Got a bear with my 6 yr old there!

[Wanttohuntmore]

Just got back.  Will post pics in a couple hours, need to take care of some meat (drop off at relatives that will make some sausage, pep, etc).  Quick rundown on the story.  Took my 6yr old boy up bear hunting last night, and was going to stay out in the tent, have a campfire, roast dogs, etc.  We rode the bike in 4 miles, parked, then hiked about a mile, rested/glassed about 20 min, and my son said, lets go further up the trail.  I wasn't planning on it, but said, sure.  We walked 50 yards, had a better vantage point of where we were looking, and out at 323 yds, I see a nice bear.  I told my son to plug his ears, and sit down on the trail, while I put my pack down for a rest.  I kept looking back at him and he could see the bear, and was practically screaming at me to shoot it.  His eyes amaze me....  Anyways, I usually can shoot out to 600 with no problem, and do the drop charts in my head, but for some reason, 323 yds just toyed with my mind... I had to sit and think.  Finally, figured about 9" drop, aimed about 9" above right behind the shoulder, looked back, told my son to plug his ears again, and then turned and let it fly.  Nice smack, bear goes down, gets up, runs 20 yds, down into a ravine.  We high tailed it over there, I told my son to stay up above the ravine, about 50 yds from it, so I could see him, then I came in above where the bear went in, and there it laid, perfectly placed shot, through the center of the lungs.  175gr partition going 2950 fps.

Mind you, this is at 6 pm.  Now, the work begins, I didn't want to come back, so we sat down and boned it.  My son just watched, was really wanting to get back to a campfire though!!!  So did I!  I boned it completely in about 2.5 hrs, and loaded up the meat and was out of there.  Wife still doesn't know.  We're going to tell her the blood on my jean's knees are from a scrape.  I'll come back with pics, I promise!!!

[Michelle_Nelson]

You better hurry up and post pictures!  What a way to leave everyone hanging. It is always a great thing when you have your kids or young hunters out with you.  Congrats.

[carpsniperg2]

cooooooooooool he looks like he was havin a blast with ya congrats

[bighorns2bushytails]

awesome! congrats! dandy bear and a great experience for the young one.

--bh2bt

[PolarBear]

That's what it's all about, getting them involved!  Good job!

[saylean]

He wont forget that. Congrats to the both of you. Pretty area.

[billythekidrock]

Nice job. Great memories with your son.

[boneaddict]

Good timing.   Love it!

[rasbo]

that right there is what its all about...Great to see families out there together..big atta boy to your son for putting you on him..

[Guy]

Congratulations! Great photo of a fine father/son hunt.

How was the hide? Good condition? Looks like a fine bear.

[runamuk]

congrats nice bear really cool that your kiddo was there with you.

[Skyvalhunter]

Congrats!! Way to share the experience with the younger generation.

[C-Money]

Congrats! Looks like a great photo! A day to remember!

[Hunterman]

Now the true story, from the sons point of view  

Son: Ok dad after we get the camp set up we'll head out for a bit to get your bear..

Dad: But I want to roast hotdogs now  

Son: Later dad I would like to check out this little hill side I think will get you your bear. Lets get the bikes, its just a little ways. .

Dad: Ok son, can I build the campfire when we get back?  ?

Son: Well I did promise mom not to let you play with matches,,but what she don't know I won' tell her. 

Dad Are we there yet??

Son: Almost dad, just a little farther.. 

Dad: Can we go back to camp so I can start the fire??

Son: Not yet, we just got to were we need to start being quiet so we don't spook the bears..

Dad: Son I'm tired..Can we go back now??

Son: We just got here dad, LOOK there's a bear

Dad: WERE, WERE, I WANT TO SEE IT!!!  I CAN'T SEE IT

Son: Calm down dad calm down, he's right over there on that hill side.. Now take your pack to use as a gun rest..

Dad:I SEE HIM, I SEE HIM,,HE'S RIGHT OVER THERE SON CAN I SHOOT HIM??

Son: Take your pack and off and rest you rifle on it. The bear is 323 yards out. Just put your cross hairs about 9" above his shoulder, take your time and sqeeze the trigger.. Take a deep breath and relax dad..

BOOM...

Dad: DID I GET HIM??

Son: Great shot dad.. You nailed him good.. Lets go get him

Dad: Can we go back to camp now so I can start the fire?? I'm hungry..

Son No we have to take care of your bear, now stay close..

Dad: Can we go back to camp, I'm hungry...

Son: There's your bear dad..

Dad: Cool,, can I pet him??

Son: Sure,, then I show you how to take care of him, so we'll have some good meat, and a nice rug for mom..

Dad: That was fun son,,can we go now??

Son: Yes dad, help me with this pack full of meat and skin and we'll head back to camp..

Dad: Come on son keep up, is the pack heavy?? Why do you keep falling down??

Son: Note to self,,next time bring duct tape to tie dad to tree, and tape mouth shut..

That's probly how this thing whent down..

Just kidding..Congrats on the bear with your son..Great hunt..

Hunterman(Tony)

[skier2480]

Great bear w/ a great story. Congratulations!!!!

[Wanttohuntmore]

Hide was still a little thin in places.  Definitely not the thinnest bear I've taken, but also not one of the best hides either.  I really want to get a blonde though!   

[Wea300mag]

That's awesome, your son will never forget that trip. I still remember trips like that with my dad 38 years later.

[Titan-1]

That is way too cool. Congratulations, that is a memory you and your son will have forever.

[dasbear]

All I know is YOU had better tell your wife Before she hears the story from 15-20 neighbor kids. Oh and by the way dont forget you had 2 other buddies with you.

[Wanttohuntmore]

Ha!  Wife was more concerned that my son didn't make it to sleep before bed time.......   Course, she usually deals with the crankiness that comes with lack of sleep!

[PacificNWhunter]

Awesome!

[moreno1]

Great story.  I is always good to get the kids involved

[10heiau]

Gotta love stories like this. This is what its all about; passing on the tradition. I'm sure your son will never forget that hunt. In my book, thats more of a trophy than anything, regardless of score. Thanks for sharing.

[brew]

awesome possum.......that is just bad ass...

[Wanttohuntmore]

My son just explained to his 6 yr old cousin how to gut/bone out a bear.  I'm actually surprised he "took" such good notes!  He's learning!!! 

[Cylvertip]

This is a memory that will last both of you a life time.    Very cool.  Congrats.