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Big Game Hunting => Bear Hunting => Topic started by: Machias on April 12, 2018, 10:54:03 AM


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Title: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: Machias on April 12, 2018, 10:54:03 AM
Got my Idaho bear tag and baiting permit yesterday.  Figure I will start a thread for this year's spring season.  I'm not going to be in a rush to get any baits out this year.  I'll post some photos as I get set up and once they start coming in.  I hope everyone has a great spring season where ever you are hunting.  Be safe and good luck!
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: trophyhunt on April 12, 2018, 11:38:00 AM
Sweet, looking forward to this!! 
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: Timberstalker on April 12, 2018, 12:23:18 PM
Sweet, looking forward to this!!

 :yeah:

Good Luck!
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: Ridgerunner on April 12, 2018, 01:08:54 PM
Can't wait to follow this one, a spring bear in ID is something I've always wanted to do. 
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: NRA4LIFE on April 12, 2018, 01:19:39 PM
Best of luck to you Fred.  Can't wait to see the results.
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: elkrack on April 12, 2018, 01:41:47 PM
Best of luck for this spring! Following  :tup:
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: saylean on April 12, 2018, 03:23:44 PM
Best of luck to you Machias!!
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: lord grizzly on April 12, 2018, 03:43:40 PM
I’ll be getting bait out this weekend myself. There already cruising around. Going to be a great spring
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: Machias on April 12, 2018, 04:02:17 PM
I’ll be getting bait out this weekend myself. There already cruising around. Going to be a great spring

Good luck!!  How's the snow levels look in your area?
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: Machias on April 12, 2018, 04:02:45 PM
Thanks everyone, I'll try and share as much as possible.  Going to be a lot of fun!!
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: bowhunterforever on April 12, 2018, 05:42:58 PM
Good luck :tup:
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: elkoholic1 on April 12, 2018, 06:12:14 PM
 :tup:
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: Jpmiller on April 12, 2018, 06:18:53 PM
Good luck, looking forward to the updates
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: addicted on April 12, 2018, 07:10:43 PM
Awesome
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: carpsniperg2 on April 12, 2018, 07:42:47 PM
Good luck
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: lord grizzly on April 12, 2018, 07:50:52 PM
I’ll be getting bait out this weekend myself. There already cruising around. Going to be a great spring

Good luck!!  How's the snow levels look in your area?

It actually snowed today but it will be gone by tomorrow afternoon. I should be just below the main snow line up where we’re im at
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: quadrafire on April 12, 2018, 08:20:39 PM
If you need any help humping in some bait let me know.  :tup:
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: RB on April 12, 2018, 08:28:28 PM
Best of luck
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: tlbradford on April 13, 2018, 09:59:13 AM
Thanks for taking us along for the ride.  Good luck Machias
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: Machias on April 13, 2018, 12:19:42 PM
If you need any help humping in some bait let me know.  :tup:

:)
 :tup:
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: n_mathews13 on April 13, 2018, 09:49:30 PM
Good luck.
We hope to start in a couple weeks also.
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: lord grizzly on April 20, 2018, 08:12:40 AM
checked out my bait Wednesday night, nothing hitting it yet. going up tonight to make plans for the weekend. the warm weather coming in should get stuff going soon I hope.
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: addicted on April 20, 2018, 11:37:59 AM
This will be good because it looks like my Idaho hunt is falling apart. Flaky hunting partner so I guess I'll have to live through you
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: Machias on April 20, 2018, 12:10:29 PM
I'm going to put my first two baits out tomorrow.  Last year I rushed out and put in 2 baits on the 15th and then sat for what seemed like forever before I got any real activity.  I decided this year to wait a bit, but man the last couple of days have been killing me!  THIS is where my cellular trail camera really shines.  I can put my bait out and then wait to see when it gets hit.  I don't have to keep running over and checking to see if it's had any activity.
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: lord grizzly on April 20, 2018, 12:26:56 PM
I'm going to put my first two baits out tomorrow.  Last year I rushed out and put in 2 baits on the 15th and then sat for what seemed like forever before I got any real activity.  I decided this year to wait a bit, but man the last couple of days have been killing me!  THIS is where my cellular trail camera really shines.  I can put my bait out and then wait to see when it gets hit.  I don't have to keep running over and checking to see if it's had any activity.

wouldn't you rather look at the hills over a screen though? for me half the fun is all the time spent out there doing the work. to each his own. I beat the cellular trail cam thing to death already.
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: idaho guy on April 20, 2018, 01:18:06 PM
seems like we usually start getting our baits hit first of may.. Mid may they are usually getting hammered although  one year I had one hit like on April 16th he died shortly after :chuckle:. He must have went to sleep right next to my bait pile! I am going to experiment with the cell cam this year. Most of our sites have no coverage right at the bait.  I have the Spartan through Verizon not sure how many different ones there is. Did you make boxes for yours or do they have locking ones you can buy? I think one has a gps tracker or something but mine does not.
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: idaho guy on April 20, 2018, 01:24:55 PM
I took a picture of a very small bear about 3 weeks ago so they are out. I just don't think most are ready for the hard stuff when it comes to food till they clean out a little which seems to be more towards end of the month. Before someone asks I wont post the bear picture I got burned on posting some stuff so most pictures I post will be from my shop or yard and if I see someone creeping around my place I will know who's arse to kick ha ha 
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: Machias on April 20, 2018, 03:50:42 PM
I'm going to put my first two baits out tomorrow.  Last year I rushed out and put in 2 baits on the 15th and then sat for what seemed like forever before I got any real activity.  I decided this year to wait a bit, but man the last couple of days have been killing me!  THIS is where my cellular trail camera really shines.  I can put my bait out and then wait to see when it gets hit.  I don't have to keep running over and checking to see if it's had any activity.

wouldn't you rather look at the hills over a screen though? for me half the fun is all the time spent out there doing the work. to each his own. I beat the cellular trail cam thing to death already.

I still do all the work, the only thing missing is the driving over to check and see if my bait has been hit or how much bait I need to bring.  I save time and gas after the bait is in.  I still have to do all the work to find the right spot (same spots the last couple of years), put the bait in, treestands up etc.  The only thing they do is allow me to not have to run over every few days and see if in fact it's been hit or not.  Saves me time and gas.  ;) 
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: Machias on April 20, 2018, 03:53:16 PM
seems like we usually start getting our baits hit first of may.. Mid may they are usually getting hammered although  one year I had one hit like on April 16th he died shortly after :chuckle:. He must have went to sleep right next to my bait pile! I am going to experiment with the cell cam this year. Most of our sites have no coverage right at the bait.  I have the Spartan through Verizon not sure how many different ones there is. Did you make boxes for yours or do they have locking ones you can buy? I think one has a gps tracker or something but mine does not.

I bought one of the boxes made for my camera. From these guys.  https://www.trailcampro.com/
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: idaho guy on April 20, 2018, 04:15:31 PM
seems like we usually start getting our baits hit first of may.. Mid may they are usually getting hammered although  one year I had one hit like on April 16th he died shortly after :chuckle:. He must have went to sleep right next to my bait pile! I am going to experiment with the cell cam this year. Most of our sites have no coverage right at the bait.  I have the Spartan through Verizon not sure how many different ones there is. Did you make boxes for yours or do they have locking ones you can buy? I think one has a gps tracker or something but mine does not.

I bought one of the boxes made for my camera. From these guys.  https://www.trailcampro.com/

 :tup:
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: lokidog on April 20, 2018, 05:56:37 PM
I'm going to put my first two baits out tomorrow.  Last year I rushed out and put in 2 baits on the 15th and then sat for what seemed like forever before I got any real activity.  I decided this year to wait a bit, but man the last couple of days have been killing me!  THIS is where my cellular trail camera really shines.  I can put my bait out and then wait to see when it gets hit.  I don't have to keep running over and checking to see if it's had any activity.

wouldn't you rather look at the hills over a screen though? for me half the fun is all the time spent out there doing the work. to each his own. I beat the cellular trail cam thing to death already.

I still do all the work, the only thing missing is the driving over to check and see if my bait has been hit or how much bait I need to bring.  I save time and gas after the bait is in.  I still have to do all the work to find the right spot (same spots the last couple of years), put the bait in, treestands up etc.  The only thing they do is allow me to not have to run over every few days and see if in fact it's been hit or not.  Saves me time and gas.  ;)

How carbon conscious of you.   :chuckle:    Good luck!
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: lord grizzly on April 20, 2018, 07:11:52 PM
Eh... I’d fel like I was cheating. Baiting and regular trail cams are already plenty advantage.
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: Machias on April 20, 2018, 07:28:08 PM
 :tup:

We'll just agree to disagree.  Have a great season, I hope they start hammering your baits soon.
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: quadrafire on April 20, 2018, 07:41:22 PM
Guess there will always be haters. Geesh!!!!
Keep after them Fred. I like to see the progress!!
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: Jpmiller on April 20, 2018, 09:08:30 PM
Would you guys who can hunt bears stop talking about hunting bears and start hunting bears?  Some of us are very envious
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: Machias on April 20, 2018, 09:59:43 PM
 :tup:
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: Machias on April 22, 2018, 08:29:39 PM
Despite severe pain from kidney stone, managed to get in 3 baits, 2 treestands and 3 trail cameras all set up.  Had to run through a fair amount of snow in several places.  Feels good to get started.
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: Jpmiller on April 23, 2018, 06:50:56 AM
How do those cellular trail cams work? You get a live feed from them on your phone or you can access the photos from your phone?
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: L8NITE on April 23, 2018, 08:13:36 AM
Good Luck...and I really look forward to following along! I was just in your neck of the woods for Turkey and couldn't believe the amount of snow we ran into in a few places. Be safe out there!!!
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: Machias on April 23, 2018, 04:18:23 PM
How do those cellular trail cams work? You get a live feed from them on your phone or you can access the photos from your phone?

They work really nice.  I get an e-mail with the photo.  I can put up to....I think it's 10 e-mail adresses to receive the photos.  I have mine set up to take a photo 6 different times during the day and I also receive a status report on the camera twice a day.  I set it up that way so if I want to make adjustments I can, since it only makes adjustments to the settings when it takes a photo or receives a status report.  First time I set it up I wanted to make changes but I didn't have any pre-programed, so it was 7 days before something walked in front of the camera to make the adjustments.  The camera wa 100 miles away so I didn't want to make the trip just for that.  Now I can make adjustments from home.
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: Ripper on April 23, 2018, 06:55:22 PM
Go get em Machias, I’m rooting for you. Ive enjoyed your thread the last few years and Im anxiously awaiting this years pics and story.
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: rasbo on April 23, 2018, 07:24:40 PM
Good luck,hoping to see a big phase in the mix
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: Jpmiller on April 23, 2018, 09:12:56 PM
How do those cellular trail cams work? You get a live feed from them on your phone or you can access the photos from your phone?

They work really nice.  I get an e-mail with the photo.  I can put up to....I think it's 10 e-mail adresses to receive the photos.  I have mine set up to take a photo 6 different times during the day and I also receive a status report on the camera twice a day.  I set it up that way so if I want to make adjustments I can, since it only makes adjustments to the settings when it takes a photo or receives a status report.  First time I set it up I wanted to make changes but I didn't have any pre-programed, so it was 7 days before something walked in front of the camera to make the adjustments.  The camera wa 100 miles away so I didn't want to make the trip just for that.  Now I can make adjustments from home.

That's a neat set up. I like being able to check activity without making a day of getting a card out.
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: W_Ellison2011 on April 23, 2018, 09:22:33 PM
I'm not sure of when Idaho's season is but I keep checking back hoping to see an update with a dead bear lol! Go get em!
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: Machias on April 23, 2018, 09:45:01 PM
I'm not sure of when Idaho's season is but I keep checking back hoping to see an update with a dead bear lol! Go get em!

It started the 15th of April.  Generally it takes the bears about a week to find my baits.  I passed on three medium size bears last year and will be doing the same this year.  Holding out for a big boy or a really nice color phase bear, which I see a good amount of in this area.  I'll be putting in a couple more baits over near Avery once the snow leave over there.  The three we put in this weekend are mine and two other guys baits.
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: Jpmiller on April 24, 2018, 06:50:47 AM
I've never hunted spring bears, is there a taste difference between a summer or fall bear? I imagine the berries influence flavor in summer. I've really like summer bears.
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: jasnt on April 24, 2018, 07:20:18 AM
Tagging along. Good luck this year Fred
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: Machias on April 24, 2018, 07:55:08 AM
I've never hunted spring bears, is there a taste difference between a summer or fall bear? I imagine the berries influence flavor in summer. I've really like summer bears.

I never have noticed a difference, but I grind all my bears into burger anyways.
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: Brushbuster on April 24, 2018, 08:13:18 AM
Good Luck on this year's Bear Hunt! Look forward to pics of some big color phased bruins.  :tup:
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: Machias on April 24, 2018, 07:14:15 PM
So another reason I LOVE my cellular trail camera.  Today I started getting a photo every 2 minutes. 20ish crows on the bait.  I was able to change my camera settings to take a photo every 30 minutes.  Much nicer getting 20 photos in 10 hours as opposed to 300 photos in 10 hours.
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: jasnt on April 24, 2018, 07:40:17 PM
So another reason I LOVE my cellular trail camera.  Today I started getting a photo every 2 minutes. 20ish crows on the bait.  I was able to change my camera settings to take a photo every 30 minutes.  Much nicer getting 20 photos in 10 hours as opposed to 300 photos in 10 hours.
that is pretty sweet! If I had a nickle for every Raven or magpie pic I got I'd buy Alaska
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: Mr Mykiss on April 28, 2018, 07:40:10 AM
Tag. It’s nice to see how a professional does it!!
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: Machias on April 28, 2018, 09:53:09 AM
 :chuckle:  Yea professional!   :chuckle:

FINALLY first bear showed up last night at 1030 pm, small bear....walked right by the bait barrel.   8)
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: Mr Mykiss on April 28, 2018, 10:17:20 AM
Correction: it’ll be awesome to see how a dedicated bear hunter does it  :tup:
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: Machias on May 01, 2018, 01:23:30 PM
Finally had a mid sized bear on the bait for about an hour last night.  Nice looking coat, color phased bear.
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: Jpmiller on May 01, 2018, 01:49:40 PM
Choot em
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: Machias on May 01, 2018, 02:29:15 PM
Choot em

Way too small for me....but one of my friends is taking his son for his first bear, this one would be perfect for him.  I'll post a photo tonight.
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: Machias on May 01, 2018, 09:24:43 PM
So after 8 days of this:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/b1p1AlSJai34GJ6B2

finally a little activity last night:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/P5KRj69TEgknneMe6
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: redi on May 01, 2018, 11:46:01 PM
Looks like a dandy bear. Good luck
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: elkrack on May 02, 2018, 12:48:49 AM
Man baiting would be a blast! Good luck this season  :tup:
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: Skyvalhunter on May 02, 2018, 05:16:48 AM
yea makes me sick thinking about how WA lost that right.
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: rasbo on May 02, 2018, 07:25:18 AM
You're killing me, that a nice looking bear,a young kid would be happy with that
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: Machias on May 02, 2018, 07:57:56 AM
You're killing me, that a nice looking bear,a young kid would be happy with that

 :tup:  I concur!
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: DOUBLELUNG on May 02, 2018, 09:59:50 AM
You're killing me, that a nice looking bear,a young kid would be happy with that

 :tup:  I concur!
If that's a 55 gallon drum, this fat old lazy guy would be happy with that! 
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: NRA4LIFE on May 02, 2018, 10:28:46 AM
That "little" fatty would be in my freezer now.
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: Machias on May 02, 2018, 12:12:13 PM
:)  :)
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: jasnt on May 02, 2018, 04:04:17 PM
I’d hold out too after seeing last years pics
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: Machias on May 02, 2018, 09:36:56 PM
Oh yes a really nice big blackie showed up tonight.  An hour before dark.  Also had a bear hit the bait today at 2:05 pm.  And the fun begins!!!  I'll post a photo tomorrow.
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: lokidog on May 02, 2018, 11:09:14 PM
Sounds fun, good luck!
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: trophyhunt on May 03, 2018, 06:21:25 AM
Man baiting would be a blast! Good luck this season  :tup:
It is a blast Mike, but it's a lot of time and work, plus gas money.  I sure hope we can bring it back someday, good luck Machias!
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: elkrack on May 03, 2018, 01:28:35 PM
Man baiting would be a blast! Good luck this season  :tup:
It is a blast Mike, but it's a lot of time and work, plus gas money.  I sure hope we can bring it back someday, good luck Machias!

It will never see the light of day in this $&@;-/ up state! Man Idaho sounds better everyday.
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: Machias on May 03, 2018, 06:40:14 PM
https://photos.app.goo.gl/uaqoJhVpmYsed2f62

https://photos.app.goo.gl/ev18uP8FZknM5kfr1
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: NRA4LIFE on May 03, 2018, 07:21:25 PM
Looks like you're getting there Fred.  Good luck.
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: LongBomb on May 03, 2018, 08:04:16 PM
That's awesome! Good luck! I gotta say this is a great forum. Lots of good info, stories and humor all around. Should of got on it long ago!
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: carpsniperg2 on May 03, 2018, 08:26:36 PM
There ya go  :archery_smiley:
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: n_mathews13 on May 03, 2018, 10:49:05 PM
Your killing me. Wishing I had the ability to use one of them cams. I wonder how mine is doing
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: Machias on May 04, 2018, 12:15:24 PM
It is nice to know what is going on.  You need me to run and check yours?  ;)
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: jasnt on May 04, 2018, 10:36:20 PM
Looking forward to seeing those nocturnal beasts
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: Machias on May 07, 2018, 01:12:22 PM
So far VERY slow.  2 bears on seperate baits.  Barely spending any time yet at the baits.  I finally got my house ready to go on the market tomorrow, so now I have a little time to focus on da Bears!
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: Jpmiller on May 08, 2018, 06:53:55 PM
Good luck with your house sale. It's important to keep it clean and unoccupied so you better spend alot of time in the woods
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: idaho guy on May 08, 2018, 08:51:45 PM
So far VERY slow.  2 bears on seperate baits.  Barely spending any time yet at the baits.  I finally got my house ready to go on the market tomorrow, so now I have a little time to focus on da Bears!
[/quote

I noticed it’s slow too I only have one bait out one small bear hitting it. This has been a long term productive bait for me. Weird year I guess but it just gets better later anyways!have fun this year!
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: Machias on May 09, 2018, 08:18:01 AM
Yesterday was much better.  Bear in very early, before 5pm and then last night I had 2 bears in at one bait at the same time.  i think it's about to get fun...ner!!
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: Ripper on May 10, 2018, 09:05:17 AM
Good luck Machias I’m looking forward to the rest of the story. I know how hard you work every year, so you deserve a bruiser.
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: Machias on May 12, 2018, 11:54:13 PM
Ah, nice bear down.  Had a friends fly in for three days of hunting.  Killed his first bear ever.  I'll post some photos tomorrow.
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: bearpaw on May 13, 2018, 12:39:55 AM
congrats  :tup: :tup:
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: carpsniperg2 on May 13, 2018, 01:19:52 AM
excellent :IBCOOL:
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: Kit Carson on May 13, 2018, 01:55:16 AM
Congrats! Looking forward to pics  :tup:
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: Machias on May 13, 2018, 06:19:26 PM
Last year Jason flew out to hunt with me for 3 days.  He'd been on two other bear hunts with outfitters back east, not really high density areas.  I was able to put him on 2 bears, but he missed a tough shot and a gimme shot.  He went home pretty bummed.  So I was really hoping he had good luck this year.  Second night he had a small bear come into the bait and then a nice boar.  He hammered him hard.  But he blew out about 7 inches of lung which plugged the exit hole.  One of the tougher blood trails I have worked in a while.  I was able to find him about 100 yards down hill.  Very exciting track job along a small swamp.  Finally saw him laying at about 8 yards.  Pretty happy guy.  He flies back out tomorrow.  Super nice coat, thick and heavy.  Solid black bear about 165 to 175 pounds.  Pack out seriously kicked my tail.

Earlier in the day on the bait

https://photos.app.goo.gl/bu42gXCRrEQsMdgf2

As he lays

https://photos.app.goo.gl/dbh3oZlGQP4RBQ2a2

https://photos.app.goo.gl/I7XgtmvgJIikbbE53

https://photos.app.goo.gl/jLzCFQ4hQg3BvToK2

Lung plugged the hole

https://photos.app.goo.gl/vuYyZtT3Cz2oimUu1

The packout

https://photos.app.goo.gl/AXLJ8gJQiWZJerCU2

Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: NRA4LIFE on May 13, 2018, 07:51:03 PM
Outstanding Fred. 
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: Timberstalker on May 13, 2018, 07:57:37 PM
Nice work, Machias!

Glad you got your buddy on a bear.
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: JakeLand on May 13, 2018, 08:16:57 PM
Great job Fred !! I like the black bear backpack!!!
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: lokidog on May 13, 2018, 09:18:50 PM
 :tup:
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: FWilliams on May 13, 2018, 09:24:38 PM
nicely done, we just got back from the san juans  and are headed that way. glad to know things are picking up.

Fred
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: RB on May 13, 2018, 09:43:48 PM
Very nice!  :tup:
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: blackpowderhunter on May 14, 2018, 08:26:28 AM
nicely done, we just got back from the san juans  and are headed that way. glad to know things are picking up.

Fred
i left idaho on saturday.   that nice weather really got them moving around where we were.
good luck  :tup:
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: DOUBLELUNG on May 14, 2018, 09:01:55 AM
Sweet!
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: jackelope on May 14, 2018, 09:04:20 AM
Sweet Fred! Congrats to your buddy.
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: CaNINE on May 14, 2018, 09:49:27 AM
way to go!  Should really start to get interesting in the next few weeks.
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: elkrack on May 14, 2018, 12:49:49 PM
Nice bear congrats  :tup:
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: Mr Mykiss on May 15, 2018, 06:37:20 PM
Well done sir!! 48 hours until our party heads for the hills in search of the mighty bruin!!
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: wheels on May 15, 2018, 06:53:13 PM
congrats nice bear
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: idaho guy on May 15, 2018, 07:11:35 PM
 :tup: good job
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: Machias on May 15, 2018, 08:14:35 PM
Thanks everyone.  I have 2 more nice bears slamming 2 different baits, but they have been well after dark so far.
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: Machias on May 20, 2018, 11:44:30 PM
BOOM shakalaka.  Bear #2 down.  What a toad!!!
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: carpsniperg2 on May 21, 2018, 12:28:27 AM
Excellent looking forward to pics :IBCOOL:
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: Machias on May 21, 2018, 11:30:51 AM
Sorry, no photos until this evening.  Had a really nice red boar show up a few days ago on the bait.  Pretty sure I have him on camera in 2015, but not last year.  I went out with a friend to hunt our baits yesterday and he was taking his son.  They double checked their rifle, a scoped .444.  It was shooting way right and low and no amount of dialing could get the shot to move.  They were going to leave and hunt another day.  Normally I use my bow, but as fate would have it I had brought my open sight .30-.30 for something different.  I told him to go ahead and use my rifle.  His boy took a couple of practice shots and was right on the money.  I really had a good feeling about them seeing a bear tonight.  Right after 8pm they had a black come into the bait buy only stood there for a second as he was chased off by this bear.  Nice broadside shot, blew out both lungs.  Bear ran about 50ish yards and piled up.  Young man had killed his first bear and holy smokes what a toad.  Gutted, all three of us could not get him off the ground.  Took us an hour and 20 minutes to get him 150 yards back up to the road.  Got out of there at midnight and fell into bed at 0110.  He has a fantastic coat, super thick and about as red as any I have seen.  Really big skull, just a really nice bear.
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: Timberstalker on May 21, 2018, 11:39:56 AM
Awesome, congrats on number 2!
Cant wait to see the photos!
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: elkrack on May 21, 2018, 12:03:58 PM
Awesome job!👍🏻
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: JakeLand on May 21, 2018, 01:13:28 PM
Right on !!!
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: washingtonmuley on May 21, 2018, 01:23:46 PM
Congratulations!!
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: lord grizzly on May 21, 2018, 01:37:14 PM
baits are getting hot now. 3 different color phases hitting mine. ones a no brainer, just gotta catch up with him.
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: jmscon on May 21, 2018, 01:43:55 PM
Awesome! Can’t wait to see some pics!
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: Machias on May 21, 2018, 02:26:34 PM
baits are getting hot now. 3 different color phases hitting mine. ones a no brainer, just gotta catch up with him.

Good luck!!
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: Machias on May 21, 2018, 06:39:17 PM
On the bait
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: Machias on May 21, 2018, 06:40:41 PM
These photos at night do not really show how red he is.
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: Machias on May 21, 2018, 06:42:04 PM
Finally in the truck
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: Machias on May 21, 2018, 06:44:25 PM
Nice bear, hard to tell, but he has a nice wide head!
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: Limhangerslayer on May 21, 2018, 06:50:03 PM
Nice bear Fred,  congrats to the hunter
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: Timberstalker on May 21, 2018, 06:56:28 PM
Great bear!
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: idaho guy on May 21, 2018, 06:57:38 PM
Nice bear! Getting it done!
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: jackelope on May 21, 2018, 06:57:45 PM
Looks like a really great bear!! Congrats to all involved!
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: Machias on May 21, 2018, 07:08:42 PM
One more on the bait.
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: trophyhunt on May 21, 2018, 07:12:30 PM
Great bear, congrats!! :IBCOOL:
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: PastorJoel on May 21, 2018, 07:40:05 PM
 Very nice!
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on May 21, 2018, 07:52:06 PM
Looks like a really great bear!! Congrats to all involved!

 :yeah:
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: jasnt on May 21, 2018, 08:48:51 PM
Loving it Fred. Looking forward to your bear
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: elkrack on May 22, 2018, 08:12:22 AM
Awesome bear! How late do you run your baits?
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: Machias on May 22, 2018, 08:47:03 AM
This area closes at the end of May.  then I will probably switch to a Unit that is open until the end of June, but I will probably only hunt until mid June this year.
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: Machias on May 23, 2018, 08:04:43 AM
Well this just sucks, lost half his hair!

Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: Timberstalker on May 23, 2018, 09:10:57 AM
Wow.  This warm weather is gonna thin them out fast.
Better notch now, Fred. :tup:
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: Machias on May 23, 2018, 10:20:38 AM
Yep, I still have 2 really nice bears hitting baits, but I'm thinking I better get it done this weekend or I will be waiting until fall.  :(
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: Mr Mykiss on May 23, 2018, 02:42:06 PM
Get it done. Way to go on the others!!
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: Kit Carson on May 24, 2018, 01:10:50 AM
Nice!!  :drool:
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: DOUBLELUNG on May 24, 2018, 01:10:41 PM
Sweet, and a lot of meat on that bad boy
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: Machias on May 29, 2018, 09:34:40 AM
Some photos for your viewing pleasure.
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: Machias on May 29, 2018, 09:48:56 AM
A few more
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: Machias on May 29, 2018, 10:35:32 AM
and a few more
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: Machias on May 29, 2018, 10:37:10 AM
And the last bunch
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: Timberstalker on May 29, 2018, 10:46:45 AM
Holy cow, those cubs are tiny!   :tup:
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: Machias on May 29, 2018, 12:33:11 PM
Holy cow, those cubs are tiny!   :tup:

Yep, the smallest I have ever captured on camera.
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: Brushbuster on May 29, 2018, 12:42:19 PM
Very cool pics!! Thank you for sharing.  :tup:
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: bowhunterforever on May 29, 2018, 01:30:38 PM
Very cool pics!! Thank you for sharing.  :tup:
:yeah:
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: tlbradford on May 30, 2018, 10:19:31 AM
Thanks Machias!  Those are some cute cubs.
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: MHWASH on May 30, 2018, 08:11:55 PM
Machias,

Are the time stamps on you camera correct? I noticed that the bears were coming in at all time except from about noon to four.
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: Machias on May 30, 2018, 09:38:30 PM
Yes they are correct.
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: lokidog on May 30, 2018, 10:28:35 PM
Great photos!
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: elkoholic1 on May 31, 2018, 06:05:23 PM
 :tup:
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: rasbo on May 31, 2018, 06:57:17 PM
Love it,the lil guys are a cool bonus
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: DOUBLELUNG on June 01, 2018, 08:57:04 AM
Those photos with the cubs show why baiting is such a great technique for ethical bear hunting, and why it should be legal everywhere.  Nothing else matches hunting over bait to be sure you aren't shooting a sow with cubs.  Thanks for sharing Fred, awesome photos.
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: Timberstalker on June 01, 2018, 12:22:23 PM
Those photos with the cubs show why baiting is such a great technique for ethical bear hunting, and why it should be legal everywhere.  Nothing else matches hunting over bait to be sure you aren't shooting a sow with cubs.  Thanks for sharing Fred, awesome photos.

Well said.
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: Machias on June 05, 2018, 09:10:07 AM
Done for the spring, will try again in the fall.  Had a great time feeding bears this spring and was very happy to help pack out a couple taken off of our baits.  i personally did not see a live bear this spring.  I have too much going on in the next 10 days to get back out.  Thanks for following along this spring and hopefully we'll have some more fun this fall.
Title: Re: Machias' 2018 Idaho Bear Season
Post by: Mr Mykiss on June 05, 2018, 11:06:53 AM
i personally did not see a live bear this spring.
Wow!! Good on ya for helping out so many others!!
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