The Beast
“Guys! Guys! Check this out!” I raced to the cabin from where we parked the boats to tell everyone the exciting news. Thank goodness I decided to bring this trail camera.
“Look that’s definitely a bear! The bait was hit too!” I exclaimed.
“Sure is.” My cousin Jason responded.
“I am going to sit at that spot for the rest of the
trip if I have to.” This is what I told everyone at camp and apologized for not planning to be as much help any more during the early morning fishing excursions. Hooking into some pike became the routine to start each day to supplement that evening’s dinner since we were flown in five days prior. I grabbed my hunting gear, a few snacks, and told everyone I would see them at dark.
When I arrived back to the bait site, I was surprised to see that the bait bucket was hit again. Luckily, I brought more bait as well as some smelly remains of fish guts from the day before. I parked the boat and made my way toward where I was going to set up. There was no treestand at this spot so a hunt from the ground would have to do. The only thing that separated myself from the area where I anticipated a bear to come in from was a shallow canal that even I would have no problem walking through. I got situated and prepared myself to wait it out for the last few days of the trip if needed. My eyes became fixated on the bait site that was only eighteen yards away from where I was knelt down.
A few hours later, I heard what sounded like a bulldozer crashing through the thick pines. Although this was my first bear I had ever seen while hunting, I knew exactly what it was before even laying eyes on it.I propped myself up on my knees and hooked my release onto my D-Loop. Next thing I remember seeing was a large, black object emerging from the dark timber. He stuck his nose up to get familiar with the area and began feeding on the bait shortly after.
The scenario was perfect. He was broadside and completely focused on eating. I wanted to make sure he was totally committed to the bait before I made any sudden movements. It became clear after a few moments that he was not in a rush to go anywhere. At that time from the ground on my knees, I drew back and put my pin right in the middle of the middle of his body. I let me pin float and THWACKK. The shot broke and the bear immediately bit back toward where the arrow penetrated him. He ran up over a rise in the terrain and I heard a noise I will never forget. It was long, loud exhale to which I could only compare the sound to what made me think of a mythical dragon letting out a big breath of fire. It was the death moan. I could not believe what I just heard or what just happened.
At this point I settled myselfdown and gave it a few minutes. I ate some food and then made my way toward where I parked the boat. I figured theremight still be some guys back at camp that may not have made it out yet for thei
r evening hunts. I also thought that some back up would not be the worst idea.
A few of my cousins and I returned to the bait site and after following a very short blood trail, there he laid. “What a beast!” I shouted excitingly. After a few pictures we got to work skinning and quartering up the bear. Having some help there was definitely nice and I was glad to share this moment with family. Once everything was taken care of, we enjoyed ourselves that night with some fresh back strap and some well-deserved cold drinks.
Hunting over bait is something that definitely makes you think about the ethics of your hunt. As I was extended the offer to partake in this trip, I definitely felt indifferent about the practice but ultimately decided to go. I believe there is most definitely a time and place for it. As far as I am concerned after this trip, hunting bears over bait still presents an exhilarating challenge. Long days without any assistance from guides consisting of checking baits, re-baiting , trying to figure out what works, and long afternoon/evening sits through some inclement weather at times definitely wore us out. If you think bear baiting does not present the type of fair chase and thrilling pursuit you are used to, I would recommend giving it a try. Not only will being so close to such beast of an animal get your heart rate skyrocketing, but I bet you will find that you might really enjoy the process. I know I sure did.
