Guy Miner
Master Loader
- Apr 6, 2006
- 17,525
- 4,786
Hiked in to my favorite "lucky stump" here in the Cascades this morning, within 30 miles of home. I've done real well on mule deer from that stump in the past, and decided to hike in for black bear. Here in Washington we're not allowed to bait or to use dogs. It's mostly a "spot & stalk" proposition... Or... Maybe a predator call will work???
So... doing my best to sound like a screeching, horribly wounded animal, I destroyed the calm of that particular basin. Not ten minutes later, I heard the approach of brother bear! The branches parted, and there he was, less than 20 yards away! OUTSTANDING. However, he saw me at the same time as I saw him. He whirled and ran behind some trees. I was a little behind the whole time - trying to decide if he was big enough to shoot - or if I HAD to shoot... I went after him, and he actually remained in the area for some time, convinced that there was a meal waiting for him if he could just find the source of those squeals... I was unable to get a shot at the bear. Estimate him at about 200-250 pounds, and coal black. Not a big bear, but a real thrill to have him come in that close, to my predator call!
Yup, was carrying my .30-30 Glenfield, with the 2.5x Leupold, and loaded with 170 grain Federal factory ammo. I surely did appreciate the quick handling of that little lever action rifle - and it's not the rifle's fault that I didn't send a soft point into the bruin.
What a GREAT morning!
Guy
So... doing my best to sound like a screeching, horribly wounded animal, I destroyed the calm of that particular basin. Not ten minutes later, I heard the approach of brother bear! The branches parted, and there he was, less than 20 yards away! OUTSTANDING. However, he saw me at the same time as I saw him. He whirled and ran behind some trees. I was a little behind the whole time - trying to decide if he was big enough to shoot - or if I HAD to shoot... I went after him, and he actually remained in the area for some time, convinced that there was a meal waiting for him if he could just find the source of those squeals... I was unable to get a shot at the bear. Estimate him at about 200-250 pounds, and coal black. Not a big bear, but a real thrill to have him come in that close, to my predator call!
Yup, was carrying my .30-30 Glenfield, with the 2.5x Leupold, and loaded with 170 grain Federal factory ammo. I surely did appreciate the quick handling of that little lever action rifle - and it's not the rifle's fault that I didn't send a soft point into the bruin.
What a GREAT morning!
Guy