The long anticipated hunt is over, the bear won this round. I was able to spend about an hour and forty five minutes over two days watching and videoing one or possibly two bears at the baitsite though.
Early in the week the bait was being hit by one or two 150 to 175lb class bears. First sighting ended after bear had cleaned up all bait then walked to within about 8 paces. This was looking to be a repeat of last seasons 3 paces encounter, so I spoke to Yogi and made it clear that the bush was behind him. Yogi skedaddled and all was great. Day 2 was Yogi cleaning up last remnants of bait and burning his nose on a burn I had set up to make up for bait being gone, the video of this is pretty cool, so being ever so confident I passed on Yogi again.
Well, that was the end of bear sightings. Baits continued to be hit daily, but primarily at night. Temps. were in mid 80's and seemed to put bears in a slow mood. Maybe we were spending to much time in the bush baiting and watching and spooked bears into nocturnal habits. After 3rd day in camp it was tough sledding for all, I'm inclined to think the heat was most of the problem.
Eleven hunters took seven bears, so it was far from a bust. A real nice 350lb. bear was taken by bow as well as a 175lb. bear, the balance were 150 to 180lb. animals.
Last year I was able to connect on a 240lb. animal, and was hoping to get a real bruiser for a half body mount this time. Now having two years experience with our guide service I can recommend them . It is no frills, you cook, clean up, bait, and drive yourself. Outfitter puts you on an active baitline, supplies bait and advice, and will skin and cut up your kill.
Email me and I can give you his contact info, I have no stake in this. The folks have treated me well and just want to thank them in this way. Greybeard, if this is out of line please delete all you need to.
