Got some much needed rest, but now have to catch up on work! lol
A group of friends and I hunted Northern Saskatchewan 05/17 - 05/26.
Guides weren't able to bait much before we got there because of unusually late winter weather. The lakes were still frozen until a few days before our arrival. To combat the problem, the Outfitter brought in an air boat that would've allowed him to travel across the ice and put out bait in a timely fashion, however, on the way to the lake he went through a 'puddle' that practically swallowed his truck, went over the hood and ruined the motor. He was stranded for days there without the ability to bait!
Bears didn't start to move until the 22nd. I hunted over bait in the evenings, and during the day while the others were fishing I would head out on foot and do some calling. Managed to call in a Fisher, and a sow responded to my call. Passed on her as only obviously.
Thursday evening after being dropped off, I had just pulled up my back-pack and rifle and turned to hang up my pack when I saw the blonde bruin off to my right. He was looking up at me and growling, woofing, and kicking up a fuss. Waited till he was broadside then tripped the trigger on my 9.3x62mm Mauser shooting 250gr. TSX.
The bruin reared up and began to snarl and bite at his shoulder then turned to his left and headed for the marshy area overgrown with some willows. He didn't run far as I had already cycled the bolt and gave him another TSX. Bullet entered in front of the second to last rib and exited his chest. He dropped on the spot and died within seconds.
No clue on the score as the skull will need to be cleaned and allowed to dry before measuring.
Both guides indicated that they have had run-ins with this bear in the past. Apparently this bruin was very aggressive and territorial and would sneak in positioning himself between the guide and the boat then making his presence known! Both guides said the bruin had chased them up a tree on more than one occasion while he would tear up the ground and small shrubs trees and basically put on a hell of a show!
This was my first "bucket hunt", and although it was interesting and allowed me an opportunity to see a handful of bears.... ultimately I much prefer calling and hope to head back out West to either call one in or spot and stalk.
