Post by: saylean on August 07, 2008, 10:08:03 AM
The bear was obviously hit, due to the way it was stumbling down the hill (couldnt really run straight, falling over, etc). It goes down into this ravine, into a snarled bowl of brush and log snags. Having to work the next day, he knew he would be pressed for time, so I drove up to help out.
We arrive at 0430 to start the hike up to the top of the hill.
(https://hunting-washington.com/cpg/albums/userpics/10186/P1000655.JPG)
Once we get up top, we hear a brush crashing around right where Jim thinks the bear went..so know he is second guessing if it was a good shot or not (we've all been there). Wind is blowing down into the bowl, so whatever it was smelled us and bolted. We set up the gear (game kart, water, etc) and by then, Jimmy has to get going to work. He explains were he shot, so off I go to track it.
Takes a bit of time, but I find some blood. The terrain was very steep,with loose rocks and nasty logs everywhere. Brush was chest to waist high, or higher throughout. The bear decided to get out of the main clearcut and barrel through 12 ft or so high brush...this was a "hands and knees" tracking job, due to the thickness of the brush and terrain. In the process I lost my GPS Garmin....but was able to recover it...thanks to my little brother Johnny who came out later in the afternoon to help.
Here is some blood trail.
(https://hunting-washington.com/cpg/albums/userpics/10186/P1000661.JPG)
And a few more specks.
(https://hunting-washington.com/cpg/albums/userpics/10186/P1000664.JPG)
Heres an idea of the brush I was crawling through. I could smell the bear a few times, but couldnt quite find it. It was about an 80 yard track.
(https://hunting-washington.com/cpg/albums/userpics/10186/P1000668.JPG)
Found the body at 9 am. Both shoulders were broken and she died that night. Thankfully, it stayed nice in cool in the shade for most of the day.
Here is as I found it.
(https://hunting-washington.com/cpg/albums/userpics/10186/P1000670.JPG)
I boned out the meat, skinned the hide and began packing it uphill to the top of the road, where the game kart was. Mosquitos ate well that day...and not cause of the bear. Johnny arrived later in the after noon, bringing water and was just in time to help with the last load up to the top..thankfully, cause by know I was running outta gas.
(https://hunting-washington.com/cpg/albums/userpics/10186/P1000672.JPG)
(https://hunting-washington.com/cpg/albums/userpics/10186/P1000674.JPG)
Jimmy met us half way up (he was done with work and drove back up) and pushed the game cart the final half mile or so...
This guy was waiting for me to leave....
(https://hunting-washington.com/cpg/albums/userpics/10186/P1000680.JPG)
The rug measured 5ft 1 in, nose to tail.
(https://hunting-washington.com/cpg/albums/userpics/10186/P1000681.JPG)
Jimmy owes me for this one. Hope you enjoyed the read.
Post by: Gobble on August 07, 2008, 10:13:53 AM
Post by: CP on August 07, 2008, 10:14:05 AM
Post by: bucklucky on August 07, 2008, 10:14:51 AM
Post by: winston2789 on August 07, 2008, 10:23:34 AM
Post by: DeKuma on August 07, 2008, 10:23:50 AM
If you ever need help again, give me a yell. I can PM you my contact info. if you wish.
Post by: saylean on August 07, 2008, 10:25:12 AM
Great job! I'm sure you were a little un-nerved hiking in by yourself with a wounded bear? Glad to see the outcome was a dead bear. Your Brother owes ya Big Time :chuckle:
I was a bit nervous for sure..as I always am until I find a bear not breathing...had the ole .45 cocked and ready and the .30 30 brush gun...still...if that thing was alive, by the time I saw it..he would have been on me real fast...
Post by: GoldTip on August 07, 2008, 10:30:42 AM
Post by: jeepasaurusrex on August 07, 2008, 10:31:59 AM
Post by: arrowflinger on August 07, 2008, 10:35:51 AM
Post by: gramps on August 07, 2008, 11:29:43 AM
Post by: Ellensburg on August 07, 2008, 12:41:01 PM
Post by: Gutpile on August 07, 2008, 02:31:57 PM
Thats just about identical in size to the sow I got this spring except I can't believe how much fatter your brothers is! What a difference a little over 2 months makes. Mine had no fat at all and it was really easy to drag out and get to the truck.
How old do you think she is????
Post by: saylean on August 07, 2008, 02:42:40 PM
She had quite a bit of fat on her rump.
Post by: Sagedawg on August 07, 2008, 04:54:12 PM
Sage
Post by: jkononen on August 07, 2008, 05:33:29 PM
Post by: saylean on August 07, 2008, 05:35:22 PM
Post by: X-Force on August 07, 2008, 05:52:25 PM
Post by: billythekidrock on August 07, 2008, 07:34:09 PM
Post by: bowsandhose on August 07, 2008, 07:55:14 PM
Post by: Wea300mag on August 07, 2008, 08:14:47 PM
Post by: Head-shot on August 07, 2008, 08:26:25 PM
Post by: saylean on August 07, 2008, 09:04:45 PM
Great story and pics Saylean. Congrats to your brother and you for staying after it. Well done! Now go drink all his beer. :chuckle:
Reminds me of a saying...
"A friend isnt someone who borrows money from you. A friend is someone who shows up at your house with a 6 pack on the weekend."
Thanks all. Im very glad we found it.
Post by: Bscman on August 07, 2008, 09:15:32 PM
I definitely recognize the area in the pics.
Kudos to you guys--keep up the great work.