Finally.... A sighting!!

[Gutpile]

So on to Saturday the 14th. Honestly I was just too tired to write up the whole story last night but here it is.................

Saturday May 14

Day starts out beautiful and I've been tormented all night. "was it big enough? Should I have taken it?" Well, I decided I'd go back to that spot and see if maybe it was still around and maybe get a better look. We get to the logging road and start walking in and sure enough it's right there in the EXACT same spot. I decide no it's not big enough for a rifle but if I can get real close and get it with the muzzy I'll take it. I start the stalk and get to about 50 yards. That was the first pic. Then it dropped off the side and I got to 30-40 yards. I didn't range it but I was close. I had my muzzy ready to go but I figured I'd just watch this bear for a while before dropping the hammer. I thought "what the heck take your time, get some pics and just watch first." So thats exactly what I did and it was very cool but then ............................... well I'll let the pics speak for themselves.






They then started to run off but I wanted more pics. I hit a distress call and Mama stopped and turned on a dime and stood. I dont know why I stopped taking pics but I did get this one pic..........



I passed on this bear friday but never saw cubs at all. I know it was the same bear too. Same size, coloring on the face, same exact spot as the day before. Man am I glad I didn't shoot friday and am I glad I didn't drop it Saturday. I didn't see those cubs at all since they were so small. Those cubs were almost orphaned. I would have just felt terrible.

Pay close attention boys and girls. This was a close one. But really a great adventure.

[rasbo]

great pics gut,glad ya held out..That is a big sow

[Gutpile]

Not really. They were tiny little cubs which makes her look bigger. These were really really small. I bet she was no bigger than 4 1/2' nose to tail. But then again I could be wrong. Damn these are hard to judge arent they? 

[Huntbear]

Awesome pics man...

Glad you didnt drop the hammer... those boo boo's are so fun to watch...

[runamuk]

they are so cute them little fuzzballs

[rasbo]

Not really. They were tiny little cubs which makes her look bigger. These were really really small. I bet she was no bigger than 4 1/2' nose to tail. But then again I could be wrong. Damn these are hard to judge arent they?

I go by the heads,and ears,she has a good body also,Im not comparing to boars..I have a 23 yr old sow on the wall,your sows head is bigger..here is a 175 lb bear's head.and a small 80 lb bear

[Gutpile]

She does have a nice head on her.

[BOWHUNTER45]

nice pictures ..yeah bear are hard to judge for sure .. some people see a bear and say all I just seen a huge 400 pounder well the avereage bear in washington weighs about 150 to 200 lbs... the way I judge them is #1 if their body looks way bigger than there head , its usually a huge bear #2 can barely see the ears #3 short legs and the  belly low to the ground ..as long as your happy thats all that matters !

[ORCA_SIX]

Sometimes the hard choice is the right choice. Good thing you waited, must have been something in your GUTPILE telling you to wait. Cute little dudes. Good pics too.

[BuckHunter23]

Sounds like a fun weekend.  Thanks for sharing all the pics.  Can't wait to get up there in a couple days.  I'll give ya a shout.  Way to hold off and not orphan those cubs.  Had to have been a real thrill.

[saylean]

Great reminder Gutpile...

Great pics too. Glad to hear the little fellas are still hanging out with momma.

[Machias]

Sooooo many guys would have started blasting the first time you saw her.  Lots of sows with small cubs get killed.  It's one of the many reasons baiting and hound hunting are actually better for sows with cubs.  Not always but the incidences of sow with cubs getting whacked go down considerably when folks have enough time to judge the animal and look for cubs.  Sure glad you didn't whack her when you first had the chance!  Nice job!!!

[JackOfAllTrades]

Awsome message Gutpile.  Thank you for the photos. Credit to you for holding off.

-Steve

[bodangles]

Good pic's Gutpile! You did right. One shot could have killed 3 bears. Your OK in my book!

[zackmioli]

great pics! good job holding off.