ASUAviator Report post Posted July 19, 2013 Hey all, Im a long time follower of the threads but usually sit side lines. Not an avid big game hunter but will call coyotes from time to time. Never had much guidance into anything more. I am however, addicted to the outdoors like all of you and connect to them in many ways. Typically its hiking, quading (go Honda!), and boating. Animals are always a bonus to run into. And my weapon of choice is a Nikon DSLR. That's the slim on me. My GF and I went on a recent trip up to the white mountains. We had a few places to explore on the WMA-Res and took an extended weekend to do so. We camped out south of big the first night and made our way over the rez the following day. Hit up a few lakes to wet a line and catch a few. Made our rounds and enjoyed the maze of roads in lesser visited country. The following day after spending the night at this amazing place we hit the dirt road. I always tell my GF to look for animals anywhere we go. Well not long after driving I hear, 'Bear! Bear!', Look to the right, and a big boar is standing broadside to road. Stoked, I put on my zoom lens and get out of the truck. The bear slowly meandered away from the road and as soon as I had some space I went on a short stalk to try to snap a pic. ( Before anyone gets hyphy and starts assuming what they don't know, I knew the conditions, perceived the bears attitude, and had more than enough cushion to feel comfortable. And I was carrying.) I found a clearing the bear was heading for and waited. Sure enough he came through, looked my way, and this was the result. Full of excitement, I knew I got what I wanted. It was an awesome experience!!! My GF and I were so excited and back to the dirt road we went. About 30 minutes later and a few miles away I hear those beautiful words again. Look to the right, and theres a cub! It quickly backs up to a tree and my GF gets this cool pic It made its way along the road with no momma in site. It then crossed the road and I got this pic Another awesome experience within 30 minutes of the last. Not long after we were gettin close to the NF and come up to a gate. I got out to open it and made my way back to the truck. What do ya know, I hear those now common word again from my GF. Thinkin BS, I turn to see a bear crossing the road a few hundred yards ahead. Over joyed once again we made our way ahead to see what we could see. The blonde had some time to get away from the road but was easily spotted. What an UNBELIEVABLE morning. 3 bears in an hours is just crazy and something ill unfortunately never experience again. It was an unreal cap to a great weekend. Ive had a few bear run-ins before but nothing compares. For the past couple years what I have really been wanting to come across is a mountain lion(not by ambush hopefully). That's been my main target and I know Ive been close. Really looking forward to that day Im a pretty active user on a site called HIKEAZ.COM. Well the other day someone posted a photoset of a canyoneering trip they went on in the West Fork of Oak Creek. Repelling down a slot canyon, they came across a keeper pool( basically a bowl that you cannot climb out of without someone to help you out). In it was 3 (dead) bears! Presumable a momma and 2 cubs. Pretty sad loss of life. But here's the pic. http://hikearizona.com/photo.php?ZIP=350457 Very unfortunate for those bears One last short story. My uncle and his family were camping up at Big Lake this weekend. One evening they heard 2 shots. The next morning they found out 2 bears had been put down. No clue on the background story, but typically not a fan of this type of big brother enforcement. Anyone hear anything?? Well sorry for the long rant, but had to share. To me a great photo of an animal gives me the same satisfaction of taking one. I am going out to look for an OTC bear next month with a buddy. Hopefully that comes with a story as well. Kyle- 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Critter Report post Posted July 19, 2013 Excellent Pics & story... and not sure if you noticed but in the pic with the cub walking across the road you captured either an elk antler rub or mulie/coues rub on a little pine tree in the background. Destroyed that little pine tree. Sweet pic Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pixman Report post Posted July 19, 2013 Great pics and write up, thanks for sharing. And welcome to the CWT family! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
capoeirajosh Report post Posted July 19, 2013 Man!! What an experience! Nice photos! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rcdinaz Report post Posted July 19, 2013 Fantastic! Thanks for sharing. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tucson John Report post Posted July 19, 2013 Awesome stuff Kyle! Thanks! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mocha1545 Report post Posted July 19, 2013 Once in a lifetime experience. Those are great pics. Thanks for sharing the pics and story. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kidso Report post Posted July 19, 2013 Great luck with you and the bears. So sad about the bear deaths in the pool. Would be interested to hear more about the two bears that were allegedly put down in the White Mountains. Any more information on this? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JLW Report post Posted July 19, 2013 great pics and story! thanks for sharing! James Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sniper Report post Posted July 20, 2013 Great story. Thanks for sharing. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Willyhunts2 Report post Posted July 20, 2013 Sounds like an awesome trip, thanks for taking the time to share it and post the pics! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wayno945 Report post Posted July 20, 2013 Welcome to the site. Thanks for sharing, those are some great photos! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bonecollector Report post Posted July 20, 2013 Looks like you had a great trip. Very nice photos. Welcome to the site. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ASUAviator Report post Posted July 21, 2013 Thank you all!! Look forward to bein around Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
