Terrace bear hunting

[gerrygoat]

I didn't want to hijack Quesnel Kids thread, BcBillies and me have thought about having a bunch of HBC'ers get together for a week end of bear hunting. Kind of like a bit of a bear derby, some camping but have it kid friendly so no partying and things like that just some guys getting together and having some fun. I guess it would be a bear hunt rated G :-D

Anyone interested?

My meat bear from last spring, it was the first kill my wife has been in on. A dream come true to be able to hunt with her.

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk31/gerrygoat/124_zps2231b4a8.jpg (http://s276.photobucket.com/user/gerrygoat/media/124_zps2231b4a8.jpg.html)

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk31/gerrygoat/130_zpse0bd7e0e.jpg (http://s276.photobucket.com/user/gerrygoat/media/130_zpse0bd7e0e.jpg.html)

[NorBC]

Sounds fun, sign me up gentleman.

[ru rancher]

if im not working id be interested in meeting you all ad hunting with!

[REMINGTON JIM]

WHEN ? you thinking of this happening there gerry ? :confused: :) RJ

[Quesnel Kid]

yeah for sure would come out and shoot the shit and maybe even a bear if I m lucky

[gerrygoat]

WHEN ? you thinking of this happening there gerry ? :confused: :) RJ

In May some time, we could figure the exact week end out amongst us.

[Ambush]

Do you have a camp location in mind?

[pnbrock]

ill hang with bcbillies anytime!!im sure your a good guy too :) where you thinking?

[gerrygoat]

I don't know if BcBillies will be able to make it, hopefully he can. I was thinking somewhere near Sand lake so guys can head north into the Nass and south into the Skeena, there is a lot of ground to cover that way. We could also camp at Dragon lake and then hunt the Nass, a ton of areas to check out there. Things are open to decide right now.....

[winchester284]

I'm definitely in! Would be good to meet some of you.

[NorBC]

Sand lake is money, we could all probably tag out right in camp. well so is the cranberry, and all of the nass really.. God i cant wait for bears to open up.

[two-feet]

Sounds like a right good time.

[gerrygoat]

Sand lake is money, we could all probably tag out right in camp. well so is the cranberry, and all of the nass really.. God i cant wait for bears to open up.

The whole Kalum going on up to the Nass is excellent, I can't wait either :)

As for dates the first half of May is prime time, the May long week end would be about as late as I would want to go. You can still get bears well into June but you will see more in May.

[Kitimat Killer]

Im in for it time to get the bow ready and the bang stick

[warnniklz]

If I don't get my grizz draw... I just may make the trip out for this.

[kilometers]

I Can't believe theirs this many people from the terrace area on here.
Dont know how this season will be for me. First kid is due in June!

[gerrygoat]

Things have changed with all the new guys showing up here to work, there weren't that many before.

Glad there is a lot of interest, should be fun.

[BCbillies]

If I get a grizz draw I will be in the area in mid May and wouldn't mind looking for blackies. If it's anything like last year with the lack of snow they could be tougher to find. I mentioned the "bear derby" last year in the office and may have some takers from the south. Nice to chase the coastal bears again as they're a little beefyer than what I'm seeing here! ;)

[gerrygoat]

We should decide on a date, A quick look at the calender May 10-11, 17-18 or the long weekend jump out. I wouldn't want to have it after the long weekend since there isn't much snow this year and we could have a quick melt off.

[islandarcher]

I'd be interested in a spring hunt for sure Gerry.

[Neff]

Hmmm coastal bears. Might be able to round up enough guys to split fuel costs with BCbillies to make a trip. Hospitality of the Terrace folks I met last fall on our goat trip was top notch.

[Krico]

Some fiends and I had a bear derby a few years ago, we had a blast! Some bruins hit the dirt and we laughed our asses off all weekend. Good times.

[smeegle]

i have always been interested in bear hunting and never did growing up on vancouver island, i recently relocated to rupert for a teaching job and would love to tag along for a trip if there is room!

[Good Old Outdoors]

I'm new to the kitimat area, I did some spring bear hunting out here, saw a bear that I'm going to be looking for this spring. I would be interested in hunting and exploring new areas so I'm in.

Tristan

[BromBones]

Digging up a bit older thread here -

I'd be up for a bear hunt this spring. Been in Terrace for a year and a bit, figure I should meet some of the hunting community one of these days. If the dates fall during my days off, would definitely be interested.

[BCbillies]

Hmmm coastal bears. Might be able to round up enough guys to split fuel costs with BCbillies to make a trip. Hospitality of the Terrace folks I met last fall on our goat trip was top notch.

10-4. Even the boys in the Nass were extremely welcoming and brought us a home cooked meal while we were glassing goats. Would love to make a trip for bbear. . . just have to see what the gbear draws bring, plus all the other family commitments and trips and "w o r k"! The longweekend would be good dates for a bear derby.

[gerrygoat]

I was thinking the long week end would be the best too and head up to the Nass where there is a lot of room to hunt. The only thing we will need to find is a good place to camp, the Dragon Lake campsite will likely be quite full on a long week end. With a bit of pre scouting I'm sure we can find a good place easily away from the crowds.

[NorBC]

I like your idea of Sand lake it should be quiet, and still close.

[argyle1]

soounds like a lot of fun!!

[gerrygoat]

The big dump of snow we just had should help with the bear hunting, there wasn't much snow in the mountains until the last month or so. When the snow melts too early the bear hunting isn't as good since they have much more green areas to choose from. It is pretty funny that bear season will open in about three weeks, don't think too many will be out any time soon :)

[swampthing]

I have had business at kitwanga junction and may still be around then. Got a grizz trip the last week of may but will see when you guys roll into this trip. Maybe get to fondle gerrygoats LH 264?

[gerrygoat]

I hope it is sold by then but you never know lol

[NorBC]

Would be nice to come across my grizz during this tourney. Everyone keep your eyes peeled!

[warnniklz]

Would be nice to come across my grizz during this tourney. Everyone keep your eyes peeled!

I got a calf rope... if I see one I'll tie him up for ya

[NorBC]

I got a calf rope... if I see one I'll tie him up for ya

Thats really all I ask.

[gerrygoat]

The hunt is still on, NorBC and I checked things out a couple of weekends ago and decided we should camp on the north side of the Beaver since it looks like the powerline building is done at least there. We still could do the May long weekend unless you guys want to move it up earlier. I'm exited to head out with you guys and see someone hammer some bears :) I'll be going out this weekend for sure :)

[warnniklz]

I still wanna go... but I'm the only "parts guy" at work at the moment.... getting time off will be tricky

[NorBC]

I have a rugby tourney maylong, so earlier would be nice.. ive only seen two so far this spring and they were way to small... also i havent managed to see anything on the nass highway yet.

[gerrygoat]

Unless some objects how about we make it for May 10-11? We can set up after work on Friday the 9th and go from there. In my experience the next 2 weekends are prime time for bear hunting :)

[warnniklz]

Don't go switching dates on my part. I'm the only one at work for another 3 weeks... so I won't be able to make it.

[NorBC]

Gerry I have a feeling it's gonna be just the two of us again..

[Quesnel Kid]

I wont be able to camp out as I have been volentold to help out at the roller derby bout on the 10th but will come out early on the 11th and meet up with who ever is camping.

[Gnarly]

I can do the 10-11th and would love to take part, me and another fella at work were gonna go bear hunting that weekend anyways. If you could pm me the details

[Caribou_lou]

Second Weekend in May would work for me. Dragon lake would be best. That way I could go in on the Cranberry from highway 37.

[gerrygoat]

I was out on the weekend and there was no bear sign in the Kalum/Cedar/ Beaver. Lots of grass down low but going up even a little bit in elevation and there is lots of snow, if the Cedar wasn't plowed there would be no way to drive it. We did see 3 bears in the Nass and there was a lot less snow at least where we were. So maybe Dragon Lake would be best and we could keep it the second weekend of May. I know it isn't ideal for all but I believe it would be our best chance for next weeked, the bears have to be coming out soon and the weather looks good for this week.

What do you guys think? Gnarly, I can pm you the details in the next couple of days.

[NorBC]

Sounds good. I found an actual shooter the other day, so I'm going to persue him.. Even if I cut a tag I will come out for the weekend and help pack!

[Quesnel Kid]

I m down will be there early on Sunday morning. Anybody else going to drive out in the morning Sunday? Looking forward to meeting some more hunters

[gerrygoat]

Sounds good. I found an actual shooter the other day, so I'm going to persue him.. Even if I cut a tag I will come out for the weekend and help pack!


I hope you can tag him, the picture you sent of him looks good. Now you just need a grizz to show up for you :)

[gerrygoat]

I m down will be there early on Sunday morning. Anybody else going to drive out in the morning Sunday? Looking forward to meeting some more hunters


I'm looking forward to meeting you guys too.

[NorBC]

just got in from a evening hunt. saw the biggest bear ive ever seen.. of course its on private land. noticed a sign that said "we sell hay" with their phone number.. gave it a ring.. asked if i could bow hunt their property. even offered a handsome purse. some people just aren't for sale...

back to the other bear.

[gerrygoat]

We will just have to find you another big one, they are out there :)

[NorBC]

Bear down.. Will post later

[BCbillies]

Bear down.. Will post later

Looks like a gooder via text . . .

[warnniklz]

Found this before I checked my text...

[gerrygoat]

Looks nice to me too, looking forward to the story.

[gerrygoat]

Looks like Dragon Lake would be best, I plan on being there Friday night. Hopefully there will be some camping spots open, that is the only possible problem I could see but not something that would be hard to get around. If anyone needs directions there just pm me or one of the other guys. Should be a fun time :)

[hunter1947]

If it unfolds should be a great time for family's and friends wish you luck on making it happen..

[warnniklz]

Sorry guys... was going to post this last night. But kinda went sideways last night. But here's NORBC's bear

https://fbcdn-photos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/t1.0-0/10308254_10154117568735387_9183776790897038892_n.j pg

https://fbcdn-photos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/t1.0-0/10259730_10154117568660387_5897811808229515041_n.j pg

[gerrygoat]

I'm heading out, if I get a bear tonight I'll bring it home and come out again tomorrow. I have a white single cab GMC pick up.

[gerrygoat]

5:40 this morning, I'll fill in the details later........

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk31/gerrygoat/P1010815_zps242bac0c.jpg (http://s276.photobucket.com/user/gerrygoat/media/P1010815_zps242bac0c.jpg.html)

[ThinAir]

Eagerly awaiting the story gerrygoat!

[Ambush]

Very nice! Congrats. And you sure didn't take all day doing it. Home for family breakfast?

Not much green in the background, salad bar must be slim pickings still.

Heading out in a few hours myself and hopefully find something with a little longer claws. :wink: :-D

[BCbillies]

Looks like a great start to the derby. NorBC and Gerry got in early with nice bears . . . pick up another tag and get at er again!

[gerrygoat]

He is a medium sized boar, had a perfect hide on him and quite fat. Shot him at about 50 yards with my 35 Whelen, a 200 gr Accubond started at 2840 fps, one shot and straight down. I didn't see many bears or sign, it seems like they are still coming out.

Pretty tough to take pictures by yourself lol

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk31/gerrygoat/P1010819_zps107a9a1a.jpg (http://s276.photobucket.com/user/gerrygoat/media/P1010819_zps107a9a1a.jpg.html)

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk31/gerrygoat/P1010827_zps3f6c6ce4.jpg (http://s276.photobucket.com/user/gerrygoat/media/P1010827_zps3f6c6ce4.jpg.html)

The mighty Nass River....

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk31/gerrygoat/P1010831_zps67337f07.jpg (http://s276.photobucket.com/user/gerrygoat/media/P1010831_zps67337f07.jpg.html)

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk31/gerrygoat/P1010833_zpsbd0e4afe.jpg (http://s276.photobucket.com/user/gerrygoat/media/P1010833_zpsbd0e4afe.jpg.html)

[gerrygoat]

Recovered 200 gr Accubond - 138 gr (69%) .660" diameter

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk31/gerrygoat/P1010837_zps3733a026.jpg (http://s276.photobucket.com/user/gerrygoat/media/P1010837_zps3733a026.jpg.html)

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk31/gerrygoat/P1010838_zpsbd6b1afc.jpg (http://s276.photobucket.com/user/gerrygoat/media/P1010838_zpsbd6b1afc.jpg.html)

[TSW]

Good job Gerry!! I was stuck doing flooring today but this looks more fun. Congrats!

[Quesnel Kid]

Went out to Dragon lake yesterday morning in the hopes that people where still there, but there was no one. Sounds like GarryGoat may have been the only guy out camping anyway. Hunted my way back to Terrace; saw two mommas with cubs one small boar with a bad limp that if he wasn't just off the highway I would have taken to prevent a slow and pain full death. I don't know if he had been in a fight, got hit by a car, or shot he wasn't moving very fast and I felt bad for the poor guy. I did spot on good size bear about a km from were I was glassing from, unfortunately my stock was blown by another hunter driving up the road. Grrrrrr.

Nice Bear GG hope I can add one to the tread sooner then later.

QK

[NorBC]

Good job Gerry, I was excited when I got that txt. Eddy sorry I didn't make it out with ya Sunday. If you wanna go after work either tonight, or Wednesday I'm free, but then I'm gone for maylong. I already purchased another tag in hope for finding that big pig off the farm land!

[firstshot]

Went out with my wife last Sunday and she hammered a nice blackie. Our spot was just crawling with bears. Ill post a proper story later this week. Also seen some griz tracks, 8.5'' wide in the front. Would of been nice to catch a glimpse of that one.

[gerrygoat]

Looking forward to the story, congrats to her :) Yes there are some really big grizzlies here.......

[NorBC]

Well quesnel kid has had a week to post, and still nothing..so I'll update that he got a nice hog the other weekend. Dropped with his 270wsm!

[gerrygoat]

I know he got one but no stories or pics yet, hopefully soon.

[Quesnel Kid]

OK fellas time for my bear story.

My folks were here over May long so I was unable to get out until Monday night after they left. I drove up the N Kitimat, I had been up there a couple times and thought the cut blocks looked just right for spring Bears. I was driving along glassing and I caught a quick glimpse of what looked like a decent Bear way up near the top of an old block. I land marked the spot and kept driving until I found the access road into the block. Turned out I couldn't drive very far and I was a good km from where I though the Bear was. Not to be deterred I grabbed my back and head in his direction.

I was able to walk right up to the spot I saw him on the old road, but of course didn't see him when I got there. I was just getting myself to a good vantage point to sit and glass for a bit when I spotted the big fella standing up on a stump looking down at me. I quickly dropped my pack, found a good rest, and got the scope on him. Was clear he was a mature boar but the shot was further then I really wanted; after reading NorBC post I wanted to get up close and personal before taking the shot this year. Turned out I had lots of time to analyze the shot and get comfy as he proceeded to lay down and have a sleep. As I was waiting for him to stand up another Bear appeared out of the shurb above him, it appeared to be a younger boar or a dry sow would have made for an awesome double header. To make a long story sort I ended up shooting a stump above the Bear to get him to stand up so I could shoot him. The shot ended up being somewhere around 250-300 yrd it is hard to tell in steep terrain, but one shot with the 270wsm with 150 grain partition and he dropped went through his hart and lungs and existed through the shoulder. I was very impressed with the performance of the cartridge did a hell of a lot better job then my 30-06 did last year.

Was able just to roll him down the the old road for processing, was in a bit of a rush as it was getting dark and I knew that other Bear was around somewhere. Got the whole Bear and the hide (including the head) into my backpack and made a very slow and painful trip back to my truck.

Of course I forgot my camera and phone so no field pics unfortunately.

http://s871.photobucket.com/user/edplant/media/Hunting%202014/IMG_01501_zpse57b3671.jpg.html?sort=3&o=0

[REMINGTON JIM]

Congrats QK on your bear Kill - to bad no camera :cry: - Oh Well ! But you got it all in your mind for ever ! :-D Cheers RJ

[Quesnel Kid]

I do have a photo of it all skinned out but can not figure out how to in bed it into the post. Someone help me with this computer Voodoo.
http://s871.photobucket.com/user/edplant/media/Hunting%202014/IMG_01501_zpse57b3671.jpg.html?sort=3&o=0

[REMINGTON JIM]

Got the picture - looks Good ! :) whats the dog think of the bear ? RJ

[gerrygoat]

http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab272/edplant/Hunting%202014/IMG_01501_zpse57b3671.jpg (http://s871.photobucket.com/user/edplant/media/Hunting%202014/IMG_01501_zpse57b3671.jpg.html)

[gerrygoat]

Congrats on the bear, the 270 WSM and 150 gr Partition is a great combo as you found out :)

Just copy the IMG link and paste into your thread, it's that easy.

[warnniklz]

Awesome! Was Mountain Molly with you?

[d6dan]

5:40 this morning, I'll fill in the details later........

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk31/gerrygoat/P1010815_zps242bac0c.jpg (http://s276.photobucket.com/user/gerrygoat/media/P1010815_zps242bac0c.jpg.html)

Nice bear. :-D I see your using the 35 Whelen and 6x Leupold..Nice combo. Congrats...

[DMD]

Well long time lurker here and beginner hunter from Terrace. It's been great to follow all the stories here. I must say they have peaked my interest in Black Bear hunting, however it is something that I have never actually eaten. Would any of you Terrace guys be willing to trade a little bear meat. I have some QCI deer or home grown pork. Or maybe we could work something else out. I would just really like to try the meat before harvesting a bear only to learn that I really don't like it.

[two-feet]

Well long time lurker here and beginner hunter from Terrace. It's been great to follow all the stories here. I must say they have peaked my interest in Black Bear hunting, however it is something that I have never actually eaten. Would any of you Terrace guys be willing to trade a little bear meat. I have some QCI deer or home grown pork. Or maybe we could work something else out. I would just really like to try the meat before harvesting a bear only to learn that I really don't like it.

Get this man some sausage and make him a convert !