much yet. After the understory gets thick they will tend to approach more from the east and use their noses over their eyes. If there's little wind they'll purposely break branches on their approach in order to warn other bears they are coming. This is all done to minimize potential deadly confrontations. I like to put out two satellite piles of bait in addition to the barrel. When I approach the stand I put about a third of my bait right in the barrel which is directly west of the treestand. I also put about 1/3 in a little pile about 10-12 yds. to the SW and  anoher thirdNW of the treestand  (if the barrel is at 12 o'clock the satillite piles are at 10 and 2). These are important. If you have a big boar traveling with a hot sow and all your bait is in the barrel he will often lay off to the side 25 yds. and watch her eat. Then when she leaves he will leave and never offer you the shot. If you have a secondary satillite pile just off to the side the 10 or 12 yard buffer will allow him to let her eat at the barrel and at the same time not compeat with her at the same barrel. It's all just common sense. So when the foliage is thinner they'll approach either from the west, NW, SW or south (from that dark timber where the canopy prevents thicker understory and better vision). Then when the vegetation thickens they'll tend to approach from the east, NE or SE using their noses or from the south using their eyes becuse of the minimal understory there. I've hunted bears all over the U.S. and Canada for many years. The biggest black I've ever seen was at the Resurrection stand. Years will vary but adapt and give it time because it's a great stand and a great hunt. Thanks Tom! Have fun and hunt safe. UB

Am always amazed at how BW has the ability to pick apart the geography, and pay attention to every detail for optimum opportunities.

Hey UB, It was tough for me to miss this one as well, especially because it was due to an avoidable accident.  Last year was a great time, and I was able to connect on my first bear in 6 try's! For me the hunt was almost secondary.  the guys in camp were great! Anyone who is on the fence about doing it.....just jump, you wont regret it!!

Second week guys should be posting soon, can't wait.

That's good stuff Uncle Bear-ey!

There are hunters ....... and then there is UB .......  he's more of a predator!  Thanks for taking it up a notch UB!!  

I have friends like that,  they see every detail, and know how to adapt!

Hopefully a week 2 guy will post tonight, just to give us a hint!!!!

Can't wait for the weeks two reports. I'm sure they had a great week   :thumbsup:    :thumbsup:    :thumbsup:

Me too. I bet the Resurrection didn't turn on until the last day or so. UB

Checking the thread every 30 minutes or so myself, LOL.

Barry,
Ya know if you just walk the roads, you can sniff out which baits have Big Bears on 'em.  That's all I do   :laughing:

You know what Doc, I believe it!!

I heard a lil bit. Theres stories to be told.

Here's Bill Terry's bear from week one. I don't think Bill's on Trad Gang, since he's never posted on the previous year's Bear Quest threads. I never thought about it until Ed posted it but Bill does bear a resemblance to the Dos Equis beer guy. The Most Interesting Man in the World. Bill took his bear with a self bow of his own making along with a trade point tipped arrow he made.

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I'd have to live to be 200 to accomplish what Bill has done with a stickbow in his hunting career. His trophy room is remarkable.

The greatest trip I've ever been on. Maybe a little slow this year according to Tom but beyond great for my first bear hunt. Not getting but 1 hr sleep since we left Bear camp yesterday maybe Bisch or Caddo will fill in the blanks. Also Bisch has the correct spelling of Bowdoc's first name. He let all know. Again thanks to all .

Mike, If I remember correctly, I believe that Bill Terry told me that the bear that he took last year was his 300th big game animal.  He is a pretty interesting guy.

Com'on Oldgoat.....sleeps over rated!!!  :jumper:

Great shot of Bill and his bear Mike. I think Bill told me that bear was his three hundred and fourteenth animal with a longbow. The photos of his trophy room were amazing.

And Bill's just coming into his prime. Give him another season or three and he'll be all warmed up and ready to hunt. UB

Congratulations guys! Nice pics all round.  I sat Deli on BQ1 and I'm looking forward to hearing how week two went at that spot.  Sure do want to get back up there soon

Ray,
We sat the Deli together when you filmed me.  Now that I know some Redfish hidding spots, I need to get back too!

Ohhhhh that's right.   Well which one did I sit Jeff?

Another amazing BQ in the books! As usual, Tom did a fantastic job, with a little help from Zack Crossland. Thanks guys, you made this hunt another special one. Then there's the incomperable Bowdoc! What can I say that hasen't already been said except, "He ain't right"! Bowdoc, love ya like a brother from another mother!
 We did have a bit of an experience when we got to the boarder that started this adventure off on the right note. The Custome Agent asked us all if we had ever been to Canada before. I told him yes, multiple times. Bisch told him yes, also. He asked Bob if he had been and Bob resoundingly said "Nope, first time". I guess they thought that we needed closer scrutiny so we were all invited inside for a chat. Not sure if it was the fact that we had three Texans driving a vehicle with New York plates on it coming into Canada to hunt bears with bows and arrows, or what. After a few minutes of questioning on exactly what states we had lived in our entire lives, they must have determined that we weren't a threat and let us in. A couple hours later, as we're driving along, carrying on multiple hunting adventure stories, Bob says "yeah, on my fishing trip to Ontario...." I almost ran off the raod, Bisch yells "What? You just told the Customs guys at the boarder that this was your first time coming into Canada!" Bob calmly replies " It is, I told you that I went to Ontario." I guess they don't raise any Geography Experts in Sonora, Texas, so Bob immediately became butt of our harrassment for the rest of the trip!
Week two started out cold and rainy. After the all night drive up from Tom's with Bisch and Old Goat (Bob), along with Jay, Dwight and Edward in the other truck, I wasn't up for the Sat. night hunt. I knew that the chances of taking a header out of the stand were pretty good, so I elected to enjoy the company of Bowdoc and Jeff, instead.
Sunday found it rainy, windy and cold. I think the high that day was 53. Now that probably doesn't seem too bad for some of you folks, but for this Texas boy, it meant a dry night in the cabin!
Monday was my first hunt on the "Glove". Walking in that night, as I was scanning the bait sight I noticed that the barrel seemed to covered up by something black! Since I always like to refresh the bait when I go in to hunt, I was trying to quietly set down the bag of donuts and get low, out of sight. As I got an arrow on the string and peered back up over the little hill in the trail, the black spot woofed and ran off to the right. I never did get a good look at it, but I waited for 15-20 min. to see how far it might have run off or if it would come back. It never reappeared so as quietly as I could, I climbed up in the stand to see what the rest of the night would bring. Turned out to be a lonely rest of the night.
Hunted the Glove Tuesday and Wednesday. Finally had, what I assume was the same bear from Monday, come back in about 5:15 Wednesday night. It appeared to be a smallish bear, 120-130 lbs. so it got a Pass.
 Thursday I moved over to the Sundown and had another peacefull, lonely night guarding the donuts.
 Friday night was do or die night and I was back on the Sundown. Had a nice 140-150 lb. boar come in very cautiously about 7:50. He came in to about 10-12 yards, right behind a huge Birch tree, then peeked around the side and looked directly at me. I'd seen him coming in throught the foliage and was ready, but he still didn't like it and ran off, back up the hill, woofing all the way. After I got a good look at him and determined that he wasn't a shooter, for me, We kind of played hide and seek the rest of the night. He'd circle the bait three or four times, getting a little closer each time, from a different direction, but he was still courious about that thing was hanging on the side of the tree. Each time he'd run off a little bit a sit and woof  before he made his next attempt. When I heard Zack coming in the boat I had to run him off a little ways so we could pull the tree stand down. last I saw, he was sitting up the hill about 20-30 yards away watching us pull the stand. I'm sure he was on the groceries before we got everything loaded in the boat.
 This hunt is definately on my list and I'll be back next year and as many years as possible.
 Bear camp with all of these guys was an absolute blast, bear killed or not!

If you haven't experianced a BQ hunt, you have no idea what you are missing! Hope to see all of the week two folks again, next year!

LD

Just got up,had a return trip from zzzz so had to catch up on sleep. What a blast not only the hunt but the guys. Caddo and Bisch were the greatest to travel with. Maybe Bisch will fill y'all in cant down load pictures ,lost cable. I hunted mile marker 41 stand two days with 6 cubs and two sows that came in. When I say IN I mean 7 or 8 yards from stand to bait barrel and when you see bear they are inside of 20 yds. Stayed in camp one day because of rain and had fun listing to Bowdoc and Caddo go at it. The weather was cooler than normal with the nights getting down in the lower 40's. Switched to a water bait, Blowdown, the next hunt . Got in the stand about 3:30 pm ,lots of squirrels and birds until about about 8:00 , I see two small cubs come out on the trail that I've got to go back on,and I am thinking this may not be good. The guide was chased back to the lake and had to go out into the water before Mama would leave. I knew that was not going tobe an option for me. Well out tsteps Mama behind the little guys sticks her nose up and smells around a little then turns and leaves with her cubs. That was a relief but I still had to go down that trail in the dark. I look back to my left and there is the head and shoulders of a bear looking around a spruce tree at the bait barrel or me. It walks out at about 25yds and looks right me and process what bear do in the woods! Then when it's all done here it come not strait to the barrel but circling around to my left then starts popping his teeth and watching me. I then can tell he is a boar at about 200 lbs. remember this is my First bear hunt, if he comes on in I will try and get a shot . This back and forth,teeth popping stuff is going on for a good 15 mins. All the time getting closer to the barrel and me 8ft up a tree that he can easily reach if he wants to. I am hoping he wants donut and sugar more than he wants fat and Budlite. I found that I have to much time to think when setting in a tree stand about stuff that could happen. Well I am ready for the shot and he finally sticks his head in the barrel game on I am telling myself, self slow draw hold hold I start to draw real slow pick a spot high and lined up with the off leg. BAM, the bow goes off by itself,I don't think I even got close to anchor , saw the arrow lets just say a little back and very high. I had a string tracker on and it looked like I had a bonefish on down the trail it went. 8:4m is what my watch says when the string stops, ok it broke, then someone for sme reason hooks a paint can shaker not only to the stand but the hole **** tree, I have to hold on till this stops. Remember , Bisch is not the only one with hearing aids and my batteries are died. I think I hear a maybe death moan. 9:00pm I got to get on solid ground so down I go put headlight on look and see two strings one red one white good, start down the string and it turns off the trail and ther is a Very dead bear. Bears not only do very large ground shrinkage but also can do a sex change. 24yds recovery 30yds drag down hill. This was beyond a great trip, first bear,first trad kill, and maybe first time to Canada. Will post pictures soon may Bisch will also, dry sow 129 lbs .
Thanks LD but lets try to stay on topic bear hunting not Other stuff. See lay Amigo. Bob

Great story Larry, and you hit the nail on the head, Bear Quest is a great time, bear or no bear.

Bob,
 Look at it this way, you've got a new signature line to add to your postings!  :bigsmyl:  

LD

Cool story Bob. Congrats on the bear!

Thanks  y'all , but the coolest story I think is that Zack took his bear with a stone point stopped on the off shoulder. Now that was great.

Big congrats to Zach. Man that guy was enthusiastic and worked his butt off for everyone. I think he carried just about everyones bear out by himself on week one.

Great story!!!  looking forward to the pics.

Congrats Bob. Sounds like you had a great week. Glad to hear Zach killed a bear with a stone point, can't wait to hear the story on that one. He deserved it, especially after being treed by the sow and cubs the first week. Gotta love bear hunting. I'm hooked!

QuoteOriginally posted by Caddo:


 This hunt is definately on my list and I'll be back next year and as many years as possible.
 Bear camp with all of these guys was an absolute blast, bear killed or not!

If you haven't experianced a BQ hunt, you have no idea what you are missing! Hope to see all of the week two folks again, next year!

LD

LD,

you said it....JP and I are missing it big time...we've been reminiscing all week about last year.  Got to get him through college and we will be back..lord willing.  
  :campfire:    


God Bless,   Pierre

Anybody I can email pictures to post for me I guess Bisch is still asleep or waxing hin bowstring. Bob

Hold your horses! I did have to catch up on some sleep and wax my bowstring!

Here is a pic of Bowdoc blessing our bows with the Holy Water. He must have missed my bow as I was a'believin'!

 (http://i579.photobucket.com/albums/ss239/archeryrules/6f779d9a-aab5-4fd3-a2f0-8e0a7570e9ac_zps6ea32910.jpg) (http://s579.photobucket.com/user/archeryrules/media/6f779d9a-aab5-4fd3-a2f0-8e0a7570e9ac_zps6ea32910.jpg.html)

And this is the first bear of week 2. Zach killed this one:

 (http://i579.photobucket.com/albums/ss239/archeryrules/156e780d-1c1c-41a1-9f56-4fb73c22502a_zps3ad4795c.jpg) (http://s579.photobucket.com/user/archeryrules/media/156e780d-1c1c-41a1-9f56-4fb73c22502a_zps3ad4795c.jpg.html)

And finally, the biggest bear of week 2, and Bob's first trad kill! Congrats again, buddy!

 (http://i579.photobucket.com/albums/ss239/archeryrules/ImportedPhotos00016_zps4b751d41.jpg) (http://s579.photobucket.com/user/archeryrules/media/ImportedPhotos00016_zps4b751d41.jpg.html)

Jay got a bear on the last evening but it was already in the cooler by the time I got back to camp so I did not get any pics of that one.

I had a great time up there and can't wait to go bear hunting again. I was not successful on this trip but had a blast anyway. It was great to meet everybody and I can't wait to share a camp with y'all again.

Bisch

Wow! those are a couple of great looking bears.

Well done guys!  Another BQ is in the books. I'm looking forward to next year!

Well done Roomy, thanks for the pic. Great time

Nice bears guys, congrats!

How big was Bob's bear?  Looks like a nice old pumpkin head! I'm intrigued by that Moose Antler...any chance it came back over the border?

Geat Bears Fellas!!   :clapper:

QuoteOriginally posted by tippit:
How big was Bob's bear?  Looks like a nice old pumpkin head! I'm intrigued by that Moose Antler...any chance it came back over the border?

Bob's was 129#. The moose antler stayed in camp.

Hey, Jeff, did you get the lamp OK?

Bisch

Bisch,
I did get the lamp...a few bruises but fixable.  Patrick Rainey already pm'd me...very nice gentleman.  I was hoping that Moose antler came home with Tom in exchange for a knife I left up there last year...but heard it would be a problem to bring across the border.

Did Jay or others catch any walleye for dinner?  Did Bowdoc have his camp apron on?

Looks like the longbow shooters were out numbered  :)

I don't think anybody fished in the second week. Most of us were still looking for bears well into the week. Bowdoc did model his apron a time or two and was on Bob (old goat) to wear it a few times as he killed the first bear and so he was Bowdocs camp ***** (kitchen helper)    :laughing:

I hope the lamp was not too messed up. I was not at all happy with the UPS lady when I sent it.

Bisch

I hope everyone made it home Safe & Sound from Quebec.I am still unpacking,doing laundry,returning calls etc in between working.I dropped Bowdoc at airport Monday 4:30 AM and he made it home safely.Again we had 2 great weeks with all great guys.The weather was off for sure compared to past 20 years + i have been up there.I had to set dates for 2014' and moved things up a week later in hopes of warmer weather and better chance at catching Boars chasing sows.

P.S. I want to Thank everyone for engaging in "TEAMWORK" in & around camp and especially Zack who spent 2 weeks up there as well as joining me on bait trip and Mike O'Connell who joined me on bait trip as well these 2 guys worked very hard.Also our Camp Cook & Social Director "BOWDOC" who fed us well and kept us laughing and sometimes crying we laughed so hard.

Tommy, you put together one 'helluva' team.  My hats off to everyone past and present who help make Bear Quest the great 'event' that it is.  And it's good to see some great 'new guys' helping you out.  We thank you for that, and see you at Denton.
Denny

Tomas, my hat is off to you ,Zack and Bowdoc. Thanks for the adventure it was more than I expected.
Bob

Congrats to everyone...Zachman...great job.  Bowdoc we miss you..Jay, what's the story????

Tom,

Another trip well done...are you going to Denton Hill?   JP and I hope to see you there...

God Bless,   Pierre

(http://i.imgur.com/Lx0xAsl.jpg?1)

Zack's knapp point

Come on Jay, tell us about that brusier!  :clapper:  

LD

LD,

I did hear it was a stud......

God bless,   Pierre

Pierre,
I'll be at Denton...be sure to hook up around Tom's booth.  Not sure if Barry will be coming with me.

ZacK,
Congrats...takin' one with a stone point is really a rush.  Did you use a selfbow too?  I'll never forget the feeling...tippit

  (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/Bear%20Hunt/1876_zpsa4e1939a.jpg)

This guy did it too!

 (http://images2.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp543%3B%3A%3Enu%3D38%3C5%3E%3B48%3E%3B42%3E29%3B6%3B48%3C3323%3Bot1lsi)

Who is that handsome guide ? That looks like Computer Glass Stone Point WOODIE Blackwell knapped that went through P&Y Quebec Black Bear ? Tippit your Stone Point still intact ready for more action.

Would be cool to have an all SELF-BOW hunt one week of Bear Quest.

I'd be in for that!

A BIG thanks to Tom, Zack, Mike and Bowdoc.  Another great year. I can't wait until next year so we can do it all over again!

No stud this year Pierre, but I did take a beautiful bear the last evening.  

I started the week on the Deli.  Our friends in a nearby cabin moved in the afternoon of my first sit which greatly inccreased activity in the area.  Although there was a large bear making an appearance a few days before we arrived, he soon made himself scarce only to make one more late night appearance that week.  I left a camera on the bait and moved to the Resurrection for the remainder of the week.

The Resurrection stand proved to be slow compared to what I was familiar with in the past.  I think Barry said the Resurrection most likely never got "hot" until the last day or two - He was absolutely correct!  The cool weather seemed to have things slowed down.

Throughout most of the week, only one or two bears appeared to be showing up.  Friday morning beginning about 2am, it was like someone had flipped a switch turning things on.  By the time I arrived Friday afternoon my camera picked up 6-8 different bears throughout the night and into the afternoon.  As it was the last evening, I opted to take the first bear that showed leaving me plenty of time to remove the treestands, skin/process, and get started packing for the trip home. I was a great end to a fantastic week!

I haven't uploaded any pics yet but will post some soon.  

Congrats to Zack on his bear with the knapped head!  Mission accomplished!

Nice bear Jay, congrats again! Always enjoy having you in Bear camp!

Self bow week at Bear Quest, hmmmmm, I like it! I'd be up for that!

LD

I like the idea of a SELF BOW hunt with stone heads !!!!!!!

Think you could get enough guys to cover the camp??

That sounds like a cool plan.  I could see doing that for a 3rd time.  I think I'd add the option of a Tippit Trade Point to the selfbow  :)   tippit

  (http://images2.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp54378%3Enu%3D32%3A4%3E%3B87%3E672%3EWSNRCG%3D38%3C64%3B84%3A932%3Cnu0mrj)

   (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/Quebec%20Quest%2008/QuebecQuest08095.jpg)

Jeff, I am not going to say how or who spoke your name around camp like in the kitchen . Got a couple of question.
What is the arrow sticking in the tree behind you in the above picture. Also Tomas said that there was a gift certificate on the back of the big bear plaque for a Tippit knife. Can't seem to find it!!
Bob

Doc,
 I love ya like a brother from another mother, but sorry, NO Tippet Trade Points allowed. matter of fact, NO TIPPET ALLOWED!!!!!  :scared:   Heck, you always kill the big bears, it ain't fair I tell ya! It's like a Tippet Bear magnet or something!   :banghead:   :pray:  

Ok, Ok, you can play too!  :goldtooth:    :biglaugh:  

LD

Tippit,
Will do...hope Barry makes it with you..

Jay,  
Congratulations, good job.  Did you get any pics???

LD,
Maybe use Tippit as bait...bears are attracted to him, so he must have a smell about him.. :laughing:  

God Bless,   Pierre

I the bears like him cause hes a vet.  He must lure'em in with "Bear" aspirin!!  :laughing:

This deal just not going to work,self and stone points. If y'all start showing up at the border with that much Firewood there will be a Huge Import duty.

Bob,
That arrow is in my quiver behind me...don't think it's stuck in me    :scared:  

Tom still needs to purchase that Tippit Gift Certificate.  Plus it's only good if I'm in for the draw   :rolleyes:

Bob, congrats on a great bear. Bear Quest just keeps you coming back, it's not just about taking a bear but it's much more than that. I've met the best people in La Tuque sitting around the campfire over the past four years. Tom does such a super job of making this hunt so special and that's what keeps us coming back. You've been "bitten" by the Bear Quest bug and I'm sure Bear Quest 7 won't be your last Bear Quest. By the way the Tippet Knife, thanks to Jeff's generosity and incredible talent at the forge, went to the taker of the biggest bear for the year. Try again Texan, week one trumps week two!

    :laughing:        :laughing:        :laughing:

Mike, you r right, this was a first , trad kill ,trip to Canada, maybe, the whole deal, Tom,Zack, and Tomas the Guys, and Bowdoc, what a show. I will be back. Felt bad for Edward, but he has a lot of years to come. Do you know that the correct spelling of Bowdoc real name is Dawn, not Don!,!  that is Bischs new deal
Bob

Hey, old goat, don't be getting me in trouble. I just spelled out what I heard!!     :laughing:        :laughing:        :laughing:        :laughing:    

Bisch

I finally got some pics uploaded...

The big boy that was visiting the Deli late the first week.  Unfortunately, when the folks moved into the cabin down the road, he became scarice.

 (http://i1272.photobucket.com/albums/y382/jja125/PRMS0455_zps3ad89b67.jpg) (http://s1272.photobucket.com/user/jja125/media/PRMS0455_zps3ad89b67.jpg.html)

Each night coming in from hunting, we always saw a few of these little pups.  I believe there were two dens along the road.  

This one cooperated and posed long enough for a few pics.

 (http://i1272.photobucket.com/albums/y382/jja125/P6190059_zpsd33d6c3c.jpg) (http://s1272.photobucket.com/user/jja125/media/P6190059_zpsd33d6c3c.jpg.html)

A few daytime pics from Friday morning.  Someone flipped the switch and the Resurrection had just turned ON overnight.  

 (http://i1272.photobucket.com/albums/y382/jja125/IMAG0252_zpsda4958ad.jpg) (http://s1272.photobucket.com/user/jja125/media/IMAG0252_zpsda4958ad.jpg.html)

..and when I showed up, someone had done some rearranging.

 (http://i1272.photobucket.com/albums/y382/jja125/IMAG0430_zps6b03c5ea.jpg) (http://s1272.photobucket.com/user/jja125/media/IMAG0430_zps6b03c5ea.jpg.html)

 (http://i1272.photobucket.com/albums/y382/jja125/IMAG0432_zpsf92c5dea.jpg) (http://s1272.photobucket.com/user/jja125/media/IMAG0432_zpsf92c5dea.jpg.html)

 (http://i1272.photobucket.com/albums/y382/jja125/IMAG0431_zpsd07b820d.jpg) (http://s1272.photobucket.com/user/jja125/media/IMAG0431_zpsd07b820d.jpg.html)

Old goat tangles with black bear.  Goat wins!

 (http://i1272.photobucket.com/albums/y382/jja125/P6180050_zpsdc941da3.jpg) (http://s1272.photobucket.com/user/jja125/media/P6180050_zpsdc941da3.jpg.html)

The Beaver Pond had some nice ones hanging around.  I think we all would have loved to bump into this one!

 (http://i1272.photobucket.com/albums/y382/jja125/PICT0061_zps3f6a3a1a.jpg) (http://s1272.photobucket.com/user/jja125/media/PICT0061_zps3f6a3a1a.jpg.html)

 (http://i1272.photobucket.com/albums/y382/jja125/PICT0116_zps3d0c89a9.jpg) (http://s1272.photobucket.com/user/jja125/media/PICT0116_zps3d0c89a9.jpg.html)

 (http://i1272.photobucket.com/albums/y382/jja125/PICT0066_zps1b62588f.jpg) (http://s1272.photobucket.com/user/jja125/media/PICT0066_zps1b62588f.jpg.html)

 (http://i1272.photobucket.com/albums/y382/jja125/PICT0063_zps984879b7.jpg) (http://s1272.photobucket.com/user/jja125/media/PICT0063_zps984879b7.jpg.html)

Thanks Jay, sure make you think it is along 12 mos before we might back at those guy.

I just love the pictures you guys post for us!  My favorite hunt is a northern bear hunt. Due to family obligations I haven'y been able to get away for the past 3 years. Hopefully I'll be able to share some pics. next fall.
THANKS FOR SHARING
Glenn

Hey Jay,
That bear looks familiar with that head shape  and stance.  These pictures are from 2011...I haven't learned how to reset my camera   :knothead:  They were taken on the Deli.  I actually thought I shot him the following night until we found my bear with ground shrinkage    tippit

 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/Quebec%20Quest%202011/QuebecQuestV2011227.jpg)  

 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/Quebec%20Quest%202011/QuebecQuestV2011233.jpg)

Jay Is the Beaver Pound bear the three legged bear? Sure looks like it.

This one today did not turn his head to look right at me as I was coming to full draw!

  (http://i579.photobucket.com/albums/ss239/archeryrules/2339e1a0-9d30-4c9e-ab70-4088fcbd0151_zpsdde59eaa.jpg) (http://s579.photobucket.com/user/archeryrules/media/2339e1a0-9d30-4c9e-ab70-4088fcbd0151_zpsdde59eaa.jpg.html)

Bisch

A few trailcam pics. I arrowed my bear at 8:08pm and the trailcam picked me up leaving at 8:18pm. Ten minutes later there was another bear in there and a nice one at that!


 (http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e173/Yellowdog3822/image_zps846a216e.jpg)

 (http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e173/Yellowdog3822/image_zps5d2448d8.jpg)

Toting Brian's bear out caught on trailcam.


 (http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e173/Yellowdog3822/image_zps21ca5ae0.jpg)

Jeff, That may be your bear.  I think it is only about about 4 miles over to the Beaver Pond.   He was hanging out there this year.  He is still there and waiting on you when you make your next trip.

As Bob pointed out, he is missing a few digit's on his left paw now.  There were actually two really nice bears on the beaver pond.  One with both fronts and one missing the left.  

 (http://i1272.photobucket.com/albums/y382/jja125/PICT0074_zps2135bcc2.jpg) (http://s1272.photobucket.com/user/jja125/media/PICT0074_zps2135bcc2.jpg.html)

These photos are interesting. I agree with Jeff. The big one he has pics of at the Deli looks just like one of the big ones I was playing with at the Resurrection. We were trying to figure out the distances and I'm pretty sure the Deli and the Resurrection are only a couple miles apart as the crow flies. Even a casual pace of 2 MPH would get him miles away in no time. Then you throw in the fact they are cruising for hot chicks and it's not only possible but probable. That's a heck of a bear for a spring bear guys. Sweet dreams! UB

I believe resurrection and the deli were just over 3 miles apart by way of road. Straight line distance would be less. That's nothing for a bear to travel

I sat the Deli for the first time my last night there. I heard a branch break behind me about an hour before dark and could swear I smelled bear. I sat till dark and walked back out to the road to meet Mike. Ed and Mark were with him with the sled and were planning on dragging a big bear out of the woods. They showed me the trail cam pics of the big bear, actually what we thought were two big bears that had come into the bait over the past couple days, I couldn't believe the size of the bears. The Deli like most other stands was 7'-8' high tops and maybe 5-6 yards from the bait. Been dreaming about being that close to a bear that size ever since. I'm sure I'd have put the perfect shot right behind the shoulder, that's why they call it hunting and not killing. When Tom says "up close and personal" that's what he means. Can't wait for my next Bear Quest.

Barry, less than two miles due north as the crow flies. The Deli was moved this year about 300 yards to the north/east to put a little more distance between it and the cabin so it's closer than it's been in the past. By road it was 3.8 miles to the Deli and another 2.2 miles to the Resurrection off the main road. We thought for sure Kent was going to stick him Friday night. We had a bunch of pics of him at all hours of the day over the previous two days and he was a monster. The little clearing the bait site was set up in was no more than 12x15 feet. In the pic that Jay posted, I mounted that camera on the tree the stand was hung in. Now that's a big bear in close quarters!

   :scared:      :scared:      :scared:

I'm glad to hear Tom moved the Deli slightly. I always thought the previous location (although successful many times) was a little tight. If a bear can see the barrel somewhat he's less likely to circle to depend on his nose before committing. Good deal. UB

Kent,
The Deli has won the Big Bear award at least once in my 12 years hunting La Tuque.  When a Big bear is that close to see it breathing and your stand is about the height of the top of it's head...pucker factor soars!  That's what had me coming back for 12 years in a row.  I shot my selfbow/stone point bear there and filmed Tom hunting...tippit

The end.   :dunno:  I guess.

Didn't know this was the 'official hunt thread'...I got some reading to do.    :bigsmyl:

Just going through the old thread. Thought I would post a few more photos. Getting close again fellas, can't wait.


 (http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/l617/ETBMAN/DSC_1432.jpg) (http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/ETBMAN/media/DSC_1432.jpg.html)

Mike Buska and the week one big bear.

 (http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/l617/ETBMAN/DSC_1455.jpg) (http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/ETBMAN/media/DSC_1455.jpg.html)

Bowdoc explaining the bears and the bees to Kent Roberts. Bill Terry in the background.


 (http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/l617/ETBMAN/DSC_1424.jpg) (http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/ETBMAN/media/DSC_1424.jpg.html)

Tom weighing one of the bears. Zach Crossland behind him.

 (http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/l617/ETBMAN/DSC_1417.jpg) (http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/ETBMAN/media/DSC_1417.jpg.html)

Mad Mike O'Connell and and his great bear.

 (http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/l617/ETBMAN/DSC_1405.jpg) (http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/ETBMAN/media/DSC_1405.jpg.html)

Kent Roberts and Bill Terry checking out some trail cam pics.

 (http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/l617/ETBMAN/DSC_1402.jpg) (http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/ETBMAN/media/DSC_1402.jpg.html)

Bowdoc, Kevin Symes at the door, and I think thats Greg Kirkland in the back.


 (http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/l617/ETBMAN/DSC_1383.jpg) (http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/ETBMAN/media/DSC_1383.jpg.html)

On the way to Kent's first stand.

  (http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/l617/ETBMAN/DSC_1381.jpg) (http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/ETBMAN/media/DSC_1381.jpg.html)

Greg Krause at the Roller Coaster after we found my bear.


  (http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/l617/ETBMAN/DSC_1377.jpg) (http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/ETBMAN/media/DSC_1377.jpg.html)

The Roller Coaster.


  (http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/l617/ETBMAN/DSC_1363.jpg) (http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/ETBMAN/media/DSC_1363.jpg.html)

Brian Landrum and his great bear. Greg Kirkland was the first to get a bear, but  I somehow missed getting a photo of it.

Ed, thanks for posting the updates; a ray of sunshine this winter.
Shick