spring 2019 bear hunt

[srupp]

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

[DDD]

Steven, love that you started this one with “hmmm”. Glad your bear in the dark episode end well too!
Hope your fishing trip is great.

D

[whitlers]

Holly crap!! That sounds freakin intense! Terrible time to have light failure. I don't know what I would have done in that situation.

[IronNoggin]

JezHus Buddy, one of these days you are going to push the Luck Factor just a little too far! :shock:
That said, I'll bet the Pucker Factor was strong on this one! LOL!

Happy to hear you survived (yet again!).

Any pix of the bears that did topple by any chance??

Wondering...
Nog

[caddisguy]

Just reading that was cringe-worthy. Can't imagine being in that situation first hand. All I can say is.... whoa

[srupp]

Hmmm not got any photos.shorts were $ hit..lol
Friday 2 weeks of flyfishing..
Srupp
Talke with Fenix reps today

[mpotzold]

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

Good to hear you came through unscathed.
Lucky that you didn't have another encounter with the same grizz during the 2 km walk to camp. Probably not a predatory grizz.

[srupp]

Hmmm bear definatly was agitated and frankly I AM surprised it did not end with a full out charge or contact. .all pointed to that ending. The last encounter with a bear displaying these characteristics ended poorly for one large stoopid black bear.
This bear definatly held ALL the advantages. .
I thought I was prepared. .did not expect the keys getting lost..my mistake..not truly scared..just clumsy,
I thought Fenix would never fail..going to pack second light..and second set of keys in my day pack.
I did stay calm..just pissed at the turn of events.
It Was great to meet Michael 4 bears, and Tyler and James GREAT guys all 3.
Srupp

[albravo2]

Fudd Ruppster, it is good to see an adventure post from you again! Last post I recall you were not well and I was getting worried.

I have a key hidden on my rig. No matter what I lose during the hunt/hike, I'll be able to get home. Hate to say it, but I have scads of the LED flashlights from Costco scattered around. Not only have they never failed me, at $20 for 3 I can afford to have a few extras kicking around.

I cannot imagine the thought that went through your head when you tossed the key out of the quad. I bet the image of that griz was pretty well burned into your consciousness when the lights went out.

[warnniklz]

Seen you had your rigging out front there. Didn't notice any blood on the tailgate, but now I see why.

[rocksteady]

Glad to see you are doing better, last i heard you were pretty ill.. keep on keeping on bro

[Huntingtyler123]

Sweet Jesus that would of been scary! You have a sweet setup on your atv , luckily nothing bad happened. It was a real pleasure , I mean a real honour meeting you in person! Just a great guy all around and knows his shit! Truly made the hunting trip just that more awesome. Hope to meet up possibly in the future again. Thanks again Steve!

[srupp]

Hmm wasnt too interested in anythng but big red or 7 foot black bear..the big black I drew a map for James and Tyler.and they did see it.
Anytime James, Tyler we could do 8 or 9 days.?
I learned of this specific area by Ed Gerow..Warren..
I could have harvested 12 or so bears..a couple..probably no shot? The couple sows with cubs were obviously no go.
I went to enjoy life..I did and met Tyler and James, helped Michael 2 bear become Mchael 4 bear.
And both grizzly encounters worked out fine in the end.
Srupp

[rocksteady]

Hows the health Steven?? Lots of members worried about you

[Huntingtyler123]

Hmm wasnt too interested in anythng but big red or 7 foot black bear..the big black I drew a map for James and Tyler.and they did see it.
Anytime James, Tyler we could do 8 or 9 days.?
I learned of this specific area by Ed Gerow..Warren..
I could have harvested 12 or so bears..a couple..probably no shot? The couple sows with cubs were obviously no go.
I went to enjoy life..I did and met Tyler and James, helped Michael 2 bear become Mchael 4 bear.
And both grizzly encounters worked out fine in the end.
Srupp

hell ya anytime you wish to have company let us know! We can make it happen

[ElectricDyck]

Hmmmmmmmm....

[srupp]

Hows the health Steven?? Lots of members worried about you

Health is extremely bad.another dr visit tomorrow.just cant see sitting on the couch..
Unfortunatley you work 38 years get hurt.then sick..then sacked by the wrong meds ...
Susan recently said she worries that when she leaves for uptown..she is always concerned IF something has happened to me and what she will find.
I did pack the SPOT..always...
Im trying to pack in as much as I can..while I can.
Thank you for asking..wish it were better..
Cheers
Steven
Trying to share and pass on as much as I can also...

[srupp]

Hmmm what did I learn from my adventure...?
Now have a extra ATV KEY on my trailer keys and working on clever spot on quad?
Will now carry 2 led headlamps
That will guarantee that scenario is never repeated.
Thinking of the situation and location..very nearBlack creek where 10 ? Years ago a guide outfitter was found devoured by a bear.
Weather he was attacked and killed or died and was fed on by bears. .I was nearthe same spotwhen CO's were flying around in chopper..yikes..
Good outcome all in all.
Srupp

[warnniklz]

Never hard to lay down the bears around here. Been packing strictly archery gear this season. Rifle may come out mid June.

[mpotzold]

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


More on jaw popping.
Personally never heard the sound. Read that the sound is not necessarily a sign of aggression but probably a sign of distress or fear.
https://vimeo.com/107603731

[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!