I hunted 8 days with J AND V big game outfitters this season. The hunting was good and I had 3 chances at bears, I somehow managed to mess up all 3 of them! so I went home with 2 tags unfilled and 100% my fault. I had 4 days that i could swing for one more trip over, so I emailed the outfitter and asked if he would be ok with me trying to find a spot and setting up my own bait for 4 days, I was shocked when he replied and told me to use one of his bait sites as they were done for the spring season and knew there were plenty of bears in that area. Seriously who does stuff like that these days? I decided to make the 500 mile drive to Avery, Id and give it a go. I got there thur morning and hiked in and baited and set up 2 cams. I hunted that evening but nothing came in. Fri I got in the stand around 530, the bait had been hit that morning so I had high hopes, around 800 pm I caught movement in the brush behind the bait, then I saw a dark figure moving, I was surprised at the size of the bear once it came into view ( the other bears I saw were 120-170 range) this was looked MUCH larger. I watched as she stood up and sniffed a tree on the trail into the bait, then sat down and scratched her ear, I had grabbed my hoyt off the bow hanger and was ready for when the shot presented itself. She came right into the bait and gave me a broadside 18 yrd chip shot, I settled my 20 pin right behind her shoulder and next thing I knew.. WHACK.. I heard that perfect "thump' and she bolted down the mountain side. I herd crashing for 3-5 seconds after the shot then sweet silence. I was 100% sure the shot was spot on and gathered myself about a min or so of adrenaline and quietly hiked out to my truck. I called James once I got back to my motel and told him I had killed a nice bear. I was expecting a " nice job " and instead I got a " awesome, I am proud of you brother! I will be there early to help you pack it out" . James offered to drive 2+ hrs just to help me pack out a bear from HIS site that he let me hunt on my own..... I honestly am not sure if any other outfitter would ever do something like that, needless to say... I was shocked. We found the bear quickly as she only went 60 yrds, I would guess 40 of that was a roll down towards the river as this country is basically straight up and down. If you are wanting a Idaho hunt for bear, elk, deer, moose or cougar I can not recommend J and V Big game outfitters enough.. they simply go above and beyond what is required and expected to make your hunt as good as it can be. I will be back this fall for deer and my 2nd bear.
