Title: Follow the Blood Trail
Post by: juneaulongbow on May 15, 2006, 04:21:00 AM
Post by: juneaulongbow on May 15, 2006, 04:21:00 AM
After running, walking and then finally stalking from 1,000 yards to 40 yards in a huge tide flat with absolutely no cover, I discovered the black bear we had spotted was feeding on, guarding and sleeping on a moose carcass...seen here.
(http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a236/ChrisFannin/Bear%20Hunt/100_0312.jpg)
(http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a236/ChrisFannin/Bear%20Hunt/100_0313.jpg)
I crouched and watched the lazy bear raise his head to check the wind. After he lowered his head, I stood up and waved at Luke (The Ursus) who was 900 yards away with the .44, to come out a little closer just in case I needed back-up.
When Luke was about 70 yards behind me I crept in to 10 yards and the bear raised his head again. He checked the wind and looked directly at me. I was low and still. When he lowered his head again I stood, picked a spot, drew, anchored and released. The shot was off it's mark. It struck the bear and the old boar immediatly jumped to his feet with a roar.
I backed away 10 yards and noticed two things that gave me hope. The bear bear began to trot away from me and he was bleeding profusely.
(http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a236/ChrisFannin/Bear%20Hunt/100_0320.jpg)
As I watched him walk away, I noticed the arrow in his neck and blood was pouring out his mouth and nose.
(http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a236/ChrisFannin/Bear%20Hunt/100_0324.jpg)
(http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a236/ChrisFannin/Bear%20Hunt/100_0312.jpg)
(http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a236/ChrisFannin/Bear%20Hunt/100_0313.jpg)
I crouched and watched the lazy bear raise his head to check the wind. After he lowered his head, I stood up and waved at Luke (The Ursus) who was 900 yards away with the .44, to come out a little closer just in case I needed back-up.
When Luke was about 70 yards behind me I crept in to 10 yards and the bear raised his head again. He checked the wind and looked directly at me. I was low and still. When he lowered his head again I stood, picked a spot, drew, anchored and released. The shot was off it's mark. It struck the bear and the old boar immediatly jumped to his feet with a roar.
I backed away 10 yards and noticed two things that gave me hope. The bear bear began to trot away from me and he was bleeding profusely.
(http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a236/ChrisFannin/Bear%20Hunt/100_0320.jpg)
As I watched him walk away, I noticed the arrow in his neck and blood was pouring out his mouth and nose.
(http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a236/ChrisFannin/Bear%20Hunt/100_0324.jpg)
Title: Re: Follow the Blood Trail
Post by: Crooked Stic on May 15, 2006, 05:46:00 AM
Post by: Crooked Stic on May 15, 2006, 05:46:00 AM
Ah dont leave us hanging :rolleyes:
Title: Re: Follow the Blood Trail
Post by: BigRonHuntAlot on May 15, 2006, 06:47:00 AM
Post by: BigRonHuntAlot on May 15, 2006, 06:47:00 AM
Come on, lets have the rest of it. I like the sign of blood with my morning coffee.
Title: Re: Follow the Blood Trail
Post by: Golden Hawk on May 15, 2006, 07:00:00 AM
Post by: Golden Hawk on May 15, 2006, 07:00:00 AM
I hate it when they do this! Tell us the rest!
Title: Re: Follow the Blood Trail
Post by: Littlefeather on May 15, 2006, 07:02:00 AM
Post by: Littlefeather on May 15, 2006, 07:02:00 AM
OK, I have my coffee and now I'm awake after reading this. Where's the bear pics? CK
Title: Re: Follow the Blood Trail
Post by: juneaulongbow on May 15, 2006, 11:02:00 AM
Post by: juneaulongbow on May 15, 2006, 11:02:00 AM
After 60 yards the bear stopped, it was then I knew that he was hit good. He turned and walked about 10 more yards and rolled down into a slough.
I looked back at Luke as he was running to me. We cautiously approached the slough and looked down to find the bear.
(http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a236/ChrisFannin/Bear%20Hunt/100_0326.jpg)
We stood in awe. We both knew my shot was off but what a blessing that turned out to be. A jugular shot is indeed deadly. This bear left one incredible blood trail.
(http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a236/ChrisFannin/Bear%20Hunt/100_0328.jpg)
I looked back at Luke as he was running to me. We cautiously approached the slough and looked down to find the bear.
(http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a236/ChrisFannin/Bear%20Hunt/100_0326.jpg)
We stood in awe. We both knew my shot was off but what a blessing that turned out to be. A jugular shot is indeed deadly. This bear left one incredible blood trail.
(http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a236/ChrisFannin/Bear%20Hunt/100_0328.jpg)
Title: Re: Follow the Blood Trail
Post by: juneaulongbow on May 15, 2006, 11:04:00 AM
Post by: juneaulongbow on May 15, 2006, 11:04:00 AM
I was shooting a Robertson Purist 55# @ 26" and an arrow Luke made out of a Ramin dowel. It was tipped with a 160 gr Ribtek and total arrow weight was about 650 grains.
(http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a236/ChrisFannin/Bear%20Hunt/100_0330.jpg)
(http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a236/ChrisFannin/Bear%20Hunt/100_0332.jpg)
(http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a236/ChrisFannin/Bear%20Hunt/100_0330.jpg)
(http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a236/ChrisFannin/Bear%20Hunt/100_0332.jpg)
Title: Re: Follow the Blood Trail
Post by: juneaulongbow on May 15, 2006, 11:07:00 AM
Post by: juneaulongbow on May 15, 2006, 11:07:00 AM
(http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a236/ChrisFannin/Bear%20Hunt/100_0342.jpg)
(http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a236/ChrisFannin/Bear%20Hunt/100_0344.jpg)
I'm packing out the meat and hide and you can see how immense the tide flat was in this picture, also how featureless it was.
(http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a236/ChrisFannin/Bear%20Hunt/100_0354.jpg)
(http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a236/ChrisFannin/Bear%20Hunt/100_0344.jpg)
I'm packing out the meat and hide and you can see how immense the tide flat was in this picture, also how featureless it was.
(http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a236/ChrisFannin/Bear%20Hunt/100_0354.jpg)
Title: Re: Follow the Blood Trail
Post by: Deadsmple on May 15, 2006, 11:16:00 AM
Post by: Deadsmple on May 15, 2006, 11:16:00 AM
Nice bear! So glad to see that in the end it worked out. Thanks for sharing.
Title: Re: Follow the Blood Trail
Post by: JC on May 15, 2006, 11:28:00 AM
Post by: JC on May 15, 2006, 11:28:00 AM
Great series of pics! Congratulations on a fine animal.
Title: Re: Follow the Blood Trail
Post by: Steve H. on May 15, 2006, 01:17:00 PM
Post by: Steve H. on May 15, 2006, 01:17:00 PM
WAY TO GO LITTLE BUDDY!!!!!!!!!!! Jugular, no way even better, Carotid Artery!
And, I think he a bit bigger of a bear than what you described on the phone!
And, I think he a bit bigger of a bear than what you described on the phone!
Title: Re: Follow the Blood Trail
Post by: BobCo 1965 on May 15, 2006, 01:27:00 PM
Post by: BobCo 1965 on May 15, 2006, 01:27:00 PM
Wow, that was a lot of blood! COngratulations!
Title: Re: Follow the Blood Trail
Post by: Goose on May 15, 2006, 01:28:00 PM
Post by: Goose on May 15, 2006, 01:28:00 PM
Cool, great job!
Goose
Goose
Title: Re: Follow the Blood Trail
Post by: David M. Mathis on May 15, 2006, 02:03:00 PM
Post by: David M. Mathis on May 15, 2006, 02:03:00 PM
Don't you just hate it when your best arrow is broken. Nice blackie!
Title: Re: Follow the Blood Trail
Post by: Aggie1993 on May 15, 2006, 02:07:00 PM
Post by: Aggie1993 on May 15, 2006, 02:07:00 PM
Sweet! Thanks for sharing.
Title: Re: Follow the Blood Trail
Post by: BigRonHuntAlot on May 15, 2006, 02:17:00 PM
Post by: BigRonHuntAlot on May 15, 2006, 02:17:00 PM
Great story and pics. Glad it worked out for you. Ya got a weight and length on that bruin?
Title: Re: Follow the Blood Trail
Post by: OconeeDan on May 15, 2006, 03:31:00 PM
Post by: OconeeDan on May 15, 2006, 03:31:00 PM
Congrats! Great story, thanks!
Title: Re: Follow the Blood Trail
Post by: Curtiss Cardinal on May 15, 2006, 03:56:00 PM
Post by: Curtiss Cardinal on May 15, 2006, 03:56:00 PM
Congratulations on an overall great job :thumbsup:
niiiiiiiiiiiice looking black bear!!["[heman]"]("graemlins/heman.gif" "\"\"")
niiiiiiiiiiiice looking black bear!
Title: Re: Follow the Blood Trail
Post by: 4runr on May 15, 2006, 05:19:00 PM
Post by: 4runr on May 15, 2006, 05:19:00 PM
Man, that's just too cool. Awesome pics! Great Bear! CONGRATS!!!
Title: Re: Follow the Blood Trail
Post by: 9 Mile Archer on May 15, 2006, 05:30:00 PM
Post by: 9 Mile Archer on May 15, 2006, 05:30:00 PM
Great story, it is really nice when a possible bad situation turns out better than ever could be expected. You bled him like cattle at a stock yard! :bigsmyl:
Title: Re: Follow the Blood Trail
Post by: Ontario Longbow on May 15, 2006, 05:46:00 PM
Post by: Ontario Longbow on May 15, 2006, 05:46:00 PM
Congratulation Chris,, Great hunt and great pics,, All the best ,, Frank.
Title: Re: Follow the Blood Trail
Post by: Steve H. on May 15, 2006, 07:49:00 PM
Post by: Steve H. on May 15, 2006, 07:49:00 PM
TTT
Too good to miss this thread!
Too good to miss this thread!
Title: Re: Follow the Blood Trail
Post by: ozarkcherrybow1 on May 15, 2006, 08:53:00 PM
Post by: ozarkcherrybow1 on May 15, 2006, 08:53:00 PM
Thanks for sharing with us. That stalk must have been a great RUSH! Expecially when he looked at you from 10 yards. congrats on your success....... :thumbsup: Terry
Title: Re: Follow the Blood Trail
Post by: Ken999 on May 15, 2006, 09:02:00 PM
Post by: Ken999 on May 15, 2006, 09:02:00 PM
Awesome pics and story!
Congratulations and thanks for sharing the story!
Congratulations and thanks for sharing the story!
Title: Re: Follow the Blood Trail
Post by: Bodork on May 15, 2006, 09:36:00 PM
Post by: Bodork on May 15, 2006, 09:36:00 PM
How do you keep any composure at ten yards? Gets my heart pumping just reading about it. That is an awesome story with great pictures. congratulations and thanks. Mike
Title: Re: Follow the Blood Trail
Post by: akoutdoors on May 15, 2006, 09:49:00 PM
Post by: akoutdoors on May 15, 2006, 09:49:00 PM
Congrats Chris. Nice bear. I don't recognize the tidal flat. I know I saw one about that big when Scott L. and I went paddling for a week in 2002. Only difference is, the bear I stalked eye-balled me and, after deliberation, I decided we should just be friends. He was a nice-sized bear but not as big as yours. He could have whupped me though.
I'm staying in J-town this summer. I'll look you up when I get there.
Brian K. Holder
P.S. Have you got a goat yet?
I'm staying in J-town this summer. I'll look you up when I get there.
Brian K. Holder
P.S. Have you got a goat yet?
Title: Re: Follow the Blood Trail
Post by: juneaulongbow on May 15, 2006, 09:52:00 PM
Post by: juneaulongbow on May 15, 2006, 09:52:00 PM
Thanks for all the nice comments guys.
Mike, although this is the first bear I've shot, I suppose if I had some sort of composure it comes from being around bears on a weekly if not daily basis in the summer up here. Guiding fishermen on salmon streams gives me the chance to see lots of bears. Also I sat watching this bear at 40 yards for 10+ minutes trying to figure out if it was a sow nursing cubs or what. That gave me a little time to compose myself, but my heart was racing for sure.
(http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a236/ChrisFannin/Bear%20Hunt/100_0353.jpg)
Mike, although this is the first bear I've shot, I suppose if I had some sort of composure it comes from being around bears on a weekly if not daily basis in the summer up here. Guiding fishermen on salmon streams gives me the chance to see lots of bears. Also I sat watching this bear at 40 yards for 10+ minutes trying to figure out if it was a sow nursing cubs or what. That gave me a little time to compose myself, but my heart was racing for sure.
(http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a236/ChrisFannin/Bear%20Hunt/100_0353.jpg)
Title: Re: Follow the Blood Trail
Post by: gregg dudley on May 15, 2006, 10:10:00 PM
Post by: gregg dudley on May 15, 2006, 10:10:00 PM
My buddy made a similar shot on a bear last year with the same result. You can't pick that spot, but if you accidently hit it, a dead critter is the quick result.
Title: Re: Follow the Blood Trail
Post by: the Ferret on May 15, 2006, 10:21:00 PM
Post by: the Ferret on May 15, 2006, 10:21:00 PM
NICE BEAR! Congrats :thumbsup:
Man that had to be cool sneaking up on him on that wide open flat.
Man that had to be cool sneaking up on him on that wide open flat.
Title: Re: Follow the Blood Trail
Post by: deerfly on May 16, 2006, 12:19:00 AM
Post by: deerfly on May 16, 2006, 12:19:00 AM
wow, 10yd shot, thats close and personal for a bear on a carcass. Glad to see the happy ending. - eric
Title: Re: Follow the Blood Trail
Post by: Woodduck on May 16, 2006, 01:03:00 AM
Post by: Woodduck on May 16, 2006, 01:03:00 AM
That's my idea of an ultimate 'Dream Hunt'...happy for you! Thanks for the read and the good pictures.
Title: Re: Follow the Blood Trail
Post by: kawika b on May 16, 2006, 01:10:00 AM
Post by: kawika b on May 16, 2006, 01:10:00 AM
chris,great story along with a great trophy. seeing those pics really stokes my fire and inspires me to become a hunter worthy to be here on T.G.
Title: Re: Follow the Blood Trail
Post by: The Ursus on May 16, 2006, 02:43:00 AM
Post by: The Ursus on May 16, 2006, 02:43:00 AM
I just about wet my pants watching the whole thing through my binoculars! I've never seen a critter loose so much blood so fast. Good thing the arrow he pulled from his quiver was the "trick arrow" I made to curve at the last second.
Someone earlier mentioned something about Chris's composure BEFORE the shot. You should have seen how quickly his composure went out the window when his arrow met flesh! That bear jumped up and let out this snarl-woof! and with, literaly, one jump Chris managed to retreat almost eight yards from the place he was standing when the arrow was loosed!
I wish there had been a video camera but I guess whenever the camera is around stuff like that never happens. I'll have that hunt filed away in my memory as one of the greatest. Thanks Chris!
Someone earlier mentioned something about Chris's composure BEFORE the shot. You should have seen how quickly his composure went out the window when his arrow met flesh! That bear jumped up and let out this snarl-woof! and with, literaly, one jump Chris managed to retreat almost eight yards from the place he was standing when the arrow was loosed!
I wish there had been a video camera but I guess whenever the camera is around stuff like that never happens. I'll have that hunt filed away in my memory as one of the greatest. Thanks Chris!
Title: Re: Follow the Blood Trail
Post by: SuperKodiak38 on May 16, 2006, 08:51:00 AM
Post by: SuperKodiak38 on May 16, 2006, 08:51:00 AM
Awesome!
Title: Re: Follow the Blood Trail
Post by: Chad Lewis on May 16, 2006, 09:20:00 AM
Post by: Chad Lewis on May 16, 2006, 09:20:00 AM
Congrats to both of you guys. The thing that makes a hunt like that is two friends enjoying time afield together and building memories in this day an age. Great job. Hopefully we'll get a story of the switch.
Title: Re: Follow the Blood Trail
Post by: Donavan Daniel on May 16, 2006, 09:22:00 AM
Post by: Donavan Daniel on May 16, 2006, 09:22:00 AM
That is a beautiful looking bear!
Cheers,
Donavan
Cheers,
Donavan
Title: Re: Follow the Blood Trail
Post by: Carcajou on May 16, 2006, 09:22:00 AM
Post by: Carcajou on May 16, 2006, 09:22:00 AM
Nothing better! Congratulations, Chris! Awesome story and a great trophy, especially the stalk, and the Robertson Purist!
What was the length of the longbow?
KUDOS!
What was the length of the longbow?
KUDOS!
Title: Re: Follow the Blood Trail
Post by: John/Alaska on May 16, 2006, 10:30:00 AM
Post by: John/Alaska on May 16, 2006, 10:30:00 AM
Nice bear! Great stalk! What did he square?
Thanx for sharig!
Thanx for sharig!
Title: Re: Follow the Blood Trail
Post by: hunt it on May 16, 2006, 11:19:00 AM
Post by: hunt it on May 16, 2006, 11:19:00 AM
Congrats!!
That is one awesome bear. Not bad for your first one!!!! You will spend alot of time finding a bigger one. Thanks for sharing your achievement, a fantastic one at that. Now, change them underwear and get working on the brown bear, bigger target no problem EH! I would ask your backup guy to bring something bigger than that .44!
That is one awesome bear. Not bad for your first one!!!! You will spend alot of time finding a bigger one. Thanks for sharing your achievement, a fantastic one at that. Now, change them underwear and get working on the brown bear, bigger target no problem EH! I would ask your backup guy to bring something bigger than that .44!
Title: Re: Follow the Blood Trail
Post by: nick_the_tinkerer on May 16, 2006, 11:59:00 AM
Post by: nick_the_tinkerer on May 16, 2006, 11:59:00 AM
WOW....how much did he weigh?
Awsome story
Awsome story
Title: Re: Follow the Blood Trail
Post by: juneaulongbow on May 16, 2006, 01:37:00 PM
Post by: juneaulongbow on May 16, 2006, 01:37:00 PM
My longbow is 62", the bear squares roughly 6ft with perhaps a little extra. We've already salted the hide and he's been shrinking. I guess he was 300 lbs give or take a few.
Here's the bear's view of the shot.
(http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a236/ChrisFannin/Bear%20Hunt/100_0316.jpg)
Here's the bear's view of the shot.
(http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a236/ChrisFannin/Bear%20Hunt/100_0316.jpg)
Title: Re: Follow the Blood Trail
Post by: Lee Viv on May 16, 2006, 02:05:00 PM
Post by: Lee Viv on May 16, 2006, 02:05:00 PM
Nice! I probably would have had to check my pants after being that close and shooting!
Congrats!
Lee :thumbsup: :notworthy:
Congrats!
Lee :thumbsup: :notworthy:
Title: Re: Follow the Blood Trail
Post by: Christopher Horsman on May 16, 2006, 05:55:00 PM
Post by: Christopher Horsman on May 16, 2006, 05:55:00 PM
Title: Re: Follow the Blood Trail
Post by: HARL on May 16, 2006, 10:42:00 PM
Post by: HARL on May 16, 2006, 10:42:00 PM
Great stuff fellas!!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Follow the Blood Trail
Post by: Jim Moore on May 17, 2006, 12:58:00 AM
Post by: Jim Moore on May 17, 2006, 12:58:00 AM
Hey Chris!! Way to go!
Crap but I miss it up there sometimes!!
Crap but I miss it up there sometimes!!
Title: Re: Follow the Blood Trail
Post by: DiamondD on May 17, 2006, 03:47:00 AM
Post by: DiamondD on May 17, 2006, 03:47:00 AM
Very nice bear!
Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for sharing.
Title: Re: Follow the Blood Trail
Post by: robertson on May 17, 2006, 04:16:00 AM
Post by: robertson on May 17, 2006, 04:16:00 AM
Nice story and very good bear
thanks for sharing
thanks for sharing
Title: Re: Follow the Blood Trail
Post by: Ak willy on May 17, 2006, 11:04:00 AM
Post by: Ak willy on May 17, 2006, 11:04:00 AM
Hey Chris,
Sweet.
Sounds like a ball.
Great photo's.
Been chasen them up here with little luck.
Anybody coming up for the Jay Massy shoot at the end of the month?
willy
Sweet.
Sounds like a ball.
Great photo's.
Been chasen them up here with little luck.
Anybody coming up for the Jay Massy shoot at the end of the month?
willy