I saw the biggest thing I have ever seen on four legs in the woods tonight...a solid 400+ lb black bear at ten yard    :eek:    !  I have never seen something that big be so quiet, third night on stand and the first bear was an absolute monster...what a rush!

I got caught trying to get in position for a shot    :rolleyes:     but I still had a blast.  I've looked at 2 baits a couple hundred times in the last three days and it is surreal when you look and they just appear out of thin air        , as it seems.  I looked at this bait for 3 hours the night before and 4 hours tonight before he showed, seven hours of nothing (plus three on the first stand the other night) and then the biggest thing you've ever seen is standing ten yards away.  I couldn't see 13 yards in any one direction; they just literally drift in without making a sound.  

Wow is all I can say...it left me speechless, humble and awe struck all at the same time        .  He came back 5-7 minutes later but wouldn't come around the blow down to the bait.  I've never seen a chipmunk climb a tree and look so scared!  He looked like he was trying to blend into the bark he was so flat against it.

This is one of the most amazing nights I've ever hunted in my 25 years going to the woods.

Pete...you and your dad are the greatest!  I hope to get a crack at him tonight...just to prove what you told me about his size.  Small ears, huge head, monster body and huge rear end and the slickest most silk looking coat I've ever seen now in person and on TV from the past.

I will be able to shoot sitting down tonight that I promise.

I'll post some photos of me on stand and of the bait when I get back home.

Walking out alone was a bit nerve racking, that was also a first for me tonight...I couldn't get the thought he wasn't far away waiting for me to leave!  I was just over half his size at 240 lbs, makes you feel very small.

Thanks,

Josh

I second the    

Cool Josh!

It is funny how you can hear squirrels coming from 100 yrds or more but a huge bear can just materialise right in front of you without the slightest sound... Go get him!  

Ron

That sounds like a successful hunt to me.  Hopefully you will fill your freezer too but you are describing an outstanding time.

It`s good to get a few more RPM`s from your heart from something like this!!!

I think Fred Bears said "it will cleanse your soul"  

Good luck hope you tag that big boy...

Josh
Great story, I hope you get him. My first bear bow hunt I was scared like a little girl leaving the woods with just a bow and a flashlight I know what you mean.
Good luck.
Terry

Josh, that is awesome buddy.  Glad to hear you guys are having a good time up there!!  

Good deal Josh. Is JD having any luck?

Yep, I know the feeling!  Nothing like it that I have experienced either.  Mine spooked and came back 10 minutes later.  Good thing to, because it took me that 10 minutes to re-gain control of my central nervous system.

He was 362#, and a new bow record for camp!

Josh, Good luck to you guys, I'm In high hopes to see some pics with the kajikas and bears down!  I'll be heading up north on the 19th to try and spot and stalk my first bear with a longbow(we can't bait here in NY)! Go get em Guys!!!  Jim

JD's seen 4 bears but hasn't gotten one yet either, going again tonight...we're both having a blast!

Thanks all...I understand the love people have for this pursuit of the bears now.

Josh

Good luck and keep JD safe, he's working on a new 56" Mojo for me.

good luck, Josh and JD
 

Very cool Josh good luck.

Josh, Good luck to you and JD. Can't wait to see some pics!!

Good luck Josh, sounds like an awesome hunt!      

Pete how about some pictures of this hunt. Good luck cant wait to see that boar.