What does a blackie do if you see it, and it sees you?

[waffentomas]

I was bear hunting in the Cascades over the weekend, more scouting for deer sign than anything else. I'm pooping and snooping in the woods and I see a bear standing on his hinds checking me out from about 75 yards away. There was a serious glare. There was some branches in the way, and I wasn't willing to take a questionable shot. He dropped down after a full minute.

An elk hunter, I go after him trying to cut him off. I caught up to him but only saw a big black butt loping through the woods. Again, I'm not taking that shot, so I let him go.

Question: he was very curious about me, and didn't seem startled at all. Should I have stayed put and let him come to me? What do bears do if they see you, but aren't spooked?

No bait or dogs involved, just him and me.

At least I know where he lives now.

Thanks.

Tom

 

[Jst1mr]

Don't know about the wind situation in your case...he'll bust your scent long before he sees you, generally.. I've had a young one sit on the bank of the river and watch me fish while I was chest deep in the water, but generally you will not sneak up on an alerted adult bear! Kudos for forgoing the questionable shot...good things come to those who wait! Intersting observation: neither deer nor bear seem to recognize you as a human while you are standing (beyond waist deep) in the water...but they sure split when you wade to shore!