I went out hunting for the first time this morning and figured I would share my morning with you guys.

I set out in the dark this morning in hopes of seeing some deer. At sunrise I was on top of a ridge glassing for animals. No luck there, I decided to try and work my way down closer to the river. Walking down a deer trail I noticed urine on the ground and looked around but just in time to hear something crashing through the brush. I went and investigated where I had heard the noise and from the tracks figured I sent a small doe running. Take it slow!

I worked my way north a while then decided I would eat quick and then do a little stump thumping while working my way south east. With judo in hand I hear more walking through the brush and take some time to look around but see nothing. Trying to slow my pace more I follow a game trail that must be headed towards water.

I get up on top of a little ridge and hear something walking around. I pull off the side of the trail and glass the area. Out of some thick brush I see black and then a head. Oh no! Its a bear! At about 40-50 yards away with the wind in my favor this bear is walking my way. He takes a few more steps and then puts his front legs on top of a log partially standing up. He looks around and I have a feeling he sees me but he just stood there looking around.

I start backing up while keeping my eyes on him. And then turned around and got out of there watching my back trail to see if he followed.

I prepared well for deer but when the bear popped out of the woods I was in shock! I wish I prepared more for that kind of encounter!    

Sounds like an excitin morning!!

I would have watched long. May be he would go by you. Still, sounds like fun.

Whoa sound slike a great morning to me. That's something you won't forget for awhile.

Hey Mike, thanks for sharing your story..  I was right there with you!  Sounds like a great day and I would have reacted just like you did!!  Thanks again, Jim

great story.... wish you had pic's to go along with it....Glad you also made it out alive

Heck ya shoulda grabbed him a put him in a headlock till he cried momma!

Or might that be the other way round????

J

Be fun to watch anyway

Yeah I am more prepared now. I am going to keep my eye out for him!

I take it you did not have a bear tag. Great story, encounters like that are priceless.

Danny