2023 Spring Bear Report

[Species8472]

So i started baiting May long weekend and checked the bait every 7 to 10 days and added bait as required. Bears starting hitting it about a week after initial set up. Bait used was whole corn with a touch of molasses and about 10 lbs of jujubes mixed in to about 250 lbs of corn. Anise extract was also used an attractant on rotten stumps.

Access was via zodiac. No trails = no problems with uninvited guests. Heading out on the 13th of June for my first sit - nothing like leaving it to the last minute:



Setup behind a few trees on the ground with some added branches for cover. Distance to the bait is about 35 yards up a moderate incline. Lake is behind me:







Arrived at the bait at 615 pm. Last light is at 940 pm so lots of time. Forgot my thermacell so bugs were bad but nothing i have not lived with before. At 700 pm a 100 to 120 lb bear circled me and actually walked to within 6 feet of me. This pic is at about 10 or 12 feet out:



He went about his business and moved on. At about 730 pm a 200 ish pound bear arrived at the bait and stayed for an hour. In the fall i would have have taken him but it's spring and lots of options. About 15 minutes later a 120 lb bear approached my position on the ground but this time he made me. Unlike past experiences he did not bolt but continued to close on me huffing and growling so at six feet i put a 165 grain accubond through his vitals. Not really my plan but tag is filled and he will eat good. He went about 25 yards and did the death moan:



Today i am just chilling in the beauty weather drinking some whiskey and making a birthday present for my grand daughter. Life really doesn't get any better.

[Articcat]

Congrats on a fine bear, and a nice glass of whiskey to go with the success

[tom gobble]

Nice Bear congrats. Enjoy the whiskey

[Birdbuff]

Congrats on the bear. Sounds like an exciting hunt.

[dean.f]

Sounds like it was meant to be!

Do you process the meat yourself this time of year?

[Species8472]

Sounds like it was meant to be!

Do you process the meat yourself this time of year?

Dressed and skinned and hanging in a walk in 2.5 hours after trigger pulled. Processing tonight.

[mr meat]

Congrats on the bear Joe

[fratri]

That was a great story, must be nice to experience something like that
Congrats on the adventure and on the bear

[kokes]

awesome job... tag filled...dock is repaired... what are you going to do with all your spare time?!?!?
always love following along, thanks for sharing

[FishHog]

thanks for sharing, always enjoy following your pictures and tales.
Congrats. 6' is getting a little close, but good for the excitement level.