Saylean Bear Down

[saylean]

Sorry for the delay guys. Internet is acting up, running the meat to the butcher soon...got a million things going today, x force daughters bday, etc...will try to get a pic story tonight. Sad to say it's over, but I (we) totally fulfilled the role of a spring bear hunter. Be back on ASAP. Thanks for the kudos on the book guys, it means a lot.

[elkrack]

Really! 

[stew pidasso]

 

[elkoholic1]

 

[Ridge Hunter]

Cant wait to read the story and see pics!

[saylean]

So the story goes...

After putting in a good few weekends of scouting, etc, finding some great spots, and getting within 20 yards of another bear I was presented with this chance...

My brother (xforce) and I went out saturday morning. We proceeded to walk a few good looking roads, found some sign, some scat, tree stripping...but nothing that screamed, BEAR EVERYWHERE!, so we continued.

He had a list of honey dos to get to, so we decided to try and be out of the area by noon. We stopped for a quick look on a landing and viewed a couple of roads way down below us. I said, "man look at all that spring bear damage down there (from previous years)....you'd think you'd see a bear walking them roads.." He agreed, but alas, no bear. With a quick glance of the mountains, we retreated to the truck. I hopped in the driver seat and gave the s curve road below one last look before taking off...."theres one!"...sure enough..a bear come walking out of that spring damage tree stand and walked the road,...eating some grass, slowly walking down the road. We watched him for a bit...no cubs.
We decided to make a go for it. I had him drive my stealthy truck (sounds like a clunky sherman tank thats coming apart) and I went to the passenger seat. We found the road we thought would lead to the bear in about 5 minutes. We drove down till we felt we were close enough. I bailed out and walked to the grassy pullout he had been moments before.

No bear...but I could hear some rustling just over the logs I was now standing by. I lip squeeked a bit...hoping he would pop his head up to see the noise...no luck.

My brother had a better view and motioned me to him, although he was still a distance from the downhill embankment. I crept forward and leaned over the edge. Bear left a tree he was ravaging and walked broad side at 30 yards. I pulled up and let the mule kick (my .300 wsm I call the mule). Double lung and a busted exit wound shoulder, the bear bit, rolled and went about 20 yards down hill. Bawled...end of story. I gutted it and my younger bro decided to haul it up the hill by himself....who was I to argue.

Not the biggest bear, but he was damaging trees, a wasnt a female. Had a good coat, but was just rubbed a tad on his back right rump. I decided a smaller bear with my brother is better than a big bear (or no bear) by myself,...made a great memory.
Piled up on a hill side and in brush, it was your standard thorn induced stumble fest getting it out.
On the way out..my truck decided to over heat...but we limped out and made it home safely after all. Thanks little truck for not stranding me out there.
Pic of me and the trouble bear, and his last meal.
Rough 17 in skull, about 150 lbs, maybe 4 years old, Zero fat on him...

Best of luck to all other hunters out there!

[NW-GSP]

Congrats! Always a good time hunting with family.

[50CalJim]

Congrats on notching your Tag. 

[wadu1]

Nice looking bear; going to get some good eats from him. PS I like your avatar photo better than the real thing!!

[saylean]

Nice looking bear; going to get some good eats from him. PS I like your avatar photo better than the real thing!!

Thats bixby, from Robocop...perverted old man in commericals in the 80's classic...he always cracked me up as a kid.

[Watimberghost]

Nice bear! cool close encounter!

[elkrack]

Sweet bear! It's awesome to see some success! 

[Cap.Silver]

Well, congrats ... you did it . 

[jasnt]

Congrats!  Only thing better than bear hunting is bear hunting with your brother!

[Buck Rub Jr]

Congrats!!