Rufous' 2013 Oregon Spring Bear Hunt

[Rufous]

Got it done today. Not the big boy or blonde phase I was hoping for but I decided to go ahead and fill my tag. I am happy with my decision. Decent sized boar and quite red colored overall. I saw this bear at about noon and it was 500 yards away across a canyon. It was feeding in and out of brush and I finally lost sight of it. I moved down the slope I was on and decided to try to call it in with my mouth blown bear blaster call. After several minutes here came the bear and I was able to make a good shot on it from about 50 yards away with my 300 Win Mag using the Barnes 200 LRX bullet. Based on its girth I figure it weighed about 225#.

[dkecoleman]

Great thread, and congrats on the nice bear

[Rufous]

Thanks. I wish I could have gotten some better photos but I was by myself. At least I had my Joby tripod so was able to get a pic of me with the bear. I hunt on my own much of the time and have taken 4 of my 11 bears while hunting solo. Also I have called in 5 of my bears. I encourage you bear hunters to keep at the calling. For me it sure works best when I have seen a bear first. If that is the case they generally come in. Not always but more often than not. So if you see a bear but it is either too far away for a shot or it has moved off into the brush give calling a try. It is very exciting when they come in looking to eat you!

[Bob Williams1]

Dude!! That is AWESOME!!!! ILOVE THE COLOR.
Congrats on a great hunt. And next time club that fawn steelin lil moe foe. Those eyes are cold killersbut what a neat pic. Magazine stuff

[Timberstalker]

Great Job Rufous.  He is a dandy for sure.

[pd]

Excellent work, Rufous. It has been a long season, but you got the job done.

[Gringo31]

Thanks for a great write up!

[bucklucky]

Nice Job Rufous, way to get it done!

[Rufous]

The 4 legs without hide or paws weighed 72#. The 4 legs on my biggest bear weighed 120#. I think this is a good way to get an estimate on live weight since many bear cannot be brought out whole. I think it is close to take the weight of the 4 legs and multiply by 3.25 or so.

My buddy Mike who has the same tag and I went out again today to the same area. We thought perhaps a bear might be eating on the carcass remains but no such luck.

[Wea300mag]

Great solo effort. Congrats

[Salmo]

Congrats Rufous!!!!!

Are you gonna have it tanned?   Would love to see the color after the wash!!!

Chuck

[Rufous]

I think I will have it tanned. Here is a better pic showing its hide colors:

[Ripper]

Congrats Rufous, that is a great looking bear!   

[Cougar125]

That guy sure is a beaut!  Congrats!

[Harborhunter]

Great bear!