Been trying to draw this tag since it has been offered.
I have hiked every gate that has "open" signs.
Actually, unless it said "NO", I have walked at least a mile.
Turned around if I don't see sign. (sign, as in poop, tracks, etc.)
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One of my favorite gated roads has at least one pile of bear poop dead center of the road in the same 100 yard stretch of road.
Every year.
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I am elk hunting, but have a bear tag..
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Honestly, I really just walk this road to see if the bear crap is going to be there..
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It always is.
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Without fail.
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Honestly, last few season's were smaller, (different bear) but still in the same stretch.
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I was sitting under the power lines in a good spot to watch right where it takes a 90° turn.
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I saw the bear come out of the treeline about 300 yards out.
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Muzzleloader Elk season, but I had a bear tag.
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Pulled out my RR call (Bearmanrick)
and blew on that thing like a baby with a full diaper.
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The bear looked my direction, but just started on the blackberry bush in front of him.
(assuming gender)
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I blew on that thing like something was tearing my arm off..
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The bear looked in my direction, but showed no interest in coming over...
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I stopped, thought about wind direction and attempted to move out, and around.
Tried that, and realized I would have to expose myself..
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Went back to original position, now that bear is 150 yards!
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It WAS coming, I just wasn't patient enough.
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I started back in with weak calls and was hoping to bring it within range...
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Then it "spooked" and ran off?
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30 seconds later, my hunting friend comes strolling down the road..
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Still got a mile and a half, and it is almost end of shooting light....
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Never tried it with a rifle, other than my ML ELK, but have seen several bear over the years.
Most look pretty damn small.
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Really, big raccoons.
By the time you realize it's a bear, you think it's a cub.
Then it's too late when you figure out that an average size bear is 150, if your lucky..
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Sometimes it's hard to tell the difference between coyote crap, and bear.
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Big ones are near major food sources, people's compost piles, nd private property.
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Don't want to
But the only reason for the spring season is to reduce tree damage for the timber companies.
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It's not about "hunter opportunities" it's about closed door politics and legal precedent.
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Bait barrels and hounds are legal.
Just need authorization.
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Cannot save the evidence, unless you are a legally licenced permit holder.
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Then you have to have evidence of sex?
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They used to pay you for a tail.
Bear tails, porkupine noses..
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Anybody else remember when?