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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: bruinman on June 07, 2014, 04:43:00 PM

Title: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: bruinman on June 07, 2014, 04:43:00 PM
Flying out on the 12th. Looking forward to seeing old friends and meeting new ones. And hopefully a few close encounters with the black ghosts of Quebec.

RL=http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/ETBMAN/media/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_4148.jpg.html] (http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/l617/ETBMAN/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_4148.jpg)[/URL]
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: ghall80 on June 07, 2014, 04:51:00 PM
Good luck out there ED hope you have a great hunt
Love those arrrows
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: bruinman on June 07, 2014, 05:31:00 PM
Thanks Gary. The arrows are flying great, and look awesome.
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: on June 07, 2014, 05:32:00 PM
Y'all have fun and good luck!

Bisch
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: Matty on June 07, 2014, 06:34:00 PM
Good luck to everyone going!! Best time ever I had!!
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: oldgoat on June 07, 2014, 06:46:00 PM
Good luck  lookin foeward to the stories oh by the way that looks my T/D Whip you are taking. Now ya talkn
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: Wiley Coyote on June 07, 2014, 07:25:00 PM
Good luck!!!   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: tippit on June 07, 2014, 07:39:00 PM
This is my second year missing this event.  Last year I was chasing Redfish on the SC coast.  This year Not chasing anything as I'm getting ready for a total knee replacement.  Ya'll have a blast and I hope everyone of those Black Ghosts is over 300#...tippit
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: meathead on June 07, 2014, 09:19:00 PM
I have to get my son through his high school graduation tomorrow and then we will spend the next couple days getting everything packed up to head towards Tom's on Thursday evening.
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: bruinman on June 07, 2014, 10:00:00 PM
Looking forward to meeting you guys Meathead. Tippit I have been looking forward to meeting you as well. Looks like I will miss out again. Sorry you can't make it and I hope all goes well with your surgery. Oldgoat I have not had my whip all that long, but it did not take long to fall in love with it.
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: meathead on June 07, 2014, 11:50:00 PM
It's been 3 or 4 years since I have been up there. Can't wait to get back.
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: Kip on June 08, 2014, 09:47:00 AM
It is almost time,looking forward to see some old faces and meet others.Also ready for some R/R and maybe put an arrow in a bear or red squirrel.Either one would make me happy.See you all soon. Kip
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: Sean B on June 08, 2014, 11:20:00 AM
I really wish I were going too....I'll get back up there some day!!  Good luck all, Somebody give 'Ole Bowdoc a sloppy wet kiss and hug from me!!!
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: RIVERWOLF on June 08, 2014, 12:56:00 PM
....Best with your journey !
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: gregg dudley on June 08, 2014, 05:08:00 PM
:archer2:
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: Skipmaster1 on June 08, 2014, 07:20:00 PM
Good luck and have fun! I'm going to try and make it back next year. I just couldn't do it with the new baby this time.
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: see on June 08, 2014, 08:41:00 PM
I'm gonna miss it this year. Been there the last 2 years and it's great. Hope to be there maybe the next time. Tom I hope it's the best one yet for all of u.
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: bruinman on June 08, 2014, 08:46:00 PM
Greg you will be missed.  Next year is up in the air for me right now.  If I can convince the wife that it's no big deal if the house falls down I will be there, lol.
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: Caddo on June 12, 2014, 03:34:00 PM
Good Luck Guy's, Knock em out!

Get all of those little ones out of the way so us 2nd week men get right down to business with the big boys!  :clapper:  

LD
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: Yellow Dog on June 14, 2014, 11:37:00 AM
Ed, best of luck to you and all of the Bear Quester's, really going to miss all you guys. It's tough after making it four years in a row sitting this one out but you have to do what you have to do to keep the peace on the homefront. Looking forward to all the tales.

   :archer2:
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: Crittergetter on June 14, 2014, 12:33:00 PM
I guess I'll have to live vicariously thru you! At least till I get on board, Best of luck!!
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: Yellow Dog on June 21, 2014, 09:59:00 AM
The changing of the guard between the week one boys and the week two crew should be taking place right now in La Tuque. Can't wait for the tales of the hunt to unfold.

   :campfire:
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: Keith Zimmerman on June 21, 2014, 10:04:00 AM
I hope week one shooters had some luck, and good luck to the week 2 hunters!
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: meathead on June 21, 2014, 05:24:00 PM
Us first week guys are back in the US headed home. There were several bears that wanted to come back with us. There will be some good stories in the coming days.
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: LoreVa13 on June 21, 2014, 05:58:00 PM
Looking forward to reading some good stories!
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: Sean B on June 22, 2014, 07:01:00 AM
Probably by Monday!!!  I can't wait to hear everything.
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: bruinman on June 22, 2014, 10:31:00 AM
Hold onto your drawers boys, this will be a goodun. First plane this morning had to make an emergency landing so I am now several hours behind and hoping luggage isn't lost. Will try to post this evening if I'm not dead tired. I will say it was an incredible week and that it looks great for the week two boys as well.
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: bruinman on June 22, 2014, 10:32:00 AM
Hold onto your drawers boys, this will be a goodun. First plane this morning had to make an emergency landing so I am now several hours behind and hoping luggage isn't lost. Will try to post this evening if I'm not dead tired. I will say it was an incredible week and that it looks great for the week two boys as well.
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: Sean B on June 22, 2014, 10:43:00 AM
:campfire:  I'm all eyes!!!!!
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: Amberjack on June 22, 2014, 11:08:00 AM
Good luck gents. Had to pass this year but I'm in for 2015!

AJ
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: bruinman on June 22, 2014, 09:17:00 PM
Ok boys, one to wet the whistle as they say. Got in several hours late. Good news is my luggage got here with me and I can quit worrying about the Whip,lol. I am trying to get lots of photos loaded onto photobucket which is very time consuming. Also have to get a bunch of them emailed to the other guys. This one is just to get the show started. Story to follow. This is my bear this year. Taken on the Moose tower stand. The bow is a 58" takedown Whip 52@27", arrows 29.5" 3555s tipped with 190 grain Simmons Interceptors and 50 grain inserts. Back with the story as soon as I can.

   (http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/l617/ETBMAN/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_4173.jpg) (http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/ETBMAN/media/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_4173.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: on June 22, 2014, 09:22:00 PM
Congrats on the bear Ed!

I think Moose Tower is where oldgoat got the big bear of the hunt by making it choke on that donut last year!   :laughing:    :laughing:    :laughing:    

Bisch
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: Sean B on June 22, 2014, 09:28:00 PM
NICE!!!!!!   :thumbsup:    :thumbsup:    :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: bruinman on June 22, 2014, 09:31:00 PM
lol, thanks  Bisch, he is a good one. He was the biggest of the week until the second to the last evening. Man I can't wait for you guys to see that show stopper. I will post those photos at the end of my story as I don't think the guy that got him is on Tradgang. I will let the rest tell their stories and post some photos to go along with them as they do.
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: Sean B on June 22, 2014, 09:36:00 PM
Was Bill Terry up there this year??  was it him???   :campfire:    :coffee:
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: Yellow Dog on June 22, 2014, 09:38:00 PM
Moose Tower! Congrats Ed, I know you'll have a good story and being the great photographer that you are plenty of pics to back it up. Well done!

  :thumbsup:    :thumbsup:    :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: Sean B on June 22, 2014, 10:01:00 PM
Oh Crap,    :banghead:    :banghead:    Congrats Ed!!!!!!
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: bruinman on June 22, 2014, 10:26:00 PM
Thanks guys. Bill was there and impressive as always, but he did not get the big bear. It was a friend of Bills though. His name is Ron Tandy. Mike it was a great week six bears were taken.
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: meathead on June 22, 2014, 10:34:00 PM
I will have some pics loaded by tomorrow.  Photobucket is pretty slow. Ed has all the good pics anyway.
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: bruinman on June 22, 2014, 10:40:00 PM
You can say that again Nate. So far I have managed to get six photos to load. I have been trying to load a video for over an hour. Just gave up on it, LOL.
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: AR RidgeRunner on June 22, 2014, 10:50:00 PM
Congrats Ed! Looks like you and the new bow are getting along well. Nice looking bear, what did he weigh?
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: bruinman on June 22, 2014, 10:55:00 PM
Ok, here we go. First I would like to mention that Bowdoc was not in camp this year. He is ill and he has to have a surgery which I think takes place tomorrow. Our thoughts were with him and we all signed a card for him. Bowdoc you were missed.

I arrived in Albany on June 12th. I wanted to be a day early just in case there was going to be any trouble with the airlines. Also wanted to get a good nights sleep before the all night drive. Hoping maybe I wouldn't fall out of the stand Saturday night when we got there. Patrick Spivey was also coming in from Arkansas at about 0100 on the 13th.

I met up with Patrick for breakfast the following morning, and after breakfast we went and picked up the rental car. Later that afternoon we picked up Kip Manuel and Zach Crossland at the airport and it was off to Tom's. We got turned around a time or two, but we got there without to much difficulty.

Once at Tom's, we met Nate Yazel and his son Hunter, as well as Bill Terry and his friend Ron Tandy and of course Tom. All of the final loading was done and we were on the road for the all night drive in short order.
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: bruinman on June 22, 2014, 11:01:00 PM
Thanks Kent. Keeping it a secret till the end, lol. Don't want to give any hints as to the size of the big one till I post a photo. Even though they are not even close,lol.
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: bruinman on June 22, 2014, 11:26:00 PM
Patrick drove all the way, but I did offer to take over shortly after we got to La Tuque, LOL. Shortly after we got into camp, we all went different directions and baited the stands. One of the stands I baited was the bowl. It had been hit hard and the area was really torn up. All of the baits had been hit.

Once back at camp the drawing for stands took place. I drew the bowl. After the drawing was complete, no one had drawn the roller coaster. I knew how good the bowl looked and I had not seen the roller coaster yet this year, but I had a score to settle there. With no objections I put the bowl back in the hat and went with the roller coaster.
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: oldgoat on June 23, 2014, 04:45:00 AM
Ed,Nice bear can't wait for story. I still think that Whip is mine, I've got its twin .no Bisch I got Cup Cake across the lake from camp, Jay, LD, and I went by Moose Tower last year but I don't think It was hunted,can't remember .The big bear was around Beaver Pound last year with old 3 foot.
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: tippit on June 23, 2014, 08:03:00 AM
OH you guys are bringing back memories of big bears on the Moose Tower.  Now I'll have some reading from my hospital bed...total knee replacement in one week.  Sure have missed being there the past two years...tippit
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: Keith Zimmerman on June 23, 2014, 09:16:00 AM
Great pic of your bear.  Classy.
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: bruinman on June 23, 2014, 01:00:00 PM
We all got a late start Saturday evening and I didnt get to the roller coaster until 7:00 pm. I stayed in the stand until 9:30 without seeing anything. When I got out of the stand I set up a trail camera in hopes of seeing what kind of bears were in the area.

Sunday morning we baited all of the baits again, and I pulled the card from my camera at the roller coaster. The camera caught one nice bear at 0140 in the morning at the meat bucket. The doughnuts were not being hit there but the meat had been cleaned out.

One bear had been taken Saturday evening. Patrick Spivey had taken a nice boar the first night, and he had seen several other bears at the moose tower. He also did a lot of filming of different bears from different stands after he took his bear. Hopefully he will share some of those with us.
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: bruinman on June 23, 2014, 01:03:00 PM
Oh yeah, Nate took that photo of my bear and bow. Turned out to be one of my favorites.
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: bruinman on June 23, 2014, 01:41:00 PM
Trail cam pics of roller coaster bear. Dates and times on camera are off.

  (http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/l617/ETBMAN/Mobile%20Uploads/MFDC0326.jpg) (http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/ETBMAN/media/Mobile%20Uploads/MFDC0326.jpg.html)

  (http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/l617/ETBMAN/Mobile%20Uploads/MFDC0323.jpg) (http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/ETBMAN/media/Mobile%20Uploads/MFDC0323.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: bruinman on June 23, 2014, 01:54:00 PM
Good luck with that knee replacement Tippit. Im thinking I need one myself. I hear all good things about it after the recovery.
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: Matty on June 23, 2014, 03:23:00 PM
:thumbsup:    :campfire:
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: bruinman on June 23, 2014, 06:36:00 PM
Sunday evening, I hunted the roller coaster again, and did not see anything. With only one bear being on camera and that one being in the middle of the night, I decided it might be time to make a move if I could. Bears had been seen on every bait being hunted except the roller coaster, so I went with the moose tower as it was no longer being hunted and numerous bears had been seen there.

Monday evening, I was in the boat and on my way across the water with Hunter and Patrick. Patrick was going to do some more filming. We dropped Hunter off, and then Patrick dropped me at the moose tower. I was settled in the stand at about 4:30, It had taken a little bit to get things set up the way I like them after I got in the stand.

I had been in the stand less than an hour before I noticed a bear coming in from my left. He looked huge, as they all do to me,lol, but I had no doubt this one was a good bear. I tried to ease into a standing position. I didnt think the bear could see me, but he huffed,spun around and was gone in a split second. I did not know if the bear had seen me,or if he was just doing what bears do to check things out. about ten minutes later the bear was there again but coming in from the exact opposite direction. Rght under my stand. He looked like a big black Cadillac slowly pulling out of the thicket below me.
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: bill langer on June 23, 2014, 07:39:00 PM
Love hunting the moose tower!!
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: Sean B on June 23, 2014, 08:46:00 PM
:coffee:  I'm needing a refill   :cool:
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: medic77 on June 23, 2014, 09:40:00 PM
Yeah buddy!  One day I'll hunt me some bears but for now I will love reading everyone's stories.  Great bear, congrats on a successful hunt
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: bruinman on June 23, 2014, 09:54:00 PM
This time the bear walked out to about three or four yards in front of me. Then for no apparent reason spun around and ran out again. He was silent as a ghost coming in and sounded like a freight train every time he left. The bear came in and ran out two more times. Each time he was right under the stand. Then he came in, looked at the barrell and then just walked back out of sight. I thought he was gone for good that time.

Then about 20 minutes later, a small bear came in. As that bear was approaching the barrell, the big bear came running in popping his jaws. The little bear put it in high gear and the big boy was right on his butt. Both bears went out of sight but the big guy came right back in. The little guy came back as well but stayed on the outside edge of the bait site.

Then a squirrel took off running and the big bear stood on his hind legs to see what it was. He was about ten yards away and it looked like his head was just about as high as the stand I was in. Then he walked to the barrell and layed down so he could get his head in it. I did not concern myself with the small bear. I figured he was keeping an eye on the big bear and I had too much going on to worry about him anyway. I came to full draw. Just as I reached full draw, the bear backed out of the barrell, sat on his rear end and looked right at me. There I was, stuck at full draw with no shot.

The bear sat there and looked at me for several seconds, then decided he did not like me. He started to walk away, but he chose a route that took him between me and the barrell. This put the shot at about five yards at a pretty steep angle. I had been at full draw for about ten seconds or so, but the arrow was on the way. It was so fast that I really couldnt tell for sure where the bear was hit. It looked below midline through the shoulder. The arrow was still stuck in the dirt where the bear had been.

Both bears were gone in an instant at the shot. The small bear came back about a minute later but did not stay. The woods seemed very quiet for the first time since I had been in them on this evening. I sat there in silence for about 15 minutes replaying the shot over and over in my head. Then I heard it. You know what it was. One very loud long moan, followed by several short ones. The bear was mine. I got out of the stand and went to my arrow. I could see blood that started about a yard from where I shot the bear. I followed just far enough to see that the bear had turned to the dirction that I had heard the moan from then stopped. I stuck an arrow in the ground in that spot. Then I walked to the old moose tower for which the stand is named and sat and waited for the ride. It had started raining pretty good so I was a little concerned but when I got back to camp, Zach and Tom were sure the bear was dead and that we would be able to find it.

The following morning Zach, Tom and I were out early, I showed them where the blood was and where I had put the arrow. The rain had washed some blood away but it was still pretty easy to follow, with only a couple difficult sections in the moss. We found the bear, and I could not have been happier or more relieved. More photos to follow.
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: bruinman on June 23, 2014, 10:11:00 PM
 (http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/l617/ETBMAN/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_0584.jpg) (http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/ETBMAN/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_0584.jpg.html)

 (http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/l617/ETBMAN/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_0588.jpg) (http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/ETBMAN/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_0588.jpg.html)

Top photo is near the moose tower. The second phot is of Zach and I getting back to camp.
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: shick on June 23, 2014, 10:18:00 PM
Ed, you did one helluva job.  Good for you.  Zach has really turned into Tommy's 'man friday'.
Shick
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: bruinman on June 23, 2014, 10:19:00 PM
Back in camp.

 (http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/l617/ETBMAN/DSC_4169.jpg) (http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/ETBMAN/media/DSC_4169.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: bruinman on June 23, 2014, 10:26:00 PM
Zach Crossland with his fine bear and Ron Tandy with his 301 pound monster.

 (http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/l617/ETBMAN/DSC_4222.jpg) (http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/ETBMAN/media/DSC_4222.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: meathead on June 23, 2014, 10:28:00 PM
I was finally able to get a few pics loaded this evening. I will get some on tomorrow. I know Ed has some more real good pics too.
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: bruinman on June 23, 2014, 10:42:00 PM
Nate I will get some photos emailed to you tomorrow. I have them loaded on my home computer.
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: meathead on June 23, 2014, 11:25:00 PM
Whenever you get a chance. No hurry. I like the pics of Ron and Zach. I missed out on the picture taking that morning.
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: Sean B on June 24, 2014, 05:55:00 AM
Theres 2 nice pumpkin heads right there!!!   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: Dave Pagel on June 24, 2014, 06:20:00 AM
Congrats!  Love that bear hunting.

D.P.
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: on June 24, 2014, 09:40:00 AM
Congrats on the bears, guys!

Bisch
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: Skipmaster1 on June 24, 2014, 12:22:00 PM
Awesome. I missed you guys this year! Glad to see it was a great trip. Great bears!
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: bruinman on June 24, 2014, 01:10:00 PM
Thanks Greg, it was a great week. Missed having you there. The big bear was killed on the Long trail bait. The Cardiac did not get baited this year. Zach's bear weighed in at 172, mine was 173. That would have made for a lot of fun right there, if Ron had not messed it all up with a 301,lol.
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: oldgoat on June 24, 2014, 03:48:00 PM
Sounds like typical BearQuest good times. Great bears !
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: Manitoba Stickflinger on June 24, 2014, 04:08:00 PM
Great bears guys...always love the BearQuest reports. Congrats!
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: oldgoat on June 24, 2014, 04:35:00 PM
Sounds like typical Bear Quest good time, Great  bears can't wait to hear about the cleanup  crew.
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: RIVERWOLF on June 24, 2014, 04:35:00 PM
.......Congratulations with your Bears ! Beautiful animals  .

Just spending time in the purity of the drinking water lakes of the Boreal Forrest is special  ;)
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: meathead on June 24, 2014, 08:03:00 PM
I will keep my story short. Ed already filled you in on the trip up, arriving in camp. Everyone was new to me on this trip except Tom of course and Kip. Just I like the other trips though it didn't take long to get to know each other. My youngest son Hunter was with me on this trip. This was kind of a makeup hunt for last fall since he spent a good portion of last deer season unable to draw a bow because of a seperated shoulder.

We both drew water stands and got to avoid having to get beat up on the camp road every day. He was in the cove and I was spending my time at the blow down. The first couple of days were pretty slow with me seeing nothing and Hunter only seeing one little guy. He was very patient though and I think really got a kick out of just watching him and getting used to being around a bear.
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: Sean B on June 24, 2014, 08:17:00 PM
:coffee:     :coffee:  This is great so far....keep'em coming!!!
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: meathead on June 24, 2014, 08:26:00 PM
We had fun running baits with Bill and checking trail cameras. I finally had some good action on Wednesday with a small bear running around all over the place afraid of a bigger bear that did not want to share. After almost two hours of circling the stand and coming in and leaving without offering a good shot he finally committed and I was able to put one though both lungs at about 4 yards. A crash after 40 yards and a death moan let me know he was down for good. I had a couple hours to get him drug down to the lake and relax before Bill came around to pick me up. That little bear kept me company the rest of the evening too. Sneaking in sniffing around and then crashing off when he would smell something he didn't like.
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: meathead on June 24, 2014, 08:41:00 PM
Hunters chance wouldn't come until Friday afternoon. After not being able to get a shot at the bigger bear we were getting pictures of at the cove Tom suggested trying the bowl for the last evening. That was a good choice because he was listening to a bear give a death moan within 15 minutes of getting into the stand. He double lunged one from about 7 yards. He was able to get the bear drug out and got a nap in the 6 hours before we picked him up.
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: meathead on June 24, 2014, 08:45:00 PM
Here is one of us with the bear I shot.
 (http://i426.photobucket.com/albums/pp343/nyazel/IMG_3631_zpsefa6f01c.jpg) (http://s426.photobucket.com/user/nyazel/media/IMG_3631_zpsefa6f01c.jpg.html)
and here is Hunters.
 (http://i426.photobucket.com/albums/pp343/nyazel/DSC_4237_zpse12b1e9a.jpg) (http://s426.photobucket.com/user/nyazel/media/DSC_4237_zpse12b1e9a.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: Sean B on June 24, 2014, 08:48:00 PM
Great pic!!!  beautiful bear!!  congrats!
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: bruinman on June 24, 2014, 08:49:00 PM
Awesome Nate! It was great hunting with you guys. I was really pulling for Hunter, and he gotter done on the last evening. It was great!!
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: Sean B on June 24, 2014, 08:53:00 PM
Well?????....lets hear it Hunter!!!!   :campfire:    :coffee:
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: bruinman on June 24, 2014, 08:53:00 PM
I will add that I enjoyed watching Nate shoot on the practice range. The man can flat stack the arrows!
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: meathead on June 24, 2014, 10:24:00 PM
Ed thanks for the pictures. Nice job on them.
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: bruinman on June 24, 2014, 10:56:00 PM
No problem Nate.
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: Matty on June 24, 2014, 11:26:00 PM
ALRIGHT NATE AND HUNTER!
Sorry I've lost touch with you from when I met you in camp. I hope all is well!!
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: meathead on June 24, 2014, 11:54:00 PM
Thanks Matt. We had much shorter tracking jobs than when we tracked up on the cardiac a few years ago.
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: Kip on June 25, 2014, 07:37:00 AM
My post will be short.I had a great time as my other three times at Bear Quest.The trip was uneventful(neither good or bad) and camp looked the same I was ready for a week of R&R and visiting with old friends and making new ones.I was not disapointed on both counts.I drew the bucket brigade stand that I killed my bear last trip.A nice bear came in the first evening but never gave me a shot.I spent two other evenings and no sighting so I moved to the Resurection stand a favorite of Barry Wensel.Spent two evenings there and no bear seen.After Ron got his great beautiful bear he said quite a few more were still coming to the bait.I spent an evening and almost a full day at that stand and still no sighting.So I ended my hunt with only one bear seen and another in the road while baiting.I still had a great week.People great,food great,weather great fun and enjoyable week.Here is a pic for some of you as a pattern.
     (http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p191/Kip_album/sarahswedding010.jpg) (http://s128.photobucket.com/user/Kip_album/media/sarahswedding010.jpg.html)  
Well the post was not so short after all.Kip
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: awbowman on June 25, 2014, 12:20:00 PM
Sure does look like a beautiful place.
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: bruinman on June 25, 2014, 03:20:00 PM
Kip with his morning coffee and getting into a good read during some down time. Kip speaks French by the way and it came in handy several times.

 (http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/l617/ETBMAN/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_4180.jpg) (http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/ETBMAN/media/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_4180.jpg.html)

 (http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/l617/ETBMAN/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_4195.jpg) (http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/ETBMAN/media/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_4195.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: awbowman on June 25, 2014, 04:46:00 PM
Kip's good people for sure mon ami!
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: meathead on June 25, 2014, 06:21:00 PM
And can that guy cook.
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: bruinman on June 26, 2014, 03:40:00 PM
We ate very well all week long. Kip brought us some spotted catfish, Nate brought some ribs and we ate bear meat several ways, and venison as well. One night we even had some gator.
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: Sean B on June 26, 2014, 03:44:00 PM
I was gonna ask about the gator!!
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: bruinman on June 26, 2014, 03:48:00 PM
I have a photo of it I will post in a few. Man it was good stuff.
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: bruinman on June 26, 2014, 04:42:00 PM
Photo of the fried Gator. Man that was good stuff.

 (http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/l617/ETBMAN/IMG_0612.jpg) (http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/ETBMAN/media/IMG_0612.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: meathead on June 26, 2014, 04:54:00 PM
That plate didn't last very long. Good stuff.
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: bruinman on June 26, 2014, 05:36:00 PM
Home away from home.

 (http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/l617/ETBMAN/DSC_4191.jpg) (http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/ETBMAN/media/DSC_4191.jpg.html)

Looking down the cove from camp.

 (http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/l617/ETBMAN/DSC_4189.jpg) (http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/ETBMAN/media/DSC_4189.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: oldgoat on June 26, 2014, 07:30:00 PM
Chair have been replaced, same old table cloth, couch looks like Jay has not been there yet, missed it this year will be back
Bob
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: Kip on June 26, 2014, 09:16:00 PM
Ed you have to be careful whose pics you take I have been known to break cameras.Great pics makes me want to be back there ,so peaceful.Hope second week has as much luck and fun as we had.
Enjoyed the week with everyone great time and if anyone coming to Louisiana look me up we will break bread and hunt or fish somewhere.Kip
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: bruinman on June 27, 2014, 01:30:00 PM
Last evening in La Tuque, second week boys will be posting soon.
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: Sean B on June 27, 2014, 02:59:00 PM
Looking forward to the 2nd week report.  Those "gator bites" look good!!
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: meathead on June 27, 2014, 03:40:00 PM
That all probably killed bears by Tuesday and have been fishing since then.
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: bruinman on June 27, 2014, 04:58:00 PM
Yep, just taking it easy. No baiting to do, no nothing after they got done with the skinning, LOL. Im starting to figure out what these second week guys are up to,lol.
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: oldgoat on June 28, 2014, 05:39:00 PM
Ed, don't tell all! The cleanup crew should be headed to Toms today I think. Wil. Be glad to hear the rest of the story. FYI  I heard a rumor that. Don Ward has  4 new bangers and is home and doing OK.
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: IndianaBowman on June 29, 2014, 09:39:00 PM
Looking forward to more bear stories.

I'm glad everyone enjoyed eating the gator as much as my kids and I enjoyed shooting them.  :)
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: meathead on June 29, 2014, 10:00:00 PM
I am looking forward to them too.  They haven't even thrown us a teaser. And thanks for the gator Terry.  It was delicious.
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: bruinman on June 29, 2014, 11:14:00 PM
The Gator was awesome!! I know they killed one bear, but thats about all I know. I Don't even know who got it.
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: Ryman Cat on June 30, 2014, 02:01:00 PM
Truly don't know what to say other than still in aw over the past 2nd week. I had my chances stayed on the long trail where Rons big one came off and it was very intersting to say the least especially when I thought one was going to stick his head in my blind. He was only about 4 feet away after he was trowning down logs and wuffing at me for a while before he had enough and came to look in almost. As he went by me I tried to draw and shoot and the string ever so gently rubbed my shirt I could barley hear but he sure did looked back and was gone before I got it back. Talk about being rattled and having to make a shot.LOL

2 others I missed arrow sailed over the backs as the upper limb hit my blind twice that sucked better than a wound which one I did and not recoverd. Great guys great place plenty of bears a real trip I was hooked after the first bear came in. I didn't attempt to shoot because he was rubbed when I realized I should have. It was a real learning experiance. 2 bears shot and not recoverd and 1 bear taken by Jeff from Va. Zacks dad. Real great guys and heck of a spot. Many bears turned down or presented no shots. Wonderfull trip.

Cat
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: Kip on June 30, 2014, 03:14:00 PM
Ryman Cat   Ron mentioned that the boar was folowing a sow with no cubs and almost as large as his bear.Maybe she was upset that her man was no longer around.
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: bruinman on June 30, 2014, 04:30:00 PM
Sounds like you had a lot of action. Nothing like being close to those critters.
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: Ryman Cat on June 30, 2014, 06:09:00 PM
I don't know but it was a beauty as well that bear I did want nice coat and fairly good size that must have been the sow only saw that bear 2 times. I ended up shooting patchs after missing him 1 other time that night when he first came in thats when bow hit the top of the blind on release. I tried to stay focused so much was going on all the time they had me half nuts?LOL

The one I ended wounding I drew down on him a total of 7 times and had to let off. No one can tell me again a bear is dumb.LOL

He took the barrel placed it in front of him between us so he was protected and blocked and could look towards my blind. I thought you SOB I'm going to drive one through your chest you sit up again like that it was peek aboo games for a while then he was ready to leave and up the trail he started was standing quartering and I thought there it is and I mis timed it and hit him in the back leg. I figuired now I have a problem in the dark too it was to dark to see now? LOL
It wasn't so funny then though wondering what to do next to get out of there quitely enough not to push him any further had he been near by maybe. Next day we looked for him he left with the arrow finally after 450 he pulled the arrow out and we lost the blood but was bleeding pretty good following the blood for a ways Tom and Larry and Jay were tracking straight up.

I'm hooked plainly see how you can get like this on bears. I was amazed being that close learned a lot about them in just a couple days.
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: Cyclic-Rivers on June 30, 2014, 06:48:00 PM
Great adventures guys,  I am looking forward to more Tales from this camp.
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: Caddo on July 01, 2014, 05:45:00 PM
Another Great Trip to La Tuque! As usual Tom and Zack did a heck of a job! Sure missed that old scrounge Bowdoc! I started out on the Glove for the first two nights. Just saw a smaller sow and a Boo Boo Bear each night. Moved over to the Cove. We had a really good bear on Trail cam that was coming in after 10 pm. No matter what we did we just couldn't convince him to come in any earlier. Heard him convince a smaller boar that those were his donuts, one night. Had the smaller boar come in, but the big boy just refused to. Moved over to the HIllbilly for the last night since we had some really good bears on trail Cam over there. But again, just Boo Boo showed up. Just seemed like I was in the wrong place at the wrong time! Had a great time tracking a couple of hit bears, seemed like halfway back to La Tuque, but they just quit leaking. really enjoyed camp with Tom, Zack, Glenn, Jay and Jeff. Couldn't ask for better hunting companions! Too bad Jeff was the only one who seemed to manage to kill a bear! Congrats Jeff, well done.
 Can't wait until next year, come on BQ 9, Bring it on!

LD
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: meathead on July 01, 2014, 06:03:00 PM
We had the same issue at the cove.  We couldn't catch him at the right time.  We had him coming in the daylight but it was in the morning.  
 (http://i426.photobucket.com/albums/pp343/nyazel/PICT0100_zpsccd5380b.jpg) (http://s426.photobucket.com/user/nyazel/media/PICT0100_zpsccd5380b.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: Whip on July 01, 2014, 08:52:00 PM
It's a yearly treat to read these stories. Sure brings back some good memories! Congrats to all, whether you brought a Bear home or not.
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: Sean B on July 01, 2014, 09:01:00 PM
You're right Whip.  I've always loved this thread. I hunted BQ 6 and it was one of....I not THEE best hunt I've ever been on.  I've been trying to get back there, hopefully I'll be able to make BQ 10. Congratulations to all on a great hunt!
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: meathead on July 01, 2014, 10:37:00 PM
Here is another trail cam pic.  This one was from the blowdown.  I am pretty sure this is the bear that came home with me.
 (http://i426.photobucket.com/albums/pp343/nyazel/IM000027_zps29dc9841.jpg) (http://s426.photobucket.com/user/nyazel/media/IM000027_zps29dc9841.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: bruinman on July 03, 2014, 07:34:00 AM
Cool shot Nate.
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: bruinman on April 11, 2016, 09:56:00 PM
Been a long wait but my Bear Quest 8 bear is finally here, The unboxing and in his place in the man cave. There will probably be some fine tuning but he is in there,lol.


 (http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/l617/ETBMAN/Mobile%20Uploads/unnamed-1.jpg) (http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/ETBMAN/media/Mobile%20Uploads/unnamed-1.jpg.html)


 (http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/l617/ETBMAN/Mobile%20Uploads/unnamed_1.jpg) (http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/ETBMAN/media/Mobile%20Uploads/unnamed_1.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: CoachBGriff on April 11, 2016, 10:06:00 PM
Very cool!  

I used to think I just wanted a rug, but my best friend also did a full mount, and now I'm not sure which direction I would go.

Thanks for sharing!
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: Matty on April 11, 2016, 10:13:00 PM
That's sweet. I would love something like that but justmdont have the space. Very cool!
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: ron w on April 11, 2016, 10:15:00 PM
Very nice......I can see why it took so long....beautiful. I got my Rug back from BQ #10 but it's nothing like that!   :thumbsup:    :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: Matty on April 11, 2016, 10:19:00 PM
That's sweet. I would love something like that but justmdont have the space. Very cool!
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: AR RidgeRunner on April 11, 2016, 10:21:00 PM
That's an awesome mount Ed! Great addition to the man cave, Congrats!
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: bruinman on April 12, 2016, 07:17:00 AM
Thanks guys. I hate missing out on Bear Quest this year. It is going to be a special one for sure.I would like to get two more bears if I live long enough. Not sure where I would put them though,lol. Can't get far enough away from them to get them all in the photo completely but here are the three in the man cave as best as I can get them to show with a cell phone. The two black ones are Bear Quest Bears. The brown one came from Montana in 1985. I will add a couple from the taxidermy shop in Connecticut. I like rugs but they eat up a lot of space. The wife will not let me put one on the bed,lol.

   (http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/l617/ETBMAN/IMG_0576.jpg) (http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/ETBMAN/media/IMG_0576.jpg.html)

   (http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/l617/ETBMAN/IMG_0022.jpg) (http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/ETBMAN/media/IMG_0022.jpg.html)

   (http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/l617/ETBMAN/IMG955146.jpg) (http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/ETBMAN/media/IMG955146.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: Sean B on April 12, 2016, 07:39:00 AM
That's a goodlooking mount!!!  I Like what was done with the mouth.
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: KAZ on April 12, 2016, 07:45:00 AM
Beautiful mount, this gets the fire burning for Bear Quest 10!   :campfire:   Ben & I are headed up for 2nd week, hopefully we'll get an opportunity at a sweety like that!   :pray:
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: bruinman on April 12, 2016, 12:11:00 PM
Good luck Kaz, if you have not been before, you are in for a great time!
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: Sean B on April 12, 2016, 12:21:00 PM
I'm kicking the idea around of a full mount for my next. Now you got me thinking
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: bruinman on April 12, 2016, 01:34:00 PM
Sean the guys that have done my last two are in Middlebury Connecticut. Not sure how far that is from you. Kevin's Taxidermy. I think they do a very nice job. You can't be in a hurry though,lol.
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: Sean B on April 12, 2016, 01:56:00 PM
I'm less than an hour from there give or take. PM me his info. My old taxidermist moved down south and the guy who did my last two Bears, didn't do the heads justice, esp on the P &Yer!!
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: meathead on April 12, 2016, 08:38:00 PM
Ed great job on the bear.  Looks like it was worth the wait.
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: Cyclic-Rivers on April 12, 2016, 09:05:00 PM
The mount turned out great!
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: 23feetupandhappy on April 13, 2016, 12:46:00 PM
Oh boy oh boy oh boy     :bigsmyl:

I want a bear rug in a bad way!!


Kaz and I are looking forward to our Bear Quest 10 adventure   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Bear Quest 8, READY TO RUMBLE!!
Post by: bruinman on April 13, 2016, 12:56:00 PM
Well its getting close Benjamin. You guys are in for a great time.