Wildfoot
05-09-2008, 12:03 AM
Well I just finished skinning and quartering my first bear! Sorry I didn't snap any pics. I was just getting everything sorted for gutting when i found that I had lost my knife! I had another 2 knives with me, but no sharpening stone and they were both utility knives! So instead of pics I had to rush the whole bear home and deal with it in the backyard! By then it was too dark for pics, and I was in quite a rush. So no, no pictures. Did take one of the bullet hole. if anyone is interested.
Now the story!.
Went out this evening about 6:30 and headed up the FSR's around White Lake. I was scoutin for a nice camping spot for may long, and Lee Enfield decided to tag along. Well on the way up I didnt see much. Managed to put a few nice campspots into the gps for later but that was about it. Was commin back down to go home for dinner when i startled a blackie in the middle of the road. So, following advice off this site I drove about 1/2 km down the road and decided to take a walk back up. I didn't get a great look at the bear so I was at least curious to see him a little closer. I took my time and walked a few yards up a couple grassy roads before rounding the corner back to where I saw the bear. Low and behold he was still there! just cruising down the ditch munchin on grass. I decided to put the stalk on. I closed the distance between me and the bruin from about 250 yds to 70 - 80 yards and took cover behind a dirt mound and watched him for a while. After about 30 minutes of watching I had decided he was alone (no cubs), and was decent sized. I wasn't looking at a monster, but I thought he would be good for a first bear. I lined up the sights and waited for a nice quarting away or broadside shot. After about 10 minutes something startled him up the road from us, and he started to go into the bush - this was my chance! I waited as he turned and headed up a little bank. He stopped for a quick look behind his back and BANG! I sent 180g of lead into his lungs. Classic bang flop. He actually rolled all the way down the bank and into the middle of the FSR! how convienient!
well there was some ground shrinkage, Id age him at 1-2 years old. nose to tail about 4' 6". I was a little let down at the size, but the fur was in great condition and since this will be my first sample of bear meat, I am kind of glad to get a younger bear.
the bullet entered through the elbow, hit the lungs and heart and exited just clipping the meat of the far front leg. There was no heart to be found inside - complete jello! Pretty good for a 100 year old rifle ;) entry and exit wounds in the rib cage were both around 2.5" diameter. Hole in the hide was pretty much just a 30 cal hole.
Well overall, I had a blast! Great way to spend the evening and I have dinner for the next month or 2, and a great new rug to go in our living room!
Thanks all for the advice! Now I can focus my energy on getting Calamity Jane a big bruin, and try takin a few newbies out for their first hunting experiences!
Another note: I did the gutless method of deboning the bear. I dont think I will ever cut into the body cavity again! Way less smell and mess! Definately worth trying this method out, if you have not already.
Can anyone reccommend a good taxidermist in the kamloops - salmon arm area? Any idea what it will cost to get a rug made - just cape, no skull.
I will snap pics of the hyde as soon as i get it back from the taxidermist!
Now the story!.
Went out this evening about 6:30 and headed up the FSR's around White Lake. I was scoutin for a nice camping spot for may long, and Lee Enfield decided to tag along. Well on the way up I didnt see much. Managed to put a few nice campspots into the gps for later but that was about it. Was commin back down to go home for dinner when i startled a blackie in the middle of the road. So, following advice off this site I drove about 1/2 km down the road and decided to take a walk back up. I didn't get a great look at the bear so I was at least curious to see him a little closer. I took my time and walked a few yards up a couple grassy roads before rounding the corner back to where I saw the bear. Low and behold he was still there! just cruising down the ditch munchin on grass. I decided to put the stalk on. I closed the distance between me and the bruin from about 250 yds to 70 - 80 yards and took cover behind a dirt mound and watched him for a while. After about 30 minutes of watching I had decided he was alone (no cubs), and was decent sized. I wasn't looking at a monster, but I thought he would be good for a first bear. I lined up the sights and waited for a nice quarting away or broadside shot. After about 10 minutes something startled him up the road from us, and he started to go into the bush - this was my chance! I waited as he turned and headed up a little bank. He stopped for a quick look behind his back and BANG! I sent 180g of lead into his lungs. Classic bang flop. He actually rolled all the way down the bank and into the middle of the FSR! how convienient!
well there was some ground shrinkage, Id age him at 1-2 years old. nose to tail about 4' 6". I was a little let down at the size, but the fur was in great condition and since this will be my first sample of bear meat, I am kind of glad to get a younger bear.
the bullet entered through the elbow, hit the lungs and heart and exited just clipping the meat of the far front leg. There was no heart to be found inside - complete jello! Pretty good for a 100 year old rifle ;) entry and exit wounds in the rib cage were both around 2.5" diameter. Hole in the hide was pretty much just a 30 cal hole.
Well overall, I had a blast! Great way to spend the evening and I have dinner for the next month or 2, and a great new rug to go in our living room!
Thanks all for the advice! Now I can focus my energy on getting Calamity Jane a big bruin, and try takin a few newbies out for their first hunting experiences!
Another note: I did the gutless method of deboning the bear. I dont think I will ever cut into the body cavity again! Way less smell and mess! Definately worth trying this method out, if you have not already.
Can anyone reccommend a good taxidermist in the kamloops - salmon arm area? Any idea what it will cost to get a rug made - just cape, no skull.
I will snap pics of the hyde as soon as i get it back from the taxidermist!