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Big Game Hunting => Bear Hunting => Topic started by: klikboom on August 15, 2011, 03:03:25 PM


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Title: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: klikboom on August 15, 2011, 03:03:25 PM
The first two weekend have been eventful at least, I've seen 2 bears. I found one in deep brush from 4'-8' tall in a clearcut. I was looking down into the clearcut from another ridge. He was moving quite a bit but totally hidden in the brush. I moved to a good rest on a rotten stump. My buddy ranged me at ~100yards, now i was just scoping moving bushes. There was a single hole in the brush, a large downed log, the bear stuck it's head up through the hole I put the crosshairs behind the ears and squeezed. It went down, then went on a terror through the brush I could hear it breaking sticks for what seemed like a LONG time.
 
About 20minutes later I arrived at the spot where I shot it, identified blood a few feet from where I shot it. There was no spray exit would. Spent 3 hours tracking smears and drops with headlamps into rabbit holes, hands and knees. We only moved ~150 yards in three hours down the valley when we backed out at dark. It was so thick, I was counting on a spine hit but it didn't happen. Tracking was mind-boggling, there would be obvious trails but the real path the bear took (as told by blood droplets) would be through unbroken branches of such thickness that I'm certain laws of physics were disproved.

I'm definitely left with a sick feeling, and I replay the sight picture over and again. I think I should've waited for a vital shot and risked not taking a shot. I think I was over anxious for my first bear. I'm not qualified to say whether the bear lived or died, I imagine it would be a muscular wound but still a good chance it died/is dying.

Anyone have knowledge on deciphering severity of injury based on blood? It was a trail on the move, no rest spots. Spotting (small drops) / smearing every 2 feet-ish.

For my education, if you know the wound is not mortal, do you continue tracking? I assume you would just keep pushing the bear farther away before you'd ever get a shot (in deep brush).

Shooting 150gr, .308, Fusion.
Title: Re: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: MuleySniper on August 15, 2011, 03:10:32 PM
Id be back out there now still looking :twocents:
Title: Re: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: sebek556 on August 15, 2011, 03:14:42 PM
small drops or smear every two feet for 150 yards.. hmm could have gotten a good sized vein, I'd be back out there looking. differnet areas bleed more than others, from where your cross hairs were you could of pulled into the neck and nicked a artery of large vein, in this case it will take a little time but it will bleed out.
Title: Re: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: dreamunelk on August 15, 2011, 03:14:49 PM
Keep looking!  That is the problem when taking low percentage shots.  I do have to give you credit for admitting it.  Unfortunately two many so called hunters keep taking low percentage shots and make us look bad.  I would say add it to the hard lessons learned list and do not repeat. 
Title: Re: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: shedcrazy on August 15, 2011, 03:16:36 PM
Did you mark where you were when you backed out? Start from there (the next morning) And keep on it. Sounds like you were trailing him fairly well, hope you find it.
Title: Re: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: Goldeneye on August 15, 2011, 03:19:13 PM
Go look for that bear.  If you hit an animal you owe it to the animal to do everything possible to recover that animal. 
Title: Re: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: Kola16 on August 15, 2011, 03:20:02 PM
Sometimes you can get permission to bring a dog out on a search to find it; if you have a hunting dog or you have a buddy that does. Keep looking. Then look some more
Title: Re: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: grizzlyadams on August 15, 2011, 03:22:18 PM
Id be back out there now still looking :twocents:

                                      :yeah:

Definately the ethical thing to do is to be back out the next day tracking. (actually the ethical thing do do is not take the shot unless you have a clear kill shot) If the brush is as thick as you say, definately with a sidearm or shotgun. Stumbling onto a angry wounded bear in the thick of it can be dangerous. Bring someone along!

As far as ammunition, 150 grain in a .308 seems ok for deer to me but I use 180 grain for bear. 150 seems a little light. Especially if you encounter a bear that is 350 lbs or more. Just my  :twocents:

Not trying to scold you but it seems to me you should have passed on that situation. Hope you find it. Stay safe!!
Title: Re: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: boneaddict on August 15, 2011, 03:37:56 PM
So, how did you know it didn't have cubs before you shot?

THey can go a long ways on a mortal hit, let alone a not so mortal hit.   Get back out there.  Learn the lesson. 

You could also be putting some unsuspecting persons life in danger if indeed you have wounded it and not killed it. 
Title: Re: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: dirty24d on August 15, 2011, 03:42:36 PM
you got a set of stones for posting this up here to be criticized on. I can  admire and respect that. How ever i would seriously scour the area at least a couple more times. Perfect example of why i passed on my headshot last year. Good luck and be careful
Title: Re: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: grizzlyadams on August 15, 2011, 03:43:40 PM
So, how did you know it didn't have cubs before you shot?

THey can go a long ways on a mortal hit, let alone a not so mortal hit.   Get back out there.  Learn the lesson. 

You could also be putting some unsuspecting persons life in danger if indeed you have wounded it and not killed it.

 :yeah:

Good point bone
Title: Re: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: rasbo on August 15, 2011, 03:58:17 PM
get somebody thats not afraid to go with you...get on your hands and knees and grid the area from the last sign..one of the problems I have found with taking guys bear hunting is the greater percentage of them are afraid of them,thus when it comes time to tracking or trailing the nads go away...not saying thats the case,but most times it is from what Ive seen....as a hunter you owe it all to the animal and your self to try your best..Sometimes shat happens,but this is a perfect example of what not to do ..so just ask yourself have you exhausted all your efforts to find him:{
Title: Re: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: h20hunter on August 15, 2011, 04:00:10 PM
You are in the middle of what I try and question every time I go out. Still looking for my first bear and try and keep everything in mind when I load a shell and begin hunting. Where will a bear go if I shoot? Can I get a bear out of here? What am I going to do if I see a huge sow (that is part of my "you will not kill it" pep talk)? Can I shoot from here to there? What is my max shot range from this vantage point?

Really...to me it sounds like you made a rush judgement on the shot. Easy to understand for me. Now, however, you have to deal with it. Go find the bear. Look for the bear until you have exhausted yourself and the area. Don't give up after one day and go hunt another one. Think of it as your one shot.....you took it...now you have the real work to do.

Good luck and I hope you find it. If not, well, sorry your first shot ended the way it did. Just keep at until you can honestly say you've done everything possible to recover the bear.
Title: Re: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: klikboom on August 15, 2011, 04:16:32 PM
I watched the bruin for a good fifteen minutes through the brush, getting glimpses, never saw any cubs. I was looking from above the clearcut so I think I would've noted different locations moving in the brush.

Yes I've  put myself out there to be e-judged by all of you. I'm not too concerned about face but hearing your responses is a good chance for me to learn, and I'm  trying to learn as much as possible. I've exemplified a danger of teaching oneself how to hunt is that lessons have to be learned the hard way and not merely imparted.

I'm at work and this was a 1.5hr away drive then 4 miles uphill on a bicycle in so it's safe to say it is lost at this point.  As far as calling off the search we both have never killed a bear and we stopped at night when we were crawling with headlamps. I wanted to get my dog the next day but that is illegal. We stopped at the edge of third growth that was even thicker than the brush we were in.

I'm shooting 150gr because that is what a very successful hunter said I should use and because it performs comparable to the 147gr I practice with. I'll give 165gr a try. This is the first time in 4 years of going after bears I've been in a position to pull the trigger. Two years ago i passed on a head shot that afterward I felt like I should've taken now I'm glad I didn't.
Title: Re: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: Woodchuck on August 15, 2011, 04:24:07 PM
That's a rough one sir for sure. Good for you for trying to learn from your mistake. The crowd here can be a little tough but at the same time, all have some very valid points. Those points are made because at some point we have all made mistakes of some magnitude or another. That said do us all a favor and notch the tag. Now you know a little more when the next oppurtunity arises.  :twocents:
Title: Re: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: h20hunter on August 15, 2011, 04:24:40 PM
Well, I guess from your last post I would only get after you a bit on one point. I still think you need to go back. Even if you wait a few days/week you can go. Look for carrion feeders. Use yuour nose, maybe you'll smell it before you see it. Go early and search all day. Maybe you will only end up with a stinky mess and a skull for your punched tag but better than nothing.
Title: Re: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: Goldeneye on August 15, 2011, 04:29:37 PM
Have you considered either taking vacation, sick-leave or LWOP from work?  You have a major responsibility after you pull the trigger and hit the animal.
Title: Re: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: dreamunelk on August 15, 2011, 04:33:01 PM
Considering it was a neck shot from the sounds of it you may have been off a little, or it moved, and creased its skull.   Explaining the quick drop.  He recovered bled a little and through a fit when he woke up..  If you would have hit in the neck he would have been down.  The Hydrostatic shock (is that the write term?) alone would have killed it.  So I doubt it is your bullet weight or the gun you are using.  Just a percentage shot that did not pan out.  Farther back and there would be more blood.  So odds are if I am correct someone is going to get a bear in a year or two with a a serious battle scar and maybe a strange hole in its ear.  I to have taken percentage shots and have been lucky.  Time and experience has taught me to play when the odds are in my favor.  Funny thing is I have had broadsides a 15 yards and the unexplainable happens.  Some time stuff happens.  Take it as a learning experience (does not matter how old you are).  We should always be learning.  Nothing worse than knowing it all in my opinion.

Not that it matters but thanks for posting.  I really hope some of the young guy's on here read this and maybe learn a little.
Title: Re: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: greenhead_killer on August 15, 2011, 04:49:41 PM
its agreat lesson for all and an unfortunate thing at the same time. i WILL NEVER take a head/neck shot on a bear. i have never shot one but have been out looking the last few years. i would rather wait for the right opportunity than potentially put myself or hunting partner in danger because of my over anxiousness. bears are tough as nails, research some pics of bears that have been head shot, there are a fair amount that have been deflected. they have very hard heads, and if its a good bear, you could lose points for breaking part of the skull off. anyhow, thanks for the post, bittersweet, but its a reality that we face in the field.hope everyone takes this to heart as the rest of you get ready for the upcoming seasons. if its dead, you will smell it in a few days, but you never know, might have just been a scratch and he makes it. keep your head up, this probably wont be your last scenario like this, hope you judge it differently next time. good luck
Title: Re: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: boneaddict on August 15, 2011, 05:00:24 PM
If it was worth pulling the trigger, it is worth going back and looking.  I'd imagine it should be where the rest of your bear season should be spent.  Quicker the better.
Title: Re: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: sebek556 on August 15, 2011, 05:12:52 PM
Should you be beating yourself up? In my opinion yes, but not to the point where it puts you off from hunting only to the point where you learn from this. Should you go back and look hell yes. A few years ago I took a 568 yard shot on a buck, my friend that was with me said no way you missed. We ate dinner really fast then i convinced him to go look for a blood trail, sure enough we found the trail. This is when i started rubbing it in I missed huh? now at that range I know my 25-06 is still lethal (especially with ballistic tips)but lacking in straight knock down power. I spent the next three days trying to find the downed deer but the amount of blood we found it looked like a double lung 2ft areas of frothy bright red blood.  i had found a area that looked like the deer's final bed spot but no deer and end of the blood trail. I felt horrid this was the first time I pulled the trigger on a animal not to find it. The third evening my friend and I were sitting at my truck drinking a cold beer trying to figure out where it could of went when a neighbor stopped by. He told us to watch out for cougars in the area, and that on his property(where the blood trail went) there was a dead deer in a tree where a cougar had drug it. We went and looked sure enough here was my buck up the tree.
Title: Re: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: O_mykiss on August 15, 2011, 05:15:56 PM
If you had a blood trail for 150 yards through thick brush, there is probably a good chance that its laying dead somewhere.

If you pull the trigger on an animal, you owe it to the animal to exhaust every available resource until there are no other options. No excuse for backing out because its dark, especially if you knew you couldn't come back the next day.

I would be back up there looking at the next available chance, regardless of how far it is.
Title: Re: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: bearhunter99 on August 15, 2011, 05:28:29 PM
Mistakes do indeed happen, especially when taking very marginal shots.  I'll throw out two things
1. I have never seen a tougher animal than a bear.  I shot a very large bear and the first shot broke its spine, I hit it 2 out of the next 3 shots.  The second shot took both lungs and the fourth took off the top of its heart.  The bear finally didn't get back up, probably 300 yards form the first shot.

2.  Do the right thing and punch your tag and go find it.  I shot a nice mule deer with my bow, the arrow got deflected by an unseen sagebrush branch.  I spent two solid days looking for it, then every night after work looking for birds.  I found it about a week later, in a brush pile I walked through 2-3 times.  I put my already punched tag on the horns and took em home.  I always double check my shooting lanes now.

Anyways, I agree that you owe that animal more than a couple of hours of searching.
Title: Re: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: bloodhound on August 15, 2011, 05:30:17 PM
some of the things ive learned about trailing animals is that for the most part (and there are exception), if you find a blood trail that goes longer then 100 yards its gonna die in my opinion. all shots that arent gonna kill it never go longer then that before they clot and stop bleeding. hair makes the best patch on a hole. i had an elk that i trailed for 2 days that some guy shot that i had never met before but said he needed help so i did. he told me he hit it good but when i finally found the elk it was alive bedded down with a hole on the very bottom edge of the stomach. i let him shoot again at 20 yards with a range finder and missed. the elk ran again and i spent another half our tracking the bull again and shot it myself and then found the guy and told him to go get his elk. point of the story is it never stopped bleeding for miles and miles. little drop every 20 yards or so but we found it.

if you can keep finding blood you keep going till it runs out and theres no way to find it.  and call your friends the more the merrier.

where abouts in the state did you shoot it at?
Title: Re: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: KenPCPilot on August 15, 2011, 05:32:53 PM
if you have a gps use it.  keep going in a crossing back and forth pattern and mark a waypoint ever time you find blood or sign.  that way you can start to develop a pattern that should give some indication of the direction of travel.  look for claw marks on the ground as well indicating some running fast and hauling ass.  a spray bottle with hydrogen peroxide can be helpful even if the blood is old and dried the h202 should will oxidize the dried blood and make it fizz.  sometimes it is hard to tell between dried blood and just red coloring of vegitation. if you can get a buddy to help you can cover a lot more ground.  good luck
Title: Re: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: johnnyaustin44 on August 15, 2011, 05:42:05 PM
I've got the next two days off and am outta Arlington if u want some help looking for it
Title: Re: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: jackelope on August 15, 2011, 05:43:29 PM
This is why I don't take head shots.
Title: Re: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: GHETTO GUIDE on August 15, 2011, 05:48:28 PM
Yes this sucks and we have all been there. 

Looking sucks , period!  But this is what we do and what we owe the animal .  So you pack up and go back in loaded and  search untill you have beat the hell out of yourself.   When you are done you look longer, take a break...    Yes this sucks , Its not as fun as hunting but thats the breaks.  Dont give up untill you are able to live w/ your choice.   
Title: Re: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: ratherhunt on August 15, 2011, 06:13:57 PM
Go back and look, you owe it to the bear and yourself, do everything you can
then you know you tried. Call in sick whatever but look and keep looking. I would
also punch my tag I lost a deer overnight and by the time I found it the coyotes had
gotten it but I punched my tag and felt better at least I found it.
Title: Re: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: DBZona on August 15, 2011, 06:16:14 PM
This is my opinion and just that from my experience.  You put it right behind the ears, it dropped, then got up and went on a terror run through the thick brush for what seemed like a long time?  Sounds like a possibility that you hit it lower in the neck.  a lot of meat in the neck. You missed the spine, obviously cause it took off, but hit close enough to jolt the hell out of it and knock it out.  You did not hit the jugular, obviously for lack of blood.  My guess is you missed any major arteries.  You only found smears and drops of blood in THICK brush. 

To me how long a blood trail is, is irrelevent.  It tells me one of two things, one I either had a really bad non fatal hit, or two it just ran really fast on fatal hit.  I have experienced both in my hunting career and have learned that both are possible for EVERY hunter to experience and that the type,color, etc... of blood is more important.

From what you told in the story at 100 yards is I am guessing a non fatal hit in the neck, but lets say you did miss both the spine and jugular, what if you took out the esophogus, or wind pipe?  That is a possibility.  A bear could survive a clean shot through both, but could also die from a clean shot through both. 

Bottom line is, and you know this, is this is a learning experience for you.  Take it as that.  People are going to tell you that you have to get out there and look some more, and maybe you should, but only you know if you have exhausted every effort in finding the bear, no one else on this forum knows that more than you.  So if you feel you have, then good for you.  Especially in thick brush, Its going to be hard to find a bear that is not bleeding a whole lot. 

So go out if you feel it is the right thing to do, and whatever to those who are gonna give you the third degree for rushing a shot, or taking a head shot, or (in there opinion) not looking long enough.  Cause I am sure they have NEVER EVER done anything stupid in there hunting careers.  And this forum has a lot of them, and it is the very reason I do not post a whole lot.  I joined this forum to be encouraged and to learn, not to be criticized for making a simple mistake.

So I encourage you to do what your heart tells you in this matter.  And learn from it.  I even challenge you to do what I did, introduce one of your buddies to the sport of hunting, tell him your mistakes and how you learned from them.  That is what my dad did for me.  To me the best and most of the hunting stories growing up were about mistakes made in the field and how he overcame them.  And the story always ended as a successful hunt.  NO HUNT IS PERFECT.  And I have now passed my stories of my mistakes to a youth I am teaching to hunt. 

This is just my  :twocents:  So just take it for what it is and do what you feel is right.
Title: Re: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: seth30 on August 15, 2011, 06:38:42 PM
I shot one last year on opening day that charged me, put three holes in him and never saw him again. Spent that day, and the next looking for him, even a few members on the forum helped (thanks again) Its a bad feeling to know you killed or injured a animal and cant find it, and kudos for posting it knowing you would get some slack.  I recommend trying to get around the thick stuff and finding a possible exit from it made by the bear.  Look under every stump, rock, and log that could fit a bear, and dont forgot to check your trees just in case.  :twocents:
Title: Re: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: Alan K on August 15, 2011, 06:41:17 PM
Go back and look, you owe it to the bear and yourself, do everything you can
then you know you tried. Call in sick whatever but look and keep looking.

 :yeah:

The difference between looking at night and day is well, night and day.  Definitely get up there ASAP when you have plenty of daylight!
Title: Re: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: woodswalker on August 15, 2011, 06:44:11 PM
My dos Centavos, you have an offer of help, take it and get back out there looking with someone maybe more experienced.  You Took the shot, you owe it to the bear to do your level damn best to find it.

I once shot and wounded a deer, big chunks of ribs and meat all over the area where he was standing when i shot him.... I looked for two solid days in the pouring rain in the Willipa Hills, nforded creeks and crawled/walked miles I never found it nor did i see birds or hear any carrion eaters chortling over free food...I notched my tag and learned my lesson. 

Incidentally, that was the hunt, a week of pouring rain, that convinced me to get a SS/Composite rifle.

So yeah, in my opinion you have more looking to do. Then some inward reflection.


Title: Re: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: h2ofowlr on August 15, 2011, 06:45:18 PM
Just remember for the next time, you don't have to take the shot.  You can't call back the one you took.  I am sure there are many individuals that have lost animals, due to poor shot placements, buck fever and lack of tracking skills.  I think it takes a good hunter to know when not to shoot than one that places his cross hairs on fur and hopes he has enough caliber that it will just drop.  I would head out and see if you can still recover the animal.  Just remember shot placement next time and that it's not all about notching a tag.  Best of luck to you.
Title: Re: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: Wea300mag on August 15, 2011, 06:48:06 PM
There's not much more that I can add, lots of advice here. You are not alone, it happens quite often.
Title: Re: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: h20hunter on August 15, 2011, 06:51:17 PM
Hope all this is helping. I think everyone that has posted has been honest and supporting. Here is another bit that I never knew firsthand. I was with a buddy (D-Rock), and his buddy (BobcatRobcat) for "Bobbys" first bear. He hammered pretty damn hard with a .30-06....twice. It was down and down hard. However, we get up on the bear, very little blood on the ground. I lift its head up and just come away covered in blood. The hair on these critters acts like a huge mop. You know the tick/flea stuff you put on dogs, right behind the head on the neck. Well, it coveres the whole dog soon just by hairs rubbing together. You could have done some fatal damage with many of the wound suggestions made so far and the blood could be just soaking into the bear. Drops here and there don't mean the same thing on a bear as it does on a deer. Deer just don't soak it up like a bear does. I guess I'm saying you can judge a blood trail on a bear the same as a deer. I only know becuase I got to learn that first hand, not because I've shot one myself.
Title: Re: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: dscubame on August 15, 2011, 07:04:10 PM
One less predator good job!  Let it be and go shoot another one they won't all Houdini on you.
Title: Re: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: h20hunter on August 15, 2011, 07:13:19 PM
Really? I think you will get flamed for that more than he will for not making a recovery.
Title: Re: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: dscubame on August 15, 2011, 07:15:17 PM
His efforts have been more than sufficient.   :dunno:  Animals do get away.
Title: Re: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: 3nails on August 15, 2011, 07:19:55 PM
His efforts have been more than sufficient.   :dunno:  Animals do get away.
150 yards on a wounded bear is NOT "sufficient".
Title: Re: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: dscubame on August 15, 2011, 07:22:13 PM
Perhaps you missed the 3 hours and it got dark part?  Searching for a wounded bear in the dark?   :dunno:
Title: Re: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: h20hunter on August 15, 2011, 07:24:03 PM
I don't think people are saying search in the dark. They are saying go back and look. You make it sound like shoot em and leave, one less is one the better. Besides, its up to him of course to decide, nobody has said otherwise other than encouraging him to continue the search.
Title: Re: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: Wea300mag on August 15, 2011, 07:25:07 PM
The mod/admin crew appreciate that this has been a civil discussion so far, let's keep it that way. :hello:
Title: Re: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: dscubame on August 15, 2011, 07:25:29 PM
I don't think people are saying search in the dark. They are saying go back and look. You make it sound like shoot em and leave, one less is one the better. Besides, its up to him of course to decide, nobody has said otherwise other than encouraging him to continue the search.

I most definately agree with that.
Title: Re: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: h20hunter on August 15, 2011, 07:27:36 PM
I'm sorry...you agree with shoot 'em and leave 'em? For bears?
Title: Re: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: dscubame on August 15, 2011, 07:28:15 PM
One less predator good job!  Let it be and go shoot another one they won't all Houdini on you.

and I will repeat
Title: Re: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: Alan K on August 15, 2011, 07:30:30 PM
I don't know that I could shoot and leave any animal.  Hell if I were in Idaho and hit a wolf I'd be back looking for it until I found it.  Different ethical standards I guess.  :dunno:
Title: Re: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: dscubame on August 15, 2011, 07:32:30 PM
I don't know that I could shoot and leave any animal.  Hell if I were in Idaho and hit a wolf I'd be back looking for it until I found it.  Different ethical standards I guess.  :dunno:

Me too but have not been able to find them all. 
Title: Re: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: h20hunter on August 15, 2011, 07:32:45 PM
I'm sorry but how can you justify the waste of a classified game animal? All predators are not created equally. Bears are not coyotes. You seem to advocate the waste of a game animal? I don't understand. Do you think wounding bears and leaving them to die unrecovered is going to magically increase elk/deer/grouse/whatever numbers? If so I am sorry but I believe you are mistaken. Poachers will waste more game than bears any year. If you truelly are advocating the complete disregard for what most consider ethical hunting practices then I would kindly ask that you not share your opinion with new hunters that may become discouraged with losing an animal and not give the effor that it deserves.
Title: Re: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: sebek556 on August 15, 2011, 07:33:26 PM
One less predator good job!  Let it be and go shoot another one they won't all Houdini on you.

and I will repeat
and this is coming from a guy who said anyone who says they would shoot bigfoot should loose their license? :dunno:
Title: Re: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: dscubame on August 15, 2011, 07:34:34 PM
LOL
Title: Re: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: MuleySniper on August 15, 2011, 07:35:19 PM
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi94.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fl89%2FMuleySniper%2Fpopcorn-1.gif&hash=17395c62da0bb7193750b9e13930b080e34f4847)
Title: Re: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: saylean on August 15, 2011, 07:35:51 PM
I've lost an elk once during archery (in fact I still look for any sort of carcas when I am out and about hiking...he could have made it I dont know). Animals get away.

Personally, I wouldnt go searching for a bear in the dark, with or without a partner (unless its raining or will likely rain, washing away any trail). I think you will do more damage than good to the trail/sign and its dangerous for all involved. Wait until early the next morning and hit it with as many people who want to help. I would personally spend more than 3 hours. 3 hours seaching for an animal is not enough. Thats me.

Give it your all, do your best and learn from it. The bear deserves it. Losing an animal is gut wrenching.
Title: Re: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: bloodhound on August 15, 2011, 07:38:25 PM
i dont know what area in wa where you shot it at but i might be willing to join a search crew!
Title: Re: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: Alan K on August 15, 2011, 07:45:45 PM
I don't know that I could shoot and leave any animal.  Hell if I were in Idaho and hit a wolf I'd be back looking for it until I found it.  Different ethical standards I guess.  :dunno:

Me too but have not been able to find them all.

If 3 hours and 150 yards one evening is an adequate amount of searching time for you to accept defeat, I'm not surprised you haven't found them all. You've got to get up there the next morning and get some more looking in in decent light, and with any luck you'll find it and might still have a chance to salvage some meat.  Even beyond when the meat has spoiled any true sportsman should be up there looking.
Title: Re: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: seth30 on August 15, 2011, 07:46:58 PM
i dont know what area in wa where you shot it at but i might be willing to join a search crew!
Im in oak harbor, and willing to help if you need help near that area as well.
Title: Re: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: boneaddict on August 15, 2011, 07:56:54 PM
WoW! this is coming from a represenative of Washington for Wildlife.  Brilliant.

Quote
One less predator good job!  Let it be and go shoot another one they won't all Houdini on you.
Title: Re: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: dscubame on August 15, 2011, 07:59:38 PM
WoW! this is coming from a represenative of Washington for Wildlife.  Brilliant.

Quote
One less predator good job!  Let it be and go shoot another one they won't all Houdini on you.

We all cannot be as perfect as you bone.
Title: Re: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: seth30 on August 15, 2011, 08:02:48 PM
 :jacked: :jacked: :jacked:
Title: Re: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: dirty24d on August 15, 2011, 09:53:04 PM
i am  :fire.:curious where you shot it at.. Monroe ? Goldbar? Granite Falls? Sultan??
Title: Re: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: huntnnw on August 15, 2011, 10:11:17 PM
a 1 lunged bear can survive
Title: Re: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: 6x6in6 on August 15, 2011, 10:48:15 PM
It's an hour and a half away from your Everett workplace.
Looks like you have 3-4 standing offers to help you on your search.
You should really stand back and take a 2nd look at this situation your in.  If you truly feel that the drive and 4 mile bike ride in is part of the equation on why you are not returning to exhaust your search efforts, do sportsman in general a favor and burn your license and sell your gun. 
I hope you take up someone's generous offer of their time to try and salvage some face here with your peers.   You owe that bear the respect he/she has earned. 
Title: Re: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: huntnnw on August 15, 2011, 11:04:58 PM
to just notch your tag and leave the bear! cause its no good IF its dead.
Title: Re: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: sebek556 on August 15, 2011, 11:10:07 PM
OK I posted my  :twocents: earlyer that he should go back out and look but now it seems to me that its getting kinda ugly, the guy made a bad shot, yes I think he should go back out and look. He had some guts to post it on here, a wounded bear at night can be dangerous so cant say I blame him for backing out due to night. But lets not crucify him or burn him at the stake, it was his first bear after all. :twocents:
Title: Re: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: huntnnw on August 15, 2011, 11:15:30 PM
one thing I learned looong ago... if you shoot a bear in the evening..you better be able to get to it and pack it out..come morning its no good...bears spoil fast! I wouldnt touch a bear overnight in 30 degree weather. I have spots where I have a time where I pull out..maybe a hour till dark,but if I cant give it some time and hike to it without getting dark theres no sense in hunting till dark.
Title: Re: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: flinger on August 15, 2011, 11:36:12 PM
1 1/2 hr drive 1/2 hr bike ride ,up at 6 back in there by 9.weather should be good sounds like a good full day in the woods
GO FIND YOUR BEAR :twocents:
Title: Re: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: johnnyaustin44 on August 16, 2011, 12:02:39 AM
We let a bear go overnight on Wednesday and got him in the morning and he was good to go
Title: Re: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: huntnnw on August 16, 2011, 12:09:20 AM
I have eaten 1 bear that was left overnight..needless to say we all got sick.. I know of 3 others that were left overnight in mid to late sept that were not good within the first hour of light.
Title: Re: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: DBZona on August 16, 2011, 05:05:10 AM
  If you truly feel that the drive and 4 mile bike ride in is part of the equation on why you are not returning to exhaust your search efforts, do sportsman in general a favor and burn your license and sell your gun.   

Really?  The guy already feels bad about what happened and had the balls to accept the fact that he made a mistake and come on to this board for advice and support as to what he should do.  How do you know he did not exhaust his search efforts?  You do not know how thick the brush was, how hard it was to travel through.  We all agree, including himself, that he should not have taken the shot...hindsight is always 20/20.  Plus that is not the entire equation.

So for all the hunters on this forum that have screwed up on a hunt and felt they gave it there all, but were told by someone else that there efforts were not good enough, then we should all hang it up and sell our guns, because we apparently do not belong in the woods. 

HE SCREWED UP ON THE SHOT, LET HIM LEARN FROM IT AND MOVE ON.  I thought this forum was about Encouragement and helping fellow hunters out, but so many on here are so quick to cast stones. 

Wouldn't be suprised if he did what you said and hung it up, because some of you are criticizing him.  If it were me, I would be thinking, man, I suck at this. 

How awesome is it to encourage an honest, wants to do what is right, hunter to leave the sport?  Does it make you feel better?  Cause if that is how some of you get your kicks, then maybe you should not be on this forum.  If he was an unethical, didn't have a care in the world hunter then ya, he should not be hunting, but this is not that situation. 

So everyone on there high horse, get the hell off. 

For those that do not know how to give good advice for those who honestly screwed up, this is how you do it: 
Offer your  :twocents:, then back it up with words of encouragement.  Dont give your  :twocents: with a holier than thou attitude, and encourage him to hang it up. 

He feels bad enough, lets not drive someone who wants to learn away by being A$$e$.

Title: Re: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: demontang on August 16, 2011, 07:18:47 AM
You know we all have taken shot we shouldnt have at one point. He has learned a valuble lesson here and that is to not rush a shot, lots of things happen in the heat of the moment and experiance is how we learn. I know the feeling of shooting an animal and loosing it, granted it was a coyote but I hate to know I wounded an animal. He looked for it and seems to know he messed up. If it where me I would notch my tag and wait tell next year, live and learn.
Title: Re: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: h20hunter on August 16, 2011, 07:58:37 AM
I've followed along and I think the responses so far have been supportive. The general concensus seems to be to get out a look at least a bit more mainly so he won't regret not giving it the full effort. Most will lose an animal at one point or another and I think that has been made clear. Final chime in for me. Hope you find it and if not, feel that you did all you can, keep your head up, and keep on hunting.
Title: Re: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: Goldeneye on August 16, 2011, 08:04:49 AM
I hope the fact that he has not logged in today means he took the day off from work and is up trying to recover the bear.  Hard lesson, hopefully it will stick.  Never take a shot you are not confident will be a clean kill.  Snap shots, hair shots, back end shots, etc. all have the potential for a bad outcome. 
Title: Re: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: mulehunter on August 16, 2011, 09:01:40 AM
After shot Bear sometime ran and climb up and sit tight.   :yike:  Have to look up all tree or  blood drips both same time. Very Rare.


Mulehunter.
Title: Re: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: jackelope on August 16, 2011, 09:11:08 AM
One less predator good job!  Let it be and go shoot another one they won't all Houdini on you.

Holy crap...I seriously think I've seen it all written on here now. Are you an "officer" of WFW?

Cut your tag, call it a notched tag and be done with bear hunting this year.

I think that some of the comments on here have beem worse than the lost bear itself.


Title: Re: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: jackelope on August 16, 2011, 09:12:20 AM
One less predator good job!  Let it be and go shoot another one they won't all Houdini on you.

and I will repeat

and you should remove yourself from WFW
 :twocents:
Title: Re: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: bankwalker on August 16, 2011, 10:17:12 AM
One less predator good job!  Let it be and go shoot another one they won't all Houdini on you.

and I will repeat

and you should remove yourself from WFW
 :twocents:

what do you mean? he fits right in to me........................
Title: Re: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: Stilly bay on August 16, 2011, 10:38:39 AM
bottom line its about respect for the animals life, death, pain, and suffering. I feel like I am a true enough sportsman to volunteer to join the search party for this animal.  if the OP needs help he has mine.

There should be enough "true Sportsmen" on this forum living near everett to get quite a search party going.
Title: Re: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: mulehunter on August 16, 2011, 10:41:05 AM
One thing I like about H-W,  if I feel strong I hit a bear. Couldn't find it.  Good thing I have internet on cell and go anywhere and i could post to ask for any one to come help. Like in Okanagon county there so much offer. Great people around here willing to help. 
In my mind next hunt in future. I will definely ask here to help me to find bear if i cant find As long as I find first blood drip evidence to ask for help.
if I never find any one size as penny of blood. I wouldn't waste my time post about lost or not sure if hit or not. 

Mulehunter
Title: Re: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: TheHunt on August 16, 2011, 11:16:27 AM
Another great thread on Hunter cannibalism.  These type of situations require education, support from behavior/choice or physically teaming.   But this is just my opinion. 
Title: Re: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: seth30 on August 16, 2011, 11:21:21 AM
Another great thread on Hunter cannibalism.  These type of situations require education, support from behavior/choice or physically teaming.   But this is just my opinion.

 :yeah: Not every guy/gal on here grew up in a hunting family, or enviroment.  Not every hunter has or had a mentor, and when they ask for help they get scolded.  Please be mature and help our fellow hunters out.  :twocents:
Title: Re: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: seth30 on August 16, 2011, 11:22:45 AM
One thing I like about H-W,  if I feel strong I hit a bear. Couldn't find it.  Good thing I have internet on cell and go anywhere and i could post to ask for any one to come help. Like in Okanagon county there so much offer. Great people around here willing to help. 
In my mind next hunt in future. I will definely ask here to help me to find bear if i cant find As long as I find first blood drip evidence to ask for help.
if I never find any one size as penny of blood. I wouldn't waste my time post about lost or not sure if hit or not. 

Mulehunter
who is your cellphone carrier?  I never have signal hunting in the cascades.
Title: Re: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: runamuk on August 16, 2011, 11:29:06 AM
Another great thread on Hunter cannibalism.  These type of situations require education, support from behavior/choice or physically teaming.   But this is just my opinion.

 :yeah: Not every guy/gal on here grew up in a hunting family, or enviroment.  Not every hunter has or had a mentor, and when they ask for help they get scolded.  Please be mature and help our fellow hunters out.  :twocents:

This thread is why if I ever get to hunt again and if I ever suceed or take a shot I may never announce it here .... far too much eating of our own around here....of course the anti's love seeing this....
Title: Re: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: mulehunter on August 16, 2011, 11:56:16 AM
One thing I like about H-W,  if I feel strong I hit a bear. Couldn't find it.  Good thing I have internet on cell and go anywhere and i could post to ask for any one to come help. Like in Okanagon county there so much offer. Great people around here willing to help. 
In my mind next hunt in future. I will definely ask here to help me to find bear if i cant find As long as I find first blood drip evidence to ask for help.
if I never find any one size as penny of blood. I wouldn't waste  :IBCOOL:my time post about lost or not sure if hit or not. 

Mulehunter
who is your cellphone carrier?  I never have signal hunting in the cascades.
X-Droid Verizion, I have no computer at home. I always use my cell anywhere I go. When I went high country and has no signal but I can go down few miles get better signal and share story. Last winter I went up okanagon and never need computer and I always get in touch with anybody on this cell. Its very cool.
Some places has no signal but if your about 30 miles away you could drive go down and get on H-W and post ask for help.  Lots people have different cells depends. But what I am using. I love it. Everyone in our family have it. 
I went to Idaho two years ago. I asked Bearpaw to keep in touch with me while. I am hunting alone for Bears  and I gave him my Extra collar # in my pack in case if I haven't return any calls and Bearpaw family will be able to find right spot where I am.   :tup:

Mulehunter.
Title: Re: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: dirty24d on August 16, 2011, 12:35:32 PM
Another great thread on Hunter cannibalism.  These type of situations require education, support from behavior/choice or physically teaming.   But this is just my opinion.

 :yeah: Not every guy/gal on here grew up in a hunting family, or enviroment.  Not every hunter has or had a mentor, and when they ask for help they get scolded.  Please be mature and help our fellow hunters out.  :twocents:

This thread is why if I ever get to hunt again and if I ever suceed or take a shot I may never announce it here .... far too much eating of our own around here....of course the anti's love seeing this....


AMEN
Title: Re: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: klikboom on August 16, 2011, 05:00:30 PM
I'll just sum up things and then to me this thread will die a thousand deaths, this my last post on it. If and when I get one in the freezer - hopefully this year - I'll probably just enjoy it with my friends and not on the site.

1. I shot it up in the bellingham area.

2. Looks like I may have saturday morning to go back out hunting. If anyone in the b'ham area can bike uphill for a sustained period of time I wouldn't turn down the assistance though my feeling is, it is a futile search. I'm not certain about going out, but PM me if you are up for an early bike in on saturday. I have a wedding to go to in b'ham at 5pm so it'll be in early and out by about 3pm.

3. I have a bear transport tag, if I transport any piece of the bear I will notch it. Otherwise treating is as some noble gesture or in solemn reverence to a wounded bear is a little dramatic for me.

4. You can continue the  :beatdeadhorse:, flaming and such if that makes you feel good, I won't be logging back in to read the thread anymore.

5. What I was looking for was education on tracking and shot placement and out of six pages I've got a few posts that are actually useful. I could've gone back the next day (Sunday) no problem but we both felt without actual wet blood (was the only thing reflecting off of the headlamps) or a dog the search would be futile. We had lost the trail multiple times only to be saved by the most miniscule droplet of blood leading off in a new direction with no trail. The guy with me had never hunted before and this was his first outing. I was teaching him what I know (little about bears) and learning along with him. I actually got the placement of my shot "right behind the ears" from a post on the shot placement thread stickied at the top of the bear page. I figured anywhere in that vicinity was going to be fatal. Just about all the deer I've killed have been quick shots and they seem to go down easy including head/neck shots, bears are apparently a different ballgame, so to speak. 

Evidently I implied I was looking for the community's absolution and recommendation on my penance. I wasn't. I do appreciate the since offers of help and recommendations.

See you guys in the woods.
Title: Re: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: HunterJake on August 16, 2011, 05:29:34 PM
Go look for that bear.  If you hit an animal you owe it to the animal to do everything possible to recover that animal.
:yeah:
Title: Re: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: BOWHUNTER45 on August 16, 2011, 05:31:49 PM
Holy sheet batmen ....you guys are hard on this guy .... so no one ever wounded something before or what ....I would love to say I never have but if you hunt long enough its going to happen ...and I am not sure how many of you hunt the westside but its a far cry from easy ... Bear over here like the thickest - sheetest terrain known to man .. And I must tell ya almost every bear I have killed has been a split second decision and its now or never ... I take a deep breathe and seriously concentrate on the spot I want to hit ( dead center shoulder) :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle: :yeah: and when it presents itself  I squeeze the trigger  :chuckle: :chuckle: not pull the trigger - SQUEEZE THE TRIGGER......and usually the report speaks for itself !!!!!! No I am not being a smart --- but I have been listening to all these bear kills and no one has tried what I do but thats all good I will still keep rolling them down the mountain.. :chuckle: :chuckle: All and I will have my good video camera back this week and I am making it a point to show ya how we run ...270 140gr hornaday ...night night  :tup:
Title: Re: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: BOWHUNTER45 on August 16, 2011, 05:52:18 PM
WOW ...You guys seriously ran this boy off !!!!!! :o :bdid: :yike: :yeah:
Title: Re: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: BOWHUNTER45 on August 16, 2011, 05:53:27 PM
WOW ...You guys seriously ran this boy off !!!!!! :o :bdid: :yike: :yeah:
I best mix a good one after reading all that sheet !!!!
Title: Re: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: DBZona on August 16, 2011, 06:06:14 PM
WOW ...You guys seriously ran this boy off !!!!!! :o :bdid: :yike: :yeah:
I best mix a good one after reading all that sheet !!!!

Yeah, some of you guys suck and have no tact.  You guys did exactly the opposite of what this site is inteded to do. 

This pisses me off!   :bash:  Makes a lot of us not want to post our stories for anyone to read. 

Some of you guys owe this guy a personal apology in the form of a PM.  Cause I personally would not get on this site after some of the comments some of you have made towards him(no encouragement, just criticism).

Who would have thought HuntWa would have internet bullies?  Hope you all sleep better knowing you drove an honest guy off.

Title: Re: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: BOWHUNTER45 on August 16, 2011, 06:09:34 PM
yeah seriously I do not get bothered by anything but this one was a lttle extreme  :yike:
Title: Re: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: HOYT6.0 on August 16, 2011, 06:17:19 PM
Klikboom,

Dont get discouraged because of a couple of people that think they are perfect.  Like stated before.  If you hunt long enough,  its eventually going to happen.  Keep your head up and let me know if you need some help.   Just my  :twocents:
Title: Re: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: alecvg on August 16, 2011, 06:30:19 PM
Another fine example of how this site is going downhill.  Monstermulies here we come!
Title: Re: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: DBZona on August 16, 2011, 06:37:33 PM
Another fine example of how this site is going downhill.  Monstermulies here we come!

Yep.  The one thing that irks me the most was a couple of the comments were from vets on the site that almost everyone looks up too.  A great chance to learn from them and this guy got nothing but chastized.
Title: Re: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: rb2506 on August 16, 2011, 06:38:18 PM
after reading the first and last part of this thread I'm mad, maybe I don't get what alot of people on here see.   :dunno:
Title: Re: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: sebek556 on August 16, 2011, 06:49:05 PM
there were jack ass remarks to the left and right, like screw it go pop another one and be happy there are less bears in the woods(paraphasing here) to the right extreme of burn your hunting license and never go in the woods again.
i hope the *censored*es on both sides get reviewed, as far as i am concerned i don't think I will ever take a commet from the above mentioned people serious again. 
Title: Re: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: DBZona on August 16, 2011, 06:54:41 PM
as far as i am concerned i don't think I will ever take a commet from the above mentioned people serious again.

 :yeah:
Title: Re: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: skier2480 on August 16, 2011, 06:55:30 PM
WOW ...You guys seriously ran this boy off !!!!!! :o :bdid: :yike: :yeah:
I best mix a good one after reading all that sheet !!!!

Yeah, some of you guys suck and have no tact.  You guys did exactly the opposite of what this site is inteded to do. 

This pisses me off!   :bash:  Makes a lot of us not want to post our stories for anyone to read. 

Some of you guys owe this guy a personal apology in the form of a PM.  Cause I personally would not get on this site after some of the comments some of you have made towards him(no encouragement, just criticism).

Who would have thought HuntWa would have internet bullies?  Hope you all sleep better knowing you drove an honest guy off.
:yeah:  :bash:
Title: Re: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: rasbo on August 16, 2011, 07:08:33 PM
I don't think anyone is eating their own on here,and I think klickboom asked for advice and got good advice..And I believe he will be a much better hunter hearing the comments from many on here.how does one learn fire is hot...And for those that don't like the site, bugout,outta 7000 people your gonna have many mixed answers..The forget about it and go get another is probably the worst comment I have ever heard on here..But its the internet...Klickboom I'm sure is grown up enough to hear and decipher the good from the bad....The anti hunters are probably amazed we let him know what he should be doing...But I'm sure they get a great satisfaction out of the comments about aw gee don't be to hard on him we all leave animals in the woods....I see many good folks offering to help, and klickboom got all the right answers except one.....
Title: Re: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: Wea300mag on August 16, 2011, 07:15:47 PM
That is a great summary to this thread rasbo.

I'm going to lock it now since it has taken way to many tangents and I can't see anything else being added of value that hasn't already been said.
Title: Re: Lost my 1st bear
Post by: boneaddict on August 16, 2011, 08:29:28 PM
Extremely well put Rasbo!   and good decision Wea300
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