That sinking feeling....

[beaslayer6]

More then likely not but  that's a part of hunting. It happens from time to time. Anyone that has hunted long enough has had this happen. Bears are a tuff.

[Sliverslinger]

It's tough to know without more specifics, but one thing I've noticed is that when I've been following an intense bloood trail like that, sometime the blood and spray just stop all of a sudden for no rhyme or reason. 3 different times this has been a clue that the animal is close and took just enough time to crawl into a thicket or something similar. Case in point, last year I shot a dandy buck and there was blood everywhere, followed it down the hill and it was unmissable. It stopped after 50 yards and I spent hours scouring the reprod. 30 more yards down the hill I finally found it tucked in between  a stump and some tall ferns. I walked right by it at least 3-4 times in my search and it was only because I was about to give up and I was standing there 3 feet away with my hand on the stump and I noticed the antler. I couldn't believe how well he hid himself in there to die. I'm no doctor, but my theory is that the blood pressure rapidly drops right before death and it  slows or stops pumping. There's a brief period of time though they can still run a bit (ever seen a heart shot elk, they can still go a little ways with no heartbeat). I'd suggest getting back out there and widening your grid and look at everything. He's probably there somewhere.

[buglebrush]

Did you look up any trees?

Bears always dive for the darkest holes.  Either way I am super happy another calf killer is dead.  Had 7 different bears on my trail camera from a 4 week soak.   

[warthog]

search the creek !

[csaaphill]

yeah the creek, but hope to hear you got him.

[csaaphill]

 

[Ripper]

I have lost a bear and a deer, it sucks ! Keep looking, do what everyone else has already suggested. If you know you gave it 100% effort then you have done all you can. Let it go and move on. Good luck

[DOUBLELUNG]

Lost one last spring.  Another hunter found her 3 days later and let me know, sent pics and location. I'm 99% sure it's the same bear (near blonde, light brown bear).  It sucks.

[csaaphill]

 

[csaaphill]

No luck in finding him?

[BNAElkhntr]

Sorry to hear you Lost Him< So A question I ask a few of my acquaintances every now and then. Did you notch your tag? or continue to Hunt?   

[jay.sharkbait]

Sorry to hear you Lost Him< So A question I ask a few of my acquaintances every now and then. Did you notch your tag? or continue to Hunt?

It's just a bear.

No harvest no notch.

[mountainman]

Sorry to hear you Lost Him< So A question I ask a few of my acquaintances every now and then. Did you notch your tag? or continue to Hunt?

It's just a bear.

No harvest no notch.

SMH..