Post by: ydeardorff on October 01, 2011, 08:09:35 PM
I had stumbled upon this big guy. His rear was as high as my waist (Im 6 foot tall). He was ambling along, ears up, and in no hurry. I had him in my cross hairs for probably 15 seconds at maybe 50 to 70 yards. I was downwind of him, and he was walking into the wind. Only after did I realize I couldn't have cleared my throat or, made some other noise to make him turn to look, and I would have nabbed him.
He then walked aimlessly away into some brush that was akin to a pile of spaghetti noodles, and I couldn't follow.
Ive been kicking myself in the butt ever since, over not taking that risky shot. But I suppose its better that I didn't.
Post by: boneaddict on October 01, 2011, 08:11:34 PM
Post by: dscubame on October 01, 2011, 08:15:08 PM
Post by: ydeardorff on October 01, 2011, 08:17:17 PM
Its not that I didn't take the shot thats killing me, its that I could have made a noise, and he/she would have turned and Id ev had em.
I got so caught up in the moment, not shakes or jitters, just captivated on how close I was, and he didn't even know it. I didn't even think, about making a noise to get his attention.
How often does that happen? :tup:
Post by: seth30 on October 01, 2011, 08:17:41 PM
Texas heart shot comes to mind.:chuckle:
Post by: high country on October 01, 2011, 08:25:50 PM
You will have bad dreams for a while.
Post by: ydeardorff on October 01, 2011, 08:31:41 PM
I plan on revisiting that spot, tomorrow even if I have to sit all day just to see if he comes back. Who knows I might have a picture to post soon.
I do wonder though what black bear ranges are like, and how often they frequent the same areas. Deer are pretty predictable in their daily patterns, but bear seem to do what ever is on their mind at the moment.
Post by: boneaddict on October 01, 2011, 08:33:08 PM
Post by: boneaddict on October 01, 2011, 08:34:37 PM
Quote
How often does that happen?Happens all the time with my camera. I sit there taking in the scene and forget to take a photo.
Post by: jackelope on October 01, 2011, 09:02:01 PM
Texas heart shot comes to mind.Lack of ethics comes to mind.
Post by: dscubame on October 01, 2011, 09:56:40 PM
Texas heart shot comes to mind.Lack of ethics comes to mind.
Your way to serious around this camp fire, go to bed.
Post by: 840dc on October 01, 2011, 10:10:24 PM
Post by: dscubame on October 01, 2011, 10:13:24 PM
If there is food he will be there.
For sure. Waiting for the appropriate shot will make the experience that much more gratifying and is what the little fella deserves. Keep us posted!
Post by: SamKilo on October 01, 2011, 10:14:43 PM
Post by: ydeardorff on October 01, 2011, 11:50:44 PM
Im gonna go back tomorrow, see if I cant nab him. It will be my first bear if Im successful. But no hunting buddies so Ill be alone :yike:
Post by: rebal69972 on October 02, 2011, 06:44:46 AM
Post by: ydeardorff on October 02, 2011, 06:51:20 AM
This bear has a seriously large back side.
Then came the thought how am I gonna get this thing back to the car. :chuckle:
Post by: boneaddict on October 02, 2011, 08:26:43 AM
Post by: Alan K on October 02, 2011, 08:56:21 AM
At just 50 yards though if you had a tree near you to get a rest against I'd have felt very comfortable opening up the back of his skull!
Good luck getting on him again, sounds like he was a whopper!
Post by: ydeardorff on October 02, 2011, 03:14:28 PM
I went back out again to check the spot, and every kid with a gun within 10 miles it seems was shooting stuff, up. So everything was gone today. Ill try again in the middle of the week after things calm down.
This is where being a full time student helps. I can get up early in the AM on weekdays and go hunt, rather than work :tup:
Post by: PolarBear on October 02, 2011, 03:53:31 PM
Thanks for not forcing a shot.:yeah:
Post by: CplRaines on October 02, 2011, 04:11:31 PM
I won't take an up the chute shot on an animal. The horns/trophy are not important enough for me to risk ruining any meat with a round through the stomach.
Never got another opportunity last year, but don't regret my decision one bit.
Oh, and it would have been my biggest bull to date.
Such is life.... such is hunting. ;)
Post by: Helix on October 05, 2011, 12:39:49 AM
Post by: buschcrawler on October 06, 2011, 09:53:55 PM
:o eeeew :oI've done the same thing with a few deer! kick myself in the @$$ everytime i do it. oh well it's still awsome getting that close.
It not that I didn't take the shot thats killing me, its that I could have made a noise, and he/she would have turned and Id ev had em.
I got so caught up in the moment, not shakes or jitters, just captivated on how close I was, and he didn't even know it. I didn't even think, about making a noise to get his attention.
How often does that happen? :tup:
Post by: ydeardorff on October 07, 2011, 12:50:50 AM
No tracks, no sign, its like they got up and moved out.
Its very hard to access this place; where the bear is located. Thick brush and every conceivable trig to step on making a nice solid "SNAP" with ever step. So after sitting in this spot hidden behind some logs for an hour I decided to look for an alternate route into the area that would be downwind in the AM.
i found a long grass laden way in, but the biggest problem with this area is the wind. It changes with every passing minute. Mild air movements to be sure, but constantly switching N, S, E, and west. This may be a necessity for a stand hunt for any success, provided the bear are even there any more.
Seems after this last weekend, all activity stopped. Not even a deer foot print can be found.
Perhaps it might be time to look higher?