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Big Game Hunting => Bear Hunting => Topic started by: DWAT on August 16, 2024, 12:50:33 AM


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Title: Opening day bear hunt
Post by: DWAT on August 16, 2024, 12:50:33 AM
Title: Re: Opening day bear hunt
Post by: highcountry_hunter on August 17, 2024, 03:54:09 PM
Was the neck shot intentional?


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Title: Re: Opening day bear hunt
Post by: ghosthunter on August 17, 2024, 09:41:32 PM
I don’t know, I am not a guy who complains a lot about others methods.

But had that been me I would not have posted a video of me killing a bear I did not retrieve.

That’s just more ammo for the stupid Game Commission we have. And looking for two hours? I would have spent the entire day looking for that bear.

Like it’s more important to post a video than show respect for the animal?


Sorry just leaves a bad taste in my mouth. :twocents:
Title: Re: Opening day bear hunt
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on August 18, 2024, 06:59:36 AM
I don’t know, I am not a guy who complains a lot about others methods.

But had that been me I would not have posted a video of me killing a bear I did not retrieve.

That’s just more ammo for the stupid Game Commission we have. And looking for two hours? I would have spent the entire day looking for that bear.

Like it’s more important to post a video than show respect for the animal?


Sorry just leaves a bad taste in my mouth. :twocents:

It happens, but do agree the video shouldn’t have been posted. Could have easily edited out all the lost bear parts from shot to not not finding it. :twocents:
Title: Re: Opening day bear hunt
Post by: powderbounder on August 18, 2024, 10:51:21 AM
Should have went back in the daylight to look. Things happen yes. But  only after a good look in daylight.
Title: Re: Opening day bear hunt
Post by: mountainman on August 18, 2024, 02:28:32 PM
Should have went back in the daylight to look. Things happen yes. But  only after a good look in daylight.
This👆
Title: Re: Opening day bear hunt
Post by: jrebel on August 18, 2024, 03:03:49 PM
Should have went back in the daylight to look. Things happen yes. But  only after a good look in daylight.
This👆

I'm guessing they prioritized the bear they knew was down for sure (second bear).  That said.....I think posting a video like this allows for others to criticize your decisions.  I liked the video and fully understand stuff happens.  I could tell you were sick to your stomach knowing you had not recovered the first bear.  I hope lessons were learned so it doesn't happen again (though if you hunt long enough, you will eventually lose an animal). 

My thoughts / criticisms....for what they are worth.

1.  When hunting in hot weather.....All hunting is done, when the first animal is shot.  I would not have tried to double up.  I would have concentrated on getting the first bear out before it spoiled. 
     -  The same is true with the type of terrain you were hunting.  Take care of bear #1 and shoot number #2 a day or two later.  Those bears were not going to leave         
         that drainage. 

2.  That second bear sat for 12 hours in super hot weather with the guts and hide intact with the carcass.  I can't imagine some or all of that bear didn't spoil.  It sounds like it took a while for you to find that bear.  If I shoot a bear in hot weather, 1 hour before dark.....I know I am working all night to get it out.  I'm sure the time was a factor of killing 2 bear and searching for the first.....I still would have retrieved the second bear that night. 

3.  In my humble opinion, you should have closed the distance to a more suitable range for hunting.  Shot placement on both those bears were less than ideal.  You got lucky on the second bear.  If the wind was good, you could have easily closed the distance as those bears were pre-occupied with eating a prime food source. 

Title: Re: Opening day bear hunt
Post by: ghosthunter on August 18, 2024, 04:11:01 PM
Should have went back in the daylight to look. Things happen yes. But  only after a good look in daylight.
This👆

I'm guessing they prioritized the bear they knew was down for sure (second bear).  That said.....I think posting a video like this allows for others to criticize your decisions.  I liked the video and fully understand stuff happens.  I could tell you were sick to your stomach knowing you had not recovered the first bear.  I hope lessons were learned so it doesn't happen again (though if you hunt long enough, you will eventually lose an animal). 

My thoughts / criticisms....for what they are worth.

1.  When hunting in hot weather.....All hunting is done, when the first animal is shot.  I would not have tried to double up.  I would have concentrated on getting the first bear out before it spoiled. 
     -  The same is true with the type of terrain you were hunting.  Take care of bear #1 and shoot number #2 a day or two later.  Those bears were not going to leave         
         that drainage. 

2.  That second bear sat for 12 hours in super hot weather with the guts and hide intact with the carcass.  I can't imagine some or all of that bear didn't spoil.  It sounds like it took a while for you to find that bear.  If I shoot a bear in hot weather, 1 hour before dark.....I know I am working all night to get it out.  I'm sure the time was a factor of killing 2 bear and searching for the first.....I still would have retrieved the second bear that night. 

3.  In my humble opinion, you should have closed the distance to a more suitable range for hunting.  Shot placement on both those bears were less than ideal.  You got lucky on the second bear.  If the wind was good, you could have easily closed the distance as those bears were pre-occupied with eating a prime food source.

All good points. :yeah:
Title: Re: Opening day bear hunt
Post by: Deer slayer on August 20, 2024, 03:39:39 PM
I also don’t like to criticize another hunter’s decisions. Seems like you guys were not prepared to some degree. I also know that we get excited as hunters.

I probably would have focused on one bear in that heat and made sure it was done to produce the best outcome. Instead after shooting two bears I hear I don’t know what we are going to do know.

With one bear down one could have stayed where the shot was taken from and the shooter goes to last place seen going through. In a case like that radios would be a huge help. You help each other into it. That much brush and not seeing any blood who knows if you were within a 100 yards of it going down. You should have been able to see something. The second the shot was taken on both bears you guys started to celebrate.

On the second bear you should have done the same thing. Go to where the shot was taken and shooter goes to where bear was last seen. Once it was found you can drive over and make it work out. 

At the end of the back you guys were out of water. Once again not prepared for a hunt like this. These bears deserve to have every effort and preparation put to getting them out.

Two bears in that heat and that terrain is irresponsible. That’s my two cents. I hope you don’t get sick by eating it if you did.

Sorry to be harsh and I know things can happen. Things happen. I just think being a little more prepared would have helped.

Radios and working together would have helped.


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Title: Re: Opening day bear hunt
Post by: Platensek-po on August 20, 2024, 05:50:54 PM
I don’t know, I am not a guy who complains a lot about others methods.

But had that been me I would not have posted a video of me killing a bear I did not retrieve.

That’s just more ammo for the stupid Game Commission we have. And looking for two hours? I would have spent the entire day looking for that bear.

Like it’s more important to post a video than show respect for the animal?


Sorry just leaves a bad taste in my mouth. :twocents:

I agree that this video leaves a bad taste. My question would be are you actually proud of this video and the way your hunt went?
Title: Re: Opening day bear hunt
Post by: Deer slayer on August 20, 2024, 06:15:07 PM
I don’t know, I am not a guy who complains a lot about others methods.

But had that been me I would not have posted a video of me killing a bear I did not retrieve.

That’s just more ammo for the stupid Game Commission we have. And looking for two hours? I would have spent the entire day looking for that bear.

Like it’s more important to post a video than show respect for the animal?


Sorry just leaves a bad taste in my mouth. :twocents:

I agree that this video leaves a bad taste. My question would be are you actually proud of this video and the way your hunt went?
I forgot to ask that too. To many smiles and not enough frustration.


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Title: Re: Opening day bear hunt
Post by: DWAT on August 20, 2024, 07:01:26 PM
I posted the truth. The truth of how our hunt actually happened. One of my goals for this channel is to be authentic, and real with the viewers. I could have easily Hollywooded this thing up and gave it a fairytale ending but that's not how it always ends. If you are an archery hunter you especially know this. It's easy to Monday night quarterback. If something like this has never happened to you, you probably haven't harvested many animals. Thank you all for watching
Title: Re: Opening day bear hunt
Post by: Platensek-po on August 20, 2024, 07:40:53 PM
I posted the truth. The truth of how our hunt actually happened. One of my goals for this channel is to be authentic, and real with the viewers. I could have easily Hollywooded this thing up and gave it a fairytale ending but that's not how it always ends. If you are an archery hunter you especially know this. It's easy to Monday night quarterback. If something like this has never happened to you, you probably haven't harvested many animals. Thank you all for watching

Ok. The truth is you guys made a bunch of easily avoidable mistakes that resulted in a lost animal that you only made a minimal effort to recover? How was the meat on the bear you abandoned for 12 hrs on “the hottest day of the year”? Maybe stick to taking 5-6 shots at elk after chasing them on a side by side for a few miles. Hard pass on that follow button from me at least.
Title: Re: Opening day bear hunt
Post by: Tbar on August 20, 2024, 08:02:20 PM
I posted the truth. The truth of how our hunt actually happened. One of my goals for this channel is to be authentic, and real with the viewers. I could have easily Hollywooded this thing up and gave it a fairytale ending but that's not how it always ends. If you are an archery hunter you especially know this. It's easy to Monday night quarterback. If something like this has never happened to you, you probably haven't harvested many animals. Thank you all for watching
Really poor response for some fair criticism.  You lack ethics and honor for the wildlife we all love.  You looked for two hours? Wound loss is real and a factor in hunting.  Many have experienced it or lacked the fairytale ending you speak of. I  think and hope most feel a little more indebted to an animal that we choose to take. The failure is on you (as it has been on me in the past). Instead of owning the failure you chose to glorify it and try to enhance your online presence.  A series of poor choices IMHO.
Title: Re: Opening day bear hunt
Post by: lewy on August 20, 2024, 08:49:58 PM
Should have went back in the daylight to look. Things happen yes. But  only after a good look in daylight.
This👆

I'm guessing they prioritized the bear they knew was down for sure (second bear).  That said.....I think posting a video like this allows for others to criticize your decisions.  I liked the video and fully understand stuff happens.  I could tell you were sick to your stomach knowing you had not recovered the first bear.  I hope lessons were learned so it doesn't happen again (though if you hunt long enough, you will eventually lose an animal). 

My thoughts / criticisms....for what they are worth.

1.  When hunting in hot weather.....All hunting is done, when the first animal is shot.  I would not have tried to double up.  I would have concentrated on getting the first bear out before it spoiled. 
     -  The same is true with the type of terrain you were hunting.  Take care of bear #1 and shoot number #2 a day or two later.  Those bears were not going to leave         
         that drainage. 

2.  That second bear sat for 12 hours in super hot weather with the guts and hide intact with the carcass.  I can't imagine some or all of that bear didn't spoil.  It sounds like it took a while for you to find that bear.  If I shoot a bear in hot weather, 1 hour before dark.....I know I am working all night to get it out.  I'm sure the time was a factor of killing 2 bear and searching for the first.....I still would have retrieved the second bear that night. 

3.  In my humble opinion, you should have closed the distance to a more suitable range for hunting.  Shot placement on both those bears were less than ideal.  You got lucky on the second bear.  If the wind was good, you could have easily closed the distance as those bears were pre-occupied with eating a prime food source.


I wasn't gunna say anything but this is exactly what I was thinking. The more I watch these look at me guys filming themselves the less I like other hunters sorry, and to the op yes these things do happen but they happen far less when you make better decisions
Title: Re: Opening day bear hunt
Post by: ghosthunter on August 20, 2024, 08:52:14 PM
I posted the truth. The truth of how our hunt actually happened. One of my goals for this channel is to be authentic, and real with the viewers. I could have easily Hollywooded this thing up and gave it a fairytale ending but that's not how it always ends. If you are an archery hunter you especially know this. It's easy to Monday night quarterback. If something like this has never happened to you, you probably haven't harvested many animals. Thank you all for watching
Really poor response for some fair criticism.  You lack ethics and honor for the wildlife we all love.  You looked for two hours? Wound loss is real and a factor in hunting.  Many have experienced it or lacked the fairytale ending you speak of. I  think and hope most feel a little more indebted to an animal that we choose to take. The failure is on you (as it has been on me in the past). Instead of owning the failure you chose to glorify it and try to enhance your online presence.  A series of poor choices IMHO.

Well said Tbar

 :yeah:
Title: Re: Opening day bear hunt
Post by: ghosthunter on August 20, 2024, 09:14:32 PM
I posted the truth. The truth of how our hunt actually happened. One of my goals for this channel is to be authentic, and real with the viewers. I could have easily Hollywooded this thing up and gave it a fairytale ending but that's not how it always ends. If you are an archery hunter you especially know this. It's easy to Monday night quarterback. If something like this has never happened to you, you probably haven't harvested many animals. Thank you all for watching


I figured I was over this thread, than you posted.


The truth is that was a poor image of hunters.
The truth is you don’t have to kill a lot of animals , to know you showed zero respect for the game.
The truth is that in this day and age that kind of hunting should not stand unchallenged by anyone who professes to respect game.
The truth is you were out there to shoot a kill video and nothing else.

But from your post you are too arrogant to understand the concept of showing respect for the animal otherwise you would have put some effort in looking for that bear.

All of this is my opinion which means nothing.  Most hunters aren’t hunting for “ LIKES”

Title: Re: Opening day bear hunt
Post by: highcountry_hunter on August 22, 2024, 02:19:44 PM
I posted the truth. The truth of how our hunt actually happened. One of my goals for this channel is to be authentic, and real with the viewers. I could have easily Hollywooded this thing up and gave it a fairytale ending but that's not how it always ends. If you are an archery hunter you especially know this. It's easy to Monday night quarterback. If something like this has never happened to you, you probably haven't harvested many animals. Thank you all for watching


I figured I was over this thread, than you posted.


The truth is that was a poor image of hunters.
The truth is you don’t have to kill a lot of animals , to know you showed zero respect for the game.
The truth is that in this day and age that kind of hunting should not stand unchallenged by anyone who professes to respect game.
The truth is you were out there to shoot a kill video and nothing else.

But from your post you are too arrogant to understand the concept of showing respect for the animal otherwise you would have put some effort in looking for that bear.

All of this is my opinion which means nothing.  Most hunters aren’t hunting for “ LIKES”
Bingo. It’s all about the social media following. Who gives a damn about the animal, look at how many views and likes I got! This is exactly the kind of stuff Matt Rinella talks about on his podcast.

By the way, if you post anything slightly negative on their YouTube videos from this hunt they will be immediately deleted


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Title: Re: Opening day bear hunt
Post by: ShedHead20 on August 22, 2024, 02:46:42 PM
Guys with cameras and that are hungry for clout are making pseudo experts out of rookies way too quick. This was on clear display in the video.
Title: Re: Opening day bear hunt
Post by: Sakko300wsm on August 22, 2024, 04:47:53 PM
Horrible display of hunter ethics , respect for the animal and clueless of what they are actually doing!
Title: Re: Opening day bear hunt
Post by: okie john on August 23, 2024, 08:51:10 AM
Not sure what the point of that video was other than to show how to hunt without a plan, skills, or ethics.

Lack of A Plan
Hell's Canyon is named that for a reason. Lots of people have written about how hard it is to hunt there. Guess these guys haven't read any of that. It's easy to learn what you need to succeed there.

Talking Head said that a hunt “doesn’t always go as planned” but his later comment, “I don’t even know how we’re getting these out of here” reveals that they had no plan. They should have known how they were going to recover their bears before leaving home.

Talking Head also mentions the heat and the weather predictions several times, then admits that they didn’t take enough water for the work they needed to do.


Lack of Skills
They tried to start tracking from where they last saw the bear instead of from where it was when the shot was fired. If you're going to find tracks, blood, or disturbances in the ground or brush, then it's most likely at the point of impact. Place a marker (like an orange vest) where you were when you fired, high enough that you can see it from the far side of the canyon. Shoot an azimuth to where the animal was when you fired, then cross the canyon and maneuver until your back azimuth lines up with the marker. Move along that line until you find where the animal was when you fired. Then look for blood in ever-expanding circles from there because you know it was somewhere along that azimuth when you hit him.

After shooting Bear #2, Hunter #2 says, “I just want to make sure he doesn’t get up.” As he says that, he’s standing up with his rifle pointed away from the bear instead of being down in prone with his crosshairs on the bear. Then he cases his rifle before he’s sure that the bear is dead.

Both guys track potentially wounded bears with their rifles cased. Maybe they had handguns, but I didn’t see them.


Lack of Ethics
After Talking Head hit Bear #1, the focus should have been on recovering the bear. Getting positioned to kill Bear #2 used up time they needed to find Bear #1. Talking Head has some insight into how wounded bears behave, yet they still took their sweet time getting started finding Bear #1, then waited 12 hours in summer heat to look for Bear #2.

I didn’t see either hunter carrying meat on the pack out. Hunter #2 had the hide but Talking head didn’t seem to have anything other than his personal gear—and his video camera.


Again, I’m not sure what was the point of sharing this video unless you want to become the next Tex Grebner.


Okie John
Title: Re: Opening day bear hunt
Post by: n_mathews13 on August 26, 2024, 04:39:52 PM
I HATE the feeling of a animal I can’t find
I get quiet , maybe moody and swear I’ll never put myself in that position.
One time I was looking for the bear knowing the only thing keepable at that point was the skull
Have to exhaust all options and self, then punch the tag weather ya find it or not
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