Rifle season started here today, so I decided to take the time for a scouting hike yesterday. I drove to an area where I had hunted last year, and strapped on my Ranch Hand (bears are known to be in area) for the 5k-ish hike.
About 5 mins in, I crossed paths with a couple people on their way out. They didn't seem terribly bothered by the holster on my belt, and mentioned they had heard a bear up the trail aways. I thanked them, asked if they had seen any elk (no) and carried on.
Another 10 mins in, I saw a relatively fresh, but thankfully not large, bear track - and fresh scat. Continued on, whistling a bit at this point. Further up, the forest got denser, so the RH came out to carry it at ready. Still no real sightings at this point, but lots of tracks from elk and deer. Forest opened up a bit, so back into stealth mode.
Not too much further, and I heard some noises in the forest on the hillside above. I could not see anything, but carried on to the switchback that lead me into the area where I had heard the noises. Fresh deer tracks! Not too much further, and I was on top of the mountain. Very dense brush, lots more elk/deer sign, and great views. Carried on to viewpoint number 2 to glass the hillsides, and heard an elk bugling - but a long ways off. I also flushed two wild turkey toms just about then, and got to see them take to flight and glide off - awesome!
Next sighting was another group of the two-legged variety. I avoided contact, as they are known to be hostile.
The hike down the other side was uneventfull. Lots of birds, lots of elk/deer tracks, and some bear diggings. All in all, just a really nice hike! Can't wait to head back in soon and see if I can get something for the table.
Oh, by the way, I did finally see the bear. Beautiful blackie, much bigger than I had expected by the tracks. And, thankfully, he moved off when he saw me.
About 5 mins in, I crossed paths with a couple people on their way out. They didn't seem terribly bothered by the holster on my belt, and mentioned they had heard a bear up the trail aways. I thanked them, asked if they had seen any elk (no) and carried on.
Another 10 mins in, I saw a relatively fresh, but thankfully not large, bear track - and fresh scat. Continued on, whistling a bit at this point. Further up, the forest got denser, so the RH came out to carry it at ready. Still no real sightings at this point, but lots of tracks from elk and deer. Forest opened up a bit, so back into stealth mode.
Not too much further, and I heard some noises in the forest on the hillside above. I could not see anything, but carried on to the switchback that lead me into the area where I had heard the noises. Fresh deer tracks! Not too much further, and I was on top of the mountain. Very dense brush, lots more elk/deer sign, and great views. Carried on to viewpoint number 2 to glass the hillsides, and heard an elk bugling - but a long ways off. I also flushed two wild turkey toms just about then, and got to see them take to flight and glide off - awesome!
Next sighting was another group of the two-legged variety. I avoided contact, as they are known to be hostile.
The hike down the other side was uneventfull. Lots of birds, lots of elk/deer tracks, and some bear diggings. All in all, just a really nice hike! Can't wait to head back in soon and see if I can get something for the table.
Oh, by the way, I did finally see the bear. Beautiful blackie, much bigger than I had expected by the tracks. And, thankfully, he moved off when he saw me.
