The first morning everyone was up around 7:00 am, had breakfast and
went to check out there bait sites and do on some last minute pruning.
I ran my baits and grabbed my fishing pole for some awesome pike and
walleye fishing.
Around 12:30 I went back to camp for lunch. Jim Combs (Bait 17) and
Dave Maples (Bait 10) had reports on their baits being hit already.
After a quick lunch and everyone was eager to get in the bush. I would
be running the camera for Ray Burkhart (Bait 20), the first couple days
and would wait till later in the week to hunt one of the Lake Baits.
Greg Keaton would be hunting with his son Kendal (South Spring Bait),
Lonny Mitchell was hunting (Bait 8), Justin Holdren was hunting (Bait
18), Russ Grimes (Bait 19), Mike and Brother Dave Holdren, would be
hunting (Bait 15 & 12) together with Dave running the camera.
The First evening was a successful one. No one got lost!
Ray, Kendal,
Greg, Lonny, Dave, Mike, Justin, Russ and I had no luck. Dave Maples,
was the first ones to connect, Jim Combs also had some luck.
Dave Maples Hunt
When I reached my stand the bait had already been hit I
re-baited and climbed in my stand. I couldn’t have been there 5 min and
here came a bear. I didn’t even have time to get excited.
He walked right to the steel drum and gave me a perfect shot. I drew
and released the arrow. The arrow struck its mark and I watched him
pile up not 30 Yards away. It happened so fast I didn’t have time to
get nervous.
It was my first Bear, which weighed around 170 lbs and I was very happy
but part of me was sad because the hunting was over with and we still
had 5 more days before we headed out of the bush.
Jim Combs Hunt
After I baited the site I climbed into my stand with a lot of things
going through my mind. This was my first bear hunt and I didn’t know
what to expect.
It didn’t take long till I heard something making a lot of noise from my entrance trail. There he was -- a big bear.
The wind was blowing right towards him and he knew I was there. He
stood motionless for what seemed like 5 minutes and as quick as he came
he wolfed and bolted away.
I could fell my heart pounding in my chest. 5 minutes later I heard
some sticks breaking from the north. As I scanned the area I saw
something black moving my direction. This was a different bear but
after a quick glance I decided if he gave me the opportunity I would
take the shot.
The bear walked right in and up to the 55-gallon steel drum and gave me
a perfect broad side shot. I drew and released the arrow. I watched the
arrow disappear right through him.
I was shaking as thought it was 2 below zero even though it was 65
degrees. About 1 min later I heard the Bear Death Moan. Greg had told
me I would know it when I heard it and he was right.
I couldn’t believe what had just happened. My mind was still grasping
the fact that I had shot a bear. I will never forget it as long as I
live.
After dark Russ, Dave Maples, Dave Holdren, Mike, Lonny, Justin and I
met up and went to track him, The blood trail was a short one, he only
traveled 50 yards through the bush. As I Raised my light I saw his
black fur lying there motionless on the ground. Now that was all
together a different feeling. After carefully making sure he was
totally expired and a few pictures I proudly placed my tag through his
nose.
My first bear weighed around 200 lbs and I was on cloud nine. I will definitely be back!
