Machias' Bear Baiting 2019

[Machias]

Well I did learn something new last night, probably should have already known it, but it's even harder to judge a bear in the last minutes of light.  Sat through one heck of a thunder and lightning storm.  I barely got a drop of rain, but the thunder was really rolling and the lightning was a tad scary sitting in a metal ladder stand 18 feet up! 

At 2025, with just a few momments of shooting light left due to the cloudy conditions I saw a patch of dark hair through the trees moving towards the bait.  As soon as it rounded the corner I thought it was the big boy who routinely empties half my barrel everytime he visits.  The crows love him.  The bear moved in and stood in front of the barrel and then stepped past the barrel perfectly broadside.  Since my bow is out of action I was hunting with an open sight .30-.30.  I put the front bead right behind the shoulder and squeezed off a shot.  The bear took off and within 35 to 40 yards began a drawn out death moan which lasted about 20 seconds and then all was quiet.  I waited a few more minutes and got down and found the bear piled up.  No blood trail at all.  It was NOT the bear I thought it was and was quite a bit smaller.  Roughly 150ish dry sow.  Fantastic coat on her, solid black.  Got her skinned out and having some German sausage made and the hide tanned.  Actually quite happy with getting this bear even though she was not exactly what I was after, BUT I have another tag so the quest for a big boy is still on!! 

[Machias]

A little hairy at the 45 second mark. 

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[bearpaw]

Congrats!

I wouldn't feel bad, you are not the first nor will you be the last to misjudge a bear. On the bright side, it's another hide for the wall, meat in the freezer, and according to IDFG there are too many bear, so you did everyone a favor! 

[rasbo]

Good bear,happens to us all.

[elkrack]

Nice shot! Just warming ya up for when that big bear comes in
Nice bear should be a good eater

[KFhunter]

 Nice, she'll be tasty

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[bigdave]

Way to go!!! Love the really black ones.

[cbond3318]

Nice work! Even more impressed you rode that Thunder out in the stand, it was booming!!

[Mr Mykiss]

Atta boy!!

[HillHound]

Congrats. I’m sure she will taste much better than that fat old boar anyways.

[JakeLand]

Nice bear Fred ! Get another now!!

[Jpmiller]

Great bear!

[idaho guy]

Nice job ! I also shot the wrong bear last Wednesday  it definitely happens. Hope you get a big one on the second tag I will be doing the same hopefully. The frosting has been a great addition btw.

[Machias]

Glad to hear it, have you found that they like the icing or the frosting better?  I think they seem to like the icing a little better. 

[idaho guy]

I would say frosting in my area.The frosting appears to be crack cocaine for bears on my bait I am hoping my boy shoots the big guy we are feeding so probably better I shot a smaller one. I am still going to hunt a little for a big bear need to get the hounds some exercise. Your bears hide looks great!