Well this was my first year hunting bears in MT and man was I doing piss-poor on my own. Luckily a new guy to this forum (GFHunter) felt sorry for me and took me to an area he has hunted the last few years. I met him in Great Falls yesterday afternoon and for first impressions, Axl decided to jump into his front seat. I was boiling, but I counted to ten and allowed Axl to live at least one more day. :BLEEP:
Anyway, Dean takes me blindfolded into the woods (I am nevous at this point) and shows me where bears hang out. Hey, that's a start for me. That afternoon we hiked some openings, found sign, but no bears. That night as we pulled out we glassed a bear in an opening we intially thought about hunting. Dean is obviously not used to my luck.
I decided to sleep in the pick-up that night and hit the trail early. I saw the bear in the opening and picked up the pace on the way over there. Luckily I got to the spot just as the bear was about to hit the timber. I am from from a bear expert, but it looked big enought to me and I didn't see any little guys, so I rolled the bear from about 200 yards. Somersaults for about 30 yards and a couple moans and it was over.
I didn't shoot the next MT record bear, but I had a great time. Since Moosie can post multiple pics of the same critter, I will follow.
While I was boning the meat, I saw these two bulls munching it up. Poor pic, but they were at the same spot where I had taken the shot.
With a full pack I decided to head back to the pick-up. Dean had mentioned to be careful and go around the cliffs and small canyon on the way back. Silly me, canyon...smanyon. I should have know if it that tough to get to the bottom it will be tougher getting out. At the bottom it seemed like a good place to take a break and document my ignorance. I finally got out, but I took about an hour. Not real smart when you are alone and trying to climb wet, mossy, crubling rock with 80# on your back.
Thanks to Dean, I now have the bear bug. I am looking forward to next year and bigger bears. Even without the critter, the scenery was worth the trip.
Thanks GFHunter.
