Bear Down

[skagitsteel]

For sure! yeah I was thinking somebody added 10 switchbacks on the way out.  But after I got in the truck and drove home I can't say I wouldn't do it again! Was glad to shoot it right off the trail and not in the meadow a mile or so to the East, that would have been a real pack

[RB]

Cool! 

[RadSav]

Are you using your waist belt to secure the load in that picture?  If so I would have mentioned in your, "biggest piece of advice to new hunters from a new bear hunter.." carry load straps!!!   90# pack with just your shoulders would put me in the hospital for another back surgery.  But, then again I was young once too

Great job not rushing the shot.  Congratulations

[3nails]

 I've got 3 kill videos of bears from up there but they are in Hi8. If I can ever figure out how to transfer them to the computer I'll post them up.

[400out]

I want one!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Great job on a beautiful bear! how much meat did you get off her?

[skagitsteel]

My shoulders were killing me!  had to take the pack off several times on the way down.  I packed the load just fine, legs and back were good, just the shoulders hurt.  what do you recommend for load straps?
packed 85 Ibs of 'bear' off the mountain hide, and meat.  Took out a lot of meat on both shoulders, the exit wound was 5" across and left the shoulder literaly dangling from the bear.  We had about 50 ibs of meat, had to trim a ton of fat off before I packed it down.  Was thinking the bear was probably 140 or so, super chunky bear.

[RadSav]

Any load strap that you can get to work with your pack is better than carrying 90# off the mountain with no waist belt.  REI, Wilco or just about any fabric store will have nylon straps and buckles.  My old packs I would mess around with a large bag of dog food finding the best combination to hold things secure.  Most packs these days have straps in the right spots just rarely long enough.  I carry extenders plus two extra compression type straps for those awkward loads.  Also nice to have those extra straps when a buckle breaks or some stitching comes loose.  Those guys with Badlands packs should know what I mean

My pack is never with out this stuff http://www.kelty.com/p-136-triptease-lightline.aspx   It's tough as all heck, dyneema core means no creap and 50 feet weighs only one ounce.

Back in my guiding days I used Duct Tape a lot.  Heavy but it worked great.

[madcow41]

what altitude where you at? where the berries ripe or rotting?

[skagitsteel]

Sorry didn't read your first post all the way, I had badlands 2200, did have a good waist belt it seems to hold the weight in that pack up to about 70-75 ibs, after that it's on your shoulders, do you have any suggestions? or I could always just hunt with a meat frame pack...   was up around 5500 feet berries were ripe, the berries that were there were prime, but a lot of areas up high had no berries this year due to heavy snowpack, not enough time to ripen

[RadSav]

I don't think that pack was meant to carry more than 70# or so.  But, I'm not sure I would carry a bulky pack all the time since most times you won't be hauling out meat.  But, it is always nice to have the big one when you need it. 

If I'm not back too far I often carry a smaller pack and then have a heavy hauler in the truck for a second load.  If going way back I always take the larger pack.  My bigger pack is an Eberlestock J107.  There are better big load packs, but I like it's versatility and the company.  Though even with my experience I'm always looking for a better option that fits an old cripple like myself. Ask 20 guys you'll probably get a dozen different recommendations on packs.  Just keep killing back country bear and you'll figure out what you want and like in no time   There are a lot of good options with about a $1,000.00 variance in pricing between them all.

If I was going to make one solid suggestion it would be to swap out the Badland's buckles with a more durable brand.  Their packs are rather nice, but they do have a history of breaking hardware when you can least afford it.

BTW - Helluva job getting that one out with the 2200.  Should be proud of that accomplishment.  Now go kill her grand daddy with your second tag   Good luck!

[skagitsteel]

Yeah I broke the buckle 1st day of bear season with just my hunting gear, so already got those replaced.  Pack works pretty well overall, 2nd bear pack out with that pack this year, takes the hide real well... Most of the spots I have been hunting are def too far for a 2nd trip at least in the same day...

[combs338]

Nice work!

[saylean]

Looks like a pretty spot! Pretty bear too!

[Blacktail Sniper]

Good job, sounds like you earned it and kudos for showing the patience to wait for the best shot!

[shanevg]

Looks like a great first bear!  Congrats! 

Those packs out can sure be bad, but no matter how horrible it was, as soon as I get to the car I'm looking forward to my next trip.  I got my frist bear of the season yesterday - she was a bit smaller than we initially thought but when she stepped out at 62 yards I just took a snap shot.  After getting her up to the 1200 feet elevation to the trail I was sure glad she was a small bear!  After packing out more than 15 bears, I'm still looking for the best pack for packing things out.  I can tell you one thing - it's definitely not the Sitka 45! 

Loved your comment about the 10 extra siwtchbacks on the way out, I certainly know that feeling!!!