Need I say more!
As many of you Stickflingers here know, my spring is busy helping other guys/gals live adventures chasing black bears here in Manitoba. With Manitoba offering a fall season each year, my good friend David (MbBowman...who happens to be my head guide) and I decided to put out a few baits close to home to try our hand at local fall bears.
I apologize for the lack of photos documenting this hunt as it is all on video which I won't be able to share for a while....sorry guys!
David and I based our bait site locations on natural food sources which we figured would place bears in the area regardless of our baits. The annual berry crop dictates how well the bears hit baits in the fall and we knew we were up against a strong berry crop. We planned to hunt some fringe terrain where the big woods of the Canadian shield meet the prairies where the bears hit the agricultural crops quite hard each fall prior to harvest. Oats fields were our main target which were few and far between amongst the multitude of soy beans and canola.
Baits were established and lightly baited at the beginning of August awaiting the busy few weeks ahead of constant rebaiting with trying to fit in hunts.
With a 2 week family camping trip east to Duluth planned, I leaned on my trusty friend David to do the work of hauling bait throughout August....thanks buddy! We had a good friend come out from Quebec who managed to kill a bear his second night out after passing on around 10 other bears up to that point.
As many guys can relate, the only issue for David and I now was to find time between work, family life, and other obligations to hunt. Davids hunt is still unfolding so I won't comment on any of his action. For me, the only opportunity was Sept 1st for a morning hunt.
Heading out pre dawn, road coffee in hand, and the temperature just above freezing is exactly what my soul needed. By noon I had only seen one young boar that would be about 6 feet and likely just P&Y for those who care. Regardless of the slow action, it was an amazing morning.
Rewind a bit here...
2 springs ago I was gifted an absolutely amazing knife from my friend and deadly bear camp client Brian Lance (Bel007). The knife handle is made from a bone from a bear (possible forearm or foot bone) and crafted superbly. I had been saving the knife for the next bear I shot.
(http://i645.photobucket.com/albums/uu178/ryanderlago/P1000355_zps7755156d.jpg) (http://s645.photobucket.com/user/ryanderlago/media/P1000355_zps7755156d.jpg.html)
Look at that!
(http://i645.photobucket.com/albums/uu178/ryanderlago/P1000357_zpscae43b6d.jpg) (http://s645.photobucket.com/user/ryanderlago/media/P1000357_zpscae43b6d.jpg.html)
Those who know me, know that I'm a real fan of Brian Wessels Tall Tines bows. That said, Brian made me the most pretty Birdseye Cocobolo 58", #58 r/c you'll find. Something about this bow (perhaps my shorter draw properly utilizing the short limb) makes it noticeably fast....like the kind of fast you don't expect!. That, along with the flared riser, checkered grip, and lower wrist make it a real shooter for me.
(http://i645.photobucket.com/albums/uu178/ryanderlago/P1000350_zpsc9d0dd9b.jpg) (http://s645.photobucket.com/user/ryanderlago/media/P1000350_zpsc9d0dd9b.jpg.html)
(http://i645.photobucket.com/albums/uu178/ryanderlago/P1000352_zpsbd4be9e0.jpg) (http://s645.photobucket.com/user/ryanderlago/media/P1000352_zpsbd4be9e0.jpg.html)
:campfire:
Very nice!
Hah. I had heard rumors of some activity way up in paradise. Looking forward to more of the story buddy.
So a week later (after the 1st hunt) I finally had an opportunity to head out for an evening hunt. Now my usual pickyness over size would not be a factor as I've had an overwhelming desire to place more emphasis in the hunt, the method, the experience with friends, and to document things on film.
I was fortunate to be able to share the stand with a close friend named Earl (Hunter709) who had filled his bear tag this spring and was chomping at the bit to just be in the woods. I was very surprised to be handed a gift from Earl as he climbed in the truck. Earl explained it was a belated 40th B-day gift that he has been waiting on. Digging to the bottom of the gift bag I was beside myself to find a neck-knife made from the same wood that Brian had made my new bow from. Now who can argue that that's not super awesome!!!
(http://i645.photobucket.com/albums/uu178/ryanderlago/P1000354_zps400c5ea1.jpg) (http://s645.photobucket.com/user/ryanderlago/media/P1000354_zps400c5ea1.jpg.html)
Well it was a great day! Earl and I on our man date hunting excursion, two of the coolest knives in the pack, and my favorite new bow just wanting to launch an arrow tucked in it's case in the back seat. As I age, man do I appreciate opportunities like this!!
Our short hour and fifteen minute drive flew by as we chatted about everything going on in our lives as we pulled up on the grown in 2 track. The process of getting ready and walking in took about 5 times as long as it should due to the footage we were trying to capture. Finally....finally...we were settled!
Just a note about the video!!
I have hopes of accumulating enough footage of Canadian Traditional Bowhunts over the next few years to have something to share with everyone. No fist pumping, no "rage in the cage", nothing will be taking "dirt naps", and no-one will be reacting in ways they've been socialized into believing they should react. Just stickbow hunting as we do it. God willing it pans out!!
So there Earl and I sit...perched maybe 9 feet up and 12 yards from the drums...all is quiet with a light rain...except Earls stomach!! Half a peanut butter sandwich cut the growls in half as the first bear made his appearance.
The overly cautious 5 foot Blackie circled the bait numerous times before settling in at the bait. His nervous demeanour kept us on edge for what was to come.
The little guy came and went a couple of times throughout the night, and much to my surprise nothing else was showing up. As darkness began to fall on our dim lit coniferous hideout, the sound of bears became evident from various areas around the bait. It was like someone hit the "on" switch. Bears were chasing each other in every direction.
QuoteOriginally posted by Manitoba Stickflinger:
Just a note about the video!!
I have hopes of accumulating enough footage of Canadian Traditional Bowhunts over the next few years to have something to share with everyone. No fist pumping, no "rage in the cage", nothing will be taking "dirt naps", and no-one will be reacting in ways they've been socialized into believing they should react. Just stickbow hunting as we do it. God willing it pans out!!
I'll look very forward to that. I saw in a new Schnees catalog there was a new show called "Solo Hunter". I figured they must be like Mike Mitten so I recorded an episode...I wanted to puke. Crossguns and disrespectful fist pumping slobs. :(
There has to be ONE photo or even a freeze frame shot :dunno:
Still looking for a couple trail cam shots from you too...
Keep it coming Ryan :campfire:
As what appeared to be a good bear circled maybe 10 yards behind our tree, I noticed it was indeed immature and whispered to Earl.."it's not big enough". As Earl looked back at me he noticed a bear near the bait that we were oblivious to and whispered back to me "but that one is"!
As I slowly turned around a nice solid mature bear floated into the bait site like a ghost. The size of the head, the fat belly, and the length indicated it was just what I was looking for. A soft whisper to Earl to record, and a slight glance at the video screen to assure filming light, gave me the green light to go into shoot mode!
I picked a spot, visualized my shot sequence and followed the process I just imagined.
The arrow hit an inch (maybe 2) to the right of the spot I picked and passed through striking the plastic drum with a loud "thwack". Pinned to the drum with the arrow, the bear kinda hesitated in his reaction to run, but made short time of 70 yards before going quiet. No moan...no moan...no moan... made me hesitate on taking up the trail.
A quick text to David revealed a reply with the warm weather forecast with rain. I knew the shot was good so decided to see what we had.
The VPA (200gr.) left an easy to follow trail with an expired bear 70 yards away.
(http://i645.photobucket.com/albums/uu178/ryanderlago/P1000343_zps4fbd7e8b.jpg) (http://s645.photobucket.com/user/ryanderlago/media/P1000343_zps4fbd7e8b.jpg.html)
Nice job Ryan. Beautiful bear (and bow). Can't wait to see the video.
Beauty my friend! Congrats! So.....how's the footage? :)
Congratulations Ryan! Beautiful bear. Put me down for a video whenever it is finished. Wish Dave good luck for me.
That's a beauty Ryan!
Well Dave, you can just read it yourself...
Good Luck. Not that you or Ryan need luck!
:clapper:
Awesome.
Beautiful bear. Huge paws on that thing!
I look forward to the video.
:thumbsup:
:clapper: its a dream of mine to make it up to Stickfligers someday!! What a beautiful bear, and awesome knife and bow to go along with it!!!
nice one! hope some day to try my hand at that.
Always enjoy your posts. Congratulations on the bear.
Wow. Great story. Great bear. Thanks!!
Wow.....GREAT story...thanks for sharing!!!
great job, very nice knife.enjoyed your post
You and Earl are two Canadian boys that I'm always interested in reading about. Great looking gear and a great Bear to go with it.
I'd like to make a trip West to hunt either Bears or Deer at your place, Ryan. I think I'll start saving up for such an excursion. I hunted "Jumpers" in Saskatchewan in 1993 and love the Prairie Provinces.
Thanks for sharing and I'll be looking forward to your "properly produced" hunting video.
excellent story ry thxs for sharing!!
Ryan, excellent story. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Joe
Thanks everyone for the kind words!
The new knives worked wonderfully as I can say that they are not just pretty to look at. Thanks to Brian, Brian, and Earl!
The footage turned out great...a little low light for the shot and dark for the recovery but it's still quite good. It's no Sitka film quality but without the slides, booms, and SLRs its tough. I got a Muddy arm with Manfrotto head which makes a huge difference. Filming out of focus as well as using the manual focus really make it nicer to watch.
The bear ended up being 6' 4"s.... not huge but a nice bear for the area and freezer. There's something to be said for shooting a bear at dark and having it at home in the freezer and in your own bed by midnight.
Thx again guys...love the support here!
Great looking bear Ryan! Looking forward to the video too. Congratulations!
Great post, pics, knives, etc. All the way around. Looking forward to the video.
Very nice!
way to go Ryan!!great stuff!!
Liking everything about this thread
Great thread!!! Great looking bow. It is my perfect specs when your ready to sell it LOL
Simply awesome. Congrats Brother!
I am drooling over the bow!!!
:clapper: :clapper: :archer2:
Congrats Ryan ... very fine story and great bear. Good to see your big smile in the pic !! Look forward to the video.
best to ya and your family, Ken
say HI to David, I wish him luck
Awesome story and pics congrats!!
Congrats again Ryan, what a great bear.
It was a pleasure to share this hunt with you and help get it all on film. I am still amazed at how quietly your bear came in to the bait. 12 yards away and we didn't hear a thing. I'm glad I took my eyes off the bear behind us to check the camera and saw the one at the bait.
Thanks again for the opportunity to sit for an evening and enjoy all the sights, sounds and smells of the autumn forest in Manitoba. We are truly blessed to live in this province with exceptional black bear hunting an hour from our doorsteps and to have families that understand our need to be in the woods.
Bingo Earl... you hit the nail on the head! Thanks buddy!
Nice bear, nice hunt. Thanks for the story
ChuckC
Well done my friend. I'm already counting the days until spring.
Well done Ryan. Nice story and excellent bear. Looking forward to spending some time with you next year and learn as much as I can about bears from you.
Hey Ryan, do all your hunters in 2014 get one of those blades? haha!!! Hey I'm looking for a return match on that blonde bear that escaped me on my last visit. This will probably be my last bear hunt, as I would sure like to add a nice moose, or elk to my wall. Looking forward to the hunt, see you soon, Gary
Way to go Ryan! Is it 2015 yet? Can't wait.
D.P.
Congrats Ryan! Always a lot more to a hunt than a kill and you certainly had a special one.
Thanks guys! Seems as though everyone here just gets it...y'know...that I can be pumped to have shot the smallest bear I've shot in 20 years and understand it's not just about a score. Appreciate the attitudes here more than anything!!!
As far as all you Stickflingers coming up in the next few years, you'll have to talk to Big Sexy about blades and invent a time machine to get here faster! I too wish I had a fast forward button...Ryan
Ryan I always look forward to any thread from you as they are always worth reading every single word....this one for sure didn't disappoint!
Thank you and congrats brother :clapper:
Doesn't get any better, congrats! :thumbsup:
QuoteOriginally posted by Manitoba Stickflinger:
Look at that!
(http://i645.photobucket.com/albums/uu178/ryanderlago/P1000357_zpscae43b6d.jpg) (http://s645.photobucket.com/user/ryanderlago/media/P1000357_zpscae43b6d.jpg.html)
That's a beautiful knife!
So glad you were successful... It must be difficult to get in your own quality hunts, having a guide service and needing to take care of your customers first.
Great story Ryan! Looking forward to that video some day. Thanks for sharing.
Great Bear Ryan. I loved your recap and look forward to the footage!
Nice job Ry.... Looking forward to the video. U sure have a great bunch of friends to hunt with. Rich
Ryan, glad you put the knife to good use.
To give credit where credit is due, that knife is the work of our own Charles Sinclair (Snakewood).
As he described it:
Black Bear phalanx bone. Blade hafted with titanium filled epoxy. Wrapped with nickel silver wire then overwrapped with rawhide. Blade is American made 1075 and 15n20. Sheath has 2 extra strong disc magnets, 2 copper rivets. Stitched with nickel silver wire. Diamondback rattler skin on one side. Triple braided neck thong.
Awesome bear!
Congrats Ryan!! What a sweet bear!
Great story and a great bear, Ryan. And that is a beautiful knife.
homebru
Bears, bows and knives.. .. Who could ask for more? Great story Ryan and congrats buddy! I really should try one if those Tall Tines some day, very tempting! I think they are awesome shooters! But my money bucket seems empty sadly enough..
Congratulations on a nice really nice bear and story. Great looking bow and knives, thanks for sharing.