2024 Spring Brown Bear Hunt Report

[Guy Miner]

OUTSTANDING!

Laughing at myself... You went to Alaska and shot a Big Bear. I went to Idaho and shot a Small Bear.

Congrats! Guy

 

[IdahoCTD]

You should know that the further north the larger the body size of animals, bears are bigger, moose are bigger, elk are bigger, etc,. A small Idaho bear is OK as it helps keep the elk and deer population above water. They did a study in the late 70's around Salmon, ID on the effects bears had on the elk population. They removed all the bears they could and the elk population tripled in short order. They let the bears repopulate and the elk population decreased to what it was before they shot all the bears. That tells you the effects bears have on the fawns and calves. Unfortunately we have wolves on top of that now.

I was just talking to a buddy today and he told me some friends of his saw 16 bears this weekend just by spotting. That is a lot of bears. I think more people should come shoot them to help our deer and elk herds. I'll probably drag the kids up this week to see if we can put a dent in the population. I might even put a bait up. We still have a month or so of season left and they will start rutting anytime now.

 

[JD338]

Jim,
Did you do a full mount or a rug?
Any pictures you can share?
Thanks!

JD338

 

[STW]

Guys, although I did not post alot about getting ready for this trip I did have a few posts asking about outfitters and load/caliber suggestions over the past 2 years. I just came back from my long awaited hunt so decided to post a report for those who might be interested.

I hunted with H&H Alaskan Outfitters out of Soldatna, Justin Horton and guide James Eicher. We flew to the Ursus Bay area near Augustine Island and Lake Illiamna via float plane for a 10 day tented camp hunt. This is the first time I have done this type of hunt and as a 63 year old I was a little concerned. I walked daily with a 25 lb pack for 5 miles to get in shape and considered myself in fairly good shape. However, in Louisiana we dont have any mountains to climb and very few hills. We were hunting in valleys between mountains and had to do some steep (in my mind) climbing to get to our daily observation point. I was able to get there daily but really had to take my time getting there to ensure my footing and not taking a tumble. I was able to do that.

The rifle I brought was an Interarms Whitworth Mauser in 375 H&H with a 20" barrel, synthetic stock and Cera coated. Good choice on the rifle. We had a considerable amount of rain and I had minimal rusting not so much on the rifle but on things like the mounts but kept on top of it with a little oil and was manageable. The load I settled on was a 270 gr Barnes LRX with H4350 at 2630 fps. Load performed excellently when I needed it.

We stayed in tented camps the entire time. Had 4 days of rain during the 10 day hunt where we could not leave the tent, rain as well as 50 mph winds. Saw bears every day but mostly sows with cubs. Saw 3 boars total. One was a 9 ft plus bear going over a mountain to the next valley but never saw him again. Next saw a 7 ft young boar on the beach 100 yds from camp but opted to pass. Finally on the 7th day I got a chance at an 8 ft plus boar, made a stalk to within 220 yards and sealed the deal. First shot spined him and it was academic after that. Shot a little higher than I intended but after all shooting off sticks is not like shooting off the bench even though I spent a lot of time practicing off sticks.

Anyway, killed a nice 8ft 2in bear which I am very happy with. Guides and outfitter did a great job and everything unfolded almost exactly as described. However, I will say the hunt and conditions were about as rough as I ever want to do. I am glad I did it while I could. never went 10 days without a shower and shave before this. But I was told that ahead of time so I was good with it.

Ill be happy to answer any questions from anyone interested and contemplating a hunt such as this one.

Regards, JimbeauxView attachment 22645

Totally awesome , congratulations

 

[Vince]

Congratulations on a most successful endeavor.
That’s a fine looking bear.

Vince

 

[Jimbeaux82]

Jim,
Did you do a full mount or a rug?
Any pictures you can share?
Thanks!

JD338

Rug. Have not received it yet but should be ready within a month

 

[JD338]

Rug. Have not received it yet but should be ready within a month

Thanks for the update. It's going to be beautiful.

JD338