PWS Bear Update

[Daveinthebush]

I have been out several times shrimping and the snow load is still pretty good out of Valdez. We really need a good rain to clean things up.  No tracks or sightings yet over here.

I have a three day weekend this week so I will try at least 1-2 days to bear hunt.  It may still be early but hey it beats TV. I have 250 pounds of dog food ready but no place to put it.

I have a grizz tag and the possibility of 3 black bears so I hope the meat comes home.

[Mikeb]

I went up and looked in some of my bear spots Sat. It is still winter on the other side of the pass. Another 2 or 3 weeks and they should be popping out.
        Mike b

[Winter Hawk]

It must be getting that time.  I watched a bunch of bear hunters get off the plane from Ketchikan over the weekend.  Dang, there goes the neighborhood!

-WH-

[Daveinthebush]

You are probably a couple of weeks a head of us down there.  We need a really good hard rain to knock it down over here.

 But sooon......................I ned to kill someting!!

[Daveinthebush]

Checked the shrimp pots again tonight and spotted 2 bears out near Gold Creek.  I did not have the glasses with me so could not see them all that well but one was fairly good size.

They were also at about 2,000-2,500 feet in elevation.  Too far for me and if ya shot one he'd roll all the way to the ocean.

[Daveinthebush]

the snow levels on the southern slopes are falling quickly, 50's in Valdez today.

I saw 2 blackies out around Jacks Bay today.  Across from the house I have 2 goats feeding on the moutain at about 3,000.  

I would be out hunting but need some way to get to shore.  I bought a raft yesterday but its transportation got messed up.

 :roll:

[Daveinthebush]

Last night we spotted a sow and 2 cubs while shrimping.  We had time so we cruised down the shore and spotted a boar up about 2,000 feet.  I was the unlucky one to bring the gun so my "friend" Bob held the boat and dog and I headed up.  

PWs mountains are not fun. Devels club, berry bushes, alders and slimy rocks.  My heart must be in great shape because it did not explode, it could have and I would have known why.  

I made it to the base of a cliff even with the bear but could not see him. I moved farther over and saw a dark spot but could not identify it cleard as bear/head/butt or what.  So I moved up again and looked. Nothing.  Moved again and my friend signaled that he was below me still. Moved again and could not see him. Gooone!  Must have heard my heart pounding, sweat pouring off or my hand muscles clinging to the trees.

By the time I got back down the mountian I had sweat through my clothes completely.  I got so chilled on the hour boat ride back home that I had to put the heater on in the truck to warm up.

And..................tomorrow were gonna do it again! :grin:

[Matt in AK]

That's great, Dave.  Don't wanna shoot that bear too quickly.  I want to hear lots of bear stories, not just one :wink:

A couple fellas on the team, one you've corresponded with, are reading the Alaska column of Graybeard daily.  Thanks for the entertainment.

[Daveinthebush]

Only spotted one bear last night. He was a great canidate for an Airborne Assult Team. He was not that high up, but on a ledge only reachable from above. Darn bear.  If you shot him, he would probably be hamburger by the time he stopped rolling and hit the ocean.

We did get 150-160 prawns though!!! And one nice octupus!!!

We are going to start a bear station tomorrow night and start bow hunting on Saturday or Friday night.  What fun!

[armymp71]

Dave,

 That fall will just tenderize the meat, you should have taken the shot. What time should I be over for "All I can eat Shrimp"? I just heard that the volcano is Perryville is making some noise, can't wait to film that.

Rick

[Dand]

Dave have you eaten that octopuddy yet?  I used to boil some up now and then when I was in the Aleutians.  They can be great.  I'd cut off the legs and use the back side of a big butcher knife to whack the legs as flat as possible.  The more whackin' the better.  Then boil it - darn can't remember how long but not real long. Its great dipped in butter. On the bigger ones you might want to peel off the skin as it can be a bit tough but I like the suckers on the smaller ones. Some of the Aleuts would grind up the boiled octopus and make patties - REALLY good.  Glad to read you're having so much fun.  We're waiting for the ice to leave the lakes enough to put the boat in.

[Daveinthebush]

Well the bait has been out 2 weeks and no hits.  We have seen 4 different bears on the ridges around the stand but nothing.  We have about 100 pounds of dog food in a barrel, greese, shrimp heads and a sweet mixture poured all over the place.  Heck!  I can smell the place from 30 yards.

Something has to happen!