Post by: bearpaw on April 06, 2019, 07:55:04 AM
It's a new and exciting season, birds are already breaking up good and hard into breeding, I have even seen lone hens moving around already. A month ago I was worried about our early bear hunts being too early, now I'm wondering if I should have booked more hunters early? So goes the weather guessing game! :chuckle:
Daniel has the youth turkey contest winner out right now, they are after some birds they roosted last night. I checked some other roosts this morning so they have backup plans if needed.
We've been busy as heck, we have three new log sided cabins in one of our Idaho areas that are about half built now, Brian and Anthony are working long days between rainstorms and I am hauling building materials at all hours of the day and night to keep them busy in hopes that they are completed before spring bear season.
Tara has the cabins here in WA ready for the spring hunters and I'll start planting deer food plots this week, this is a week earlier than last year and the weather has been really warm, spring is such a pleasant time of the year, I can hardly wait for the general turkey opener.
We have a fairly busy spring season planned with hunters coming from most corners of the country, although I recently had some opening day cancellations I'm trying to get filled, got one of them filled, still looking for 4 more opening day turkey hunters.
Post by: Brushcrawler on April 06, 2019, 08:29:26 AM
Post by: bearpaw on April 06, 2019, 04:41:59 PM
Post by: TheStovePipeKid on April 06, 2019, 05:22:01 PM
Post by: bearpaw on April 06, 2019, 05:40:37 PM
Post by: bearpaw on April 06, 2019, 05:44:26 PM
I've gotten the middle feather more times than I can remember. Hunting in the rain builds character and propagates the outdoor gear industry. I'm anxiously awaiting the success story. It's great to hear about all the young up and coming hunters enjoying this wonderful sport.
The afternoon hunt was a bust, they just sent a text they are going to set up at a different property for the evening hunt. I'll go check some additional roosts this evening for a backup plan for morning.
Post by: bearpaw on April 14, 2019, 10:59:46 PM
Post by: TheStovePipeKid on April 14, 2019, 11:05:22 PM
Post by: bearpaw on April 17, 2019, 09:30:04 AM
Post by: bearpaw on April 17, 2019, 09:40:00 AM
Post by: bearpaw on April 17, 2019, 09:47:29 AM
Post by: bearpaw on April 24, 2019, 02:29:38 PM
Post by: bearpaw on April 24, 2019, 02:32:15 PM
Post by: bearpaw on April 24, 2019, 02:34:35 PM
Post by: bearpaw on April 24, 2019, 02:36:11 PM
Post by: bearpaw on April 24, 2019, 02:40:10 PM
Post by: bearpaw on April 24, 2019, 02:53:35 PM
Post by: bearpaw on April 24, 2019, 02:58:16 PM
Post by: bearpaw on April 24, 2019, 03:05:21 PM
Post by: bearpaw on April 24, 2019, 03:16:54 PM
Post by: bearpaw on April 24, 2019, 03:20:10 PM
Post by: bearpaw on April 28, 2019, 08:05:46 AM
Turkey hunting is awesome this year, two more hunters started hunting yesterday, one hunter got two jakes first thing in the morning and the other hunter missed two toms later in the day, they only have a half day to hunt today so I'm hoping hunter #2 has better luck today.
Post by: bearpaw on April 28, 2019, 08:19:25 AM
Post by: bearpaw on April 28, 2019, 11:43:39 AM
Post by: bearpaw on May 09, 2019, 12:30:16 AM
Here's two of our most recent turkey hunters, Glenn and Tammy traveled from Ohio to hunt Washington Merriam's. Glenn nailed his two birds on first day so Tammy decided she wanted to try to get a bird, she got it done in style! Congrats to both of them.
Post by: Timberstalker on May 09, 2019, 05:23:56 AM
Post by: bearpaw on May 10, 2019, 07:53:48 AM
Post by: bearpaw on May 10, 2019, 08:12:41 AM
Post by: CementFinisher on May 12, 2019, 03:30:27 PM
Post by: bearpaw on May 12, 2019, 04:09:35 PM
New hunter in camp got another good bird just before lunch today, a little over 20 pounds, 9 3/8 beard. That hunter is back out hunting for #2 bird now.
Daniel has a bear hunter out too, they have seen two bear so far but haven't had a shot opportunity yet. Hopefully that changes soon, the third time is a charm, right! :tup:
Post by: bearpaw on May 12, 2019, 07:03:24 PM
Post by: bearpaw on May 13, 2019, 09:12:58 AM
Post by: bearpaw on May 13, 2019, 10:24:45 AM
Post by: BreezyBear on May 13, 2019, 10:41:38 AM
Post by: bowhunterforever on May 13, 2019, 12:38:22 PM
Post by: bearpaw on May 13, 2019, 02:32:14 PM
Brian & Anthony started another bear hunt this morning. Brian got onto another big boar bear early this morning, this was a mean bear but the dogs finally got him up a tree. The lady hunter hit the bear perfect in the chest and the bear hit the ground running, the dogs on it's heels, the bear was wounded pretty good but went about 400 yards before baying up again, sadly the bear managed to grab one of Brian's best bear dogs and bit him badly and mauled him badly too. The bear went another 400 yards and bayed again, this time the hunters made it there and finished off the bear. Upon skinning the bear it was determined that the bullet blew up after entry and only a few fragments made it into the lungs. I have a severe disliking for those worthless berger bullets, this is just another epic fail by a hunter using them! It nearly cost the life of one of our very best hounds! They are doctoring the dog now, we'll keep a close eye on him, hopefully he makes a recovery. The bear is right at a 6 footer, I'll get photos rounded up when I can.
Another Turkey Hunt Complete
Tom got his 2nd bird this morning with Ray, an 8 inch 2 year old, he has already packed up and left for his next hunt in Oregon and then Idaho after that. He said he wants to hunt Washington again and will be back. Thanks again Tom, it was our pleasure having you here for the hunt! :tup:
Post by: carpsniperg2 on May 13, 2019, 02:52:24 PM
I also have a strong dislike for them. At close range the bergers are useless. Lots of guys swear by them but I have seen to many first hand fails and to many horror stories from guys I trust. Lots of guys push them on here and they have there place but close range high velocity is not and they fail the majority of the time. They were not designed for high velocity impacts they turn to dust before getting into vitals. Lots of "one shot kills" and when you look at the pics plenty got multiple bergers. Very sorry your dog has to suffer over a poor choice in a bullet by the hunters.
Post by: BreezyBear on May 13, 2019, 06:48:43 PM
Post by: bearpaw on May 14, 2019, 04:24:13 AM
Dave hunted with Daniel, yesterday on the third day of the hunt they got it done. They had been glassing an area when Daniel heard a grouse fly, then a few seconds later heard a twig, then heard something step on a pine cone right behind them, he looked behind them and saw a pair of ears coming, he nudged Dave and whispered "There's a bear behind us", then a head appeared, then the whole bear, it was only about 10 yards behind them at that point, Dave turned and made a quick shot, whammo, nice boar cinnamon bear down! Good job Dave! :tup: :tup:
(I'll post a photo after I get them rounded up)
WA Bear Hunt Available Now!
After finishing Dave's hunt early, plus we have a few more days until the next bear hunter arrives, we have room for another bear hunter this week if there are any WA tag holders wanting a highly successful guided hunt. Right now is the best hunting, spring broke fast and bear have been out for three weeks now, hunting will start downhill soon, don't wait, come kill a bear with us now. Bear Hunts are 5 days, can break it up over weekends if necessary.
Idaho Bear Hunts Available for 2020
We are booked full for this spring but have plenty of openings right now for next spring, in May or June, it's a one bear hunt with a two bear option, located in northern Idaho.
Turkey Hunts
Bird hunting will be good for another week or so then it will start fading fast, some birds are starting to shut down now, about a week earlier than usual. I have room for a couple more turkey hunters if anyone wants to get a bird or two this spring. We have only had 1 hunter who didn't get a bird the whole season so far and he should have had one. Most hunters have notched both tags. I also still have 4 hunts available for the opener next spring, these hunts are rarely available as most hunters rebook our first week year after year.
Contact Dale
Send me a pm or call 509-684-6294
(I'm often out of service most of the day but try to check in a couple times a day and will return your message or pm as soon as possible)
Post by: bearpaw on May 14, 2019, 04:28:48 AM
That sucks, sorry about the hound, maybe time for a 'No Berger" policy for bears
:yeah: No Bergers or Ballistic tips for close range big game hunting!
Post by: bearpaw on May 15, 2019, 05:38:15 AM
Here's a photo of the bear taken in Washington the other day.
Post by: Machias on May 16, 2019, 09:44:53 AM
Nice looking bears and turkeys!!!!!
Post by: bearpaw on May 16, 2019, 11:47:54 AM
How's the hound doing Dale?
Nice looking bears and turkeys!!!!!
We got him on antibiotics right away to prevent infection, he layed around for 2 days but is on his feet again today and moving around some, we think he's going to be OK. Hounds are pretty tough as long as you prevent infection and organs or bones aren't damaged. I'm hopeful he'll be able to hunt next week or the week after, we'll see.
Idaho
They got on a runner yesterday that outran all the hounds, lol. This morning they got on another runner that made some loops and mixed up part of the hounds but some of the dogs managed through the loops and finally caught it after a good long chase, not as big as the bear the guy missed at the bait but he was happy. All three hunters are tagged out now, dogs and guides can get a couple days of rest before the next group arrives.
Washington
Another mature bird down yesterday, Clint filled both tags early and had most of a day and night to relax before his flight home to Utah this morning. Started another hunt this morning, a couple hunters from California, my fingers are crossed for continued success. We've noticed some of the birds are starting to shut down, some mornings they aren't gobbling at all, but we are still pretty confident we'll notch tags.
Clint's two birds...
Post by: bearpaw on May 16, 2019, 06:25:59 PM
Post by: bearpaw on May 16, 2019, 06:35:33 PM
Post by: Machias on May 16, 2019, 07:17:55 PM
Nice looking birds!!!!
Post by: Gringo31 on May 17, 2019, 05:59:59 AM
Post by: MooseZ25 on May 17, 2019, 06:17:53 AM
That sucks, sorry about the hound, maybe time for a 'No Berger" policy for bears
:yeah: No Bergers or Ballistic tips for close range big game hunting!
Berger bullets were never designed to be a close range bullet. Next time have them back off to 500 yards. :chuckle:
Post by: bearpaw on May 17, 2019, 11:56:43 AM
Congrats Dale on what looks like a good spring. Thanks for sharing your stories!Thanks, the economy is strong, we've had more turkey hunters than any year since George Bush was president, we'll be busy this fall too.
That sucks, sorry about the hound, maybe time for a 'No Berger" policy for bears
:yeah: No Bergers or Ballistic tips for close range big game hunting!
Berger bullets were never designed to be a close range bullet. Next time have them back off to 500 yards. :chuckle:
:yeah: :chuckle:
Post by: bearpaw on May 21, 2019, 03:48:04 AM
Post by: Skyvalhunter on May 21, 2019, 05:12:35 AM
Post by: bearpaw on May 21, 2019, 08:47:42 PM
Post by: bearpaw on May 21, 2019, 08:53:14 PM
Post by: idaho guy on May 21, 2019, 09:31:24 PM
Post by: bearpaw on May 24, 2019, 11:15:26 AM
Quote
Hi Dale, your son Brian and Anthony are 2 of the best hunting guides in north Idaho. My son Frankie and I will never forget our hunt. Joe
Post by: bearpaw on May 24, 2019, 11:28:10 AM
Post by: bearpaw on May 24, 2019, 11:35:32 AM
Post by: wheels on May 24, 2019, 12:19:25 PM
Post by: Machias on May 24, 2019, 01:25:29 PM
Post by: TheStovePipeKid on May 24, 2019, 03:38:44 PM
Post by: bearpaw on May 29, 2019, 07:59:12 AM
Quote
Hi Dale,
I just wanted to let you know my son and I had a fantastic time hunting with Bryan. As always, he is very professional, an excellent guide and a great guy. Anthony and Jentry did a great job too. Thanks for such a great experience. God bless.
Robert
Ps: I have now been out with a handful of other outfitters and you are the best!
Post by: bearpaw on June 01, 2019, 05:55:54 AM
Post by: Timberstalker on June 01, 2019, 06:00:09 AM
Post by: idaho guy on June 01, 2019, 09:17:36 AM
Post by: Machias on June 01, 2019, 08:35:42 PM
Side Note Dale, do you know Leon Brown, from Clark's Fork Outfitters? Going around on several hound pages, he's in ICU in Spokane after a bad accident, broken back, neck and pelvis.
Post by: bearpaw on June 02, 2019, 04:31:18 AM
Beautiful bear!!!
Side Note Dale, do you know Leon Brown, from Clark's Fork Outfitters? Going around on several hound pages, he's in ICU in Spokane after a bad accident, broken back, neck and pelvis.
Yes we know who Leon is, Brian was just talking to him a couple weeks ago. Dang, I wonder what kind of accident? Sure hope he'll be OK!
Post by: bearpaw on June 02, 2019, 05:13:14 AM
Did you get the big bear treed with just the 3 hounds? I only saw 3 impressive either way
This one did go up a tree, there was about a half dozen hounds, we usually tie 3 dogs at a time back with one leash and a triple coupler! Some of the big bear have to be shot on the ground, they won't climb, that can be pretty hairy, last year one big boar picked out and charged Brian, he had to run, LOL. Interestingly, the biggest bear I ever caught, about 30 years ago, treed with only three dogs. Here's a couple more photos of this last big bear!
Post by: Timberstalker on June 02, 2019, 06:15:53 AM
Post by: idaho guy on June 02, 2019, 08:15:13 AM
Did you get the big bear treed with just the 3 hounds? I only saw 3 impressive either way
This one did go up a tree, there was about a half dozen hounds, we usually tie 3 dogs at a time back with one leash and a triple coupler! Some of the big bear have to be shot on the ground, they won't climb, that can be pretty hairy, last year one big boar picked out and charged Brian, he had to run, LOL. Interestingly, the biggest bear I ever caught, about 30 years ago, treed with only three dogs. Here's a couple more photos of this last big bear!
:tup: great bear I didn’t think that big guy would tree with just 3 if at all. Thanks!
Post by: Limhangerslayer on June 02, 2019, 09:13:26 AM
Post by: bearpaw on June 02, 2019, 11:16:10 PM
Post by: bearpaw on June 03, 2019, 04:03:12 PM
Post by: bearpaw on June 03, 2019, 05:00:18 PM
Post by: bearpaw on June 03, 2019, 05:11:51 PM
Post by: bearpaw on June 05, 2019, 05:20:19 AM
Post by: Machias on June 05, 2019, 07:51:08 AM
Post by: RB on June 05, 2019, 08:00:18 AM
Post by: bearpaw on June 16, 2019, 03:19:14 PM
A husband and wife (Marshall and Leigh from Louisiana) had been on a disappointing hunt last year in Montana, I convinced them we could provide a better hunt so they booked hunts. They were the first hunters to fill their tags this week and headed for home the next morning. Along the way they called and thanked us for such a good hunt and asked if the young boy had got a bear yet, they said they sure hoped he got one because he was such a nice kid. We also had a grandpa and grandson (Joe and Jacob from Ohio) hunting this week, I told them the boy had killed a bear the same day they left and that the grandpa was still hunting.
The next day the guides got on a big bear with the hounds that didn't want to tree and went into some really big country. Joe was unable to get into that country so Brain headed in after the dogs, the dogs finally treed the bear and Brian got to the tree but it was too remote for Joe to get there, Brain watched the bear come out of the tree in the middle of the dogs and had to let it go. He said it was a good one!
Brian got back out with the three hounds in the afternoon, everyone was exhausted that evening and Joe opted to get rested up for the next day rather than hunt bait that evening. Unfortunately the next morning was a bust, they didn't find a bear to run with the hounds. Joe was down to the last hunt that evening, they took him to a promising bait and he killed an average sow bear early that evening. We didn't kill any real big bear this week but it was another great week of bear hunting and there are four happy hunters headed home with smiles on their faces.
The pics are of Leighs young boar that Brian treed with the hounds. Congrats, nice shooting Leigh!
Post by: Twispriver on June 16, 2019, 05:32:26 PM
Post by: bearpaw on June 18, 2019, 11:23:30 AM
Post by: bearpaw on June 18, 2019, 11:25:28 AM
(overall we've had much better shooters this year)