spring 2019 bear hunt

[srupp]

Hmmm it was black 30...dark..I mentioned the popping just confirmed he was still there. .it however confirmed it was not calm and anxious..and yes it can be a sign of impending charge...the bear was in my mind deciding on fighting or fleeing..I wouldnt know untill he did..
We only now know what he didnt do..not why.
Srupp

[caddisguy]

That's how I interpret jaw popping.

"Hey mister! I'm here! I am putting you on notice that I'm here and you're giving me a bad dose of anxiety. Even I don't know how I will react. You have been warned!". I don't know anything about grizz, but I believe a bear in this state could snap.

I have had this a few times, most notable a sow with a couple cubs doing it for an hour or so in a patch of timber 30 yards away while I boned out a boar.

I have also been huffed, growled, snorted and stomped at. I think that's their entire dictionary?

A couple weeks back I was surprised how much some bears will give you an earful and tell you off (escalating in grumpy sounds) but not actually charge. I prefer those guys... but you never know what they'll do. Even they don't know what they will do. It's guesswork.

Standoffs are scary even in the day with a gun. Can't imagine with a grizz in the dark.

[HarryToolips]

Hmmm just in from 14 days bear hunt.seen 28 black bear helped 3 hunters achieve 3 blacks..first grizzly was close..second was epic..
Coming down from the snow after dark enjoying the wonderful light of the led light bar by rigid..came around the bend on a tight atv trail to encounter a 500 pound behemouth grizzly completely blocking my way.turning or retreating was not an option.
The bear was instantly agitated at my quad..and bounced on his front legs while shaking his head..I thought turning the engine off while keeping the lights on would sooth the savage beast.
BIG MISTAKE ...
In my clumsy attempt to hit the keys I hooked my finger through the key fob achieving both shutting off the engine AND lights AND sending the keys off into the brush..
Fine pickle..no extra keys, no lights and still just 25 yards to the bear. .
Was he still there ?
The popping of teeth assured me..yes he was..
I loaded up my .338 in the dark..complete dark and sorted through my day box for my day bag that held my FENIX $$$$$$$$ light..I snapped it on to still see urasus arctos horribbilious still there when seconds later the light crapped out.dont get much for $150..in this case less than 4 uses ! What a time for equipment failure..I should have had a second light..I should have had a second set of keys. .I should have been able to run. ..
After dealing with the situation....
I walked 2 kms to camp..2 flashlights,2 litres of water and 2 kms back to the atv..the keys were instantly found with a light..grrrrrr
Back home for a mocha coffee, and watch the stars and sunrise. .
I turned down all black bears encountered, met some wonderfull HBC members had an enjoyable camping hunting trip..home and then off for a week or 2 of flyfishing..
Cheers
Srupp

Lol that's quite the encounter, glad you're ok....

[Tim Tam Slam]

Glad to hear a happy ending to that story. Hope you get well soon Steven!