Ok guys here is the full story on my BB hunt in Alaska.
It starts off with my Trip to SCI, and then continues.
Thanks for reading
Jamie
SCI Convention
Well, now that I have my head on straight, I thought I would share a few thoughts on what it is like going to SCI for the first time. Now please remember I was traveling alone and was planning on accomplishing 2 things.
#1 order a pair of Boots from Russell Moccasins
#2 Book a Brown Bear Hunt
This is my story.
The flight from Calgary-Seattle was dead, no one to talk with but I did get a row of seats to myself
The flight from Seattle to Reno was GREAT!! Lots of talk about hunting and Salmon fishing.. Good guys all around.
Check into the Old Hilton/Sierra?
Easy check in and a large room. Room was ok.
Rush off to the convention, I arrived approx 1 pm. Get my gear and... WOW This place is amazing. Its huge, its like being a kid in a candy store, every corner something new, every both someone else that wants to talk hunting. I felt no pressure from anyone. Should be a great time
30 minutes later I find myself running from both to both and not accomplishing anything.. I settle down into a grid format in order to try and take it all in... That works for the first 2 rows.. Then I find myself gawking and wandering aimlessly.. Ok I need to get my bearings.. I need help.. Lo and behold I run into TJ, Nice to see a friendly face, we chat for a bit and make plans for later, his great friend shows me to the Russell booth.
I get the boots I want, all custom fit for 91/2 3e feet and I am one happy camper.. I wander the rest of the day wondering where all the auctions are.
Back to the hotel, call everyone I know and tell them what a fantastic trip they are missing and the fact I think they are %$#4%^@# for not coming with me. They now know what kind of fun they missed out on. Grabbed a nap, woke up and headed to the Peppermill to see what was going on with the night auctions.
I didn’t see a deal that I was interested in. It seemed most things sold for a good dollar.
Downstairs and played some BJ till 2 in the AM. I did ok, up $200. Head back to my hotel and get the call of the craps table.. HUH!! That was quick way to lose $400.
Thursday
Up and at em. I have a goal now.. I want to book that Brown bear hunt.
I am having a tough time finding the right booths. I find BB guys but no boat based. Finally in frustration I head to the auction.
Some great deals to be had here. Especially if you willing to do a plains game hunt or head to some far away place to hunt a animal I have never thought of. Everything for NA goes at a good $$. I almost bought a Mule deer hunt in Nevada.. But it was just slightly above my max.
Ok back out to floor, I run across Glacier Guides and since I had a friend that has already hunted with them I drop by for a chat.
Jimmy says he is booked up till 2012. That’s to long for my dad; I know he will not be able to handle a hunt like that in 4 years. Jimmy and I have a good chat about our common friend and my situation. I ask him for some advice and he says come back tomorrow we can talk. I head on down to Baranof expeditions booth and have a great chat with James Boyce. Good fellow.. I like this guy
Back to the room, order room service and stay in to watch all the Brown bear videos I picked up. I order internet and use the hunting report to research all the guides I spoke with.. Turns out Glacier and Baranof are my front runners.
Speak with TJ again and he tells me of a hospitality suit that is being put on by the guys from the northern Alberta Chapter of SCI.
We make plans for dinner on Fri night.
Friday Morn
Off to the convention, still don’t know exactly what to do, I wander around aimlessly and have one of those fantastic lemonades.. That’s some good stuff. I drop by the cabellas booth and they are selling Baranoff expedition Brown bear hunts.. (Huh.. this guys name keeps coming up)
Off to the auction and once again great deals on plains game hunts and weird places. I wouldn’t pay more than 75% of the listed price if I was buying. I know you can get that and less. Turns out they have free beer.. Who knew??? Anyhow, I sit down with a nice fellow from California. We chat hunting and why we are there. I tell him about my goal of booking a Brown bear hunt with my Dad. The guy actually mists up and hides a tear. He explains he and his dad had always planned to go someday.. His dad passed away at the young age of 58 and the 2 of them never made it.
That’s it.. I head back into the convention with a steely look on my face and $$$ to burn. I am going to do this. I walk up to Glacier and start talking with Jimmy, I get to meet his daughter (Mutts) what a fantastic gal. Jimmy drags me down to. (wait for it) BARANOF EXPEDITIONS! That’s it I have made up my mind.
we haggle for a bit of dates and finally we get set for end of may 2009. I promise him I will be back on Sat with my Chq book.
What a rush, a long awaited dream is about to come true. Trophy size doesn’t matter the only thing that matters is that I get to take my Dad on a long awaited dream. The emotions were unbelievable. I actually had to go outside and calm down, I phoned my wife and I explained to her in a jerky voice what I had done.. She started to cry, Hell I started to cry. Even know as I write this I find myself emotional. This was something I remember my Dad talking about way back in the Mid 70's. Now here we were 30 years later and I was taking on the responsibility of putting this all together.
WHAT A RUSH!!
Back to the hotel and meet up with TJ & Company. Out for a great meal, a few drinks at the bar, lots of hunting chat with people I don’t know and then up to the SCI Northern Alberta Hospitality room.
I walk into that room and its like I am immediately surrounded by good old friends. Lots of chat more than a few drinks and now I can say I am the newest member of a chapter that meets 3 hours away from my house. I think I also volunteered to sponsor the suite for next year.. Not sure as things get a little fuzzy. LOL
I close that place down and head down stairs to celebrate with who ever I can find. We close down a BJ table and I head off to the room.. HOLY crap its 9 am.
A idea has been brewing in my head that if I phone Dad and tell him just how much $$$ he has spent, he will hang up on me and start calling my younger brother his favorite...
So I phone the airlines and get my tickets moved around to head to Phoenix for 2 days before I head home. Check out of the hotel, get over to the convention pay my deposit, have another glass of that great lemonade and make my way to the Airport. I flew into phoenix rented a car and showed up on Mom and Dads doorstep with only 5 minutes notice.
I think I sold him on the hunt. Its a big stretch for him (and I) but I know its worth it. I alternate between talking him into it and talking Mom into letting him go.. She was a much easier sell.
At the end of it all, and I think this was destiny to do all this, because every hunting channel we turned on had Brown bear hunting in Alaska on and when we made a trip to Cabellas there is on of the videos playing that we had just watched at home.. Its destiny I kept telling him.. Next thing I know we are looking at 375's and high end scopes...
After a few days of being at home, I believe he is convinced. He hasn’t told me for sure, but he has told me that he can not go this year, so make sure we don’t move the hunt up.
YAHOOOOO!!!
Anyhow, its a long story, thanks for reading. I had originally hoped to go to Africa with him and actually that was the main point of going to SCI. But a few days before I left, he called and said.. "I would love to go to Africa, but I have always dreamed of Alaska"
Since this was SOOOO long, I will post up another about what I found great and what I found could use some improvement to the show.
Thanks for everyone’s help
Jamie
__________________
Ahhhhhh
That feels better
The HUNT
Ok, now I have some wind back in my sails and my clothes are being washed (Then Re packed) I thought I would share this journal with you. I am going to share it almost word for word, so you might get a bit more feel for the hunt.
A quick note to say I didnt start writeing this Journal till approx 1/2 though the hunt. Thats why you will see a few different styles and some dates will not match up
Here are the characters in this story
Jim Boyce, ½ owner of Baranof expeditions. Rough and tuff x navy seal, did a few tours in Vietnam (Gunsmoke is his boat)
Bob, assistant guide, head chef, and not a bad crib player
Burt, ½ owner of Barnof expeditions, great social skills, and a all round good guy (Shiras is his boat)
Sunday
Lots of flying, 3 Airports, Jim meets us at the Sitka Airport, Huge Brown Bear in lobby, Massive Salmon on the wall. I guy has to look at coming fishing up here. Do some shopping at Burt’ store in Sitka, he seems like a nice fellow.
Jim takes us out to the range to try out our guns. First time shooting a 375 for me.. Nice gun. Looks all beat up, but works like a charm. I wonder if all his other equipment is as rusty and beat up as these guns. Also shot 2 different Handguns and a HUGE 458. By Far the biggest gun I have ever shot. Check into a stupid NO SMOKING hotel, what’s up with Alaska and no Smoking. Weather says we cant fly out today, a bit of a bummer, but better than crashing.
Monday
Take float plane 65 miles south to the Southern tip of Baranof Island, great flight, low enough to see everything, Pilot was a good guy. No hunting today due to rules in Alaska. Jim is trying to get the boat down from Sitka, but high seas are making him stay in port. No matter, we all will head out later this afternoon on the "SHIRAS" Its the twin of Jims boat, he will meet up with us when he can. Nice lodge Jim has here, very comfortable. Not sure about the no paper down the toilet. (Waste basket in front) UGHH.. Oh well welcome to Alaska. Nice boats and good equpment, my worries were unfounded
Tuesday
Our first real day of hunting. Spent the night overlooking a grass flat, very comfortable. No bears, but plenty of action from the geese and birds as the tide came in. We managed to see 2 Geese beat each up right in front of us. What a racket. That was at less than 10 feet. Also these cool sea ducks with a Mohawk were diving down in the clear water and lifting up rocks, this was interesting to watch, because we had the ability to see under the water.
Dad is sure excited about this whole thing, I am concerned that he will wound a bear then his hunt will be over. Perhaps if that happens I can just throw away my tag and give him another shot at it. A few games of crib so far. We spend most of the day looking for tracks in the snow slides. They are tough to spot. No Bears
Wednesday
Jim shows up today, he yells out “Who is going to be my Victim” I volunteer as Dad seems very comfortable with Burt and Bob. We head off after the goat killer. Apparently this is a large Bear that Jim has been chasing for 4 years now, the only chances he gets are in the early season. We find some tracks, and lots of live goats, but no Bear. This bear has developed the knack of sneaking up on goats and pushing them off of cliffs. Jims story’s are very interesting. He tells of one time seeing the GOAT KILLER kill another Brown Bear in a meadow way up above. Now that would be cool to see.
No bears, one set of new tracks, tried some fishing.. No fish.. Jim is not as much fun as Burt and Bob. Little conversation and lots of reading.
Thursday
Jim STILL isn’t as much fun, But he does have some good story’s if the mood strikes him I wonder how Dad is doing. You cant ask Jim to many questions as he seems to get a bit frustrated. He doesn’t want me to help out, I cant do dishes or help with the boat. I think next time I book a hunt, I will let it be known I want to be more involved with the camp. Its also bothering me I am not hunting with Dad. Hell I came up here to hunt with him, not sit in some boat playing solitaire. Still no Bears. Just before dark I spot a Black spot on the beach, we unload the skiff and make our way to the beach in a driving rain storm. Turns out just to be a deer. Back to the boat, watch movies eat dinner and head to bed.
Friday
I mention to Jim in the morning we should go find the other boat, due to high mountains we have no communication, so we head over to a inlet where they should be, notice they left behind the Shrimp pots.. BTW these are very very good shrimp. And fun to fish for.
Other boat is not here, head back to the GOAT KILLER. AT this point I am ready to shoot a damn cub. I want to hunt with dad.
We catch the goat killer crossing a slide at approx 7 pm. He looks like a gig black submarine crossing that slide. Make our way over to him, get set up on a super high angle shot.. and he just will not stop. I am not going to take that shot. I want a standing shot or nothing. I will not waste off this tag. Jim is disappointed I didn’t take that shot. I just explained to him I wasn’t comfortable with it. I think he is very disappointed due to all the time he has invested in this bear and for one reason or another all his client chances have been blown.
Saturday
I spent last night wondering if I have made a huge mistake. I decide that no.. I was right in not taking that shot. But I did notice more than a few things I could have done in order to be better prepared.
#1 realize I had a 1.5-6 scope, that did not need to be turned down so low. that bear was at 120 yards against a white background, the scope should have been turned up.
#2 What the hell where my scope caps doing on, I should have taken them off in the skiff, but I was really intent on listening to my guide. He said don’t take them off till I tell you to. So I didn’t, and he didn’t tell me to. I took them off as I was pulling up my gun.
#3 quit waiting for direction from Jim.. Just be the hunter that I am, I have to use the tools I have learned over the past 25 years.
Though I am satisfied that I didn’t take the shot, I am not satisfied with myself. I will do better if I get another chance.
We motored over to dad later in the Morning, Imagine my surprise to see a Brown bear hanging over the back of the boat. HOLY ****!!! Big hug for Dad, High fives and I wanted the story told over and over.
That night we are back to the Goat Killer, as we are pulling up (I am in the Shiras with Dad) we hear Jim say he needs a hunter. (They spotted the GK on the high slope) The skiff races over and plucks me out of the boat, we head over to the slide he was spotted on.. Only to see him disappear into the trees heading for another slide a few hundred yards away. We make the run over and get set up in the exact same spot I had my chance from the other night. I was on my knees in the hard rocks for over one hour, the rain was coming down in buckets, I was keeping my gloves over the scope, but the rain was coming down so hard it was splashing off the rock into my face. No Bear.
I had a rant on the beach about how great this all was and the next boat that left this bay was going to get dynamited. Damn it we were going to kill this bear. I was going on about how I was due, over 27 days being guided and I have ½ of a wolverine to show for it. Guided Salmon fishing with nothing over 29 pounds in the boat. Nothing comes easy for me, but we will make this happen.. I SWEAR TO GOD!!We were going to tough this out and get this bear. I had the guides just ****ing themselves laughing.
Skiff ride back was very rough, We had waves cresting into the boat from all sides.
I was laughing giggling, hooting and chuckling. I look back at Bob and tell him Timothy Treadwell was a PUSSY. Tim didn’t have the guts to come up here at the end of winter, that pussy would only come up during the nice summer.. Both guides are rolling with laughter.
Massive grin on my face, Salt in my mouth, Binos are soaked.. WOW What a adventure.
Reminder to self.. get out the water proof bag, this back pack sucks. Its nice to have good equipment, if you use it!!
Sunday
Bear spotted really low on slide we all bail into boat, get over there and find bear is way to small, he got as close as 10 yards. If I would have had a bow.. I would have taken him. The small male posed for pics, despite my past encounters with a grizzly in Alberta, I was not threatened by him at all. After playing in front of us for 10 minutes he stuck his nose in the air, stretched his neck to the heavens turned his satellite dish head up hill, all the while soaking up gallons of oxygen, pointed his snout at exactly the place the next bear would come out and melted back into the dark jungle of cedars, moss and devils club. As we were getting into the skiff, Bob spotted another black Brown bear high up on the slope. We make for another beach and try to wait him out. Unfortunately the tide was rising and we were standing behind a 5 foot hunk of slide snow. The tide kept coming and coming and we kept digging into this massive block of melting snow. I actually had to dig hand holds so I didn’t fall off my rock into the ocean. Finally the skiff returned as the ocean was approx ½ way up our calf’s and we were standing on the highest rocks. What a experience.
I am so fortunate to experience this place, these animals and these people.
Later that night we spent 5 hours sitting high up over the ocean in the bottom of a avalanche chute. We were surrounded by 20 foot high snow drifts, but the angle was so steep I could shoot up hill. We FROZE!! that chute is now called the refrigerator. We had to get down onto the windy beach in order to warm up. But on a positive side, due to hypothermia I managed to get a ½ hour of sleep. LOL
The Avalanches around here are just amazing, I have seen close to 40 of them, some so big they spilled into the ocean. Oh and if you want to see a goat run, just watch for falling snow, they can move like the devil when those slides start. We saw goats we could have shot from the beach, thats how steap the sides of these bays were. The Avalanches all start off with a huge crack followed by the sound of fighter jets flying over top of you. Very interesting to watch from a distance.
I have spent approx 60 hours behind glasses over the past little while. The outside of my nose is rubbed raw where it supports the rubber cups. Its worsened by the salt accumulating on the rubber. Even now I write this paragraph and then put up my glasses.
The weather has been a real mix of Gale force winds, High waves, Bright white mountains framed by a sky so blue that it inspires me to be a better person. The constant rain was a disappointment as it really curtails bear movement. Unfortunately this has been a hunt filled with stalks gone bad. I sit here on day 8 of a 10 day hunt, no blood has been spilled due to my actions. But there is still hope, I still have time, weather looks good & I only need 10 minutes and some good luck.
My guides are down to 2 from 3 and both are trying their best. All out, all the time. I feel like I cant let them down. If I fail on this trip, it will not be because I screwed up. Just mark it up to the nature of the game.
Before this hunt, I was asked by a wise man if I wanted to go kill or go hunt. Obviously I chose the hunt. This has been difficult and oh so rewarding. I wouldn’t have it any other way
The time I have spent with dad can never be repeated or replaced. Its unfortunate that he hasn’t been able to join me on the different stalks. I wonder if that is just the way it is when hunting these dangerous and spooky animals. I wish it was different, he deserves to come along.
All this time to think and relax has made me think of at least 2 sure fire Business ideas. I know each one could be worth millions. These ideas used to come to me all the time. Now that life is so busy.. Not so much.
Boat based Brown Bear hunts can be a “Gentleman’s” hunt. This one has not been that way. Its been a long 9 days living in a cramped boat with 4 other guys. I haven’t had a shower in 9 days..
Jims hunches have been proved right so far. we have just 1.5 hours of light left in the day. We moved approx 20 minutes south of the Goat Killer. I know now that the GK will not be killed by my hands.
Great stalk on a large Brown (9’) perfect dream setup. I took seawater to the knees in order to climb a large rock out in the ocean. I had to use Jims leg as a support, so that I wouldn’t slide off the rock. Bear made it to 50 yards and took a hard right into the forest. (He was behind a large blown down tree). He made his way to approx 30 yards in the rain forest.. No shot. Wind changed and the bear left. Great hide a XL claws on this bad boy.
Back to the big boat.
Only 20 minutes left in the day and we run across yet another bear. This one was approx 8’ we tried to sneak up on him, but he caught us out in the open in the skiff... No bear on the beach when we made it up to him. As a side note, this last bear was at a place called “Port Conclusion” I am wondering if this hunt is at a conclusion. In fact we were joking about “Port Conclusion” when the cry came out.. “BEAR ON THE BEACH”!! Yet another Stalk gone south.
In the words of our friend Ken.
NO QUIT AND NO SURRENDER. I hope he got to experience something like this hunt before he passed on. Ken was good guy. Not sure why he just jumped into my head, but I notice that he does from time to time.
Finally make it back to the lodge at Port Alexander. AHHHHHH Shower and a huge meal with fresh caught sushi. No time for stories.. I have to go to bed.
Wednesday
..Dad & I spot a bear at exactly the same time. I have been good on finding tracks high up on the mountain, but this is the first bear I spot. Yet another stalk goes sideways. And this time it is really a crying shame. The guide estimated this bear at 1200 pounds and might have topped out at 10 feet. He thought it was bigger than the legendary goat killer. Jim says perhaps the largest bear on the island, once in a lifetime kind of bear. PUKE!!!
This bear was so BIG when he made a small stream approx 10 inches lower than the grass he actually turned around and put his back legs in first. He didn’t walk across that grass flat.. He rumbled. WHAT A BEAR. Once he made the tree’s we thought he was to fat and lazy to climb straight up, so we ditched the skiff and made a mad scramble up the cliff (Approx 100 vertical feet on at least a 60 degree angle. This wasn’t climbing, it was like going up a ladder and when you finally hit a flat spot it was filled with that nasty devils club. We got above the only trail and laid out on some huge cedar logs. If this bear is coming, I will have to blast him at 30 feet.. Then Jim starts blowing on his deer call. SPOOKY doesn’t describe how I felt. Very vulnerable. But after 30 minutes.. No bear! AFter that climb I came to understand just why all of Jims guns have a beat up look to them.
Its 5:15 now on the final day, I have approx 4:15 left in my dream. But perhaps my dream has been fulfilled. I wanted a hunt and that’s what I got. I am not sad or disappointed. I am very proud of my effort and the effort of my guides. I find it very satisfying that no one gave up.
I wanted Dad to experience Alaska, and I wanted to do it with him. I wanted him to get his Brown Bear before his physical limitations’ made it a impossibility. Jim had plenty of stories of old guys who just couldn’t handle the rough beaches or getting out of the Skiff
This trip has been perfect, plenty of bears, insults, crib games and hanging out with Dad.
4 hours left.. Lets start taking this hunt serious and get me a bear!!
In the final hour I spotted yet another BB on the beach, we made a run at it. At least this one didn’t tease us like all the others. He left the beach when we were only 200 feet from the big boat.
At very last light we made our way back to the beach where the XXL bear was... He didn’t come back out. All 3 of us were on the back of the boat straining through binos trying to pick anything up through the darkness. No one is saying a damn word. Finally 10 minutes after we should have quit, Jim came over and said how he hated to see hunts end like this, we should have had a hide hanging from the rails. He said it was very strange that we got into the “ZONE” of 3 very large bears. He said most clients will not get a glimpse of more than one. the odd client will see 2 but to actually get great stalks on 3 big bears was unheard of. He said we just had a hunt of a lifetime but DAMN we should have gotten a bear.
I don’t know if I am very lucky to have had all these stalks or very unlucky in order not to have capitalized on them. I think I am lucky just to be here with Dad.
Well that’s he end of the hunting story. Sorry if its a bit disjointed as we didn’t have a crib board on the boat, and I had to keep writing in different parts of my coil note book.. After all, keeping score in crib games should come first.
Jamie
Part 2
3 Pm Wednesday September 17, 2008 I received the long awaited and hoped for phone call. Baranof expeditions called and told me to get up to Sitka, Alaska ASAP! They have room for me and want to try and let me fill a unused Brown Bear tag from Spring 2008.
Talk of lots of Bears and 2 charges that were as close as they come. (I will post up Danny’s story when he forwards it. I don’t know if such a bone chilling story can be told by anyone who was not present)
Phone my wife to tell her I just got the “call” She doesn’t sound to happy. I spend the next 20 minutes booking flights and trying to rent a car. Heidi calls back says she is sorry for the attitude and explains she is excited for me to have this second chance & what can she do to help me.. I LOVE MY WIFE!!
As we head to the Airport, we stop at Mom and Dads to sign some paper work due to the fact our house is going on the market. I am starting to feel really selfish about this whole trip. How can I leave my wife with a house that will be listed in the next few days? Once again Heidi, Mom and Dad say not to worry about it, they can take care of everything. I really appreciate the support. I tell Dad he should come with me. He declines but wishes me well\. I tell him by all rights he should be coming. A big hug from Dad and a kiss from my dear mother and we are off.
Hugs kisses and promises from my two children at the airport and I head out to Vancouver. A sweet one way deal on a rental car ($69) and I make the 3 hour drive to Seattle. Knowing I had 5 hours to waste I pulled into a gas station to catch some sleep. I am feeling very anxious about this whole thing again. Last spring was 10 days of hard hunting and I was not lucky enough to close my tag. Thoughts of that Grizzly bear from Northern Alberta chasing me make me wonder if I have the guts to do this again. That experience cost me nightmares for 2 years. I hope I don’t freeze when its go time.
Finally after sending out some Emails on my Blackberry I manage to settle down, just as I am drifting off to sleep my car fills with Red and Blue lights. The cops have some young fellow down on the ground and are showing him who is boss. I figure its 2 in the Am someone should be showing this kid something! So I decided to give up the Gas station and head out to Sea Tac Airport. As I am doing the Electronic check in the screen asks if I want to upgrade to first class for a measly $50.. Well that was a no brainer!!
I arrive in Sitka at 9:30 AM to find out my Float plane will be leaving at approx 11:30. I head into town to pick up some supplies and try to find some extra gear. Bert (one of the owners of Baranof Expeditions) owns a hunting store in town, so I drop by. On the phone Jim asked me to try and find chest waders. Fortunately Bert’ store had a pair that fit great. Let me tell you these waders are the most valuable thing in my gear. I used them every day.
I took the chance to stop by a local used bookstore. They were all excited to hear I was back for a second chance. They remembered both Dad and I from the spring. I told them I was looking for a signed first edition of “ALASKA” by James Mitchner. Apparently James lived in Sitka while writing this book and then came back for the release party. SO there are more than a few books around town. With a promise from the owner he would look into it I headed back to the Float plane base. As I was driving I was thinking “man has this been easy.. No screw ups and I am here just a scant 19 hours after they called.”
I walk into Harris air only to be disappointed with the weather. They say to call back in a hour. I walk outside and notice the clouds are really coming in.. I doubt I will get out today. Well lets make the best of it. So I head off in Jims suburban that he had left at his house and take a walking/driving tour of Sitka. This is a very pretty coastal town. It has more history in it than you can shake a stick at. The Russian church was worth the visit alone. I climbed up to where Russia and the USA signed off on the sale of Alaska. What a view! So after exploring the town and stopping to grab a beer, my phone rings with the news to get my azz over to the airport, Jim and Harris air have decided that if I don’t get out today, I probably will not be going for a few days. They spoke with a pilot who found a way to get me approx ½ way down the east side of Baranof island, jim will leave Port Alexander and meet the float plane where Bert’s boat is anchored. It turns out the bay we are headed to is the bay Dad took his Brown bear out of in the spring.
The flight was uneventful by Alaskan Bush pilot standards but by prairie boy standards it was borderline terrifying! The cloud ceiling was low, so we flew from Bay to bay going over the saddles in between the mountains. At one point we hit a saddle that was clouded in, so my trusty pilot goes “OH OH” hand HANG ON!! The pilot throws the beaver right onto its right wing to make a VERY VERY sharp turn the stall light is flashing and screaming and the G forces have my head stuck to the window. Defiantly something to remember. The rest of the flight was easy and as we came into the bay, he asked if I remembered this place. The memories came flooding back, I remembered motoring out and stealing the Shrimp from the crab pots sunk by Dad and Bert but more importantly I remembered coming around a corner and seeing Dads Bear hanging off the back of the boat. I still regret not being there when he took that animal. Not that I wish I he didn’t get one, I just wanted to be there when he did.
We transfer all my gear and supplies onto Bert’s boat The boat is empty as Bert is out hunting and Jim has not yet arrived from Port Alexander. As I watch the float plane disappear into the low hung clouds I cant help but think just how lonely it is out here.
It’s beautiful, but you are really alone.
Jim shows up in the “Gun Smoke” approx 30 minutes later. Laughs, handshakes and I get to meet my boat mate Danny. He is early 40’s from California/Texas after a bit of conversation we find out he also has had weight loss surgery. Its amazing the people you run into on these types of trips. Danny seems like a real good fellow and I love the Texas accent.
Danny has already filled both his Black Bear and Brown Bear tags. He wants to hang out and try to help me with my bear. By the end of the night and ½ a bottle of vodka we are close friends.
Off like a herd of turtles we leave the lodge early in the PM. I slept for 14 hours after not being to bed in 38 hours or so. We head to a bay on the east side of Baranof Island approx 2 hours from the lodge. We pull in and I grab my gear. Jim has generously let me borrow his 375 with a low powered Leupold scope and as he hands me 5 bullets I ask if he has more. His response was a bit of a confidence booster. He said “why do you need more? You are only going to have to use one” Its nice knowing the guide has a bit of faith in my shooting. Off to the head of the bay, where Jim shows me his classic Alaskan foot wear and how to “Indian anchor” the skiff.
Indian Anchoring is used when the tide is going out and you don’t want your skiff to end up “High and Dry” on the rocks. Now what you do is to start the engine, put it in reverse then pull the fuel line. Then you balance the anchor and push the boat adrift, when it reaches the proper depth, jerk on the tie line, the anchor falls in and soon the boat will quit running.. Very Slick.
As to Jims “Classic Alaska” Foot wear.. He wears Chest waders with a thin pair of sweat pants over top to deaden the noise. Over the booties he wears CROCKS. I couldn’t believe it. Here I was all worried last time about footwear and my Master Alaskan guide is wearing CROCKS.. I got a good laugh, but as he explained he found them the best to wear. They are soft enough to grip almost anywhere, they dry quick and are cheap to replace. The tricks a guy can pick up if he pays attention!
We walk into the thick rain forest. everything is a fantastic green, moss everywhere and it is like walking on a sponge. Jim spots a bear in the creek as we top a small rise. Scope caps off, and we try and sneak up. the bear decides at that point he is full and ambles off to the side of the creek.(Boy have I seen this movie before.. Just like in the spring!) No one got a good look at the bear, but Jim thought he was a good boar from the quick look he got. I scramble up to the top of a dead fall and make myself comfortable for the evening. Nothing comes back to the stream, yet I am grateful my hunt wasn’t over in the first 30 Minutes. I notice the terrain I will be hunting. Its tight, Its dark and there is no place to run if you have a problem. This Fall hunting is the real deal. Its much different than the spring hunt where you spot there Bears on the beach and try to get in front of them. This time we will be trying to spot the bears before they mistake us for very large Salmon. Shots will be close.
At the boat that night I started to get a little anxious about just how close this is going to be. Danny shot his bear’s at 6 yards and at 10 yards. What can I say other than WOW!!
That night finds us rafted up with the Shiras. Both Bert and Bob are on that boat. They are having a heck of a time getting their hunter into Bow range. His Name also is Bob and comes from Boston. It was a small problem with his deep Massachusetts accent. After we met he asked if I had seen any bears.. I thought he said beer, so I replied all I brought was some Port and Vodka but he was welcome to drink ... Laughs all around once we got it figured out.
Saturday Morning we head back to Port Alexander for some small repairs to our boat and to restock on some things.
Saturday night had us sitting in the same spot only this time we were entertained by a very wary Sow and cub. They would dash out of the woods grab a Humpy and dash back in. The got as close as 50 feet. It was incredible to see her interact with her cub. Danny thought the Sow was kissing the cub, but I think she was licking the blood of its fur. I was fortunate enough to have enough light to see the Sow pounce into the river Grab a Salmon and quick like lightening snare a it with her mouth. When she crunched down the blood squirted approx 3 feet on either said of the Humpy. I was watching all this from 50 feet and with my Binos.. What a scene!!! Awe inspiring to say the least. It was a cold night, my hands got wet and the rain is coming down so fast we can see the stream rising before our eyes.
In the boat that night Jim wonders about the quantity of Salmon, he is getting concerned that we need to find a more productive stream.
More in a bit guys
Jamie
Sunday Morning had us up early for bear camp. We take off looking for the boar we caught a glimpse of 2 nights ago. Same procedure, run to the beach, Indian anchor the boat, walk in approx 150 yards and crawl up into my now comfortable stand. I added some moss to make a comfy seat. Nothing looks disturbed, no new tracks and the same Salmon pieces lying around. We are at the end of low tide, so the Humpys are not near as prevalent. Jim mentions this CRICK should be covered in them, but it is just not happening this year. Jim takes off up another stream to see what the salmon are like up that way.. Nothing again. Back to the Gunsmoke and pack up to head back to the lodge and regroup. Jims dedication and work ethic remind me a lot of my Grandfather. Spend less time talking and more time doing. A bit of Breakfast and we are off.
We spent the Afternoon at the lodge, fantastic fall day by Baranof standards. I spent the day reading a great book on the deck. The sun was beating down, a small nap here and there.. Very relaxing. Jim took the chance to re salt Danny’s hides.
Thankfully we were in port long enough for me to call home and wish my wonderful wife a happy 10th anniversary.
We are now rounding the Southern cape of Baranoff Island, as I write this we are being pounded by rough seas with waves washing over the back deck.. I will write more later
I just took a few pics of a Sea Lion colony. Not sure if they will come out, its tough using the camera while holding on for dear life, we have been in rougher but not while hanging on to the back of the boat.
Now we are around the cape I hope like hell I can read this later.
Back to my wife and kids. There is not to many Men who get to experience a Alaska Brown bear hunt and even fewer who get the opportunity to do it two times in 6 months. I owe Heidi everything. I am so happy she agreed to share our lives together. She has given me so much and at times I feel I am not worthy to be married to such a outstanding lady. I owe her everything. From our 2 kids, to my career, to my hunting. The joy and adventure and memories will be everlasting. I found it very hard to tell her I didn’t know when I would be home. I found it very uplifting to hear the understanding in her voice! I want to hunt till they kick me out but yet I want her and my kids with me.
One day I will bring my family to this place. I will let my kids test themselves against the wind, rain and the overall environment. Not that this is the toughest place on earth, but it can be taxing to be beat up by this wild place.
I hope I don’t kill a bear to soon. Its all about the adventure and I don’t want it to end!
This place leaves me at a loss for words. The mountains are higher, The trees are greener, The oceans are Bluer and the rocks are rougher. What else could a man want to see in his life.
THIS PLACE ROCKS!!
I am starting to understand why I am drawn to these wild places, the spirit of independence runs high in this environment. Here a mans life long hope of self reliance can blossom in a second or be dashed forever in this setting. My new friend Danny found out the other night if he had the mettle to with stand one of Alaska’s challenges. In the process of staring down a rather upset Brown Bear Sow at less than 10 feet, I wonder if he discovered something new about himself. I wonder if this newfound confidence will lead him to higher places both in his personal and business life. Danny has been weighed, measured and found to be a reliable hand. I can only hope I am as trustworthy if that opportunity ever presents it self. I am sure he will take something out of this experience, something that can not be bought, sold or lost. I wonder if it should be called SPIRIT.
Its 3;40 pm on Sunday. I feel the boat slowing down.
LETS GET READY TO HUNT!
Perhaps tonight will draw a conclusion to this wonderful adventure
Its been 13 days of hard hunting. Tonight we pulled into *** **** bay, dropped the skiff, have a quick bite. Jim seems excited to hunt some new ground. We move up towards the mouth of the bay. It looks great. Lots of gulls flying around, Big Coho jumping beside the skiff. I managed to see two 15 pounders jump while using my Binos. VERY COOL.
Perhaps this is the place?
Jim hisses at Danny and I that he just saw a Bear stick his head out of the trees. Danny crouches down in the front of the skiff to lower our outline. The Bear gives us a great look and Jim calls him a shooter. With the sun and the shadows he looks coal black and has a massive back end. The bear jumps in the water swims across the high tide and ambles into the forest. DAMN.. NOT AGAIN!! Jim says to relax. He is the biggest and baddest bear in this drainage. He will be back.
We beach the skiff and crawl up the beach for a better look and to formulate a plan. The wind is blowing towards the mouth of the creek, but jim is concerned it will be blowing down the creek a bit inland. He looks at me and asks if I can climb up the side of a mountain. I nod the affirmative. As we scale up the climbing is fairly easy due to the big wide trails. There are only 2 kinds of large animals on Baranof Island. Deer and Bears. As of yet we haven’t seen a deer so I assume it must be a huge abundance of Brown bears that are making all these highways and ripping the ground to shreds. Spooky doesn’t cover what we went through. We literally crawled straight through bear beds, I moved half eaten salmon from in front of my nose as I belly crawled under trees. The numerous scratching tress were impossible to miss. I wish I would have taken the chance to snap some photos, but that would have meant putting my gun down and with all the sign and the rank smell of Bears in my nose and in my mouth I thought better of it. Man we weren’t just in the bears backyard, we were crawling through his living room. My heart kept thumping and thumping.
We presently made a spot high above the creek where we could see exactly where he disappeared into on the far side of the creek. Jim designed this stalk to “T-Bone this bear when he showed back up again. As we sat a few hundred feet above the creek I couldn’t help but wonder if this was going to be the same old, same old. Over the past 13 days I have had way to many bears not do what they were suppose to do, so many chances yet not a drop of Blood. But I threw the negative thoughts out of my head and kept glassing, just looking into every piece of brush I could see. Suddenly Jim spots him from his view point, both Jim and I bail off the side and slide down the few hundred feet to the creek floor. Our first set up from 50 yards doesn’t allow any sort of shot as the bear keeps moving to our left and up the creek. Our second set up from 40 yards allows a window through the bush, I throw myself down bring up the 375 and get fixed on this bears shoulder. Just as I am about to drop the hammer, jim and I notice some twigs in front of his shoulder. Still the bear continues to walk up stream; another 50 feet and he will be behind the bend in the creek. We make one more quick dash to the corner and get set up at 25 yards. Its a easy shot especially when he puts his left paw up on a rock and sky lines himself above the darkness. The 375 thumps solidly against my shoulder, jim says to shoot again but all I have is a rock and some ½ submerged Salmon in my scope. Then it occurs to me I must have wacked him especially hard, as I didnt lose the sight picture and I recall a large splash in the scope. He must be down right behind that rock. We slide down to our left, gun is loaded and waiting for the follow up shot. Jim has his large handgun out, but all it was unnecessary as behind the large blood spattered rock was my bear. My bear I had dreamt of and came so far for. As we come to a stop the massive head slips beneath the small rushing waters of this stream. This stream that is so far away from my prairie home, this stream that will be permanently tattooed upon my memory. I don’t like being this close to death, but it is a price that we all as hunters must pay.
As the head was under the water I stared at her, then the massive chest began sucking in great amounts of water. I was tempted to put another round into the back, but it just didn’t seem necessary. I had anchored this dream and it was not going anywhere. This bear was dead. The amount of water she had just taken in was outstanding. The only noise in that creek was the sound of the Salmon and the rushing water, but yet I don’t recall that. I only recall silence.. Nothing at all.
Jim warily approached my bear with his handgun pointed at her head. He was as surefooted in that stream as I would be on the open ground around my house. This guy has a real talent for this game. I think it is something you are born with. He always moves so perfect. Then Danny showed up on the scene, he was able to watch from our hide high above, he is slapping me on the back telling me I had “Done gone and shot myself a big old bear” Gota love that Texas accent.
When we all approached the bear Jim grabbed a paw and said “CRAP” He turned out to be a She. It was a dry Sow. A rather HUGE dry sow. He said by far and away one of the largest sows he had seen taken on the Island. Live weight was guessed in the neighborhood of 900 pounds. It took all 3 of us large sized boys to pull her inch by inch from the creek. It was a gargantuan effort that took well over 20 minutes to move her 6 inches up and 6 feet over.
I got the privilege of standing guard while they skinned out the bear due to all the bears in the area. It was 11:00 pm by the time we walked out of that place.
As we were packing the bear into the Backpack, I asked to be the one responsible to pack her out. This was my Bear, and I should be the one taking her home. Jims response was that I was useless with a handgun, and I couldn’t do both a Rifle and this hide. He wanted me to bring up the rear , while Danny took the lead, Jim would be in the middle with his handgun pulled. I understood at that point just what a position we had put ourselves into. We had to walk this creek side Bear trail, fully armed, covered in blood and ready for whatever came our way.. Fortunately we made it to the skiff with a minimum amount of woofs and popping of jaws. It was a relief to get back into that skiff. But now we had a 3 mile run back to the Gunsmoke. It was BLACK,BLACK,BLACK. We navigated with flashlights held to the shore and got back with out a issue.
To tell the truth, I am more than a little sad about this bear, sure its a great rug and she was bigger than I had hoped for. I was happy with the effort, I felt I really hunted this bear. But the Adventure is over. First there was the dreaming, then there was Reno, Then onto Phoenix to talk Dad into this, Our hunt got moved up, dad gets his bear, my opportunities don’t pan out, then I get a second chance in the fall. Its been a glorious 8 months and now its at a end. You will excuse me if I grieve a tiny bit. I wish dad could have been here with me. This Bear should have been taken with both of us in attendance. I guess it will make me appreciate our hunts together just a bit more this fall. I don’t know how many hunts Dad has left in him, but I dream I can squeeze in another decade of hunting with him and my son. Perhaps long enough to Get my Son well rooted in this way of life.
Now I have to talk him into Africa, then another Caribou hunt to take care of some unfinished business.. And a new goal.. WALRUS!!
Ok now for the tale of the tape
My Bear Measured out at 8’6” it had a skull of approx 22 ½ inches. It was estimated at 18-20 years old and had a live weight of approx 900 pounds.
Sorry its so long, but something this incredible needs to be laid out correct.
Jamie
It starts off with my Trip to SCI, and then continues.
Thanks for reading
Jamie
SCI Convention
Well, now that I have my head on straight, I thought I would share a few thoughts on what it is like going to SCI for the first time. Now please remember I was traveling alone and was planning on accomplishing 2 things.
#1 order a pair of Boots from Russell Moccasins
#2 Book a Brown Bear Hunt
This is my story.
The flight from Calgary-Seattle was dead, no one to talk with but I did get a row of seats to myself
The flight from Seattle to Reno was GREAT!! Lots of talk about hunting and Salmon fishing.. Good guys all around.
Check into the Old Hilton/Sierra?
Easy check in and a large room. Room was ok.
Rush off to the convention, I arrived approx 1 pm. Get my gear and... WOW This place is amazing. Its huge, its like being a kid in a candy store, every corner something new, every both someone else that wants to talk hunting. I felt no pressure from anyone. Should be a great time
30 minutes later I find myself running from both to both and not accomplishing anything.. I settle down into a grid format in order to try and take it all in... That works for the first 2 rows.. Then I find myself gawking and wandering aimlessly.. Ok I need to get my bearings.. I need help.. Lo and behold I run into TJ, Nice to see a friendly face, we chat for a bit and make plans for later, his great friend shows me to the Russell booth.
I get the boots I want, all custom fit for 91/2 3e feet and I am one happy camper.. I wander the rest of the day wondering where all the auctions are.
Back to the hotel, call everyone I know and tell them what a fantastic trip they are missing and the fact I think they are %$#4%^@# for not coming with me. They now know what kind of fun they missed out on. Grabbed a nap, woke up and headed to the Peppermill to see what was going on with the night auctions.
I didn’t see a deal that I was interested in. It seemed most things sold for a good dollar.
Downstairs and played some BJ till 2 in the AM. I did ok, up $200. Head back to my hotel and get the call of the craps table.. HUH!! That was quick way to lose $400.
Thursday
Up and at em. I have a goal now.. I want to book that Brown bear hunt.
I am having a tough time finding the right booths. I find BB guys but no boat based. Finally in frustration I head to the auction.
Some great deals to be had here. Especially if you willing to do a plains game hunt or head to some far away place to hunt a animal I have never thought of. Everything for NA goes at a good $$. I almost bought a Mule deer hunt in Nevada.. But it was just slightly above my max.
Ok back out to floor, I run across Glacier Guides and since I had a friend that has already hunted with them I drop by for a chat.
Jimmy says he is booked up till 2012. That’s to long for my dad; I know he will not be able to handle a hunt like that in 4 years. Jimmy and I have a good chat about our common friend and my situation. I ask him for some advice and he says come back tomorrow we can talk. I head on down to Baranof expeditions booth and have a great chat with James Boyce. Good fellow.. I like this guy
Back to the room, order room service and stay in to watch all the Brown bear videos I picked up. I order internet and use the hunting report to research all the guides I spoke with.. Turns out Glacier and Baranof are my front runners.
Speak with TJ again and he tells me of a hospitality suit that is being put on by the guys from the northern Alberta Chapter of SCI.
We make plans for dinner on Fri night.
Friday Morn
Off to the convention, still don’t know exactly what to do, I wander around aimlessly and have one of those fantastic lemonades.. That’s some good stuff. I drop by the cabellas booth and they are selling Baranoff expedition Brown bear hunts.. (Huh.. this guys name keeps coming up)
Off to the auction and once again great deals on plains game hunts and weird places. I wouldn’t pay more than 75% of the listed price if I was buying. I know you can get that and less. Turns out they have free beer.. Who knew??? Anyhow, I sit down with a nice fellow from California. We chat hunting and why we are there. I tell him about my goal of booking a Brown bear hunt with my Dad. The guy actually mists up and hides a tear. He explains he and his dad had always planned to go someday.. His dad passed away at the young age of 58 and the 2 of them never made it.
That’s it.. I head back into the convention with a steely look on my face and $$$ to burn. I am going to do this. I walk up to Glacier and start talking with Jimmy, I get to meet his daughter (Mutts) what a fantastic gal. Jimmy drags me down to. (wait for it) BARANOF EXPEDITIONS! That’s it I have made up my mind.
we haggle for a bit of dates and finally we get set for end of may 2009. I promise him I will be back on Sat with my Chq book.
What a rush, a long awaited dream is about to come true. Trophy size doesn’t matter the only thing that matters is that I get to take my Dad on a long awaited dream. The emotions were unbelievable. I actually had to go outside and calm down, I phoned my wife and I explained to her in a jerky voice what I had done.. She started to cry, Hell I started to cry. Even know as I write this I find myself emotional. This was something I remember my Dad talking about way back in the Mid 70's. Now here we were 30 years later and I was taking on the responsibility of putting this all together.
WHAT A RUSH!!
Back to the hotel and meet up with TJ & Company. Out for a great meal, a few drinks at the bar, lots of hunting chat with people I don’t know and then up to the SCI Northern Alberta Hospitality room.
I walk into that room and its like I am immediately surrounded by good old friends. Lots of chat more than a few drinks and now I can say I am the newest member of a chapter that meets 3 hours away from my house. I think I also volunteered to sponsor the suite for next year.. Not sure as things get a little fuzzy. LOL
I close that place down and head down stairs to celebrate with who ever I can find. We close down a BJ table and I head off to the room.. HOLY crap its 9 am.
A idea has been brewing in my head that if I phone Dad and tell him just how much $$$ he has spent, he will hang up on me and start calling my younger brother his favorite...
So I phone the airlines and get my tickets moved around to head to Phoenix for 2 days before I head home. Check out of the hotel, get over to the convention pay my deposit, have another glass of that great lemonade and make my way to the Airport. I flew into phoenix rented a car and showed up on Mom and Dads doorstep with only 5 minutes notice.
I think I sold him on the hunt. Its a big stretch for him (and I) but I know its worth it. I alternate between talking him into it and talking Mom into letting him go.. She was a much easier sell.
At the end of it all, and I think this was destiny to do all this, because every hunting channel we turned on had Brown bear hunting in Alaska on and when we made a trip to Cabellas there is on of the videos playing that we had just watched at home.. Its destiny I kept telling him.. Next thing I know we are looking at 375's and high end scopes...
After a few days of being at home, I believe he is convinced. He hasn’t told me for sure, but he has told me that he can not go this year, so make sure we don’t move the hunt up.
YAHOOOOO!!!
Anyhow, its a long story, thanks for reading. I had originally hoped to go to Africa with him and actually that was the main point of going to SCI. But a few days before I left, he called and said.. "I would love to go to Africa, but I have always dreamed of Alaska"
Since this was SOOOO long, I will post up another about what I found great and what I found could use some improvement to the show.
Thanks for everyone’s help
Jamie
__________________
Ahhhhhh
That feels better
The HUNT
Ok, now I have some wind back in my sails and my clothes are being washed (Then Re packed) I thought I would share this journal with you. I am going to share it almost word for word, so you might get a bit more feel for the hunt.
A quick note to say I didnt start writeing this Journal till approx 1/2 though the hunt. Thats why you will see a few different styles and some dates will not match up
Here are the characters in this story
Jim Boyce, ½ owner of Baranof expeditions. Rough and tuff x navy seal, did a few tours in Vietnam (Gunsmoke is his boat)
Bob, assistant guide, head chef, and not a bad crib player
Burt, ½ owner of Barnof expeditions, great social skills, and a all round good guy (Shiras is his boat)
Sunday
Lots of flying, 3 Airports, Jim meets us at the Sitka Airport, Huge Brown Bear in lobby, Massive Salmon on the wall. I guy has to look at coming fishing up here. Do some shopping at Burt’ store in Sitka, he seems like a nice fellow.
Jim takes us out to the range to try out our guns. First time shooting a 375 for me.. Nice gun. Looks all beat up, but works like a charm. I wonder if all his other equipment is as rusty and beat up as these guns. Also shot 2 different Handguns and a HUGE 458. By Far the biggest gun I have ever shot. Check into a stupid NO SMOKING hotel, what’s up with Alaska and no Smoking. Weather says we cant fly out today, a bit of a bummer, but better than crashing.
Monday
Take float plane 65 miles south to the Southern tip of Baranof Island, great flight, low enough to see everything, Pilot was a good guy. No hunting today due to rules in Alaska. Jim is trying to get the boat down from Sitka, but high seas are making him stay in port. No matter, we all will head out later this afternoon on the "SHIRAS" Its the twin of Jims boat, he will meet up with us when he can. Nice lodge Jim has here, very comfortable. Not sure about the no paper down the toilet. (Waste basket in front) UGHH.. Oh well welcome to Alaska. Nice boats and good equpment, my worries were unfounded
Tuesday
Our first real day of hunting. Spent the night overlooking a grass flat, very comfortable. No bears, but plenty of action from the geese and birds as the tide came in. We managed to see 2 Geese beat each up right in front of us. What a racket. That was at less than 10 feet. Also these cool sea ducks with a Mohawk were diving down in the clear water and lifting up rocks, this was interesting to watch, because we had the ability to see under the water.
Dad is sure excited about this whole thing, I am concerned that he will wound a bear then his hunt will be over. Perhaps if that happens I can just throw away my tag and give him another shot at it. A few games of crib so far. We spend most of the day looking for tracks in the snow slides. They are tough to spot. No Bears
Wednesday
Jim shows up today, he yells out “Who is going to be my Victim” I volunteer as Dad seems very comfortable with Burt and Bob. We head off after the goat killer. Apparently this is a large Bear that Jim has been chasing for 4 years now, the only chances he gets are in the early season. We find some tracks, and lots of live goats, but no Bear. This bear has developed the knack of sneaking up on goats and pushing them off of cliffs. Jims story’s are very interesting. He tells of one time seeing the GOAT KILLER kill another Brown Bear in a meadow way up above. Now that would be cool to see.
No bears, one set of new tracks, tried some fishing.. No fish.. Jim is not as much fun as Burt and Bob. Little conversation and lots of reading.
Thursday
Jim STILL isn’t as much fun, But he does have some good story’s if the mood strikes him I wonder how Dad is doing. You cant ask Jim to many questions as he seems to get a bit frustrated. He doesn’t want me to help out, I cant do dishes or help with the boat. I think next time I book a hunt, I will let it be known I want to be more involved with the camp. Its also bothering me I am not hunting with Dad. Hell I came up here to hunt with him, not sit in some boat playing solitaire. Still no Bears. Just before dark I spot a Black spot on the beach, we unload the skiff and make our way to the beach in a driving rain storm. Turns out just to be a deer. Back to the boat, watch movies eat dinner and head to bed.
Friday
I mention to Jim in the morning we should go find the other boat, due to high mountains we have no communication, so we head over to a inlet where they should be, notice they left behind the Shrimp pots.. BTW these are very very good shrimp. And fun to fish for.
Other boat is not here, head back to the GOAT KILLER. AT this point I am ready to shoot a damn cub. I want to hunt with dad.
We catch the goat killer crossing a slide at approx 7 pm. He looks like a gig black submarine crossing that slide. Make our way over to him, get set up on a super high angle shot.. and he just will not stop. I am not going to take that shot. I want a standing shot or nothing. I will not waste off this tag. Jim is disappointed I didn’t take that shot. I just explained to him I wasn’t comfortable with it. I think he is very disappointed due to all the time he has invested in this bear and for one reason or another all his client chances have been blown.
Saturday
I spent last night wondering if I have made a huge mistake. I decide that no.. I was right in not taking that shot. But I did notice more than a few things I could have done in order to be better prepared.
#1 realize I had a 1.5-6 scope, that did not need to be turned down so low. that bear was at 120 yards against a white background, the scope should have been turned up.
#2 What the hell where my scope caps doing on, I should have taken them off in the skiff, but I was really intent on listening to my guide. He said don’t take them off till I tell you to. So I didn’t, and he didn’t tell me to. I took them off as I was pulling up my gun.
#3 quit waiting for direction from Jim.. Just be the hunter that I am, I have to use the tools I have learned over the past 25 years.
Though I am satisfied that I didn’t take the shot, I am not satisfied with myself. I will do better if I get another chance.
We motored over to dad later in the Morning, Imagine my surprise to see a Brown bear hanging over the back of the boat. HOLY ****!!! Big hug for Dad, High fives and I wanted the story told over and over.
That night we are back to the Goat Killer, as we are pulling up (I am in the Shiras with Dad) we hear Jim say he needs a hunter. (They spotted the GK on the high slope) The skiff races over and plucks me out of the boat, we head over to the slide he was spotted on.. Only to see him disappear into the trees heading for another slide a few hundred yards away. We make the run over and get set up in the exact same spot I had my chance from the other night. I was on my knees in the hard rocks for over one hour, the rain was coming down in buckets, I was keeping my gloves over the scope, but the rain was coming down so hard it was splashing off the rock into my face. No Bear.
I had a rant on the beach about how great this all was and the next boat that left this bay was going to get dynamited. Damn it we were going to kill this bear. I was going on about how I was due, over 27 days being guided and I have ½ of a wolverine to show for it. Guided Salmon fishing with nothing over 29 pounds in the boat. Nothing comes easy for me, but we will make this happen.. I SWEAR TO GOD!!We were going to tough this out and get this bear. I had the guides just ****ing themselves laughing.
Skiff ride back was very rough, We had waves cresting into the boat from all sides.
I was laughing giggling, hooting and chuckling. I look back at Bob and tell him Timothy Treadwell was a PUSSY. Tim didn’t have the guts to come up here at the end of winter, that pussy would only come up during the nice summer.. Both guides are rolling with laughter.
Massive grin on my face, Salt in my mouth, Binos are soaked.. WOW What a adventure.
Reminder to self.. get out the water proof bag, this back pack sucks. Its nice to have good equipment, if you use it!!
Sunday
Bear spotted really low on slide we all bail into boat, get over there and find bear is way to small, he got as close as 10 yards. If I would have had a bow.. I would have taken him. The small male posed for pics, despite my past encounters with a grizzly in Alberta, I was not threatened by him at all. After playing in front of us for 10 minutes he stuck his nose in the air, stretched his neck to the heavens turned his satellite dish head up hill, all the while soaking up gallons of oxygen, pointed his snout at exactly the place the next bear would come out and melted back into the dark jungle of cedars, moss and devils club. As we were getting into the skiff, Bob spotted another black Brown bear high up on the slope. We make for another beach and try to wait him out. Unfortunately the tide was rising and we were standing behind a 5 foot hunk of slide snow. The tide kept coming and coming and we kept digging into this massive block of melting snow. I actually had to dig hand holds so I didn’t fall off my rock into the ocean. Finally the skiff returned as the ocean was approx ½ way up our calf’s and we were standing on the highest rocks. What a experience.
I am so fortunate to experience this place, these animals and these people.
Later that night we spent 5 hours sitting high up over the ocean in the bottom of a avalanche chute. We were surrounded by 20 foot high snow drifts, but the angle was so steep I could shoot up hill. We FROZE!! that chute is now called the refrigerator. We had to get down onto the windy beach in order to warm up. But on a positive side, due to hypothermia I managed to get a ½ hour of sleep. LOL
The Avalanches around here are just amazing, I have seen close to 40 of them, some so big they spilled into the ocean. Oh and if you want to see a goat run, just watch for falling snow, they can move like the devil when those slides start. We saw goats we could have shot from the beach, thats how steap the sides of these bays were. The Avalanches all start off with a huge crack followed by the sound of fighter jets flying over top of you. Very interesting to watch from a distance.
I have spent approx 60 hours behind glasses over the past little while. The outside of my nose is rubbed raw where it supports the rubber cups. Its worsened by the salt accumulating on the rubber. Even now I write this paragraph and then put up my glasses.
The weather has been a real mix of Gale force winds, High waves, Bright white mountains framed by a sky so blue that it inspires me to be a better person. The constant rain was a disappointment as it really curtails bear movement. Unfortunately this has been a hunt filled with stalks gone bad. I sit here on day 8 of a 10 day hunt, no blood has been spilled due to my actions. But there is still hope, I still have time, weather looks good & I only need 10 minutes and some good luck.
My guides are down to 2 from 3 and both are trying their best. All out, all the time. I feel like I cant let them down. If I fail on this trip, it will not be because I screwed up. Just mark it up to the nature of the game.
Before this hunt, I was asked by a wise man if I wanted to go kill or go hunt. Obviously I chose the hunt. This has been difficult and oh so rewarding. I wouldn’t have it any other way
The time I have spent with dad can never be repeated or replaced. Its unfortunate that he hasn’t been able to join me on the different stalks. I wonder if that is just the way it is when hunting these dangerous and spooky animals. I wish it was different, he deserves to come along.
All this time to think and relax has made me think of at least 2 sure fire Business ideas. I know each one could be worth millions. These ideas used to come to me all the time. Now that life is so busy.. Not so much.
Boat based Brown Bear hunts can be a “Gentleman’s” hunt. This one has not been that way. Its been a long 9 days living in a cramped boat with 4 other guys. I haven’t had a shower in 9 days..
Jims hunches have been proved right so far. we have just 1.5 hours of light left in the day. We moved approx 20 minutes south of the Goat Killer. I know now that the GK will not be killed by my hands.
Great stalk on a large Brown (9’) perfect dream setup. I took seawater to the knees in order to climb a large rock out in the ocean. I had to use Jims leg as a support, so that I wouldn’t slide off the rock. Bear made it to 50 yards and took a hard right into the forest. (He was behind a large blown down tree). He made his way to approx 30 yards in the rain forest.. No shot. Wind changed and the bear left. Great hide a XL claws on this bad boy.
Back to the big boat.
Only 20 minutes left in the day and we run across yet another bear. This one was approx 8’ we tried to sneak up on him, but he caught us out in the open in the skiff... No bear on the beach when we made it up to him. As a side note, this last bear was at a place called “Port Conclusion” I am wondering if this hunt is at a conclusion. In fact we were joking about “Port Conclusion” when the cry came out.. “BEAR ON THE BEACH”!! Yet another Stalk gone south.
In the words of our friend Ken.
NO QUIT AND NO SURRENDER. I hope he got to experience something like this hunt before he passed on. Ken was good guy. Not sure why he just jumped into my head, but I notice that he does from time to time.
Finally make it back to the lodge at Port Alexander. AHHHHHH Shower and a huge meal with fresh caught sushi. No time for stories.. I have to go to bed.
Wednesday
..Dad & I spot a bear at exactly the same time. I have been good on finding tracks high up on the mountain, but this is the first bear I spot. Yet another stalk goes sideways. And this time it is really a crying shame. The guide estimated this bear at 1200 pounds and might have topped out at 10 feet. He thought it was bigger than the legendary goat killer. Jim says perhaps the largest bear on the island, once in a lifetime kind of bear. PUKE!!!
This bear was so BIG when he made a small stream approx 10 inches lower than the grass he actually turned around and put his back legs in first. He didn’t walk across that grass flat.. He rumbled. WHAT A BEAR. Once he made the tree’s we thought he was to fat and lazy to climb straight up, so we ditched the skiff and made a mad scramble up the cliff (Approx 100 vertical feet on at least a 60 degree angle. This wasn’t climbing, it was like going up a ladder and when you finally hit a flat spot it was filled with that nasty devils club. We got above the only trail and laid out on some huge cedar logs. If this bear is coming, I will have to blast him at 30 feet.. Then Jim starts blowing on his deer call. SPOOKY doesn’t describe how I felt. Very vulnerable. But after 30 minutes.. No bear! AFter that climb I came to understand just why all of Jims guns have a beat up look to them.
Its 5:15 now on the final day, I have approx 4:15 left in my dream. But perhaps my dream has been fulfilled. I wanted a hunt and that’s what I got. I am not sad or disappointed. I am very proud of my effort and the effort of my guides. I find it very satisfying that no one gave up.
I wanted Dad to experience Alaska, and I wanted to do it with him. I wanted him to get his Brown Bear before his physical limitations’ made it a impossibility. Jim had plenty of stories of old guys who just couldn’t handle the rough beaches or getting out of the Skiff
This trip has been perfect, plenty of bears, insults, crib games and hanging out with Dad.
4 hours left.. Lets start taking this hunt serious and get me a bear!!
In the final hour I spotted yet another BB on the beach, we made a run at it. At least this one didn’t tease us like all the others. He left the beach when we were only 200 feet from the big boat.
At very last light we made our way back to the beach where the XXL bear was... He didn’t come back out. All 3 of us were on the back of the boat straining through binos trying to pick anything up through the darkness. No one is saying a damn word. Finally 10 minutes after we should have quit, Jim came over and said how he hated to see hunts end like this, we should have had a hide hanging from the rails. He said it was very strange that we got into the “ZONE” of 3 very large bears. He said most clients will not get a glimpse of more than one. the odd client will see 2 but to actually get great stalks on 3 big bears was unheard of. He said we just had a hunt of a lifetime but DAMN we should have gotten a bear.
I don’t know if I am very lucky to have had all these stalks or very unlucky in order not to have capitalized on them. I think I am lucky just to be here with Dad.
Well that’s he end of the hunting story. Sorry if its a bit disjointed as we didn’t have a crib board on the boat, and I had to keep writing in different parts of my coil note book.. After all, keeping score in crib games should come first.
Jamie
Part 2
3 Pm Wednesday September 17, 2008 I received the long awaited and hoped for phone call. Baranof expeditions called and told me to get up to Sitka, Alaska ASAP! They have room for me and want to try and let me fill a unused Brown Bear tag from Spring 2008.
Talk of lots of Bears and 2 charges that were as close as they come. (I will post up Danny’s story when he forwards it. I don’t know if such a bone chilling story can be told by anyone who was not present)
Phone my wife to tell her I just got the “call” She doesn’t sound to happy. I spend the next 20 minutes booking flights and trying to rent a car. Heidi calls back says she is sorry for the attitude and explains she is excited for me to have this second chance & what can she do to help me.. I LOVE MY WIFE!!
As we head to the Airport, we stop at Mom and Dads to sign some paper work due to the fact our house is going on the market. I am starting to feel really selfish about this whole trip. How can I leave my wife with a house that will be listed in the next few days? Once again Heidi, Mom and Dad say not to worry about it, they can take care of everything. I really appreciate the support. I tell Dad he should come with me. He declines but wishes me well\. I tell him by all rights he should be coming. A big hug from Dad and a kiss from my dear mother and we are off.
Hugs kisses and promises from my two children at the airport and I head out to Vancouver. A sweet one way deal on a rental car ($69) and I make the 3 hour drive to Seattle. Knowing I had 5 hours to waste I pulled into a gas station to catch some sleep. I am feeling very anxious about this whole thing again. Last spring was 10 days of hard hunting and I was not lucky enough to close my tag. Thoughts of that Grizzly bear from Northern Alberta chasing me make me wonder if I have the guts to do this again. That experience cost me nightmares for 2 years. I hope I don’t freeze when its go time.
Finally after sending out some Emails on my Blackberry I manage to settle down, just as I am drifting off to sleep my car fills with Red and Blue lights. The cops have some young fellow down on the ground and are showing him who is boss. I figure its 2 in the Am someone should be showing this kid something! So I decided to give up the Gas station and head out to Sea Tac Airport. As I am doing the Electronic check in the screen asks if I want to upgrade to first class for a measly $50.. Well that was a no brainer!!
I arrive in Sitka at 9:30 AM to find out my Float plane will be leaving at approx 11:30. I head into town to pick up some supplies and try to find some extra gear. Bert (one of the owners of Baranof Expeditions) owns a hunting store in town, so I drop by. On the phone Jim asked me to try and find chest waders. Fortunately Bert’ store had a pair that fit great. Let me tell you these waders are the most valuable thing in my gear. I used them every day.
I took the chance to stop by a local used bookstore. They were all excited to hear I was back for a second chance. They remembered both Dad and I from the spring. I told them I was looking for a signed first edition of “ALASKA” by James Mitchner. Apparently James lived in Sitka while writing this book and then came back for the release party. SO there are more than a few books around town. With a promise from the owner he would look into it I headed back to the Float plane base. As I was driving I was thinking “man has this been easy.. No screw ups and I am here just a scant 19 hours after they called.”
I walk into Harris air only to be disappointed with the weather. They say to call back in a hour. I walk outside and notice the clouds are really coming in.. I doubt I will get out today. Well lets make the best of it. So I head off in Jims suburban that he had left at his house and take a walking/driving tour of Sitka. This is a very pretty coastal town. It has more history in it than you can shake a stick at. The Russian church was worth the visit alone. I climbed up to where Russia and the USA signed off on the sale of Alaska. What a view! So after exploring the town and stopping to grab a beer, my phone rings with the news to get my azz over to the airport, Jim and Harris air have decided that if I don’t get out today, I probably will not be going for a few days. They spoke with a pilot who found a way to get me approx ½ way down the east side of Baranof island, jim will leave Port Alexander and meet the float plane where Bert’s boat is anchored. It turns out the bay we are headed to is the bay Dad took his Brown bear out of in the spring.
The flight was uneventful by Alaskan Bush pilot standards but by prairie boy standards it was borderline terrifying! The cloud ceiling was low, so we flew from Bay to bay going over the saddles in between the mountains. At one point we hit a saddle that was clouded in, so my trusty pilot goes “OH OH” hand HANG ON!! The pilot throws the beaver right onto its right wing to make a VERY VERY sharp turn the stall light is flashing and screaming and the G forces have my head stuck to the window. Defiantly something to remember. The rest of the flight was easy and as we came into the bay, he asked if I remembered this place. The memories came flooding back, I remembered motoring out and stealing the Shrimp from the crab pots sunk by Dad and Bert but more importantly I remembered coming around a corner and seeing Dads Bear hanging off the back of the boat. I still regret not being there when he took that animal. Not that I wish I he didn’t get one, I just wanted to be there when he did.
We transfer all my gear and supplies onto Bert’s boat The boat is empty as Bert is out hunting and Jim has not yet arrived from Port Alexander. As I watch the float plane disappear into the low hung clouds I cant help but think just how lonely it is out here.
It’s beautiful, but you are really alone.
Jim shows up in the “Gun Smoke” approx 30 minutes later. Laughs, handshakes and I get to meet my boat mate Danny. He is early 40’s from California/Texas after a bit of conversation we find out he also has had weight loss surgery. Its amazing the people you run into on these types of trips. Danny seems like a real good fellow and I love the Texas accent.
Danny has already filled both his Black Bear and Brown Bear tags. He wants to hang out and try to help me with my bear. By the end of the night and ½ a bottle of vodka we are close friends.
Off like a herd of turtles we leave the lodge early in the PM. I slept for 14 hours after not being to bed in 38 hours or so. We head to a bay on the east side of Baranof Island approx 2 hours from the lodge. We pull in and I grab my gear. Jim has generously let me borrow his 375 with a low powered Leupold scope and as he hands me 5 bullets I ask if he has more. His response was a bit of a confidence booster. He said “why do you need more? You are only going to have to use one” Its nice knowing the guide has a bit of faith in my shooting. Off to the head of the bay, where Jim shows me his classic Alaskan foot wear and how to “Indian anchor” the skiff.
Indian Anchoring is used when the tide is going out and you don’t want your skiff to end up “High and Dry” on the rocks. Now what you do is to start the engine, put it in reverse then pull the fuel line. Then you balance the anchor and push the boat adrift, when it reaches the proper depth, jerk on the tie line, the anchor falls in and soon the boat will quit running.. Very Slick.
As to Jims “Classic Alaska” Foot wear.. He wears Chest waders with a thin pair of sweat pants over top to deaden the noise. Over the booties he wears CROCKS. I couldn’t believe it. Here I was all worried last time about footwear and my Master Alaskan guide is wearing CROCKS.. I got a good laugh, but as he explained he found them the best to wear. They are soft enough to grip almost anywhere, they dry quick and are cheap to replace. The tricks a guy can pick up if he pays attention!
We walk into the thick rain forest. everything is a fantastic green, moss everywhere and it is like walking on a sponge. Jim spots a bear in the creek as we top a small rise. Scope caps off, and we try and sneak up. the bear decides at that point he is full and ambles off to the side of the creek.(Boy have I seen this movie before.. Just like in the spring!) No one got a good look at the bear, but Jim thought he was a good boar from the quick look he got. I scramble up to the top of a dead fall and make myself comfortable for the evening. Nothing comes back to the stream, yet I am grateful my hunt wasn’t over in the first 30 Minutes. I notice the terrain I will be hunting. Its tight, Its dark and there is no place to run if you have a problem. This Fall hunting is the real deal. Its much different than the spring hunt where you spot there Bears on the beach and try to get in front of them. This time we will be trying to spot the bears before they mistake us for very large Salmon. Shots will be close.
At the boat that night I started to get a little anxious about just how close this is going to be. Danny shot his bear’s at 6 yards and at 10 yards. What can I say other than WOW!!
That night finds us rafted up with the Shiras. Both Bert and Bob are on that boat. They are having a heck of a time getting their hunter into Bow range. His Name also is Bob and comes from Boston. It was a small problem with his deep Massachusetts accent. After we met he asked if I had seen any bears.. I thought he said beer, so I replied all I brought was some Port and Vodka but he was welcome to drink ... Laughs all around once we got it figured out.
Saturday Morning we head back to Port Alexander for some small repairs to our boat and to restock on some things.
Saturday night had us sitting in the same spot only this time we were entertained by a very wary Sow and cub. They would dash out of the woods grab a Humpy and dash back in. The got as close as 50 feet. It was incredible to see her interact with her cub. Danny thought the Sow was kissing the cub, but I think she was licking the blood of its fur. I was fortunate enough to have enough light to see the Sow pounce into the river Grab a Salmon and quick like lightening snare a it with her mouth. When she crunched down the blood squirted approx 3 feet on either said of the Humpy. I was watching all this from 50 feet and with my Binos.. What a scene!!! Awe inspiring to say the least. It was a cold night, my hands got wet and the rain is coming down so fast we can see the stream rising before our eyes.
In the boat that night Jim wonders about the quantity of Salmon, he is getting concerned that we need to find a more productive stream.
More in a bit guys
Jamie
Sunday Morning had us up early for bear camp. We take off looking for the boar we caught a glimpse of 2 nights ago. Same procedure, run to the beach, Indian anchor the boat, walk in approx 150 yards and crawl up into my now comfortable stand. I added some moss to make a comfy seat. Nothing looks disturbed, no new tracks and the same Salmon pieces lying around. We are at the end of low tide, so the Humpys are not near as prevalent. Jim mentions this CRICK should be covered in them, but it is just not happening this year. Jim takes off up another stream to see what the salmon are like up that way.. Nothing again. Back to the Gunsmoke and pack up to head back to the lodge and regroup. Jims dedication and work ethic remind me a lot of my Grandfather. Spend less time talking and more time doing. A bit of Breakfast and we are off.
We spent the Afternoon at the lodge, fantastic fall day by Baranof standards. I spent the day reading a great book on the deck. The sun was beating down, a small nap here and there.. Very relaxing. Jim took the chance to re salt Danny’s hides.
Thankfully we were in port long enough for me to call home and wish my wonderful wife a happy 10th anniversary.
We are now rounding the Southern cape of Baranoff Island, as I write this we are being pounded by rough seas with waves washing over the back deck.. I will write more later
I just took a few pics of a Sea Lion colony. Not sure if they will come out, its tough using the camera while holding on for dear life, we have been in rougher but not while hanging on to the back of the boat.
Now we are around the cape I hope like hell I can read this later.
Back to my wife and kids. There is not to many Men who get to experience a Alaska Brown bear hunt and even fewer who get the opportunity to do it two times in 6 months. I owe Heidi everything. I am so happy she agreed to share our lives together. She has given me so much and at times I feel I am not worthy to be married to such a outstanding lady. I owe her everything. From our 2 kids, to my career, to my hunting. The joy and adventure and memories will be everlasting. I found it very hard to tell her I didn’t know when I would be home. I found it very uplifting to hear the understanding in her voice! I want to hunt till they kick me out but yet I want her and my kids with me.
One day I will bring my family to this place. I will let my kids test themselves against the wind, rain and the overall environment. Not that this is the toughest place on earth, but it can be taxing to be beat up by this wild place.
I hope I don’t kill a bear to soon. Its all about the adventure and I don’t want it to end!
This place leaves me at a loss for words. The mountains are higher, The trees are greener, The oceans are Bluer and the rocks are rougher. What else could a man want to see in his life.
THIS PLACE ROCKS!!
I am starting to understand why I am drawn to these wild places, the spirit of independence runs high in this environment. Here a mans life long hope of self reliance can blossom in a second or be dashed forever in this setting. My new friend Danny found out the other night if he had the mettle to with stand one of Alaska’s challenges. In the process of staring down a rather upset Brown Bear Sow at less than 10 feet, I wonder if he discovered something new about himself. I wonder if this newfound confidence will lead him to higher places both in his personal and business life. Danny has been weighed, measured and found to be a reliable hand. I can only hope I am as trustworthy if that opportunity ever presents it self. I am sure he will take something out of this experience, something that can not be bought, sold or lost. I wonder if it should be called SPIRIT.
Its 3;40 pm on Sunday. I feel the boat slowing down.
LETS GET READY TO HUNT!
Perhaps tonight will draw a conclusion to this wonderful adventure
Its been 13 days of hard hunting. Tonight we pulled into *** **** bay, dropped the skiff, have a quick bite. Jim seems excited to hunt some new ground. We move up towards the mouth of the bay. It looks great. Lots of gulls flying around, Big Coho jumping beside the skiff. I managed to see two 15 pounders jump while using my Binos. VERY COOL.
Perhaps this is the place?
Jim hisses at Danny and I that he just saw a Bear stick his head out of the trees. Danny crouches down in the front of the skiff to lower our outline. The Bear gives us a great look and Jim calls him a shooter. With the sun and the shadows he looks coal black and has a massive back end. The bear jumps in the water swims across the high tide and ambles into the forest. DAMN.. NOT AGAIN!! Jim says to relax. He is the biggest and baddest bear in this drainage. He will be back.
We beach the skiff and crawl up the beach for a better look and to formulate a plan. The wind is blowing towards the mouth of the creek, but jim is concerned it will be blowing down the creek a bit inland. He looks at me and asks if I can climb up the side of a mountain. I nod the affirmative. As we scale up the climbing is fairly easy due to the big wide trails. There are only 2 kinds of large animals on Baranof Island. Deer and Bears. As of yet we haven’t seen a deer so I assume it must be a huge abundance of Brown bears that are making all these highways and ripping the ground to shreds. Spooky doesn’t cover what we went through. We literally crawled straight through bear beds, I moved half eaten salmon from in front of my nose as I belly crawled under trees. The numerous scratching tress were impossible to miss. I wish I would have taken the chance to snap some photos, but that would have meant putting my gun down and with all the sign and the rank smell of Bears in my nose and in my mouth I thought better of it. Man we weren’t just in the bears backyard, we were crawling through his living room. My heart kept thumping and thumping.
We presently made a spot high above the creek where we could see exactly where he disappeared into on the far side of the creek. Jim designed this stalk to “T-Bone this bear when he showed back up again. As we sat a few hundred feet above the creek I couldn’t help but wonder if this was going to be the same old, same old. Over the past 13 days I have had way to many bears not do what they were suppose to do, so many chances yet not a drop of Blood. But I threw the negative thoughts out of my head and kept glassing, just looking into every piece of brush I could see. Suddenly Jim spots him from his view point, both Jim and I bail off the side and slide down the few hundred feet to the creek floor. Our first set up from 50 yards doesn’t allow any sort of shot as the bear keeps moving to our left and up the creek. Our second set up from 40 yards allows a window through the bush, I throw myself down bring up the 375 and get fixed on this bears shoulder. Just as I am about to drop the hammer, jim and I notice some twigs in front of his shoulder. Still the bear continues to walk up stream; another 50 feet and he will be behind the bend in the creek. We make one more quick dash to the corner and get set up at 25 yards. Its a easy shot especially when he puts his left paw up on a rock and sky lines himself above the darkness. The 375 thumps solidly against my shoulder, jim says to shoot again but all I have is a rock and some ½ submerged Salmon in my scope. Then it occurs to me I must have wacked him especially hard, as I didnt lose the sight picture and I recall a large splash in the scope. He must be down right behind that rock. We slide down to our left, gun is loaded and waiting for the follow up shot. Jim has his large handgun out, but all it was unnecessary as behind the large blood spattered rock was my bear. My bear I had dreamt of and came so far for. As we come to a stop the massive head slips beneath the small rushing waters of this stream. This stream that is so far away from my prairie home, this stream that will be permanently tattooed upon my memory. I don’t like being this close to death, but it is a price that we all as hunters must pay.
As the head was under the water I stared at her, then the massive chest began sucking in great amounts of water. I was tempted to put another round into the back, but it just didn’t seem necessary. I had anchored this dream and it was not going anywhere. This bear was dead. The amount of water she had just taken in was outstanding. The only noise in that creek was the sound of the Salmon and the rushing water, but yet I don’t recall that. I only recall silence.. Nothing at all.
Jim warily approached my bear with his handgun pointed at her head. He was as surefooted in that stream as I would be on the open ground around my house. This guy has a real talent for this game. I think it is something you are born with. He always moves so perfect. Then Danny showed up on the scene, he was able to watch from our hide high above, he is slapping me on the back telling me I had “Done gone and shot myself a big old bear” Gota love that Texas accent.
When we all approached the bear Jim grabbed a paw and said “CRAP” He turned out to be a She. It was a dry Sow. A rather HUGE dry sow. He said by far and away one of the largest sows he had seen taken on the Island. Live weight was guessed in the neighborhood of 900 pounds. It took all 3 of us large sized boys to pull her inch by inch from the creek. It was a gargantuan effort that took well over 20 minutes to move her 6 inches up and 6 feet over.
I got the privilege of standing guard while they skinned out the bear due to all the bears in the area. It was 11:00 pm by the time we walked out of that place.
As we were packing the bear into the Backpack, I asked to be the one responsible to pack her out. This was my Bear, and I should be the one taking her home. Jims response was that I was useless with a handgun, and I couldn’t do both a Rifle and this hide. He wanted me to bring up the rear , while Danny took the lead, Jim would be in the middle with his handgun pulled. I understood at that point just what a position we had put ourselves into. We had to walk this creek side Bear trail, fully armed, covered in blood and ready for whatever came our way.. Fortunately we made it to the skiff with a minimum amount of woofs and popping of jaws. It was a relief to get back into that skiff. But now we had a 3 mile run back to the Gunsmoke. It was BLACK,BLACK,BLACK. We navigated with flashlights held to the shore and got back with out a issue.
To tell the truth, I am more than a little sad about this bear, sure its a great rug and she was bigger than I had hoped for. I was happy with the effort, I felt I really hunted this bear. But the Adventure is over. First there was the dreaming, then there was Reno, Then onto Phoenix to talk Dad into this, Our hunt got moved up, dad gets his bear, my opportunities don’t pan out, then I get a second chance in the fall. Its been a glorious 8 months and now its at a end. You will excuse me if I grieve a tiny bit. I wish dad could have been here with me. This Bear should have been taken with both of us in attendance. I guess it will make me appreciate our hunts together just a bit more this fall. I don’t know how many hunts Dad has left in him, but I dream I can squeeze in another decade of hunting with him and my son. Perhaps long enough to Get my Son well rooted in this way of life.
Now I have to talk him into Africa, then another Caribou hunt to take care of some unfinished business.. And a new goal.. WALRUS!!
Ok now for the tale of the tape
My Bear Measured out at 8’6” it had a skull of approx 22 ½ inches. It was estimated at 18-20 years old and had a live weight of approx 900 pounds.
Sorry its so long, but something this incredible needs to be laid out correct.
Jamie
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