2025 Ontario bear camp

[goingoldskool]

Good afternoon folks,
 I just returned from hunting at Bearpaw Landing that Charlie Lamb wrote about in his "hunting with Fred Bear" column up near Wabigoon, Ontario, it's about 30 miles from Dryden, Ontario.

 We set out on Friday, 5 September at  0600, made it to International Falls, MN  by 1800, ate supper and checked into the hotel.  We planned to be across the border at 0530.

 We hit a little snag when the bait shop we planned to get our tags at changed their hours after The 1st of September, so instead of waiting another hour for them to open, we elected to get our tags in Dryden.

 The scenery was marvelous as the fall colors were starting.  We got to Dryden and had yet another problem as the computer system went down, so a quick trip to Wal-Mart for provisions was the next order of events.
 

[goingoldskool]

After a hard reboot we got our tags and were back on the road.  We made camp by 1000 and checked in with David Zinn,  unloaded and drew for stands. 

We were in our stands by 1600, with umbrellas up as it was starting to rain some.  Broke out my book and started reading.  Squirrels and chipmunks were on full display immediately!

At 1900 a soft "gelunk" was heard.  It's been awhile since I'd heard a bear making this noise and it is something that once you hear it, it sticks with you. I've heard some folks call it "bullfrogging". Anyway, I heard it and some soft lip smacks.

The next thing I see is a couple cubs with momma bear checking wind and the perimeter. This momma let her cubs feed while she kept on the move only to come in and eat for a few minutes at a time.  After 45 minutes, they left just as the sun was setting. Last light came and I got down and walked to the road to await my ride.

[goingoldskool]

The 2nd afternoon/evening brought no bear action.  Squirrels and chipmunks was the only activity. It turns out, nobody had any bear sightings that day.

The 3rd day (Monday) anticipation was high as the weather was cooling off.  We were in the stands by 1500 and the weather couldn't have been more perfect. I managed to read 10 chapters in my book while the sun was still up.

As the sun set, my knees started to bother me, so I decided to stand and stretch out some.  It was 1930, about 20 minutes before sunset.  I stood there taking in the sights and sounds when I looked back to my bait....

I was surprised to see that a nice bear had moved into within 10yards of me completely unnoticed!  I mean no sound whatsoever!!!  As I looked at her, she was looking at me. When she turned her head away, I grabbed my Black Widow bow and made ready.

 She was still slightly quartering to me, so I waited, my fingers on the string. She took a couple more cautious steps, bringing her more broadside with each step.

 When she finally got broadside and stepped with her near leg forward, while turning her head away from me,  I drew...

 Light was fading fast and I was glad I switched to traditional archery over 10 years ago as trying to look through a peep sight would have been rough.  I looked at my spot, drew and when I hit anchor, the arrow was enroute!

 The arrow hit where I was looking and she let out a "WOOF", turned and was gone the way she came in. I stood there for a couple minutes listening for a crash or death moan, but heard neither.  I gathered my stuff and got ready to descend the tree.

 I was on the ground 10 minutes after the shot and headed to the road.  My hunting buddy drive up as I was just getting to the road.  He could tell something was up from my expression!  He asked how long ago I shot and after looking at my watch, replied "15 minutes".

 We decided to go pick up our other 2 members who were several miles down the road.  After discussing the lack a crash and moan, we'd wait and track the next morning.

 

[goingoldskool]

 We were at the stand shortly after first light and quickly picked up her trail.  The Simmons Treeshark cut a massive wound channel.  She didn't have time to get oof the game trail as she only covered 35 yards!  From the time we got to the stand to when we found her was less than 12 minutes.  Getting her out took much longer, but using a Jett-sled made it quite a bit easier!

She tipped the scales at 215lbs dressed.  Just a nice sizes sow.
After butchering her, I had time to take in the beauty of the lake and the Canadian flora.

Good luck,  Shoot straight and God bless

[rastaman]

Way to go sir!  Congratulations!  

[MnFn]

Well done! And nice photos too.

[Bowsey Wails]

Excellent adventure.    I know the area you're talking about; nicer in the autumn than in the spring.

[woodchucker]

CONGRATULATIONS Brother!!!!!!             

[EHK]

Congrats and thanks for sharing the story.

[ESP]

Congratulations, I need to go on another bear hunt. 

[supernaut]

Congratulations and thanks for the great recap and pictures!

 

[bowbender1]

Congratulations!!! Enjoyed tagging along for the hunt!

[Roy from Pa]

Awesome, well done..