For Beliketrey...
That black bear hunt next month is going to be my first "toe in the water" on "dangerous" game. Man I can't wait!!
Good luck to you on your bear hunt. I just came back from my 5th bear hunt in Maine, the 1st time with the bow. I SERIOUSLY misjudged the bear at my bait, and killed a yearling boar just before dark on Tuesday. The shot was true and clean, X-ing the heart, but I won't say I wasn't disappointed at the end of that 50 yard tracking job to find a small bear.
It was an evening for mixed emotions.
That said, the Maine friend I hunt with who did all the work, had a 250 class Pope & Young animal at his stand, which was run off by (don't roll your eyes, I saw his video, and he's been bear hunting for 20 years and never saw such a huge bear) a 500 pound boar. It was a world class bruin, but never presented a shot.
The following night, bth big bears came in and fought over his bait, circling and growling, fighting and barking. On the way out, one of the bears -- presumably the big one -- was nestled in a blackberry patch ten yards from my friend. He's not easily rattled by bears, but came out of the woods with his revolver drawn, and white as a sheet.
Bear hunting, no matter where or how you do it, can be intense and dangerous. I wish you luck, and know you'll have a blast.
On another note, for H&H: I have enjoyed your stories and posts for a couple of years now. Too bad there is always someone on THR ready and willing to cut down someone with the skill and experience that you seem so willing to share.
Great post, great thread, and keep up the good work.
Joel