Flatlander Report post Posted August 26, 2012 Early this summer, we went out to begin setting trail cameras in a few of our favorite whitetail spots. While out on this first trip we noticed that the canyon had more bear sign than normal. When we returned to check the cameras a month later the bear sign was more frequent and very fresh. I began to hope this bear would stay close for the next couple of months. When we checked the pictures, we had just one pic of the bear. When we went back last weekend for one final look, we found bear piles everywhere, and it appeared the bear was starting to really stock up on the pinon nuts. While glassing we spotted the bear making his way out of a feeding area and into the bottom of the canyon for a drink of water. We decided to come back after the next season opened and try to find him again. Yesterday, we made the 2 mile hike in the dark to our glassing area. At 8:00 am I decided to move glassing areas to a place where I could see more of the canyon floor. Shortly after moving I heard something in the bottom of the canyon, it was a strange sound that carried on for several seconds. I radioed my buddy Mike and asked if he could hear the noise and he said he could but couldn’t see the area it was coming from. There was a small rise blocking my line of sight to where I thought the sound was coming from. I gathered my gear and quickly snuck to the edge of the rise, and crawled to the edge to peak over. When I looked over the edge I could immediately see the source of the noise, the bear had jumped into a pool of water just 85 yards below me. I tried with little success to compose myself as I grabbed my pack and laid my rifle across it. Without even turning up the scope I settled the crosshairs on 4 inches of back that were sticking out of the water and fired. The bear hardly moved on impact and I was unsure of the shot, but soon the bear began to thrash and expired within a few seconds. That’s when it hit me, I had achieved one of my greatest lifetime goals; taking a bear on a spot and stalk, otc hunt in the heart of coues country. I feel very fortunate to have taken this animal and could not have done it without the help of a few great friends. Thanks to my brothers in law Blaine and Josh who have both helped me set and check trail cameras during the past couple of years. I also owe a huge thanks to my buddies Mike and Marc who sacrificed their opening weekend of archery deer season to come and help me chase this bear. As always thanks to my wife and two boys who have been incredibly supportive of my passion for chasing critters. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Coues Sniper Report post Posted August 26, 2012 Very cool story, and a very nice bear! That picture with the bear in the water is priceless. Pretty unique Congrats on a great trophy. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AZkiller Report post Posted August 26, 2012 Great story and a nice bear to boot. Congrats! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
reganranch Report post Posted August 26, 2012 Cool looking Bear! Great success/write up. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sniper Report post Posted August 27, 2012 Awesome bear!!! Congrats. They sure are heavy packing out aren't they! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kidso Report post Posted August 27, 2012 Good job. That's what I would call a "bad country bear." Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Couzer Report post Posted August 27, 2012 Congrats on a nice bear!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bonecollector Report post Posted August 27, 2012 Awesome job on the bear. Pretty cool you had trail cam pics and you have watched him before then finally taking him. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pine Donkey Report post Posted August 27, 2012 Very nice bear and great story. Hopefully by shooting him in the water he did not have as many flys on him as they often do this time of yer. Congratulations! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
trophyhnter Report post Posted August 27, 2012 Great story. thanks for sharing! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
firstcoueswas80 Report post Posted August 27, 2012 Very Very cool! How heavy was that water soaked hide? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tjhunt2 Report post Posted August 27, 2012 Sounds as if your work paid off. Congratulations to you and your buddies as well. It's always nice to have help when the packing begins. Great writeup and a fine looking bear. TJ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Flatlander Report post Posted August 27, 2012 Thanks for all the comments guys I failed to mention that this was a boar. I think the water helped because there weren't many flies at all, but he was covered in fleas. Fortunately he dried out fast during pics cause it took all three of us to heave him out of that pool, he must have weighed 80 extra lbs with all that water. My pack was about 85lbs and we had to cross two canyons to get out, my buns are burning today. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ross Outdoors Report post Posted August 27, 2012 Great bear and a very cool story! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Big Browns Report post Posted August 27, 2012 Great Story! I bet that was really cool seeing the bear swiming in the water. Adam Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
