Finally got one

[dasbear]

Finally got up to the high country for my first bear then into my pack for the long haul out. Man do I wish I had a partner for this hunt. I shot it 6pm sat eve got it gutted and the hind quarters off then had to return to camp almost in the dark. 8am sunday headed back to fight the yellow jackets and finish the rest of the job. I took the head, fore and hind paw but left the hide because of weight issues. Next time I will remove which ever tooth F&G wants and cape out the face with the hide & paws and leave the skull. Not the biggest bear I've seen but certainly big enough for my first solo pack out.





Patrick

[runamuk]

Congrats nice looking bear....

[WAPITIHUNTER]

Nice job! Good looking bear!

[dasbear]

Thanks, I missed another chocolate phase bear alot bigger than this one earlier in the day but after packing this one out I'm sure glad I didn't get the big one. Theres nothing quite like climbing side hill on a 35 degree heather covered slope with 75lbs on your back.

[Whitelightning]

dasbear,
Cool I got my first bear on Friday, they sure are alot to pack out by your self I had the samr problem.

Nice looking bear!!!!!!

[Michelle_Nelson]

Great looking Bear.  Congrats!

[Ray]

Thanks, I missed another chocolate phase bear alot bigger than this one earlier in the day but after packing this one out I'm sure glad I didn't get the big one. Theres nothing quite like climbing side hill on a 35 degree heather covered slope with 75lbs on your back.

Fantastic work. I know the feeling. 

[actionshooter]

Nice color, congrats!

[Wanttohuntmore]

Congrats, I like the pics.  Any info on your TC there?  What cartridge, and how far was the shot?  What kind of load were you using?  I have a couple TC's and like seeing pics of them.

[JackOfAllTrades]

Your first Bear?  Solo with a single shot pistol? My complements!

In the future, you might cape it leaving the head attached to the cape. Bring that out with one quarter if that's not too heavy. Game bags for the rest of the meat waiting for your recovery the next morning.

[dasbear]

JOAT, Yes I totolly agree with you. these are some of the things I hope to do next time. Sheet of 8x8 4-6mil plastic put beside or under bear so NOTHING will get dirt or plant debri on it, 50' parachute or thinner cord for tying the feet out/down, Kitchen grade trash bags not thin wimpy ones that break open or that bees can chew thru in 2 minutes, A mini head light in my fanny pack (left it in ditty bag at camp) A flash light is like toilet paper you should never ever forget it. I know theres a few more things so chime in anyone.

My pistol is a T/C Encore 16" in 308 win. ackly imp. magna ported w/2-7 Burris EER scope.
Speer 180gr sp over 2520 powder, 2450fps Or sierra 165gr sp over H414 powder, 2550 fps. Either of these loads shoot right on top of the other +- with out resighting my gun
100yds/+2.71  200/00"  300/-10.66"  energy is 2010ft.lbs, 1748 and 1514 w/180 speer

the exit wound on this bear was only the size of a quarter after going through left shoulder and out chest just forward of rt shoulder using the 180 speer  the bear was dead before it hit the ground.

Patrick

[JackOfAllTrades]

Actually, you want to stay away from using plastic unless you're going to put the meat in a creek to cool. Cotton bags will allow the meat to breath and cool on a mountain side.

Gut the animal then lay him on his back, fleshing from the belly cut outward with a tube cut around the legs to the elbow/wrist if you can. That way you're using the hide to keep the meat off the ground. Putting the quarters in a bag and work your way up to the head/neck being careful not to cut the hide while you're deboning.

I carry two flashlights, (head LED, mini-mag), game bags of some sort. A meshed Deer bag weighs a whole quarter ounce or so. But I do sometimes carry a canvas re-usable bag. One good belt knife and a pocket knife. 50' of parachute cord. -In addition to my 'Ten Essentials' bag that can slip in my fanny pack, day pack or back pack any time I leave camp/truck.

-Steve

[klikboom]

NICE JOB!! I'm stoked for you patrick, wish I coulda helped get that hide outta there, what a shame. But again congrats you deserve it.

[Maligator]

Congrats on your bear. Sux you had to leave the hide but I've been places where even if I saw a bear I wasn't gonna shoot it due to the trek back so I know where your coming from. Like I said: congrats on your first. Still trying for my first  

[whacker1]

congrats on the bear with pistola!