I say story becuase even for me its hard to believe.
I hiked in 6.5 miles to where I was spring bear hunting, say in a clearcut for 3 hours saw nothing but deer. Decided it was time to leave. On my way down I spot a red truck at the bottom of the hill at the end of the cut. As I am walking towards it I look over to the edge of the cut and spot a big bear. I jumped of the road to a stump to get a rest for about a 100 yard shot, and the bear is gone. I waited for 10 min and see a woman walking on the road below the cut comming to me. I walked down to her truck, talked to her for a few minutes and told her I almost shot a bear about fifteen minutes ago. She says yeah! I saw it. It ran about 30 yards in front of me it was big! I hid behind a tree so it wouldnt see me. She said it ran over the hill and into the timber.
I didnt follow. she was with the dnr and was marking areas to be sprayed before it is replanted.
Another close one for me. I swear the good lord does not want me to get a bear in my life time.
Atleast one of the guys driving dumptruck repairing roads was nice enough to give me a ride half way back.
Ill keep trying but I am getting frustrated. Chance at tagging an animal are few and far between. I did see three young grouse and a couple of nice size does.