Wounded Warriors In Action.. Wild TV bear hunt

[srupp]

So I was invited by Mr. Doug McMann of Skinner Creek outfitters to help guide the wounded warriors in action 2014 black bear hunt. It was also being filmed for the wild TV hunting channel. To say that this area is one of the most beautiful in British Columbia is an understatement, it's high rugged mountains covered in snow, its lush green valleys valleys the cold crystal clear lakes. An abundance of black bears and grizzly bears that keep their prime coats late into the season due to the cold nights, Moose, wolves deer and goats, also are found in the immediate area..as well as some incredible fishing . I arrived a few days early and Doug and I set out to look the area over, and pre-scout for black bear activity and areas to avoid for grizzlies.... I am certain that we saw over eight harvestable adult bears and Doug furthered my education in his knowledge of the local area, Meadows, fields and areas that we could glass for a spot and stock hunting situation.
Here are some of the tremendous scenic photos of the area that we were blessed to hunt, and that these American soldiers, and the Saskatchewan film crew would surely draw some inspiration.

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d47/srupp/SRR_5851.jpg (http://s32.photobucket.com/user/srupp/media/SRR_5851.jpg.html)

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d47/srupp/SRR_5854.jpg (http://s32.photobucket.com/user/srupp/media/SRR_5854.jpg.html)
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d47/srupp/SRR_5870.jpg (http://s32.photobucket.com/user/srupp/media/SRR_5870.jpg.html)

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d47/srupp/SRR_5862.jpg (http://s32.photobucket.com/user/srupp/media/SRR_5862.jpg.html)

[44inchStone]

There are FEW Canadian Veterans that get these great opportunities. Some yes but the majority have been for Americans. Not 100% why but it seems to be what I've read, watched on other Canadian Hunting shows and from other outfitters that are absolutly the best for donating their time, homes and areas to our soldiers.
Americans or Canadians vets......made from the same cloth and served their country's well. Just would be nice to see more of our troops in on these. Thanks for offering your guiding time too SRUPP! You a stand up guy.

[44inchStone]

I forgot to thank Mr. Doug McMann of Skinner Creek outfitters as well. It would not be possible for our soldiers to fulfill a dream hunt without him or his team! So thank you!!

[srupp]

Doug is not just very knowledgeable in hunting cougars Lynx Moose deer black bear and grizzlies he is also a very capable woodsman.. A great guy to spend the day in the wilds of British Columbia and a very generous individual who realizes the sacrifice of these heroes and was willing to host these hunters. Both hunters were from the USA, and between the two of them had three purple hearts awarded for being wounded in combat. And it's not the first time Doug has hosted these heroes from various conflicts. His wife Julie... And her awesome meals.. And Doug have opened their home and their hearts these courageous individuals, and for both the soldiers it was their first time ever seeing a black bear... Let alone coming here to harvest one. Along with the hunters.. Justin and Chad were the vice president of Wild TV... Scott, and his cameraman and editor Dan. Added to this merry band of renegades was an American businessman executive who had helped host these two hero hunters. The idea was to film an episode of wild TV using Doug's cougar hounds to ensure that the action was constant all day long, hair straight back, and as exciting as could be portrayed on any TV program. I can't remember seeing bears being hunted with dogs.... And would certainly stand in stark contrast to sitting in a tree over a barrel of popcorn...

However as the action would be fast and furious the trick would be to catch it all on camera and from the 25 1/2 hours of video shot try to render that down into a 23 and half minute show. When the dogs struck on a bear, there was no telling the size or if it was a wet sow, or a small boar... The action was instantaneous and one never knew until they were under the tree what exactly they had chased. The the hunt started on a very ominous manner with both hunters being delayed with their flights, It just never happens... But it did with both hunters. To the credit of Tatlyoko Valley two separate individuals volunteered to drive the two and half hours to Williams Lake and pick up these hunters.. And return them safely to the launch. It was also new experience working with the camera crew and editor and vice president of wild TV, they really are the experts putting out an enjoyable concise edition of what was actually accomplished during the eight day hunt.. Ensuring that it was fit for public entertainment and would captivate every Hunter watching.
Each day started at 6 AM with a hearty wonderful breakfast at 7 AM load up the dogs and hit the road... The dogs working from the pickup box scenting for bear... And the chase was on... Every single day we treed bears... And on some occasions even the spot and stock method was successful. The end of the day usually around 10 PM with a nourishing amazing supper provided by Julie and one meal by my wife Susan(her famous lasagna) and by 1130 the crew was slowly making their way up the hill to the cabins... Each and every day was a 17 hour fun filled memory.
At no time during the 11 days. I see anyone consume alcohol... Everyone was too tired and too excited to need any other sort of stimulant or sleeping assistance.
Both hunters were gentleman, show themselves well at the gun range, and stood up and got the job done when it counted. But remember these guys have never ever seen a bear... And yet on Justin's first day, within the first 15 min. he not only got to see his first bear... But he got to see just how impressive a 7'2" squared black bear is in person. Was he excited?? Hell yeah... On the way into the bear, which was treed in the swamp... Justin lost his leg literally.... His artificial leg fell off and he was given a timeout to replace it... No penalty..lol moments later just in saws first Canadian black bear and harvested the seven foot 2 in. monster

[Ron.C]

Great cause,

I have a couple friends that were injured in Afghanistan, and one that was killed on another mission. Would love to see all of them have this opportunity.

good for you for helping out.

[srupp]

44 inchStone, you are incorrect in your assumptions, Doug has repeatedly tried to offer this same package to Canadian Purple Heart soldiers, and has so far met with no acceptance from a Canadian soldier. Please if you know of someone who is been wounded in action and is Canadian I'll put you in touch with Doug and I know he'd be only too willing to make the same offer to a wounded Canadian . However let's get on with the story and leave these details for another time and another place.. Send me a PM and I will call you.
Cheers Steven

[srupp]

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d47/srupp/SRR_5886.jpg (http://s32.photobucket.com/user/srupp/media/SRR_5886.jpg.html)

[srupp]

hmmm left to right... Doug outfitter and head guide, Jeff American executive and a hell of a good guy, Justin.. Double Purple Heart recipient, the bear(played by himself..lol) this bear was 6 foot six in length and 14 inches wider so he squared 7foot 2 inches, Scott vice president Wild TV, and Dan 40 cameramen and editor.

[srupp]

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d47/srupp/SRR_5887.jpg (http://s32.photobucket.com/user/srupp/media/SRR_5887.jpg.html)

filming the day Chad got his bear

[srupp]

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d47/srupp/SRR_5882.jpg (http://s32.photobucket.com/user/srupp/media/SRR_5882.jpg.html)

[srupp]

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d47/srupp/SRR_5879.jpg (http://s32.photobucket.com/user/srupp/media/SRR_5879.jpg.html)

[srupp]

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d47/srupp/DSCN4063.jpg (http://s32.photobucket.com/user/srupp/media/DSCN4063.jpg.html)

[srupp]

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d47/srupp/2014-06-06_12_52_01.jpg (http://s32.photobucket.com/user/srupp/media/2014-06-06_12_52_01.jpg.html)

[srupp]

So opportunities presented themselves... And when filming so much has to come together in such a short time that opportunities were missed, however lots of bears were seen, many many miles were put on in chase... And Scott and Dan from Wild TV... Seemed to be genuinely impressed with the effort, the quality of the hunt, the amount of bears and the idea of pursuing them with dogs was an exciting concept they seem to get behind.
Each day... All 17 hours was spent in laughter in laughter, conversation, enjoyment truly a remarkable group of individuals gathered together from two nations to enjoy some camaraderie and introduce these two hunters to black bears, get them two great bears and film a TV show... No problem.
Next we get to Chad... This gentleman arrived a little hesitant and what to expect , and started off somewhat reserved....

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d47/srupp/SRR_5889.jpg (http://s32.photobucket.com/user/srupp/media/SRR_5889.jpg.html)

[srupp]

When one night the dogs got too far into the mountains to be retrieved, everyone headed for Camp and we watched GPS monitors to see where the dogs were... And Doug and Chad walked in during the middle of the night and collected the dogs. Totally exhausted... We figure they were on the grizzly trail..yikes!!!
Over the course of the next few days the therapy of being among friends, of being accepted and knowning there were skilled experienced professionals.. Chad hit his stride... And the transformation was amazing. Was a very positive individual.... And one night when he came back to the lodge.. He said to Julie "I hurt too much "he went on to explain he had been laughing continuously from morning to night the past few days..so hard that his sides hurt.
That my friends is a level of success... that Exceeds even the highest expectation....

One day I stopped to "make some water "the next thing I know Chad is jumping in the driver seat...the drivers seat of MY RIG.. And the three Americans head over the hill ... Laughingly like 3...13-year-olds at their first sleepover...

Chads day arrived the dogs hit a fresh scent... And this time they treed the boar... This time of year bears concentration goes from grass to ass... So each encounter was 50-50...had they followed the boar.. Or as many times the followed the sow.
In the end Chad got an amazing 6 foot two Primo boar.

[guest]

Cool Steven ! Good on ya ! Nice looking BB

Thanks to those that Serve.

[srupp]

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d47/srupp/SRR_5870.jpg (http://s32.photobucket.com/user/srupp/media/SRR_5870.jpg.html)

[srupp]

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d47/srupp/SRR_5878.jpg (http://s32.photobucket.com/user/srupp/media/SRR_5878.jpg.html)

[srupp]

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d47/srupp/Chadsbear2.jpg (http://s32.photobucket.com/user/srupp/media/Chadsbear2.jpg.html)

[srupp]

Now we get to the important part, the dogs. In my estimation it's this that makes this such a special hunt... The use of exceptionally trained, supremely conditioned... Multidisciplined dogs... The same ones Doug uses for cougar Lynx and black bears. Doug has enough dogs that after 17 hours they get a day off and are only too eager to start the next one.
I'm going to enclose some photos of the dogs that at the end of the day literally collapsed onto each other in fitful sleep... An exceptional amount of dogs got scratched, Clawed and bit... More than several doses of penicillin were administered... It's kind of fitting that these dogs give their all for the soldiers who were willing to give their all in both left some of themselves on the battlefield, on all our behalf's.

[srupp]

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d47/srupp/P10100140001-1.jpg (http://s32.photobucket.com/user/srupp/media/P10100140001-1.jpg.html)

[srupp]

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d47/srupp/LiandOscarhavingabreak.jpg (http://s32.photobucket.com/user/srupp/media/LiandOscarhavingabreak.jpg.html)

[srupp]

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d47/srupp/DSCN4069.jpg (http://s32.photobucket.com/user/srupp/media/DSCN4069.jpg.html)

[srupp]

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d47/srupp/P10100200001.jpg (http://s32.photobucket.com/user/srupp/media/P10100200001.jpg.html)

[srupp]

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d47/srupp/takingarest.jpg (http://s32.photobucket.com/user/srupp/media/takingarest.jpg.html)

[srupp]

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d47/srupp/SRR_5890.jpg (http://s32.photobucket.com/user/srupp/media/SRR_5890.jpg.html)

[srupp]

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d47/srupp/SRR_5902.jpg (http://s32.photobucket.com/user/srupp/media/SRR_5902.jpg.html)

[srupp]

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d47/srupp/SRR_5908.jpg (http://s32.photobucket.com/user/srupp/media/SRR_5908.jpg.html)

[srupp]

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d47/srupp/SRR_5911.jpg (http://s32.photobucket.com/user/srupp/media/SRR_5911.jpg.html)

[srupp]

It was my privilege and pleasure to be able to try and help Doug during these 11 days... As we put out the Canadian hospitality and Doug's incredible knowledge and talent to assist these war heros... Doug is already got two soldiers for next year's hunt.... I can't possibly pass on what transpired every day... Just that it was an overwhelming success, Wild TV will edit the 25 hours of video and sometime next spring he played on Wild TV.
And in conclusion I would like to point out we left some crankers STILL out there for next year...
Oh and Jeff got a black bear with his bow and arrow...

cheers

Steven

[srupp]

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d47/srupp/bigbrown.jpg (http://s32.photobucket.com/user/srupp/media/bigbrown.jpg.html)

continued next spring
srr

[Foxtail]

Wow! What an awesome story. Thanks for sharing. Which state were each of the guys from?

[Good2bCanadian]

Great read.
Thanks for sharing.

These fine gentleman deserve this.

[Big Lew]

Absolutely fantastic writeup and pictures Steven! You praise all the individuals involved, especially Mr. Doug Mc Mann of Skinner Creek Outfitters who most certainly deserves special recognition and commendation for his generosity, but you and Susan also were part of the successful experience. You never cease to amaze me my friend, good for you.

[Scuba_Dave]

Don't know if its just something thats being portrayed by television or not. But just for the records Wounded Warriors Canada and the one in the states are separate entities. They share a name and cause but for legalities are separate. So it is the onus of those at WWC to either approach these companies offering hunting trips to vets or the outfitters to put it out there. Don't know if WWC actually gets behind any of this. But I know the organization I volunteer at, Military Minds Inc, would. Srupp, 44inch if you amazing folks know of anything like this going on and would like to get Canadian vets onboard, and Canadian vets only. PM me and we can work on it. Thanks Srupp for what you did on this trip BTW. Not a lot of people are willing to do it surprisingly. I have been in the military for 10 years now and you would be surprised how many people think we are just baby killers and don't give to shakes. So thanks for helping my brothers out :)

[Scuba_Dave]

Also don't know if this was something organized by WWC or Wounded Warriors America...Just going off the title of the post :)

[srupp]

Hmmm its amazing what can be achieved when you dont care who gets the credit.I purposefully stayed in the background do what I could to help, it was about the soldiars and Dougs ability with the dogs..my limited mobility was an issue, and the tim e of the season..mating..and high incidence of grizzly activity made spot and stalk playing distant fiddle to these amazing dogs...
Lol...and yes its true one night I mistook one of Julies deserts for a dinner bisquit..applied margarine...when Julie noted one missing...Dan the cameraman caught the incident on camera..much to my embarrasment...
I was there to help in whatever way I could, drive, scout, skin, butcher..mostly try and make it fun..with the amount of laughter, and good natured fun...I am certain that was a succes.
Its Doug and Julies generosity, the dogs ability and Wild Tvs ideas and exemplary camera man..a tremendous team effort,
And a Special mention to Elora...who came and cooked while Julie was at Doug and Julies son Coltons graduation....I was just Blessed being there.
Srr

[srupp]

Scuba Dave...I believe its a differnt organization altogether? Wounded Warriors In action...Doug has repeatadly told me he has tried to get wounded Canadian soldiars on this event so far no luck.
Cheers
Steven

[Scuba_Dave]

You might have been in the "background" Srupp. But a vet just caught it lol...So for that I say thank you, from all those who won't see this and know, to you.

[Scuba_Dave]

Oh okay good to know, I honestly haven't heard of them personally. If you have communications with him. Tell him to message the Facebook group "Military Minds Inc" and just ask for "Scuba" or David lol...If he needs the help getting Canadian vets on this, I am most certain we can accommodate some people for him :)

[Scuba_Dave]

And just so there is no need to worry we are a registered Non For Profit organization lol

[chilcotin hillbilly]

it was a pleasure to have Steve, drive the bus(commonly refered to as the pavement princess) so to speak on this great hunt.We definately had a full belly and alot of laughs for 7 days straight.
Next season we are doing a" joint operation" any help in lining up a Canadian vet preferably from the past 2 wars (only to have common ground with the hero coming up from the states.) When I got into this it really was a game changer for me, my family and anyone involved.

The organization is www.wwiaf.org They only serve the wounded in combat and only do hunting and fishing trips. The founder still pays into his foundation yearly to keep hero's in the field.

thanks for your service Scuba Dave!

[Scuba_Dave]

My honour Chilcotin :) I do it cause I love it. Most of the people we work with are from Afghanistan, almost all from around my age (30ish). I will give the website a look :)

[Scuba_Dave]

And thanks for posting the website Chilcotin. Also thanks to both of you, like I said in a previous message, not a lot of people give back to those who give all. Its nice to see...You guys didnt have to volunteer your time, but you still did and it means a lot. Thank you :)

[Philcott]

Steve,

Thanks for posting this incredibly selfless thread. Thank you, Doug and everyone who participated in making this trip happen once more. It's a great gift you have to be able to share this experience with the Vets.

[325 wsm]

One of my all time favourite threads on HBC so thought I would bring it back in light of all the other crap going on.

[chilcotin hillbilly]

One of my all time favourite threads on HBC so thought I would bring it back in light of all the other crap going on.

thanks 325,
There will be more next week as I bringing in a a young man on a lynx hunt. I will be sure to post some pictures. June is the big one as we will have both a Canadian and an American here to kill some bear.
Last years hunt would be airing in the next few months on Wild TV
I am still looking for a Canadian wounded in action vet for the bear hunt.
Have a great Christmas, that includes you GG

[REMINGTON JIM]

Agreed ! Very KOOL ! i have meet Srupp and i hope to hunt with him this spring - i would like too meet the Hillbilly some time too ! :smile: RJ

[Bear Chaser]

Great thread. I enjoyed it immensely.

Thank you to all involved for doing this.

[markomoose]

Great work Doug!You are a champion of the cause!Merry Christmas!

[srupp]

Hmmmm one amazingly generous , kind familly, truly my priviledge to try and be a help to Doug as he yet again gave everthing to host this event..even missing his son, grad..for Doug its the season to be giving all year long.
Definatly one of the 2 highlites of 2014..
Cheers
Steven