2024 - Issue 3 - May/June

French Canadian Black B WilD Bill

Legendary Bear Hounds Part 55

Workman’s Drum

Lauren’s Outdoor Wish

A Bear Family Tree

Ma y/J une

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Enemy of The State

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St le

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FIFTy BEARs!

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A Bear Hunter’s Milestone

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The bear hunting authority for 24 years

Bear C

A Season for the Record Books The Craziest Bear Season

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May/June 2024 Volume 25 - Issue 3 Cover photo by Skull Bound Chronicles

By Paul Servey

Enemy of the State

By Max Zeller

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50 Bear Club

By Josh Leonard

First Bear Hunt

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Use of Leashed Tracking Dogs

By Brigid O’Donoghue

Lauren’s Outdoor Wish

By Dawson Smith

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By Steve Fielder LBH: Part 55 - Workman’s Drum

Comfort Zone

By Jake Horton

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Getting in Shape

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A Bear Family Tree

By Timothy D. Fowler

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Texas Style Black Bear Chili

By Dr. Jenn Ballard

Columns 44 Bowhunting Bears

Bear Hunting Magazine Trail Camera Contest Winner Win a Moultrie Mobile Camera!

by Bernie Barringer - Bear Professor

Bruin Snow Angel

46 Blood, Sweat, & Bears

Yukon

by Douglas Boze - Bear Dude

48 Black Bear Biology

by Dr. Jenn Ballard - Animal Doc

50 Western Bear Hunting

by Jana Waller - Western Hunter

54 Bruin Desinations

by Al Raychard - Bear Hunting Veteran

Submitted by: Jeff Eno

To enter, submit a unique trail camera photo to info@bear-hunting.com or post to our Facebook page: Bear Hunting Magazine

56 Sacred Pursuit

by TL Jones - Hound Ethusiast

58 In Hot Pursuit

by Barry ‘Bear’ Siragusa - Hound Dude

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Bear Grease The Editor’s Note Kolby Morehead

@kolby_morehead

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e’ve been busy since the last issue and you couldn’t ask for more of the magazine. I drove through genuine and authentic people. the night and went on my first goose We’d like to thank everyone that hunt right after submitting the last magastopped by the booth and the zine and I got to go on a den visit with the warm welcome we received. We Arkansas Game & Fish department which is hope to see you next year! something I treasure.

While those were both great experiences, the most notable things I participated in was the Black Bear Bonanza here in my home state of Arkansas and the APA Breed Days in Greeneville, TN. This was our third year attending the bonanza and it’s cool how many familiar faces we saw and people we caught up with. Many people spoke of how they put what we told them last year and what they’ve read in the magazine to the test and got their first bears! This was the Black Bear Bonanza’s third year and it’s cool to see how it has taken off and the excitement that circles around it. We look forward to next year’s.

After that, we loaded up and drove to eastern TN to an event that is not new but one that holds a deep history that one can’t help but hold reverence for. It’s great to see an event that is so established yet still holds a high level of excitement like the APA Breed Days. We had a great time and loved the family environment and the celebra tion of hounds. I finally got to meet Mr. Roy Clark and Ira Jones

SUBSCRIPTIONS: 1-Year (6 issues) subscription rate is $37.00 for U.S. address, $54.00* for Canadian address (in U.S. funds). 2-Year (12 issues) subscription rate is $57.00 for U.S. address, $89.00* for Canadian address (in U.S. funds). (*rate is higher to cover extra postage) For more information, call us at: 479-839-4335, write to us at: Bear Hunting Magazine, P.O. Box 168, West Fork, Arkansas or E-mail us at: info@bear-hunting.com

Bear Hunting (ISSN 1553-2488 and USPS 019-451) is published bi-monthly by Bear Tracks Media, LLC, 1506 N Cannondale Dr., Fayetteville,AR 72704. Periodicals Postage Paid at West Fork, AR and additional mailing offices.

Copyright © 2015 Bear Hunting. All rights reserved. Articles, news items, advertisements or other print media do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher. Bear Tracks Media, LLC is not responsible for injury/loss during the implementation of content. Bear hunting is a potentially hazardous activity and people should take extreme caution when hunting.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes (form 3579) to Bear Hunting, P.O. Box 168, West Fork, AR 72774.

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Enemy of the State 11 Years of Waiting & One Bad Bruin

by Paul Servey

@MountainGoatPauly 8

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D

id you know that a North American black bear can withstand being shot between the eyes at close range with a .22 caliber rifle? Allow me to share a personal story that vividly illustrates this remarkable fact. My home state of Utah is one of those states that requires you to apply for points to hunt bears. I applied for 11 years before I was able to draw a coveted summer black bear hunting tag. Drawing that tag was a moment of pure exhilaration. Not only was it in an area close to my childhood home, but it also held sentimental value because it was where I spent my formative years exploring the Rocky Mountains.

This particular hunting unit wasn’t densely populated with bears, making the hunt more challenging. However, my familiarity with the terrain, acquired through a lifetime of exploration and hunting, gave me an edge. My baiting efforts were hindered by heavy winter snowfall, but I did not let it discourage me. I knew of a lower area in elevation where the snowpack wasn’t as deep and I had previously seen bears there. I knew this would be a good spot to set up my bait.

Remarkably, the proximity of the bait site to my home was a mere 40 minutes away, which streamlined the entire process. I was awestruck by the scenery surrounding my bait. Imagine the Rocky Mountains in Utah in early summer, a picturesque pine canyon with a natural spring trickling through its bottom with grass beginning to awaken, painting the landscape in vibrant green hues. It was a perfect spot on a south facing hillside overlooking a small opening through the pines where I placed my bait on the opposite side of the canyon. This offered a clear 175 yard shot directly across the canyon.

Baiting bears, though enjoyable, demands substantial effort. Upon learning of my tag suc-

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cess, I immediately contacted local grocery stores for expired bakery goods, fast-food joints for their old cooking grease, and contacted Boremasters for scent attractants to enhance the bait. With a dedicated team of my close friend Brett, my brother James, and supportive wife DeeAnn, we all embarked on packing the bait into the designated area, making two trips to ensure everything was set up correctly. In Utah, regulations are very clear on bear baits; they stipulate that bait can only be set on the day the hunt begins, followed by a 30-day window for hunting. You can also use cellular trail cameras to monitor the bait site remotely. After everything was piled up and smelling like a candy factory, we headed back down the mountain filled with excitement and anticipation for the days ahead.

We placed the bait on a crisp Tuesday morning and I sat on the bait the following Wednesday night and Thursday morning with no luck. The excitement peaked on Friday morning when I was awakened by my phone going off in the middle of the night with trail camera pictures of a beautiful, large cinnamon colored bear hitting my bait. However as dawn approached, he would vanish into the shadows of the thick timber. Before sunrise, I hurried up to my spot so I could catch him if he decided to come back out again. Despite planning to remain all day, a wind storm and his absence prompted my return back home around 10:00 a.m.

As fate would have it, around 11:00 a.m. that same Friday, he reappeared on the trail cameras. I decided I should definitely return for an evening hunt and started preparing my gear. Just then, I received a phone call from my brother James who had just left the country for a vacation in the Dominican Republic. He wanted to ask me if I had seen a local city Facebook group post that included a photo of a massive bear paw in the dirt. The post was about a bear that had approached an undesignated campsite in the same area where he remembered we set the bait on Tuesday morning.

According to the information from the post, here’s how the adventure unfolded; it all started when this majestic bear wandered into the improvised campsite in the early hours of Thursday morning. A tent was nestled in the wilderness with a father and son dreaming away inside. And lo and behold, they had some queso stashed away, adding a dash of flavor to the tale. Now this bear, he wasn’t just any bear; he was a wanderer, a seeker of adventure. He caught wind of that savory scent and couldn’t resist sniffing around the tent. Under

After 11 years of waiting, Paul was ready to put in some work!

The author’s trail cam caught a nice color phase bear hitting the bait!

The trail cam is placed in an elevated position. The bear is larger than it appears from this vantage point.

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The author’s bear made the news when it tried to break into a camper’s tent with him and his son in it.

With the Game & Fish setting traps for the bear, the author knew he didn’t have long to make something happen.

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the ethereal glow of the full moon, the bear’s massive head cast a haunting silhouette on the walls of the tent, prompting the father to grab his .22 rifle and unleash a single shot through the tent wall, sending the intimidating bear running back into the wilderness. This all played out on that fateful Thursday morning in the quiet hours before dawn. But it wasn’t until Friday that the story truly took flight, spreading like wildfire across news channels and social media platforms.

The urgency was palpable as my brother relayed the news. Local Game Wardens had already deployed traps, intending to relocate or euthanize the bear. I couldn’t shake the feeling that this was the same bear that I had seen photos of on my trail camera that very same morning.

I called my buddy, Brett, to explain what just happened.

He replied, “I just saw that exact same post!” With the same sense of urgency, we rendezvoused at the trailhead to set off on our adventure. As we snuck into position across from the bait site, our hearts raced with the thrill of the unknown.

The stage was set and the anticipation was palpable as we waited with adrenaline coursing through our veins.

After only 20 minutes, the sound of branches breaking suddenly echoed across the canyon, signaling the arrival of the elusive boar. And there he was, emerging from the thick timber like a boss, imposing dominance as he confidently strutted around as if he was king of the mountain. His cinnamon red coat glistened as he sauntered towards the bait and, right then, I made up my mind—if he presented a clean shot, I was going to take it. His impressive features sealed the deal: a giant body, a striking scar etched across his face, and his massive, pristine claws that resembled those of a grizzly bear.

With keen eyes and steady hands, we watched as the scene unfolded before us, nature’s drama playing out in real time. It was a sight to behold because the bear’s majestic presence commanded respect and awe. I turned to my friend, excitement coursing through me, and whispered, “Are you ready?”

I heard his positive response as I got into the prone position and set up my rifle with precision, taking my time and a few deep breaths. I settled the crosshairs on the bear’s vitals and with a steady aim, I squeezed the trigger. The echo of the 6.8 Western rang out across the landscape. And just like that, our adventure

reached its climax; the bear’s journey came to an end as he succumbed to the fatal shot just 30 yards from the bait.

It was a moment frozen in time, a testament to the enduring spirit of adventure that courses through a hunter’s veins. The sense of accomplishment was overwhelming. High fives, hugs, and even a few tears were shared between my friend and I. To have successfully hunted a bear in the very hills where I spent my childhood exploring was a profound experience. I immediately called my wife, DeeAnn, and said, “Big bear down!” She loaded up our dog Apache and jumped in her truck to join us for the celebration and pack out.

As DeeAnn made her way up the canyon, she passed a gathering of local authorities and news crews, all searching for the bear that was now, unbeknownst to them, lying peacefully at rest. It was a surreal moment. I couldn’t help but feel grateful that I was able to be a part of this bear’s life and be the one to grant him a warrior’s death, taking his last breath being wild and free instead of dying inside of a bear trap.

I couldn’t contain my excitement to finally kneel beside this magnificent bear and feel his presence firsthand.

With Brett by my side, we gathered our gear and made our way toward him, feeling the anticipation building with each step. We found him resting under a giant douglas fir pine tree and a rush of emotions swept over me as I drew near.

His majestic appearance took my breath away, leaving me in awe of his sheer beauty. Kneeling beside him, I gently placed my hand on his head, overcome with gratitude. “Thank you, my brother,” I whispered, acknowledging the connection we shared.

With reverence, Brett and I carefully moved him to a serene meadow directly below where he died. It was a fitting resting place for such a magnificent creature. As we cleaned him up for photos, I truly embraced the feeling of connection—not just to the bear, but to the land itself— Mother Earth, Father Sky—and it was a moment of profound gratitude, a reminder of the interconnectedness of all living beings. Just then, my wife’s voice echoed across the canyon, her excitement palpable as she spotted us. It was a beautiful

The author’s wife and dog made the hike in to congratulate him!

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The sense of accomplishment was overwhelming and a few tears were shared between the group.

The author and his friend Brett got to work skinning the bear and getting out.

Nothing like a packout in the moonlight. The author finally reached his rig.

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sight, her joy mirrored in our own.

Taking a moment, as we always do, I felt a deep desire for my wife to share the sage burn with us. As a Native American, I perform this ancient ritual to honor the passing of the bear’s spirit onto his next journey. Performing the sage burn over the bear was a very spiritual moment, a solemn acknowledgment of the circle of life and the respect owed to every creature that walks this earth. It’s a ritual I believe every animal deserves, a moment of gratitude for the sacrifice they’ve made.

As we finished skinning and quartering the bear, darkness had descended on us. We loaded up our packs and began hiking back to the trucks. The mountainside was illuminated by the glow of the full moon, so the entire journey felt nothing short of extraordinary.

The following day, I made the necessary call to the Fish and Game authorities to report the kill, a requirement in Utah within 48 hours. Their response was immediate and intense, with everyone eager to learn the details surrounding this remarkable bear. Fish and Game officials visited my home, scrutinizing the circumstances and even combing the kill site with metal detectors in search of clues. Everyone was trying to determine if this was possibly the same bear they had been trying to capture. They also scanned the carcass of the bear with a metal detector trying to find the .22 caliber bullet that was fired from the father inside his tent, indicating they located the suspect bear. There was one exceptional officer who took great interest in this case.

She followed up on every clue and tip that we could provide, but couldn’t conclude with surety that this was the bear they were looking for. She even hiked into our bait site several times to go over all the details surrounding the case and eventually helped us clean up our bait site.

But it was what they missed that revealed the truth behind this story. Funny thing, a different group of Fish and Game Officers came to my home to inspect the bear’s hide for any trace of a .22 caliber bullet. But they never checked the bear’s skull with a metal detector. The shocking discovery was made when my taxidermist John Hayes in Montana discovered something astonishing during the skinning process—a .22 caliber bullet lodged between the bear’s eyes. It was a jaw dropping discovery, proving the bear’s incredible strength and will to live. He was a true warrior of the mountain.

This experience deepened my appreciation for bear hunting and the strength of the animals we hunt. I’m 14

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The taxidermist found the .22 round the camper shot through the tent after caping out the skull.

overwhelmed with gratitude for the support of my family and friends. This was more than just a hunt; it was a journey back to my roots, a testament to the bonds forged in my hometown hills. And as I savor the delicious meat of this bear, I’m reminded once again of the beauty and significance of the circle of life.

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Fifty Bear Club

Reaching a Milestone

by Max Zeller

50 black bear skulls taken by the author on Oregon public land.

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The exact moment a young Yellowstone grizzly took his frustrations out on the author’s mother (she was unconscious on the vehicle’s floorboard) in August, 1960.

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t was August of 1960 when an agitated juvenile grizzly (the anti-backed voter initiatives of 1994 and 1996 did away inserted a five-daggered paw through a car’s open with Oregon and Washington’s ability to hunt bears via baitpassenger-side window and swatted the young wom- ing and/or hound hunting, so still-hunting, spot-and-stalk, and an seated there across the back of her head. At eight months stand hunting were our only means available thereafter). In the pregnant, she slumped to the floor unconscious, sporting a nas- days before cell phones, computers, and limited two-way radio ty scalp wound. Her husband, situated outside the vehicle and contact due to work area seclusion, a “game warden” was often photographing the bear feeding, was so startled by alone and had to work in close proximity to clients the sudden turn of events, he shakily documented the when gathering evidence. Consequently, my job also “Always solo and exact moment it transpired. Foolish? Perhaps. But at shaped the way I hunted: solo, up close and personal.

DIY on Oregon that time, it was common practice for tourists to feed After retiring in 1999 and living within the public lands, my wildlife along the “buffet” corridors entering Yellowconfines of a National Forest in Oregon’s Coast stone National Park. A frantic trip to the nearest med- scouting, patience, Range mountains, I threw myself into the bear hunting and perseverance lifestyle. Always solo and DIY on Oregon public lands, ical facility revealed all was well, with no permanent culminated in the my scouting, patience, and perseverance culminated head trauma to the expectant mother. One month harvest of 50 bears in the harvest of 50 bears in the past 24 years—a teslater a bear hunter was born...me. Unfortunately, the in the past 24 years.” tament to the wonderful bear hunting opportunities jury is still out regarding my mental stability.

I’ve always wondered where my deep pasOregon still has to offer. Aside from locating main sion for bears and hunting came from. After surviving food sources and travel corridors in bear country, the polio, the Depression, and WWII in Europe, my folks emigrated most important lessons I’ve learned regarding close-proximity from the rural alpine cantons of Switzerland to America in the bear hunting are: 1950s. They had no exposure to the meager and privileged 1. Pay close attention to wind direction; the bear’s sense European hunting and fishing pursuits we take for granted of smell is unsurpassed in all of North American wildlife. here in North America. Did my fondness for bears get thumped 2. A bear’s eyesight is not as bad as most will have you into my head while in the womb, or in centuries past when believe, and their ability to detect movement is uncanUrsus roamed freely across the European continent where my ny. ancestors hunted? I’ll never know, but the hunter’s fire within me 3. Never ignore the subtle sounds you hear, or think you grew as I grew and the ethics of hard work my parents instilled hear, in the bear woods. in me would pay big dividends throughout my outdoor life and beyond.

In the spring of 2023, my 50th millennial bear was With a Wildlife Science degree, I went on to fulfill my dream taken. It all began when I arrived at bear camp in early May. My working as a fish and game law enforcement officer in both spring bear areas on the east side of Oregon’s south Cascades Oregon and Washington state. Working with wildlife biologists were still buried in over 3’- 6’ of snow, so I strapped on snow and contacting bear hunters in the days of hounds and bait shoes and entered some of my most popular areas. Yet all I stations provided me with a wealth of bear hunting knowledge found were a few tracks of bears traveling in desperation trying www.bear-hunting.com

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The author tracked bears in the snow in Oregon’s east Cascades.

He decided to look for exposed meadows with some grass on it to sit and hunt.

This is prime spring bear habitat in the high cascade mountains the author likes to hunt once the snow has melted.

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to find what little food they could. I did run off a medium-sized chocolate phase black bear standing on a 6’ snow drift, but snow shoes on crusty snow aren’t the quietest mode of travel while hunting. Under the current conditions, the best option was finding exposed meadows with a little green grass and set up for a stand hunt. There was some good news; the temps were forecasted to hover around 80 degrees most days my first week. The snow packs were receding and the grass that was exposed seemed to grow a half-inch a day.

I did have one ace-in-the-hole: a small 2-acre exposed meadow at a lower elevation that bordered a huge wetland on one side and a thick dog-haired pine forest on the other. I still had to snowshoe the trail leading into the meadow, but the field itself was just starting to show green. I focused my first week’s efforts there.

The first evening produced three coyotes that entered the meadow just before dark and passed in front of me at just 10 feet. As I sat motionless against a large ponderosa pine, two song-dogs stopped directly in front of me to urinate and defecate, and then spread their scent by kicking dirt between their legs. Like that bully in those old comic books by Charles Atlas, they nearly kicked dirt in my face. I was hunting bears so I let them continue on their way, appreciative of the encounter.

Two days later I was set up at the base of a different ponderosa, three hours before nightfall. A half hour before shooting light ended, a very large cinnamon phase black bear materialized 30 yards directly to my right and was sniffing the exact spot where I sat during the coyote encounter. This bear had the most flawless hide of long flowing hair—one of the prettiest bears I have ever seen. Being a right-handed shooter and somewhat exposed, I couldn’t turn my body to take a shot without being detected. The bear was on edge and surveying the meadow carefully before committing to the open ground.

All I needed was for him to travel 20 yards straight out in order to get my crosshairs on his vitals. He made his move, and I was seconds from a sure shot when the breeze switched and carried my scent past him. He froze mid stride and stared right at me. A second later, all I saw was his bear bottom flying through

the meadow and back into the swamp.

Knowing that mature cinnamon boar would probably not return during daylight hours, I left the area to seed for a few days. When I returned three days later for another evening hunt, I noticed the prevailing breeze was opposite than normal so I set up against a large pine tree on the opposite side of the meadow. Right at last light, I heard a single twig snap in the forest behind me and to my right. Bears often use this tactic to announce their presence to other critters before entering an area. That single, subtle sound gave me the time I needed to turn and set up for what was coming. I continued to listen for the possibility of multiple branches breaking, which might indicate that it was a herd of elk instead of a single animal. In less than 10 minutes a very large black bear came into view 50 yards away and immediately started to graze on the succulent new grass.

He soon presented a perfectly broadside shot opportunity, which I took. He ran straight at me and stumbled twice before going down for good 20 yards away (all within a couple seconds). Of all the hundreds of black bears I have seen in my career, this had to be the meanest looking critter I’d seen, and possibly the oldest. His face and most of his body was covered in new scabs and old scars, his ears were split, and his lip on the left side was ripped away and healed over. All his teeth were worn down to nubs, broken off, or growing out the front of his split gums and broken lower jaw—all strong indicators of an old bear and a true warrior. His spring weight was well over 350 pounds, and his paws and wrists were so big I had a hard time moving him into positions to process. I managed to get him quartered and the first load packed out by midnight. I secured the remaining meat-laden game bags high into the trees over snow and retrieved them the next morning after I cleaned up the area.

It seems like more than a coincidence that this 50th black bear just happens to be the largest I’ve taken over the years (20.375” skull). However, I know this isn’t the end of the quest. As the ravages of time and age will undoubtedly take their toll, I will continue to pursue these magnificent creatures in the name of management and sustenance and, who knows, maybe I’ll finally find that missing shade of black—the elusive blonde.

The author with his 50th and largest bear! The bear had a ripped lip that had healed over. His teeth were worn down and he had old scars.

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First Bear Hunt Hound Hunting Bears with Ben Jones

by Joshua Leonard

A chariot of adventure for the author and his brother. That’s one nice rig.

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he frenzied chop of the hounds at the base of the giant red oak guided us towards the treed black bear in the beautiful mountains of Greene County, Tennessee.

Though I’m a lifelong hunter, this was going to be my first shot at a bear and I was becoming increasingly anxious as we literally crawled through the rhododendron-choked hillside up towards the huge tree. As we got close, I couldn’t help but marvel at the 40+ year hunting journey that led up to this moment.

Raised in southern Indiana in Knox county where, historically, the last bear in the state was killed in the cypress swamps down on the Wabash river, the idea of bear hunting was reserved for the magazines at the barber shop and a book called The Bears of Blue River about an Indiana boy and his bear hunting exploits. My father, brother, and I all started hunting together when I was not even a teenager and our forays to hunt squirrels, rabbits, and quail eventually transitioned to deer hunting. Turkeys were still in recovery in that area, but I still remember the first turkey I ever saw, a hen that crossed a busy four-lane road south of us as we pulled over to watch in awe. Those early years of wandering the nearby woods with a shotgun instilled a deep, rich love of the outdoors. For several years, we had no television stations and, other than listening to the beloved Don Fischer and the Hoosier basketball team on the radio and reading books, my only other passions were the woods and creeks nearby.

Despite living in Winston-Salem, N.C. for seven years later in life and avidly deer, turkey, and waterfowl hunting, I never really came across any bears in my wanderings. The first and only wild bear I saw was a huge boar that was taking a nap under a tree on a beautiful tree lined mountain hillside as my pal and I were taking a midday break from turkey hunting 20

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in a breathtaking area near Burke’s Garden, VA. I never really thought about bear hunting while there as life was hectic with young kids and a busy work life.

After moving back to Indiana and continuing my outdoor pursuits, I was increasingly mesmerized by Steve Rinella’s Meateater media content as well as the Bear Grease and Wired to Hunt podcasts. Watching the adventure hunts on Meateater was like living a dream in their shoes. Clay Newcomb’s passion for bears led me to subscribe to Bear Hunting Magazine and avidly listen to his podcast.

After hunting in Indiana as well as frequenting Kentucky, I was excited about the growing number of black bears in eastern Kentucky. My first plans to chase a bear involved doing some internet research and making some calls to a few folks in eastern Kentucky to inquire about getting help to find an area with bears. My first planned hunt there was interrupted by a tremendous weather system and tornado as well as conflicts with my children's sports schedules. It wasn’t meant to be. Thankfully, the bear numbers continued to increase and the quota system was actually abandoned; now they have a standard, set number day season in December. Earlier this year, I actually loaded up my German shorthair pointer, Juno, and headed down to Harlan County, KY to grouse hunt with the added motive to scout for bears. I found some promising areas and, although I struck out on grouse, I had a truly wonderful time wandering the Daniel Boone National Forest for a few days with my dog. I marked several areas where I thought I came across bear scat and hoped to head back there someday.

In the meantime, I came across an ad in the back of Bear Hunting Magazine for Pale Horse Guide Service in eastern Tennessee. This was extremely exciting given the relative proximMay/June 2024

The mountains of Eastern Tennesse are a sight to behold. That’s some beautiful country.

ity of the hunting area—only a six hour drive—and due to the fact that I really wanted to be part of a dog hunt for bears. After spending so many years on a deer stand, I was thrilled about the idea of a live action bear chase. I started texting Ben Jones and called my brother Luke in Washington state to see if he would be interested. My West Point graduate and Lt. Colonial brother hadn’t had much time to hunt over the years as he moved all over the country with the Army. He had settled in Yelm, Washington, but had been coming out to deer hunt with me most years.

Ben Jones is a busy young man who hunts bears all over the country in addition to his home state of Tennessee, and we eventually got a hunt booked with him for November 2023.

Ben and his father TL are famous Plott houndsmen and I was thrilled to learn that Clay Newcomb had been over there and hunted with them. I knew from my time in N.C. that the Plott hound was an all-American dog and the state dog of N.C. It felt like fate that our first hunt would be with such a prestigious lot.

The opener for that rugged part of eastern Tennessee was set for November 6 and ran for about a week. Located in the foothills of the beautiful Appalachian Mountains, the bear numbers in the area were robust according to Ben Jones. That year alone, Ben had taken hounds and hunted Idaho, Wisconsin, and Maine as well as hog hunted in Louisiana and Tennessee when the bears weren’t open for running. With high hopes and only mild FOMO (fear of missing out) about not being in a deer stand in early November, my brother and I had a wonderful drive down to this beautiful area of our great country. I even had my first Buc-ee’s experience—a Texas-sized gas station bred to a Walmart—which all travelers should experience.

Ben proved to be a wonderfully polite and soft-spoken young man that is truly passionate about his dogs and hunting. www.bear-hunting.com

We followed him up to his mountainside camp where we would spend a few nights. He had set up a western style wall tent on this scenic site and, although it lacked electricity or plumbing, he had a generator and a big drum of water. He has quite a cast of fellow bear hunters in the area that make up his posse.

That Sunday evening, we got to hang out with them and share a meal with the guys we would be chasing the bears with for a few days, local characters Markie, Norton, and Brennan, Tyler from Wisconsin, and Anthony from New Mexico. It was quite a festive atmosphere and you could feel the palpable excitement in the air marking the night before the bear season opener.

On opening day, we met up with the crew as they caught up dogs down in the valley at his dad’s house. As dawn was breaking, we bounced along heading up into the hills to hopefully have the dogs wind a bear and start a race. From my best understanding the goal was to get a bear going and then to pack on fresh dogs to the hound or hounds that would be running the bear. These guys were some high tech rednecks (in the best sense of the word) because they had all the dogs collared up with Garmin tracking collars and some even added the old telemetry “beep beep” backup collars. I know from using the Garmin collars on my GSP bird dogs that they are complex, but these guys had them dialed in. The care and love that they had for their dogs was very evident.

It was fascinating to see the intricate trucks and atv setups these guys had for their dogs. I could tell this is a very consuming sport. Although there were a lot of plott hounds, it was very interesting to see other hunters with walkers, blueticks, english, cur, and a variety of crosses. A bear dog, as we would learn, had to be a special type of dog that would willingly chase an animal 10 times or more its size and very likely be subjected to the bear's teeth and claws. It was heartrending to hear these gruff men talk so tenderly about their favorite dogs and the ones they had lost this year alone. They do all they can to protect these wonderful dogs, but that is the price of the sport to some degree.

The dry conditions and the large number of other

Camp was a rustic yet cozy setup on the side of the mountain.

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hunters in that area made day one a bust. However, it was still such a wonderful new experience overall.

Camp was still a big party regardless and made for a really fun time together with my dear brother.

Day two was a new area on the mountain and the dogs immediately hit the scent and ran in all directions. We were down low waiting to see if a bear was headed our way. It was crazy to try to figure out where the bears were running and, like Mark said, it was like our heads were spinning. We had a few exciting moments as the dogs passed by, but no bear in sight. Then came the call that they had a bear treed up top. I was up first, so Mark and I raced up there to hopefully get a bear. Anyone who thinks shooting a bear up a tree is easy should experience the anticipation of hauling butt via a strenuous hike back to the dogs with an excitement level approaching 10 as the dogs’ barks increase more and more. On top of that, the worry that the shot wouldn’t be true and the bear may injure the dogs after coming down the tree is very intense.

As we approached, Mark asked if the bear was big enough for me. It looked to be about 125 lbs.

I replied, “It’s definitely the biggest bear I have ever had a shot at!” The bear was 100 feet or so up a giant red oak in the fork. I got my breathing under control and steadied the iron sights of my Marlin 336 .44 mag lever gun loaded with 240 grain Hornady bullets on the bear head as it looked down on the cacophony below.

My shot killed the bear! However, now we had a new problem: it was stuck in the big tree fork. Mark called Ben’s brother-in-law Brennan, who is described as part monkey. He had a side gig of tree trimming and he graciously ran down and got his tree climbing gear. We had the dogs tied up and waited there while Brennan made his way to us, and then he pushed the bear out of the tree. That was a wild experience!

Luke, on the other hand, was also having a wild time. He had a bear on the ground give him a shot briefly, but he didn’t feel good about the shot. He was quickly redeemed with another bear up a tree. This fat

Outfitter, Ben Jones, runs Houston Valley Plott hounds that his family has bred for generations.

Nothing like coming to a hound serenade with a bear in the air.

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The brothers had a great experience on their first bear hunt and went home with more than just meat and hides. #memories

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sow was way up there but on the crack of his 30.06 Federal 180 grain bullet, the bear bailed out and broke a limb that knocked Luke and Anthony down. Thankfully, they were largely unhurt and the bear was dead. Ben’s dog Woodstock had actually treed that bear solo—just an example of how good these dogs are.

I won’t lie, the drag out with the bears was pretty tough. However, we got them to the trucks with a lot of help and then took them back to camp to weigh and skin out. Luke’s bear definitely had bragging rights, but I was really excited about the size of the bear I had and the eating prospects. That night, we had a raucous celebration with a big crew of bear hunters and had some stellar bear backstrap tacos.

Although I was tempted to pursue another bear over the line in North Carolina since I realized I had a lifetime N.C. license and, thus, a bear tag, the next morning it was nice to sleep in and take care of the meat and hides. We dropped off the future bear rugs at the local taxidermist and headed out to chase some Kentucky deer.

In closing, my journey to my first bear started a long time ago when I shot that first squirrel out of a big hickory tree with a pawnshop single shot H&R .410 my brother and I bought in 5th grade. I know that it won’t be my last bear. I am rendering some fat as I write, and I look forward to more bear meals. We are so lucky in our country to have the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation and to have flourishing numbers of game animals like black bears. I hope someday the bears of Blue River return and maybe we will even have an Indiana season again like Kentucky has been so fortunate to experience. Until then, I think I will have to just continue to learn more about this marvelous animal and look for more opportunities to hunt them.

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Lauren’s Outdoor Wish An Outdoor Dream Becomes Reality

by Brigid O’Donoghue

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L

auren was diagnosed with Leigh's Syndrome at the age of six months.

Her older sister, Kennedy, was diagnosed with the same condition and received her angel wings at the age of 14.

Their older brother, Zachary, also had a disability, which made life challenging for the family. After Kennedy passed away, their mother, Colleen, said they started spending more time outdoors. Lauren and Zachary enjoyed being outside so much that their parents applied for them to attend an event with the United Special Sportsman Alliance (USSA).

After going on a Great Lakes fishing trip, Lauren's family became interested in USSA's program. Zachary attended his first hunting trip soon after, and Lauren was happy for her brother but she was too young to hunt yet. Over the next few years, Zachary explored more hunting opportunities, which increased his self-esteem. He highly encouraged his young sister to try it out. Finally in 2022, Lauren got her first deer with an adaptive shooting device. She was ecstatic and now had a bigger dream to get a bear like her brother.

In February 2023, Charles Hansen donated his long-awaited bear license to the United Special Sportsman Alliance. It wasn't long after that 12-year-old Lauren received the fantastic news she would be going on a Wisconsin bear hunt. Her father, Bob, expressed his excitement and surprise upon hearing this news; he never expected such an opportunity. Colleen, on the other hand, was curious about the process since Lauren could not walk and they would be running with dogs instead of sitting in a blind. However, Lauren was thrilled, and that was all that mattered to her mother.

Brent Evitch, a member of the Critter Gitter Hound Hunter Crew, contacted her parents and arranged a date for her hunting trip. On the first day of the hunt, the crew found a fresh track just after sunrise as the rig dogs caught its scent and began barking.

As the track warmed up, they released the other pack dogs, who hastened to catch up with the lead trailing dogs.

Brent said, "We ran the bear for five hours and covered 20 miles, but could not get it out of this super thick clearcut and it wouldn't climb the tree. Finally, the race fell apart and we returned to camp. Then that afternoon, we had a bait recently hit with a hot track and then turned the dogs loose. We treed the bear but couldn't get to the tree before dark. That was the end of the first few days, and Lauren and her parents had to go home."

A few days later, Brent informed Bob that they had seen a bear on their trail camera. So, Lauren and her father returned early on Thursday morning. Colleen couldn't attend because of her work, but she kept her phone with her, eagerly waiting for updates.

She remained hopeful knowing that the mentors had recently sighted a bear. www.bear-hunting.com

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On the first morning of their second hunt, they released the dogs on a freshly hit bait at sunrise.

It didn't take long before they had treed the bear, but it was a sow with a cub, so they moved on to a different bait. A bear had hit another bait early the previous night, so they turned the dogs loose on the cold track. After some good dog work, they jumped the bear and it made a few circles before it was treed.

They followed a dirt trail for about 400 yards, but the rough terrain and trees made it difficult to navigate using the track chair. To get closer to the bear, Bob carried Lauren while two men carefully steered the track chair around the obstacles. Eventually, they reached the tree where other bear hunters and dogs awaited them. Bob and Lauren sat together on the track chair with Brent on their left side helping Lauren aim the crossbow at the bear. Lauren looked up at the bear excitedly, then back down at the crossbow and, finally, looked through the scope to get the bear in the crosshairs. She gently pulled the trigger, and the bear fell out of the tree. Everyone was excited for her, shaking each other's hands and hugging her in celebration.

Bob said, "I was amazed by the bear hunters who had traveled so far to help Lauren's hunt. Some of the hunters were 70-year-old men who were in tears.

The experience was emotional, and the kindness and generosity shown by the people involved will remain in my heart forever. This bear hunt for my daughter made me realize there are truly good people out there."

Colleen remarked, "I was excited when Bob called to say Lauren finally got her bear after all the hard work she and the bear hunters put into the hunt. Even though I wasn't there, I got to feel their excitement and it was really special."

We want to express our gratitude to Brent Evitch and the Critter Gitter Hound Hunter Crew for their unwavering dedication to ensuring a successful bear hunt for Lauren. Thanks to Charles Hansen for donating his license, Hartung Taxidermy for donating the fantastic mount, and Hughes Forms for the supplies.

On the second trip, they were able to get Lauren in on a Congratulations to the bear that she took with this young huntress on her crossbow. trophy bear and the unforgettable memories shared by all. God bless!

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That’s the look of pure joy! Lauren got her first bear. We’re going out on a limb and saying that the experience lived up to the dream!

If you are interested in getting involved, want to donate your 2024 bear license, or know of a deserving youth or veteran, don't hesitate to contact us at childswish@gmail. com or visit our website: www.childswish.org. www.bear-hunting.com

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Comfort Zone Engage in New Experiences

by Dawson Smith

“Do one thing every day that scares you.”

- Eleanor Roosevelt -

E

leanor Roosevelt once said, “Do one thing every day me, then you know I was completely comfortable, almost joyous. that scares you.” Everyone, regardless of who you are, Thane, however, was without question out of his comfort zone: where you live, or what you do, has a comfort zone. his darting eyes, head swivels, and dancing feet all alluded to it, But what does this really mean? A comfort zone is the area, and, weirdly, added to my fun. or areas, of your life in which you feel like everything is in its Thane and I have been hunting partners for over right place; it encompasses the behaviors, habits, and places 40 years. We have hunted all over and for almost everything you turn to when you're on autopilot. It's a metaphorical place including numerous bear hunts, both grizzly and black bear. He where there's little to no risk and where you never have to face loves bear hunting as much as I do, but he prefers to do so at a your fears. It’s also a psychological state where you feel at distance. I love bear hunting but I also love getting close. It has ease because you are not being tested. been that way with us forever—what an odd pairing!

Inside your comfort zone, you don't typically engage “Let it get closer,” I whispered as that huge bear continued ambling towards us. in new experiences or take on any new challenges. You only “As soon as it steps broadside, I am going to participate in activities that are familiar and that shoot!” Thane replied. make you feel “in control” of your environment.

The bruin came closer, then was about 40 Anything outside your comfort zone will create Inside your comfort uncertainty, and uncertainty tends to make us zone, you don't typ- yards away when it abruptly stopped and lifted broad nose in the air to test the airwaves with feel anxious. Naturally, human beings are wired ically engage in new his his head swaying from side to side. Clearly it was to avoid these feelings, making us reluctant to experiences or take on out and about looking for a sow, but just as clearly leave our comfort zone. People stay to avoid any new challenges. had a sense that something wasn’t right. I often feelings of anxiety, stress, and/or pain. But how You only participate talk about my belief that bears have a sixth sense, much fun is that? in activities that are an innate perception of danger or of something One time, my buddy Thane Davies familiar and that make amiss in their surroundings. The big bear may have as well as Bill Cash, Tom Johnson, and I were you feel “in control” of had that feeling, but we were squatting down camped out at our little remote cabin, tucked your environment. motionless and the wind was blowing gently in our away neatly and discreetly on the shore of a face, so we didn’t need to worry. small lake in north central British Columbia. It I glanced over at Thane and he caught my was mid-May, we had perfect weather, and it eye, mouthing, “Holy crap, that’s a big bear!” I nodded. was just before the mosquitoes came out in full force.

Male bears are very promiscuous. Once they get in “rut” mode, The bear was so close I could see its beady eyes move and nose they can move great distances in their quest for sows in season. wrinkle without my binoculars. Satisfied in the wind, the bear lowered his head, stepped sideways to look backwards, and, in Seeing a big boar is one thing, getting out in front of it is another. The four of us had been at the cabin for a few days and doing so, presented a perfect broadside opening for Thane. I while we had seen many bears (and even a few large boars), was just turning to silently encourage him when his shot rang out. the bigger boars were just starting to move about. Thane and The report from his rifle was loud, defying the tranquility I had seen a nice boar from a vantage point earlier and had of the moment. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw the boar hump quietly made our way to get into position to cut it off. sideways as Thane’s bullet landed with the tell-tale whack! The The two of us were squatting down on our butts on a bear took a few running lopes and disappeared into the forest. little trail as a warm, gentle breeze blew directly into our faces. Thane quickly chambered a new round and looked over at me.

Spring birds flitted and flirted noisily around in the lodgepole “I think I hit it pretty good,” he whispered as he quietly pine forest, busy about their tasks. About 60 yards away, that moved over to where I was sitting. huge black bear was slowly working towards us. Thane had “Ya, you did,” I replied. “Good shooting, that was awesome.” his rifle, I had my binoculars, and it was awesome. If you know 28

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The author and his friend Thane spotted this big boar and made a plan to move closer & cut him off.

Thane loves bear hunting but doesn’t let bears get to close.

This hunt required him to get out of his comfort zone.

Just then we heard a bunch of limbs breaking, and my initial thought was that perhaps the bear climbed a tree. But it was a really big bear and that was unlikely.

“What was that?” Thane asked.

“I’m not sure,” I said, “let’s head back to the truck and get my rifle. We’ll leave it for an hour or so, then sneak in and find it.”

“Good idea,” Thane replied.

We quietly got up and headed back to the truck.

When we got there, we contacted Bill and Tom on the radio, telling them where we were and what was up. They told us they were only a few miles away and would make their way to where we were parked.

While we waited, Thane and I discussed the hunt, the shot, and what we thought would be the outcome.

Before long, Bill and Tom drove up and we gave them the story. Tom stayed with the trucks while Bill, Thane, and I hiked into the site.

“I got blood,” Bill whispered, pointing down onto the mossy forest floor as we moved into the timber. We slowly followed the blood trail about twenty yards to a pile of small pine trees that had fallen into a crisscrossed mess.

Peaking between the fallen trees, we could see the bear piled up. Thane snuck closer and touched the bear's eye, confirming he was dead. The cracking Thane and I had heard was most likely the bear crawling its way into the jumble of blowdowns. We had to go back to the truck and retrieve a saw in order to get him out. But once we cut him free and pulled him out, we were able to skin and debone the beautiful bear. After taking a few pictures we made our way back to the cabin, arriving just before dark.

Later that evening as we sat around the cabin www.bear-hunting.com

The bear only went 20 yards and piled up in a blowdown.

with the white gas lantern hissing and the wood stove popping and cracking in the background, we played crib, laughed, joked, and relished in the good fortune we had. The bear, hide, and meat were buried in a snowbank higher up the mountain for safe keeping, and we had another four days to hunt. Life was as good as it could get.

If Thane had not overcome his fear of getting too close when shooting the boar, we wouldn’t have reaped such wonderful rewards. I’m proud that he constantly pushes himself out of his comfort zone while hunting. It’s an important reminder for all of us as we face the daily struggles and adventures of life.

The hunters were able to get within 40 yards of this big male bear that was cruising for sows.

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Getting in Shape Be Ready for Your Spring Bear Hunt

by Jake Horton

W

ith spring just around the corner, it is easy to get excited about the upcoming hikes, hunts, and outdoor activities that are looming in the near future. One of these hunts that excites me every year is our spring bear hunt in the mountains of the western United States. Western states like Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Oregon, Washington, Utah, Arizona, and Alaska all currently have a spring bear season. Some of these states offer an over-the-counter tag, while others are drawn tags that can be pulled nearly every year. The prevalence of tags and abundance of bears make these hunts a blast for hunters of every age; however, there is one thing that can make a hunt miserable, and that is a hunter's physical shape or lack thereof. In this article, we will go over what to expect, why your physical fitness is essential, and some tips for hunters embarking on their first western bear hunt.

Fitness can be the key to a successful hunt. Building up endurance can help you get into a prime position on a spring bruin.

What to Expect When it comes to the expectations of a first time western bear hunter, or a person visiting the West for the first time, I will always say that it is bigger than it looks on the computer or in photos. I live in the Rocky Mountains and still time and time again, I underestimate the size of a valley, the steepness of a slope, or the length of the trail, and I overestimate my abilities to make it there before daylight or to navigate a trail system that has been closed for the winter.

When it comes to expectations, it is essential to put everything into real perspective when scouting. A good way to do this is to use a measuring tool when looking at valleys, basins, or trails. Most mapping software have a 3D feature that 30

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allows you to tilt and look at the aerial topography from an angle, but nothing will help you more than a topographical map. Climbing a mountain with 1,000-2,000 feet of elevation gain is okay, but beyond that the average hunter will most likely struggle. As far as distance goes, a typical bear hunter would be expected to hike 2-3 miles deep on a trail or 1-2 miles in deep bushwhacking without an issue.

If this doesn’t sound like something you are interested in doing, then bear hunting in the western states may not be for you. However if it does interest you, there are some steps you can do to get in physical shape.

favorite hunts of the year since the winters are long and my mind and body longs to be in the mountains. It is essential to know what to expect before your hunt and make sure you are prepared for the terrain and bear habitat you will be hunting. Fitness is key to not only enjoying your hunt but also reducing the likelihood of injury. Combine appropriate expectations, fitness, and bear habitat, and you may just come home with a filled tag, a full cooler, and a beautiful experience the next time you chase bears in the West.

Fitness is Key to Success When it comes to your physical fitness, there is never a more important time to concentrate on this than when you are planning on hunting for a species in the mountains of the western U.S. These mountains are rugged and ruthless, and bears live in some of the most untouched areas there. This doesn’t mean you need to be a top wilderness athlete, but it does mean that you should concentrate on growing your strength and endurance so the hunt is more enjoyable and reduces your chances of injury. To get in shape, I do not think it is necessary to be in the gym every day; however, I do think that pushing your body a few times a week is a minimum. This is especially important when most hunters are coming off a winter season where slippers are worn more than running sneakers.

Combining Expectations and Your Readiness It is important and potentially lifesaving to be honest with yourself when approaching a hunt. The western mountains are remote and dangerous, and a hunter pushing too hard or going into a place alone always has a chance of not making it back to the truck. If you are honest with yourself, you can plan your hunt based on your actual ability and skills and find success. As mentioned, most bears enjoy the seclusion of being multiple miles from a trailhead or road, but some bears do not care. I have seen bears less than a half mile from the trailhead or closer. When planning your hunt based on your ability, concentrate on areas with south-facing meadows. These will be the first ones to green up and the first destination for hungry spring bears. Combine this with areas harder to reach, not necessarily from the trail, and you will have increased success in the mountains.

Tips for Success Once you understand what to expect and are planning according to your ability, it is time to go hunting. My main tip is to find the habitat that they want to be in and identify glassing points that can see that habitat. These are the two hardest things to determine when you have never been to an area. The way you find the habitat is by concentrating on southern-facing, open slopes one mile or more from the nearest road and trailhead. The way that I find glassing points is by using a mapping software like GoHunt Maps or Google Earth to rotate into a 3D view and try to envision what you would see.

Turning on the topographical layers will help you see what side of the ridge you are on and mark out some good glassing points. If you can do these things, you will be bear hunting before you know it.

Spring bear hunting is one of my www.bear-hunting.com

- Large and color phased bears.

- Exclusive tents for each hunter with wood stove.

- Spring & fall hunts available.

- 24 hr hot/cold water and indoor shower.

- Five day fully guided hunt.

Minitonas, Manitoba canadabestbows@gmail.com (204) 525-2121 | (204) 281-2746 www.canadianwildernessoutfitters.com

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Legendary Bear Hounds: Part 55 9 Workman’s Drum | Tacy Hill’s Desperado

by Steve Fielder

@stephen.f.fielder

I

n the fall of 1999, Pratt and Whitney Corporation senior staff engineer Evan Workman was a young man looking for a dog. Perusing the coonhound publications, his eyes fell upon an ad for Plott Hound puppies born on October 14th of the year.

At the time, Evan was hunting black bears with hounds in his native West Virginia, but he was possessed of a strong desire to enter the competition hunt scene with a Plott. “You can get a lot of attention with a Plott in a sport that’s largely dominated by other breeds. Other people have done that, “Evan recalled. “I was just looking for a well-bred pup, and here was an ad for puppies in Illinois out of one of the most popular Plott stud dogs of that day and a female that had made a name in major competition hunts across the country. The sire was GRCHNITECH bear Pen Rio Grande Roper and the dam was Marlo Arp’s GRCH GRNITECH WORLD CH Capital City Sam’s Go Annie. I figured if I got the pup and worked him

This is Snake, a son of Drum and a Piney River Wrangler-bred female thanks to frozen semen.

The immortal Workman’s Drum with owner, Evan Workman and a trophy WV black bear.

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Owner, Evan Workman hard, I could have him ready to hunt at Plott Days the following August. The asking price was seven hundred dollars, which was pretty steep, but we struck a deal on the phone for $500.

I met her at the Grand American Coon Hunt in Orangeburg, South Carolina in January and brought the pup home with me to West Virginia,” said Evan.

“He was a real houndy-looking pup, and he started running and treeing on coons the following spring at about six months of age. I hunted him hard. When you really like a pup and believe he has the potential, you hunt them hard. I coon hunted him at six months old and he would trail and tree a coon, but when I cut him loose he wouldn’t go deep by himself. He would just trail and tree and was a steady tree dog, actually a pleasure hunter’s dream. You could road hunt him, and he was just an all-around good pleasure dog, but not the rapid-fire competition dog I was looking for. He just ran in a different gear when hunted on coon,” said Even. “The area where I lived was called Tacy. Marlo had named the pup Desperado, and I added Tacy Hills to the name on his papers.

However, I called him Drum,” added Evan.

DRUM BECOMES A BEAR DOG Drum was about fourteen months old when the December bear harvest season opened in West Virginia. Well into the second week of the season, the older, more experienced hounds were beat up and sore. Evan thought, “I’ll just take the pup today and see what he does.” There were six inches of snow on the ground when a bear track was found in the snow. Evan’s hunting party turned several dogs loose, and all the dogs hung up on a rock ledge except Drum and an older female. The two dogs treed the bear by themselves and according to Even, “the Drum pup never missed a lick.”

Within a short time, Drum became a legendary bear hound within the circle of Evan’s hunting friends. “He had a real knack for figuring stuff out,” Even said, remembering Drum’s strengths. “And it’s showing up in his offspring,” he added. “I’m hunting a young pup now out of Drum semen and a Dodger female. She was Wrangler top and bottom. Wrangler was Drum’s uncle being a half brother to Drum’s sire Roper. We ran a bear last Saturday morning and I turned him in. The bear had climbed a tight, woven-wire fence. The Drum pup that I call Snake hit the fence and ran three-hundred yards or more to get around it, came back, hit the track, and was gone.

The other dogs were hung up on the fence. The point is the old Drum dog, from a very young age had a knack for not being interrupted by rocks, fences, or whatever. He had a knack for figuring those kinds of things out,” Evan said.

Evan hunted Drum in some of the most challenging terrain in the eastern United States. He began to hunt remote areas of Boone County in southern West Virginia when the September season was introduced to control burgeoning bear populations there several years ago. “Compared to where I hunt, the terrain is as different as night and day. The area down there is extremely uninhabited. The population lives along the creeks, and the mountains are devoid of people. Spoils from coal mining left steep cliffs called high walls, and there are mining auger holes everywhere. The bears flourish in those remote and treacherous areas,” Evan says. “And, the bears are meaner than the bears we have here. They have a totally different demeanor. Biologists believe it to be May/June 2024

Purchased as a pup to hunt raccoons in competition, Drum proved to be a better and more natural bear hound.

the best habitat in North America for bears due to the millions of acres of just the kind of habitat bears need to thrive,” Evan says adding, “That’s where I got bit by a bear.”

TOUGH BEARS AND GETTING BIT Evan went on to explain the story, “We had turned loose on a cold trail, and there were no other hunters to speak of with us at first on that morning. We ran a bear across the road and caught it on the other side of the mountain. I got to the bay and was walking along with the bear and the hounds.

He was doing most of the chasing. When the bay moved, he decided to move. They were moving straight up and down in steep terrain and cutover timber. It was a mess. The bear stopped and sat on a tree root. I stopped and raised the muzzle of the gun to aim at its head. I wanted a killing shot because the dogs were all around him. I got to within about ten feet of the bear when he spotted me. I stopped to see what he would do, run, or swat at dogs. When he turned and looked at me he was about seven or eight feet away. As he swirled around he sprang with his back legs off the limb and jumped right for my face and tackled me. If I had known he was going to jump on me, I would have shot right away. I was able to push him off somewhat to the right and thankfully keep him out of my face. He clamped onto my shoulder and bit down, shaking his head as if to rip off my arm. Instantly, the dogs piled on, one by one, on top of the bear. He didn’t stand for much of that and let me go. One of the hunters in our party was coming up the mountain to the bay and had set down to rest. He said, “I looked up and the bear went right by me within arm’s reach! He was popping his teeth, and I could see fragments of his flannel shirt falling out of this mouth.” Evan and his companions later had a good laugh out of his friend’s description.

“At that point I became the legend,” Evan remembers.

“I had holes in my shoulder I could stick my pinky finger in, and the local doctor that treated me told me I was given two kinds of antiseptic because of the toxicity of a bear’s bite. Ironically, the next morning I found myself in nearly the same situation.

The dogs jumped a bear and by following them, they were baying about twenty feet from me. There I was, with a bandaged shoulder, wondering if I were going to get caught again. I’ve www.bear-hunting.com

been around countless bears by generally, if you give a bear a path to get away, he’ll take it. I’ve been in cave-type holes catching dogs and in places I shouldn’t have been. But down in that country, I’ve seen bears that when you pulled the dogs off, they wouldn’t even run, “said Evan with conviction.

WATER, COLD TRAILING, DURABILITY, AND GRIT Evan also hunted Drum in areas that contained lots of swift, wide rivers. “Drum would try to swim the ocean if a bear did. If he were hunting and the track was going toward the river, I knew we would have to try to get to the river before he did. A river here may be two hundred yards wide. Bears will swim anything. When it came to water, there was absolutely no hesitation in Drum. If the track came to the water, Drum was in it. I’ve seen him launch fifteen to twenty feet off a rock or the bank into the water. Water did not slow him down,” said Evan of his bear dog.

“When it comes to cold-trailing a bear, I currently don’t have any dogs like Drum. When I was hunting him, it didn’t concern me if others were rigging the roads for bears ahead of me.

I could depend on him not only on old tracks that crossed the road, but also with cold tracks that were near the road. When he came off the truck, he left like he knew where the track was and where it was going. The track could be on top the ridge, and he would be up there and off the backside before you could get anything to him. And that applied not only when hunting him off the road, but whenever a track was found anywhere. You could rig a track, put him down and he would run it when most dogs didn’t know it was there. Drum had a truly outstanding nose, a trait that appears prominently in this family of dogs,” Evan said.

(The author recalls Chad Barth, who hunted a cousin to Drum named Rock) (Drum’s sire Roper and Rock’s sire Wrangler were half-brothers). When we were hunting near his home in northwestern Wisconsin, Chad showed me where Rock started a cold track and trailed it for eight miles by the truck odometer to the spot where he and two other Plotts jumped the bear from its bed.)

Hunting in West Virginia in December, Evan didn’t worry about when a track he had found had been made. If it were made anytime during the night before, Drum would take it. There

Drum’s offspring tree a WV bear in open terrain, a rarity when hunting the Mountain State.

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Wintertime hunting with Drum’s offspring produces the goods for Evan Workman in the WV snow.

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were many tiems when, in his words, he was “out there in the morning beating around trying to find a track” and there would be no evidence of a bear track of any kind. Drum would begin to work a track, and Evan would walk along with him in the terrain was such that he could keep up with the dog. Sometimes Drum would stick his nose under the snow while tracking, and it would come back over his head like a snowplow. Under conditions like that, many dogs wouldn’t have the heart to stay with it, but Drum would and would routinely jump the bear. He could trail underneath the snow until the track led to the bear’s bed. “I’ve seen dogs with the nose, and I’ve seen dogs that were as fast as him but I have never seen one dog that had it all together like Drum did. In my lifetime I’ve seen maybe three dogs that could cold-trail like he could, “Evan firmly declared.

When it came to durability, hunt after hunt, Evan believes Drum to have been unequalled. “The dog just didn’t get sore,” he said.

“You just can’t hunt any harder than we did, up before daylight and home after dar, six days a week.

Sunday was our only day off. He and his offspring don’t get foot and muscle sore when hunted like this. Of course, in the off season he would get fat,” he admitted. “But when it comes to bear hunting, from the rough mountains of West Virginia to the cedar swamps of Wisconsin, the Drum dogs are durable,” Evan said.

I talked with Evan about the differences in hunting black bears in the areas he hunts now as compared to when he started hunting. “When Drum was four years old (that would have been thirteen years ago), treeing two bears in the dead of winter here, you would have done something. I recall the time Drum treed two bears, by himself, in one day,” Even explained. “It was on Saturday, and we had hunted the five preceding days. We found a bear track that was fresh the first thing in the morning. The other guys had fresh dogs because they had worked all week and hadn’t hunted as I had. I turned Drum loose with them, and I remember later seeing the bear come off the mountain with Drum about fifty yards behind it, and it crossed the road. A bear couldn’t outrun that dog. He treed the bear and the other dogs never made it to the tree,” Even proudly remembers. “We left there, went down into some lower country, and found a track. It was melted out in the snow, and we could barely see it. There were about twenty-five people there. There were about six dogs that were taken out of the boxes that their owners thought could cold trail that kind of track. Some of the dogs came back, and some of them wouldn’t go on the track. Drum took the track and cold-trailed out of hearing. They drove around the mountain and heard Drum. There he sat with a bear treed,” Evan recalls.

When it came to fighting a caught bear, Evan believes Drum did exactly what he wanted him to do. “He was like a buble bee. He would never jump right on the bear and bite it.

He barked incessantly and circled around and around the bear, moving in and out. He would never quit. IN his entire life I saw him come out on one bear,” Evan admitted. “It was a mean bear that would chase the dogs, and it almosed killed him. We were hunting the Pheasant Mountain area near Parsons, West Virginia. The track was a cold one and one of those we couldn’t see under the snow. Drum jumped the bear and brought it across the road. We heard the dogs catch it. As May/June a / 2024

All of the hounds in this photo were sired by Drum and are grand pups of the famous bear dog.

we headed towards the fight, I met the dogs going back to the by Evan and his companions are either pups of or are grand truck. All the dogs but a couple came out. It was a rank bear, pups of Drum’s. and he had taken his stand in a bad rhododendron thicket. As I got closer, Drum came to me. The bear had run him down DRUM’S DEATH and caught him and had just about eaten him alive. I got him It was in September of 2008 that Evan’s friend Rich and his into a vet that night. The vet said, “I don’t know if the dog is son Kyle Emory came to West Virginia from Indiana to try their going to make it.” He sewed him up and placed him on oxygen. first bear hunt. Drum was nine years old and had been hunted The next day the vet called and in an odd way of speaking, hard that week. His legs were swollen from the punishment he said with astonishment, ‘this dog just doesn’t feel. He had a had taken in the rocks and laurel thickets that are prevalent in ruptured stomach lining and I sewed him up and there are tubes the southern Appalachians. Evan told his companions, “I’m not all in him and he was up this morning eating like a horse.” Evan going to turn Drum loose today. He’s run hard all week.” It was confirmed that in all the years he hunted Drum that was the a hot and dry afternoon when somebody reported they had only time the dog ever got caught. seen a bear. The party investigated and located the track. The Being a one-man army on black bears aside, perhaps dogs they released were attempting to trail it, but it was dusty Drum’s greatest contributions have come in the realm of breed- and dry, and they couldn’t seem to get the track going. Drum ing, of producing offspring to carry on now that he is gone. Ev- could smell it from the truck and was having a fit. Scotty Swiger The Paper an’s hunting partner, Scotty Swiger, attended the National Plott said, “Just let him go and Trail we’ll catch him when we go around Hound Association’s National Plott Days with Evan in August of the road.” Evan agreed to the suggestion and when they set him 1999 in Saline City, Indiana. Scotty met a fellow there that had down, Drum took the track out ofBluff thereCreek like heDrive was looking a NITECH (NPHA at HOF) a small Plott female to sell. She was a North Georgia-bred bear.

NITECH Weems’ Johncoming.

(NPHA HOF) female coming from the kennel of Wayne Allen. The fellow’s “We drove around and I could Plott, hear Drum I NITECH Weems’ Plott, Susie name was Bo Hammock, and Bo told Scotty that the female tried to catch him, but I missed him. They ended up(NPHA runningHOF) the wasn’t straight, meaning she would run some off game, but if track a long treeing the bear.”

Emory harvested Sire:way before GRCH Weems’ Plott,Rich Butch (NPHA HOF) she got on a bear track, she would run the bear. Scotty found his trophy, but as Evan led his dog back to the truck he realized Brandenburger’s Cherokee, Joe Bo’s assessment to be true, and when she came into season, he something was wrong. “I figured he was just hot and tired but Haug’s Swampland, Star (NPHA HOF) bred her to Drum. Scotty kept two males from the cross that I took him to the vet just to be sure,” Evan sadly recalls. “His Swamp Sally he named Duke and Dusty. “We have bred several females to kidneys were shutting down. The Frake’s vet hooked him upQueen, to IVs, and Duke,” said Evan, “and there are truckloads of dogs around I fed him expensive dog food in an attempt to salvage his kidhere out of him. Local hunter Lyndell Perry has a female litter neys,” Evan said. “I didn’t hesitate to spend money andButch told Bear PenthePlott, Little mate to Duke and Dusty as well,” said Evan. the vet that if he could fix him, it didn’t matter the cost.” Sadly, Perhaps one of the wisest of his decisions concernafter about forty-five days of treatment through which Evan Weems’ Plott,atDan ing Drum was that of having semen collected before the dog just couldn’t bring himself to put the NITECH dog down, Drum died UrsushisRowdy Plott (NPHA HOF) passed. “We raised four litters out of him while he was living,” nine years of age. He lived beyond ninth birthday and died Evan said. “There are maybe fifty pups to his credit. I had a around the first Brandenburger’s week of November.Sashay Moon II (NPHA HOF) friend that planned to attend the PKC Super Stakes hunt in IndiIt is said that bear dogs,Weems’ like good athletes, are born Dam: Plott Jill (NPHA HOF) ana, and he took Drum to Nevergone Genetics in Indiana. They and not made. Such would appear to be the case of Champion Congo’s Bayoo, Pantha drew thirteen breeding straws from that one collection,” he Tacy Hills Desperado, known far and wide as Evan Workman’s Punch explained. The decision proved to be very wise in that Drum did Drum. As legends go, Drum’s legacy is thatWeems’ of a trulyLittle phenomeBurnett’s Punch not live very long after that. All of the dogs now being hunted nal bear dog. www.bear-hunting.com

Bear Hunting

35

Texas Style Black Bear Chili

by Timothy Fowler

H

@timothydfowler

ere’s a chili designed to satisfy Texans and chili eaters that think beans should not appear in a proper chili. You can add tomatoes to the list of things not in Texan chili. This smoldering bowl focuses on transforming diced bear loin or leg into a smoky, heat-packed bite with just a hint of sweetness.

The heat comes from six different reconstituted dried chilies: guajillo, cascabel, morita and brown chipotle, ancho, and mulato. Remove the stems and seeds, chop into quarter-inch squares, cover with boiling water, let rest for 30 minutes, then puree into a thick paste. This is my go-to chili flavoring now. You can find these chilis and others at your specialty spice store or your local Latin market.

Specific chilis hit receptors on different parts of your tongue (tip, middle and back).

What we’re going for with this collection of peppers is to hit your whole tongue in a fully rounded, medium heat kind of way. If your mouth is blistering from chili fire, you’re going to miss the whole point of this dish. I headed for the high side of medium heat while maintaining the depth and deliciousness of a good bowl of chili. But of course, you’re in control.

Want more heat? Add more chilis.

Sweet, smoky paprika and smoked salt deliver the smoke. Molasses lends a bit of sweet depth. But the point of making chili is to suit yourself. I hope you like mine, but I also hope you tweak it to make it your very own

Equipment • Skillet • Dutch oven • Wooden spoon • Gram scale • Chef’s knife • Cutting board • Bullet blender (or other suitable spice grinder) • Spatula

Ingredients • 2-3 pounds of diced bear loin or leg • 2 medium yellow onions, peeled and diced about the size of kernel corn • 90 grams (3 oz) of fatty bacon ends or 3 slices, chopped • 1 tsp of smoked salt • 2 tbsp smoked sweet Hungarian paprika • 1 tbsp ground or whole coriander • 2 tbsp ground or whole cumin • 2 heaping tbsp of homemade chili paste (see recipe below) • 2 tbsp of molasses • 5 cloves of garlic, peeled, smashed and chopped fine • 1 can of beer (Texan if you can get it) • Grated cheese, fresh jalapeno, and fresh cilantro for garnish • Optional: crusty bread

Method 1.

Make the homemade chili paste by mixing two of each of the following dried peppers: guajillo, cascabel, morita and brown chipotle, ancho, and mulato. Seed and chop the peppers, then cover in hot water. Soak for 30 minutes, then puree everything (you will have some chili paste left over to use in other dishes where you want chili heat).

2. Boil the kettle.

3. If you’re using whole coriander and cumin, heat a small skillet over the burner to toast the spices just until you get a wisp of smoke. Immediately pulverize and put aside.

4. Chop bacon and start it over high heat in the skillet.

5. Add onions as soon as the bacon starts to crisp, then add the diced meat. Continue on high and brown well.

6. Add garlic and other spices toward the end of the meat cooking and turn the heat down to medium.

7. Add chili paste and stir well. Proceed with caution if you want to add more paste—you’ve been warned.

8. Add the molasses and beer.

9. Bring to a simmer, check the taste of the chili, and add salt if required.

10. Put the chili in a dutch oven or similar baking vessel and bake at 325 for 2-3 hours. Check every hour and add water or bear stock if needed to keep the chili nice and moist.

11. Dish up, garnish with some fresh cilantro and jalapeno, shredded cheese, and a slice of crusty bread.

36

Bear Hunting

May/June 2024

The combination of chilis and the cut, not ground texture of the bear makes this dish. I make more chili paste than required, keep it in the fridge or freezer, and add the paste to everything from fajitas to scrambled eggs. It is even a great addition to mashed potatoes and mac and cheese.

www.bear-hunting.com

Bear Hunting 37

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608-341-8987 38

Bear Hunting

May/June 2024

A better estimate of Michigan’s wolf population is on the horizon as the Department of Natural Resources tests a new survey method using game cameras and artificial intelligence to sort images.

The Michigan DNR currently conducts minimum population estimates every other year, with the most recent track survey in the winter of 2022 suggesting there’s 631 wolves in about 136 packs across the Upper Peninsula. But DNR officials concede that figure is likely double during the spring months, and as the population has grown the effectiveness of surveying tracks has become increasingly labor intensive.

DNR researcher Tyler Petroelje contends the new approach will provide a more accurate count with less cost to taxpayers, while providing several other benefits for wildlife managers.

“The current minimum count requires significant effort to provide an index of abundance,” he said.

“As wolf density has increased, more time is needed to discern adjacent packs.”

“We are looking to increase precision and decrease costs,” Petroelje said.

DNR officials tested the new approach in 2022 using 200 trail cameras over 40 contiguous cells covering parts of Marquette, Alger, Delta and Schoolcraft counties. Over three months, the cameras captured 1.7 million images, which were then sorted by a RECON.AI program to identify thousands of animals and blur images of people and vehicles.

The pilot ultimately captured images of 40,323 deer, 7,534 bear, 4,221 wolves, 2,936 coyotes, 2,823 sandhill cranes, 2,315 red fox, and 764 bobcats.

A snow track survey conducted over the same area required DNR officials to drive over 2,268 miles in trucks and snowmobiles to observe 119 wolf tracks.

“The trail camera system will be less expensive because it will cut down on the amount of field time tracking labor,” DNR biologist Brian Roell said. “It can estimate the wolf population at other times of the year, allowing us to move away from a midwinter count.”

The effort is a joint venture between the DNR and Michigan State University utilizing veteran researchers that conducted a predator-prey study in the Upper Peninsula between 2009 and 2019. DNR biologists involved include Petroelje and Roell, while MSU researchers include Jerrold Belant, J. Matt Nelson, and Dean Beyer.

Roell notes that Wisconsin has used a similar camera survey in recent years and compared the results to the wolf track survey method.

“Both methods work and produce similar results,” he said.

Petroelje contends advancements in AI means the DNR will also be able to gather information on other species including bears, bobcats, and moose that more difficult to track.

“Breakthroughs in machine learning allow for rapid classification of remote camera images,” he said.

“It also provides potential to monitor other wildlife species in addition to wolves.”

“There’s little pockets we’ve had reports on (moose) cows with calves,” he said. “People are seeing bulls all over the UP. It’d be good to see how far they’re roaming, … and where we can see calf reproduction.” www.bear-hunting.com

Since the pilot project, the DNR has distributed 1,230 trail cameras across 159 hexagonal cells covering the vast majority of the Upper Peninsula, equating to a camera density of one for every 16 square miles. Each cell has eight cameras, though DNR officials did not place cameras in 42 cells, either because they were mostly water or mostly city or private ownership, Petroelje said.

DNR officials hope to place cameras in those areas in the coming years, which will increase the total on the landscape to about 1,300, he said.

The cameras are placed on tree trunks about 4.5 feet from the ground, along accessible roads or trails wolves frequently travel. The cameras generally face north, and include a notice they’re intended for wildlife research.

“Annual reports will be make available to the public,” Petroelje said. “A public-facing website will also be created with interactive capabilities to view results.”

Over the next two years, the DNR plans to continue wolf track surveys alongside the trail camera data collection, with the goal of continuing with the latter after 2025 for wolves and other species.

“This new method is expected to provide many benefits, but this is all reliant on if it works for Michigan,” Roell said. “We have already heard about a fair amount of camera sabotage damage.”

Wolf counts are a hot issue in Michigan, with residents, farmers, and hunters frustrated with what they view as a growing problem at a time when federal protections limit how state biologists can manage the population.

A total of 80 dogs have been killed by wolves, including 67 hunting dogs, since the DNR began tracking wolfdog conflicts in 2009. Another 40 dogs, including 30 hunting dogs, have also been injured, according to DNR data.

Wolf populations in Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota have exceeded recovery goals for decades, but the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services’ prior attempts to remove wolves from the Endangered Species List to return management to the states has been reversed by the courts through lawsuits brought by anti-hunting activists.

The MBHA partnered with the Sportsmen’s Alliance, Wisconsin Bear Hunters Association, and the UP Bear Houndsmen to petition the USFWS last year with a plan to delist wolves in those three states. When the USFWS did not respond, the alliance followed up with a notice of intent to sue.

That situation is still pending as the USFWS works to create a national wolf recovery plan that complies with court decisions.

“This new approach to wolf surveys is a step into the future that will bring many benefits for not only wolves, but other species with large ranges that can be difficult to track, such as bobcats or bears,” MBHA President Keith Shafter said. “We all know wolves have a substantial impact on hunters, farmers, and residents in the Upper Peninsula, and getting a better estimate of their abundance will only support our efforts to bring management back to Michigan once and for all.”

Join MBHA to make our voice stronger, and receive our association’s 16-page publication, The Bear Facts, four times a year, plus Bear Hunting Magazine, with its MBHA column, six times a year.

To get your membership (worth $20) and magazine (worth $25 more), send only a $20 check, made out to MBHA, to Phil Hewitt, and his address is 7796 Ainsworth Road, Lake Odessa, MI, 48849. Please include your name, address, email address and phone number.

Bear Hunting

39

Bear Hunting News and Views from the Old North State

this is in correlation with the exponential growth of the state’s black bear population, as shown in the attached graph.

Spring is hitting us around North Carolina. Bear sightings are happening as they awake from their winter downtime. The NCBHA has been active and regional events recently such as Southeast Treeing Walker Days in Union, SC as well as American Plott Association’s Breed Days event in TN. We would like to thank all who came and showed support, especially those who purchased merchandise memberships.

In other news, NC was faced with an interesting op-ed piece across several local publications such as the Asheville Times and County Compass Newspaper. The op-ed aimed to discredit the sound, scientific biological data and decision making by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission in regards to the bear population and management practices of the state, as well as targeting the ethics of its hunters. The original op-ed can be found by searching the websites of both the publications.

In an effort to respond to the accusations, NCBHA Board of Directors members Robert Styles and myself formed our own individual op-eds. Robert’s was published and can be found in the Asheville Times website, and mine was published and can be found in the County Compass website.

I have also included mine here and will allow that to serve as the meat of this edition’s entry.

We hope all our readers enjoy a fruitful spring, and would like to remind everyone that we remain vigilant and proactive as an organization in maintaining the best interests of bear hunting and conservation in our State.

The state of North Carolina has over 20,000 bears. This current population level is 12.4 times that of 1980, while the harvest rate has increased at a proportionally lower rate of 10.5. This is wonderful news for bears. The NCWRC, which serves as the stewards of the state’s wildlife, would only allow for sustainable regulations and harvest methods, and the numbers show that bear hunting with hounds is just that - sustainable. The robust and healthy bear population is indicative of, and due to, conservation efforts by hunters. This includes their active participation in bear data surveys, submission of biological data to wildlife officials, and the establishment of bear sanctuaries, among many efforts. The NCWRC bases their season dates, harvest allotment, and other regulations in large part based on hunter supplied data. Bear hunters themselves were instrumental in the founding and maintenance of bear sanctuaries in the state, which at present sits at over 490,000 acres of official black bear sanctuaries and 1,390,000 areas of de facto sanctuaries. The fair chase practices of hound hunters have contributed to a growth in the black bear population - quite factually the opposite from the assumptions of some.

Sincerely, Reed Sheffield

Conservation backed by Science Positing 12 Reasons for Continuing Tradition North Carolina - Hunting bears with hounds in the state of North Carolina is a time-honored tradition that exudes the spirits of community, fair chase, and conservation. In today’s world, the practice is rooted in, and governed by, scientific and biological data. Contrary to the beliefs of some, the assumptions of rampant barbarism and wanton waste being endemic to the practice at the hands of bear hunters and at the behest of the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) are unfounded.

1. Annual bear harvest totals are reflective of guidelines that are founded in science and reflective of a healthy bear population.

It is true that harvest totals have gone up annually, but 40

Bear Hunting

2. Bear hunting with hounds is a method of fair chase hunting that is driven by a code of ethics that respects all wildlife, not least of which the bear themselves. No bear hunter with hounds would intentionally wound a bear to subject them and the dogs to undue violence. This is an absurd concept and would result only in injured dogs and hunters. Hunters stress over and strive for the use of one shot/ethical shot placement practices to ensure humane harvest and respect for the bear, as well as the safety of the dogs.

3. The hounds used by bear hunters are renowned and revered for not only their incredible athleticism and endurance, but also their incredibly friendly and loving nature. Many in fact make great house dogs. Accusations and characterizations of them as viscous attack animals are unfounded and easily dispelled myths. Readers are encouraged to refer to attached pictures to see just a small sample of the contrary. Examples of their loving nature are easily evidenced. Accounts of harm from these dogs to others such as Sadie Anderson’s case are May/June 2024

an anomaly and confounded by possible attacks on the hounds themselves from other aggressive dogs.

4. Hunting bear with dogs is the most controlled form of fair chase and selective harvest option.

Hunters can easily view bear for their sex, age, and size, and choose to leave the bear alone - and they so often do, or else populations wouldn’t continue to climb, even with the increase in the amount of both bear hunters themselves and bear harvest numbers.

5. Antiquated misconceptions of practices such as the so called “bear baying” (as described by Bill Lea) are misconstrued, unfounded myths that are simply not practiced by anyone in today’s time. In addition to these practices being highly illegal forms of animal cruelty, they simply do not happen. Bears can also be disturbed and harassed by seemingly harmless methods of bear/human interaction - such as excessive and invasive photography methods that may disturb the dens of young bears.

6. Harvest dates and season lengths are based solely on sound science, biological data, population levels. Any proposed changes in season lengths are reflective of a single sustainable goal - a healthy bear population. Currently, the number of tags available for hunters to use remains the same at one per person - and the only proposals the NCWRC are considering regarding increased season lengths is an increase in allowed dates only.

7. NCWRC’s objective is to have an “annual sustained” harvest - i.e. a harvest reflective of a sustainable population, and a harvest target that is sustainable and maintains healthy population levels.

The key word is sustainable - both bear hunters and the NCWRC want to continue to see a healthy, and large black bear population in the state in order to continue the mutually beneficial relationship between hunters, residents, and black bears.

8. The use of dogs for bear hunting is allowed just as with many other game animals. There is no difference in practice, and it is a fair chase in all forms. Its allowance and continuance for the purpose of bear hunting is only because it is sustainable in nature, and in no way has had an adverse effect on the state’s black bear population - the data supports it.

9. The NCWRC does (contrary to the beliefs and misconceptions of some) in fact stress education regarding bears. The NCWRC is constantly showcasing and providing educational resources and events and is undoubtedly at the forefront of cutting-edge biological research. The NCWRC’s bear biology wing is widely regarded as the best in the entire country, www.bear-hunting.com www.bear-hunting.com

and its trailblazing methodologies are continually being adapted by other states because of the incredible success story of the black bear in North Carolina. The NCWRC is a big proponent of “BearWise” behavior - tips to maintaining a healthy relationship between bears and humans. The NCWRC (and bear hunters themselves for that matter) are in no way wanting “elimination” for bears, and both parties are in fact incredible advocates for a strong, large, healthy, and robust population as well as coexistence.

10. The misconception of bear dogs being subjected to widespread animal cruelty, starvation, and lack of love is a false notion. Bear hounds are treated well and loved as family members. Hunters spend enormous amounts of money on the healthcare and wellbeing of their hounds.

From vaccinations, preventative medications, top of the line dog food, and much more, - the health, care, and attention to the dogs is paramount. The misbelief that hounds are starved under the misconception that “skinny dogs run faster” is a fallacy. A malnourished dog is like an unconditioned athlete - they would not be able to perform. NC law requires humane treatment of dogs - bear hounds are no different.

11. Every bear is indeed unique, and they are as such meant to be respected. That fact is stressed explicitly in the bear hunting with hounds’ community. Bear hunters with hounds stress the least amount of suffering for the animal at harvest - one ethical shot. In addition, countless bears are left alone and unharmed in their natural, wild habitat by bear hunters with hounds as they are the greatest proponents of a selective harvest in order to ensure the continued tradition of hunting with hounds and the continued health of the bear population.

12. Bear hunting with hounds in North Carolina is a tradition dating to the colonial days and the nation’s founding. The North Carolina state dog (recognized as such by general statute), the Plott Hound, was developed in the state in the 1700s for the purpose of bear hunting.

For over 300 years the tradition has brought together families, communities, and contributed to the successful growth of the black bear population in the state. The contributions of bear hunters with hounds helps the economy due to the money used to take care of their hounds, the purchase of licenses, gear, hotel rooms, seasonal rental properties, restaurants, and much more. Contrary to accusations of waste, bear meat from North Carolina provided 600,000 plates of food last year. Through bear hunting with hounds, communities are brought together as fundraisers are put on, Outdoor Dreams (an organization that grants wishes of children with terminal illnesses) are granted, Wounded Warrior hunts are put on at the request of our nation’s heroes and veterans, and much more. This tradition’s positive biological, socioeconomic, and fair chase aspects cannot be understated, or questioned.

Bear Hunting 41

Wisconsin Bear Hunters Association Inc. May/June 2024

A

s we wrap up this year’s convention it appears to be another successful year. On behalf of me and the WBHA board of directors we thank you, the membership, for this continuing success.

THANK YOU!! I had a lot of people comment on the amazing quality of the SOS items this year, most people cannot believe that most of the items are hand made from our members, there is nothing like this auction in the USA. I would like to also thank our vendors as they do a great job supplying our members with all the latest equipment for the upcoming season.

And if you have a chance give Dakota from Sports and More a look for their excellent selection of WBHA branded apparel, he has been doing a great job.

Hopefully you have avnoticed this year that we invested in a better sound system for the whole facility, it was our number one complaint from our members in years past. We heard from a few members that it was a good improvement.

Don’t be afraid to let us know what you would like to see changed to make the WBHA convention a better event. It is important to the WBHA BOD. I would like to ask all members to thank the WBHA Board of Directors for all that they do. This is truly a team effort and without their hard work and attention to detail and working together we could not succeed in making this great event happen.

The last thing I would like to inform the membership of is we are going to raise our membership prices. This was a hard decision, and a lot of discussion went into how long we can go without increasing membership dues. Membership is the ultimate way to support hound hunting in Wisconsin and the WBHA. We have not raised our membership dues for over 8 years, and it is time. This is what it will be starting May 1st.

JR Member $15.00 up to $20.00 Individual $35.00 up to $40.00 Family $35.00 up to $50.00 Club and Business $50.00 up to $60.00 Individual Lifetime $350.00 up to $400.00 Husband and Wife $450.00 up to $500.00 Have a great training season and hope all your hounds make the tree!

Thank you.

Carl Schoettel WBHA President 42

Bear Hunting

May/June 2024

www.bear-hunting.com

The Strategic Bear Hunter

by Bernie Barringer

Guiding is Different

Seeing others experience the thrill of a successful bear hunt has added another dimension to the author’s own bear hunting.

He did not know guiding bear hunters was going to be such a good fit for him, and it has been very rewarding.

I

‘m not sure how I got into guiding bear hunters, but I guess it was just a natural progression of my love for bear hunting. I learned a lot about bear hunting both through years of DIY hunts on public land as well as many trips with outfitters across North America.

I’m at a point where I get just as much enjoyment, maybe more, out of helping others shoot bears than I get out of doing it myself.

I thought I had a pretty good idea what I was in for when I started guiding, but there are some things that were a surprise. One was changing the sheets and pillowcases on eight beds when one group leaves and the other is coming in the following day. Another was the large amount of food a bunch of guys can eat when they are outdoors all day. Apparently, they like my cooking! Let’s look at five things that are different about guiding than hunting by yourself or with a buddy.

44

Bear Hunting

The Importance of Efficiency

This is a lot of work. It starts in the summer with checking all the trails to the baits for fallen trees, etc. and this really ramps up when the baiting starts 2-3 weeks prior to opening day. I have learned that having everything the same really helps minimize extra effort and adds efficiency. For example, having 20 identical trail cameras with bear safe boxes, along with having 20 locks for those boxes with identical keys. Having as many stands identical also helps, as does the barrels, chains, and other items that it takes to pull this off. The saying “time is money” is appropriate here.

It’s also important to have bait that is easy to handle and move with minimal effort. I don’t have time to be looking for a stick to scrape the last bit of bait out of a bucket. I want things that are easy to handle in large quantities and move from super sack to barrel, to bucket, and to the bait site with minimal effort. I have learned I do May/June 2024

baits. I don’t show any favoritism, so I guess The Surprising Quantity I mentioned 20+ trail cameras and all the barrels, you could say buckets, and tools needed earlier, but the sheer amount of the bear will choose bait can be staggering. I went through 30 barrels of trail who gets to shoot him based on which bait he chooses to visit that day. mix and sunflower seeds last year. I had six large deep freezers full of pastries at the beginning of baiting and continued to add to that as the baiting and then the sea- Dealing with People I have been very fortunate in the short time I have son went on. I probably used an additional ton of bread been guiding bear hunters to have really great people in and pastries when the freezers were empty. The amount of time and money it takes to collect, store, and move this camp. I have not been in a situation where I have a client much bait into the woods really has to be experienced to with a toxic attitude, is overly demanding, drinks to excess, fully appreciate it. or is in any way hard to get along with. But people have I also had two and sometimes three pickups going their individual personalities. I have had people who strugall the time along with ATVs on trailers. We were going gle to stay quiet and still on stand. I have had people who through a lot of gas every day both in the trucks and the tend to get out of the stand during prime time because ATVs. I have five 4-wheelers and a side-by-side being they get nervous as it gets dark. Some people have intenused, but I have decided to migrate more towards the tions of holding out for a big bear, but end up taking the side-by-sides, so I have sold two of the quads and bought “bird in the hand” when an average bear presents itself. another side-by-side for this coming year. The quantity Other people have trouble with mobility or some kinds of and expense that it takes to do this is surprising at times. stands and need to be catered to a little more closely.

I just want people to have a good experience. If Baiting Strategy they shoot a smaller bear, I just tell myself that it’s their tag I am a firm believer that the best strategy for and they can do what they want; and if they’re happy, I’m keeping bears at the baits is to never let the baits run dry, happy. Plus, I suppose if they don’t get the big one they if possible. There are other guides and recreational bear are after, they’re more likely to come back and try again. baiters nearby, and it’s easy to lose your bears to someone Despite the challenges and the learning curve else or to natural foods. Therefore, the baits need to be associated with transitioning from a DIY bear hunter to a run regularly. I have learned that I accomplish this more guide, I have to say I am loving it. 100% of my hunters have easily if I group the bait sites into threes that are generally had the chance to shoot a bear, and so many of them 2-4 miles apart, and it increases my efficiency in putting showed so much excitement at many points in their hunt people in the stands and getting bears out. For example, that it really charges me up to keep going and do my best if I have six hunters, I will send three with one guide and I’ll so everyone leaves with a big smile on their face. Guiding take three. We can drop them off close together so they do not have to wait long after dark to get picked up. If we bear hunters certainly isn’t for everyone, but I’m surprised have to track a bear and retrieve it, we can minimize the and thankful to be enjoying it so much. not like sticky things or things that take a lot of work and time to get from point A to point B.

time people have to wait in order to get back to camp and get something warm to eat at the end of the day.

Bait Distance and Placement

I have long advocated for keeping your baits at least two miles apart, and in many cases, depending on habitat, I prefer three to four miles apart. Many bears will visit more than one bait if they are two miles apart or less. This is especially true of adult males, which may travel even more than that. If you are hunting alone, you don’t want bears visiting more than one of your baits. When it comes time to hunt, you might be sitting on one of the baits while the bear is on the other.

You want to have confidence that you are sitting where the bear is going to come in.

With guiding, that’s not much of an issue.

While I still keep my baits two miles apart, if I have a bear that is visiting more than one bait, I can just put a hunter on both www.bear-hunting.com

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Blood, Sweat, & & Bears

Breeding & Food

with Doug Boze

@bozeandbears

Breeding and food are the two things on a bear’s mind in the springtime.

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reeding and food! Ok, now that I got your attention, of year. The marshes are usually a little bit more open due to the let’s talk about why I titled this article that way. It is lack of large tree growth (at least in my neck of the woods), and springtime and this is exactly what bears are thinking sometimes they are little more than a few inches deep in spots. about, so you should be too. If you are one of the lucky hunters So, grass grows easily on the edges, skunk cabbage will sprout who chase bears during this amazing time of year, I salute you! through first with their yellow and white flowers and shortly after While we in Washington are still battling to get our management their broad, cabbage like leaves will spread. Bears tend to chew spring bear hunt back, I know many others still get to enjoy this on these stinky plants, getting some good filler for their guts. very special time to hunt bears and just be out in the woods.

Even before you go bear hunting, you should go out Getting out to stretch your legs and fill your lungs with fresh air for a hike and just check the local areas you like to hunt, where is something we all can appreciate after a long winter. This hunt is getting good sunlight, where is the snow line at, where would provides that opportunity. be a good place to start? When I spring bear hunt, I usually start First off, during the early season of spring, bears will near the snow line (I like to check for tracks in the snow) then I be coming out of their dens hungry. There are limited food reslowly work my way down in elevation. I try to cover some good sources this time of year so finding what the bear desires is key distance as I go, looking to cut tracks or more sign. If early on, I to success. Overall, throughout each state or province that has am not finding lots of sign (tracks, scat,) at various elevations, I a spring bear hunt, one thing you can count on is green grass do not panic. The later the spring season goes on, the better the or other greening vegetation. This is what you want to initially bear activity gets. Although, I do like to try to bag a bear early in look for, it’s almost uniform, geographically speaking. But how to season, simply for the fact the hides are full and thick, with minfind these delicious patches of chartreuse? Think about where imal chance of a rub mark. The longer you wait to fill your tag, is getting the most sun. South facing slopes for one is a great the greater the chance the bears hide will be rubbed, sometimes place to start. But that is not the end all strategy. almost down the skin. Now, the hide isn’t the only reason I hunt For example, you may have a heavily treed south fac- bears, but I certainly do love a nice bear pelt. Don’t you? ing slope, with little ground penetration of the sun through the You must always consider food when hunting bear, tree canopy. But, maybe on this hillside, there is an old, decom- spring or fall. It is their number one desire most of their lives, it is missioned logging road that is open to the afternoon sun and is their focus. You therefore must make it yours. If you have large growing quite nicely with lush green grass. This is a great spot stands of douglas fir trees in your area, do not forget that bears to keep an eye on, an area that is greening up quickly, but has will peel these trees for the cambium layer hidden just under cover for safety. Logging roads are not the only place to pay the bark. But they do not peel all ages of these trees, only very special attention to. specific age class and size. How I like to describe it for newer Marshlands tend to have some good growth this time hunters is as such: make a ”C” shape with each hand and then 46

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put them together so you make a full circle. That size, along with if you were to spread those “C” shapes up to about 4 inches apart, are the size of tree you are looking for. This is usually about 5-15 year old trees give or take. And in general, this is for a full-grown human to make it.

the bear activity increases, but so does the food sources. So, the strategy of finding early food sources and Why do bers peel these focusing on them to help setrees? They’re after the sap cure a bear becomes less successful. Soon, most of the woods will in cambium layer just under have growth of all sorts of plants and flowers, even some berries, the bark. This will typically that the bears can graze on at their leisure. This is when you can kill the tree. focus a bit on predator calling using a fawn or calf distress. You might say to yourself, that the calves or fawns haven’t dropped yet. I would remind you, that does not matter. Bears do not have a calendar which shows them when this happens. The whole point of predator calling is to get the bears predator instinct aroused so they come in for a shot, and this is a great time to do it. So, I suggest you always carry at least a hand call for predator calling in your pack (or around your neck preferably in case you need to act quick). I never leave for a bear hunt without one.

Now, as we get into late May and June, we start to see some serious bear action. This being their rut period.

So, just like with deer and elk, sows will go into estrous for a short time. I want you to imagine if humans did this. What if the only time humans could mate was a week or two in the whole year. It would be pandemonium with lots of competition. What would your focus be? I know the answer to this, and it is no different for bears.

The boars will be cruising large distances looking for a lady who is ready to mate. This means they will be active much of the day, wandering. If you can see (and glass) clear cuts or old logging roads, open hillsides, this is a great way to spot them. If you see a sow, be sure to keep an eye on her. If you lose sight of the bear, Why do bears peel these trees? Well in the winter, watch that trail for a while. You could easily find a boar following the sugary sap of the trees retreats back to the roots. Then, that scent trail, trying to catch up to her. once things start to warm up, the sap will begin to go back During this time of year, if you see a sow with cubs, you up into the tree trunk out of the roots. This sap resides in don’t need to focus so much on her. She has cubs and won’t be the cambium layer of the wood of the tree. So the bear will going into estrous most likely. But that doesn’t mean to completely strip or peel back the bark and scrap that cambium layer off pass her up, still watch to see if a boar might come because it is (think of the very first layer of wood that you would find un- not uncommon for a boar to want to kill and eat the cubs, which der the bark), often times from the base of the tree to sevwould bring her into estrous. During a later spring hunt, I will eral feet up. This will result in the death of the tree over the usually go from wandering looking for good food sources, plots, next 3 years or so, resulting in heavy financial loss for timber to watching for sows in heat, traveling trails and roads. I tend to companies. Some trees recover from this, but most die from glass pathways, saddles and the sort, looking to spot two lovers what I have seen. Yellowing, orange and red trees of that chasing each other. age caliber spotted along a hillside are red flags and if you Keep in mind that if a good hide is important to you, you are spring bear hunting, you must pay special attention to. want to give time to judge the bear on all sides. Give it a little bit Some areas you will find only a chunk or two of to see if one side is rubbed, maybe it has a bald spot on its hip. bark taken out of a tree, this porridge is too cold (referring They tend to start to rub with the feet and legs, work to the face back to the three bears children’s book). This is an example and then the sides. I would also of course encourage you to have of the bear testing out the tree to see if it is ready to peel patience to make sure you are not taking a sow with cubs. The and it was not. Keep searching the area. When you find a yearling cubs will be very small this time of year and will often lag good stand of trees, you will know it. Sometimes the tree behind. Once a bullet or arrow leaves, it cannot be called back. lines will be riddled with tree peels, one after another. The The bears deserve your patience, so learn to use it. bark will be peeled in strips and you will see vertical teeth You will notice more and more attacks on not just bear marks on the tree trunk, this porridge is just right! If it is a hunting but hunting and trapping in general. I would encourage fresh peel, the bark will appear as such, kind of a pale beige each of you to showcase what you do with the bear once they are or yellow and with little to no sap. The older the peel the down. Talk about the pack out, what you do with the hide, if you more fading to a stained blackish color the wood will look, use the claws for a necklace maybe and more importantly, what along with vertical white tree sap trails along the wound. you do with the meat and fat. The table fare bestowed upon a Once I find a spot where a bear is feeding, either successful bear hunter is second to none. It is a fantastic meat proven by the scat, tree peels or both, I slow way down which should not only be enjoyed by your family but shared with and take my time as I work the area. I will most often hear friends and coworkers. Be sure to take the time this year to defend a bear long before I see it, hence why I slow my pace. It is your hunting way of life. Not only explain the challenges we face important to use all the various hunting tools in your arsenal legally and legislatively to other hunters, but especially to those when spot and stalking bears this time of year. Your ears who are on the fence about hunting. Do not just voice our plight to can play a very pivotal role in this. Although, my ears leave the echo chamber that is our local hunting community. Be bold in something to be desired when it comes to actually being your assertion and love of the hunt to educate and hopefully, gain able to hear (I have poor hearing overall thanks to rupturing as an ally to hunting, those who might not otherwise be exposed each ear drum five times a piece, an experience I do not to it. recommend).

As spring moves along, it should be noted that yes Happy hunting my friends. www.bear-hunting.com

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Black Bear Biology

A Bear Family Tree

with Dr. Jenn Ballard @arwildlifevet

Giant Panda

Sun Bear

Sloth Bear

Asiatic Black Bear

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Andean Bear 48

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rom my vantage point in North America, it’s easy to think about bears and focus on the three species that share this landmass. However, bears are actually a larger group, with eight extant (or living) species and more than 100 extinct species documented by fossil record. Spread across varied ecosystems and four continents, bears have a diverse family tree that is worth exploring.

But first, let’s talk about taxonomy, the scientific practice of classifying species according to their similarities. These classifications may be more familiar than you expect. If you remember the standard ‘Kingdom-Phylum-Class-Order-Family-Genus-Species’ system from biology class, you already know the basics.

May/June 2024

The classification of bears is relatively straightforward compared to other groups. They are animals with spinal cords and fur, which lands them in the Animal kingdom, Cordate phylum, and Mammal class.

Skull and tooth characteristics place bears in the Carnivore order (regardless of diet), along with everything from tigers to seals. Depending on your reference, there are approximately 12 families of carnivores, including the bear family (Ursidae). Ursids are divided into five genera that reflect their relatedness, and finally, each species has a name or specific epithet. Because common names for wildlife are not consistent across cultures and languages, scientists use the genus and specific epithet together to identify species and avoid confusion; this is called the Latin or scientific name. Think of it like a first and last name for every species—for example, the American black bear is Ursus americanus.

The most distinctive bear species is undoubtedly the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca). It’s also something of an outlier. Historically, there was debate about whether giant pandas are true bears or more closely related to raccoons. The current consensus seems to be that giant pandas are bears, but may not be as closely related as the other species. Giant pandas have a distinct black and white coat and are similar in size to American black bears. Despite being classified as carnivores, their diet consists almost exclusively of bamboo. Historically, giant pandas occurred over a large portion of southeast China, but habitat destruction has severely restricted the species to a few small, mountainous areas. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) estimates that there are between 500-1000 mature individuals worldwide and, despite low reproductive rates, modest population increases have allowed giant pandas to improve their classification from endangered to vulnerable.

The Andean bear (Tremarctos ornatus) is the only living ursid species native to South America. They are similar in size to the American black bear. They have black coats with distinct white or tan circles around their eyes and light patches extending over their muzzle and throat. Andean bears live in tropical, northern portions of the Andes Mountains and feed primarily on plants and fruit, but they will consume prey species given the opportunity. They spend extended periods of time living in trees and build “platforms” where they feed and rest. IUCN population estimates range from 2,500-10,000 individuals with a downward trend due to habitat loss and poaching. Andean bears are classified as vulnerable to extinction.

Sloth bears (Melursus ursinus) are a slightly larger species (200-300 lbs). Their black coats are long and shaggy with a prominent V-shaped chest blaze. They have long claws and modified noses that help them dig and suck up insects like a vacuum cleaner; their diet largely consists of ants, termites, and fruit. Sloth bears occur throughout portions of India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. IUCN lists them as vulnerable with decreasing population trends, but there are notably few reliable population estimates. Major threats to this species are considered habitat loss and human conflict.

Just east of the sloth bear range and throughout much of southeast Asia resides another ursid, the diminutive sun bear (Helarctos malayanus). Considered the smallest species (55-150 lbs), sun bears have a short, black coat, light muzzle, and pronounced chest blaze. They occupy tropical and sub-tropical forests and, like Andean bears, spend a lot of time in the trees. They have a broad diet of insects, fruit, and small prey. Major threats to their conservation include deforestation and poaching for commercial markets. IUCN classifies sun bears as vulnerable with decreasing population trends, but again, better population estimates are needed.

Asiatic black bears (Ursus thibetanus) are similar in size to their American counterparts. They have a medium-length black coat with a shaggy neckline, a large chest blaze, and a light-colored soul patch on their lower jaw. They subsist mostly on plants along with some insects and small prey. Historically, Asiatic black bears occupied an expansive range from the Middle East, across the Himalayas, and throughout much of Asia. The species overlaps in some areas with sloth bears, sun bears, and brown bears (Ursus arctos); unsurprisingly, they face many of the same conservation challenges. Globally, IUCN considers Asiatic black bears vulnerable with decreasing populations, but it can be especially difficult to gather population estimates for species that range over multiple countries with differing wildlife policies.

Among ursid species, American black bears have the most variable appearance. On average, they are medium-sized (150-250 lbs) but can range from less than 90 lbs to more than 600 lbs. Their coats vary from blonde to black, and chest blazes are common but not uniwww.bear-hunting.com

form.

American black bears are highly adaptable to a wide range of ecosystems. IUCN population estimates approach a million animals with upward trends, and American black bears are classified as a species of least concern. That’s not to say they are unimportant; IUCN works to gauge a species’ risk of extinction, not conservation value. This is the ideal category for a species managed through sustainable harvest practices.

Brown bears once roamed across most of the Northern Hemisphere and still occur in large portions of North America, Asia, and Europe. They have the largest geographic distribution of any bear species, and across their range numerous brown bear subspecies are recognized, including the infamous grizzly—but that is a topic for another day. Most brown bears are indeed some form of brown, but coat colors vary from light to dark. Brown bears are a large species (200-1000 lbs) and adults do not readily climb trees. Their diets consist of plants, fruits, insects, and prey, including large mammals. IUCN population estimates for brown bears are around 110,000 individuals with stable population trends. They are classified as a species of least concern, and several countries allow carefully managed harvest.

Last but not least, the polar bear (Ursus maritimus) is the largest ursid species on the planet. This solid white bear is highly aquatic and occurs throughout the arctic region. They are the only fully carnivorous bear species, consuming almost exclusively seals and other marine mammals. IUCN considers polar bears vulnerable with potentially declining trends, but good population estimates are not available. The most significant threats to this species are changing Arctic conditions and reduced sea ice, which polar bears require to move and hunt.

As I read about these amazing species and the challenges they face, I am grateful for the many conservationists who work to recover, conserve, and sustainably manage each of them. But I’m also reminded not to take my local wildlife resources for granted. I hope you feel the same.

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Western Bear Hunting with Jana Waller @skullboundtv

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A Season for the Record Books Photos By: Heath Helgert | @h2o_films

The Craziest Bear Season

ave you ever been hunting and witnessed something bear season of 2018. in Mother Nature that simply blew your mind? An ocMy good friend Paul Servey drove up from his home currence that you couldn’t believe you were blessed to state of Utah to spend the week bear hunting with me in see or knew you would never top? Or maybe you had a hunting Montana. I met Pauly and his wife DeeAnn years before at the season that made you feel you were the luckiest person on the Western Hunting And Conservation Expo in Salt Lake City. They planet and all the stars were aligned? I had such a season and it quickly became two of my best hunting friends after discovering had everything to do with BEARS. My spring bear hunting season our mutual passion for hunting and what we feel is a spiritual of 2018 will never be topped in terms of what my friend Paul connection to the planet and our food. Pauly is a bear fanatic Servey and I witnessed. It will go down in my little book of history like myself and has had a lot of experience with do-it-yourself as the best bear season of my life and notching the tag on my spot and stalk style hunting. That being said, neither one of biggest bear to date was only a small part of the story. us were prepared for the week that was about to unfold both I feel extremely fortunate to get the opportunity to before our eyes and on camera! hunt a plethora of big game every year, and one of the most The first morning of the hunt we hiked in a few miles to frequently asked questions I get is, “What’s your favorite speone of my favorite spots where we often see bears. It’s an area cies to hunt?” The question is a tough one to honestly answer that has multiple drainages leading in one large river bottom since there are so many unique and exciting things about each and there’s a lot of great canyons to glass. We decided to sit species, but IF I had to choose only one I would proudly declare on the logging road where we could all cover different areas, “bear”. I spend more time each and every year hunting black glassing for those black tree stumps that move. I took a little bear, over any other big game animal. walkabout down the logging road to look at another ridge but From running my own baits in Idaho with my business quickly ran back to Pauly and my cameraman. “I’ve got a bear! partner Heath, to spot-and-stalking Montana every spring, there He was about 800 yards above me on the opposite ridge. He’s are multiple opportunities to get out and enjoy the mountains on the move though walking like he’s on a mission! Let’s go!” and notch a bear tag. I have had my TV show Skull Bound and Throwing our packs back on, we scrambled down the logging Skull Bound Chronicles now for 15 seasons and I spend a lot road in hopes of getting another look. The beautiful jet black of time in the mountains capturing the hunts on video. It’s rare bear had made his way across the top of the ridge and quickly that there’s not a camera rolling at all times which disappeared over the mountain just as we got within range. can be both exhausting and intrusive as well as Time and daylight was dwindling but it was a great first day to incredibly lucky, as in the case of the craziest see a nice bear and enjoy the beauty of bear country.

The author with her good friend, Paul. Paul found this shed not long before punching his bear tag.

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The author witnessed a breeding pair of Grizzlies that got as close as 166 yds.

The next couple of days weren’t the best weather for bear hunting but we went out regardless. Although I’ve always had poor luck finding bears in rainy weather, that wasn’t the case during this week. Shortly after we hiked in I spotted a sow with cubs over a mile away using the Vortex spotting scope. The three bears crawled around the rocky ridge, flipping logs and looking for grubs and fresh green grass. We donned our heavy rain gear as the sprinkle turned into a downpour for an hour or so. As the rain was starting to let up I glassed up a beautiful cinnamon colored bear walking quickly on the ridge above us.

Gathering our packs and camera gear we hustled over the hill we were perched on. The bear moved quickly among the thick pines, never to be seen again from our position. We considered it a very lucky day to see bears in the rain and little did we know the following day would be one of the most incredible days I’ve ever had in the mountains.

We hiked back into the same spot in hopes of finding the cinnamon bruin. Almost to our same glassing knob we froze in our tracks as the sound of bears fighting echoed from across the canyon! I’ve heard the familiar sound of bears fighting before but only when I’ve been sitting on a bait. Wide eyed, we all looked at one another in disbelief. It was hard to tell where the sound was coming from as it bounced between the canyons so we cautiously continued on up the logging road to our glassing hill. It wasn’t but a few minutes after dropping our packs and glassing around that my cameraman suddenly said, “I’ve got a huge cinnamon up there! He just stepped out onto that logging road!” He said continuing to glass at the bear who was approximately 500 yards away. “Wait! That’s a GRIZZLY! And there’s TWO!” Pauly and I l quickly threw up our binoculars to confirm.

With jaws dropped we watched two huge grizzly bears drop of the very same logging road corner that we walked on the day before. The couple slowly made their way down the ridge, their enormous bodies rolling with every slow, deliberate step. “This is insane! This is the craziest thing we’ve ever seen! We’re watching a mating pair of grizzles at 400 yards!” I proclaimed to the Go Pro as my cameraman switched to his long lens for the big camera. Keep in mind, we were in an area that was not known for grizzlies and not far from the city limits of Missoula. This was one of our favorite black bear hunting spots where we never even considered running into grizzlies. It’s diffcult to describe how www.bear-hunting.com

incredible it was to watch a pair of grizzlies mate, fight, sleep, repeat from a mere 166 yards at the closest point. There was a steep raven between ourselves and the bears and, although our blood was pumping from the incredible encounter, we felt we were safely keeping our distance. Pauly used his Phone Skope adapter with the spotting scope and filmed the pair on his cell phone while we proceeded to burn through every battery on our cameras, capturing the most incredible footage in the course of 7 hours! It was a once in a lifetime experience that none of us will ever forgot! In fact, you can watch the footage on Skull Bound Chronicles on CarbonTV in Season 1, Episode 6 titled “Montana Griz Encounter”.

Needless to say we didn’t go back into that area the next day. I can only imagine what a grizzly boar would do to a person who he felt was threatening his good time with a sow in heat. The next fews days we would spend in a different area, leaving alone the love birds… I mean love bears. One day after filming mating grizzlies, a scenario many National Geographic cameramen would dream for, we had another encounter that would end up going viral on social media.

We were walking up the old logging road when Pauly spotted a moose paddle a mere ten yards of the road! Luck was noticeably on our side that week! Being a avid shed hunter I was extremely jealous but also excited for Pauly’s find. Continuing up the road, we were about three miles from the truck

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Hearing a ruckus in the drainage, the author raised her Vortex Fury binos to witness a blonde sow protecting her cubs from this boar, chasing him up a tree.

when we spotted a beautiful blond colored sow with a cub across from us on the opposing ridge at about 500 yards. Minutes later we saw a large jet black bear walking approximately 150 yards below the sow and cub. Cameras were rolling as I said, “Wait until she smells that boar! She’s not going to like that!”

The sow must have let out a warning bark to her cub because it suddenly ran in the opposite direction and the blond sow took off like a freight train down the hill towards the boar. In an attempt to escape her wrath, he quickly climbed the tall lodge pole pine at speeds I didn’t think possible! Often times when a bear charges, it’s a bluff charge and they’ll stop short of their perceived threat. Not this time!

The blond sow jumped onto that tree and proceeded to climb up after the boar, almost jumping long strides versus climbing, until both bears were near the top. She swiped at his rear, snarling and growing, putting on a fierce display of protective mama bear. She started to crawl back down the lodge pole pine, aggressively biting off multiple branches to show the boar she meant business! When she finally crawled back down to the base of the tree we thought the fight was over until she leapt back up with as much intensity as the first time. The two bears clung to the top, swaying on the tall pine as we watched in amazement! That Mama bear was intent on getting her point across as she proceeded to crawl up and down the entire length of the tree a total of five times! Finally she climbed back down and before walking away in the direction of her cub, she gave one last message to the boar and stood on her hind legs rubbing her back along the base of the tree for a few minutes.

We continued hunting deeper into the canyon but couldn’t stop talking about what we had just witnessed! The odds of coming across that bear fight, much less capturing it all on video, was another once in a lifetime encounter! We walked another mile before perching above a creek below in the dark pines. It wasn’t long before a nice black colored bear started feeding up from the creek. Pauly got into the prone position and fired a perfect 300 yard shot. The bear ran less than 50 yards and piled up in a rock outcropping about 100 yards straight 52

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The author’s friend, Paul, appreciating his Montana black bear.

May/June 2024

This is the author with the largest black bear she has ever taken!

down off the logging road. Luckily we had extra batteries to film Pauly notch his tag and explain the incredible week we had experienced. After quartering up the boar and trudging with our heavy packs back to the truck, we celebrated the amazing week with a delicious bear steak dinner!

Pauly hit the road back to Utah a day later knowing that we had just experienced a week that will never be topped.

From mating grizzlies to watching the precise definition of a “Mama Bear in action” not to mention finding a moose paddle and notching his bear tag, it was week in the mountains that will never be repeated.

In a bizarre and amazing twist of fate, my cameraman and I were back in that same canyon just days later and actually witnessed that exact sow kicking off her cub! In only a few short days she went from a near death encounter, protecting her cub to kicking off that cub she so fiercely defended! We filmed her chasing the two year old cub, clawing at it and biting it in the rear until it went scrambling up a tree. The scared cub hung at the very top of the lodge pole much like the boar a week before, and the sow eventually simply walked away in the opposite www.bear-hunting.com

direction, up over the mountain top. Witnessing both of those examples of bear behavior was a gift from God. And our luck just continued on throughout the spring season. A few weeks later I was able to notch my tag on my biggest Montana bear to date! We had spotted a large jet-black bear crossing one the last patches of snow left high on the mountain. We were over a mile away but decided to climb the steep ridge in hopes of seeing the bear before the sun dipped behind the ridge. Rounding the avalanche shoot we stopped to glass the opposing canyon. The jet black bear appeared 400 yards away but behind her was a giant chocolate colored boar! I got into the prone position and watched until I had a perfect broad side shot at 375 yards. The 30 Nosler rifle barked and the boar tumbled downhill behind some brush. We made it across the steep raven in time to have enough light to film this bear of a lifetime. As I walked up and knelt down to put my hands onto his beautiful hide, tears were flowing. They were tears of gratitude for the most incredible bear season I know I will ever have. You can also watch this Montana bear hunt on Season 1, Episode 7 of Skull Bound Chronicles on the always-free CarbonTV. Bear Hunting

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ry

Great Hunts

Bruin

Destinations

I

British Columbia | West Coast Bruins

by Al Raychard

t’s been several years since I hunted spring black bears in British Columbia. It’s a long distance from Maine to the west coast province, and there’s a lot of good bear hunting in between that kept me interested and busy over the years. But for a number of reasons, a return hunt is certainly on my bucket list.

My sole B.C. hunt proved highly successful on several fronts. Even though I only saw a small fraction of the province, what I did see was truly impressive and memorable. It is a place you don’t soon forget, if ever. British Columbia is huge, covering 364,800 square miles. As Canada’s third largest province, British Columbia is larger than any state except Alaska. It also has one of Canada’s most diverse geographies. My hunt took place in the north-central rolling hills, but the influences and views of the towering Canadian Rockies to the east and Cascade Range to the west could be seen and felt. Dense green forests seem to go on forever, broken only by rushing rivers headed for the Pacific or generally eastward into neighboring Alberta. I have yet to explore or hunt the coastal region or see all the province has to offer, but suffice it to say I have hunted some wild places in my time and only a few have proven as beautiful.

To say B.C. has lots of bears would be an understatement. In the remote area I hunted, I saw more shooters than I can accurately recall but it was not unusual to see five or more bears each day out. On my next to last day there, my guide and I finally put a successful downwind stalk on a 6.5’ brown-phase boar munching on fresh greens on a south facing cut. I had seen larger bears—some that must have been close to 7’ by the guide’s estimate—but when I set eyes on the one I killed, I knew immediately that was the one I wanted. I departed more than satisfied, having taken one of my largest bears to date and my largest ever of color.

Presently, British Columbia’s bear population is estimated to be between 120,000-150,000. Some estimates are as high as 160,000. Whatever the case, B.C. is home to about one-quarter of all black bears in Canada. With the exception of the higher alpine and lowest grassland regions, black bears are found throughout the forested areas of the province (which are extensive). This would include areas along the extensive coastline, Vancouver Island and the Queen Charlottes, which produce some of the largest black bears on the continent. As a result of prime habitat conditions, it is difficult to find a poor place to hunt bears in this province.

The bear hunting prospects and odds of success are excellent just about everywhere with many bear camps routinely reporting high success rates. Although most management units have a two bear limit, hunters planning a hunt should keep in mind some regions have higher bear densities than others. In general, bear numbers are highest in the wetter western regions where vegetation is more plentiful and along the vast coastal zones where bears have access to protein-rich spawning salmon as well as prime living conditions.

Vancouver Island, for example, has an estimated 7,000-9,000 bears, one of the highest bear densities in North America. Interestingly, 10,000-year-old skeletons have been found on Vancouver Island, indicating that black bears were on the island soon after the last ice-age glaciers receded.

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Those skeletons also suggest those early arrivals were larger than mainland bears. Scientists believe the current island population has retained some of the ice-age characteristics, namely large body size, due to early ancestral recolonization and the long period of isolation from mainland populations.

The western mainland regions, especially along the Cascade Range, are also known for their usually large black bears. Brown-phase bears are also common along this range while bears on the coastal islands and elsewhere in the province are primarily black. In the extreme northwest near the border with Alaska, there is a population of so-called “glacier” or “blue” bears and a population of white-colored Kermode or “spirit” bears found along the north-central coast, neither of which may be hunted. The province is also home to roughly 15,000 grizzly bears, but the hunting of grizzlies has been prohibited since 2017.

British Columbia is special and unique in many ways.

Like most provinces, there is both a spring and fall bear season, but unlike most provinces in the eastern regions baiting bears is not allowed—it has been prohibited province-wide since 1971.

In the spring or fall, this is strictly a spot-and-stalk bear hunting destination. Distress calls are also used in conjunction with spotting, particularly during the spring calving period when big boars prey on young ungulates. Glassing south-facing cutovers and avalanche slides, old logging roads, and other areas alive with fresh spring greens and fall berry crops and then making a stalk is the general routine. Depending on the hunting area, access to hunting areas is by vehicle or ATV and by foot. Given the generally rugged terrain, hunters should prepare for physically demanding hunting. Boats are also used, either as a base camp or in the form of access to hunting areas in remote locations along the coast and islands.

May/June 2024

British Columbia

Estimated Black Bear Population: 120,000-160,000 +/Areas Open to Bear Hunting: Province-wide with the exception of all national parks, some provincial parks, national wildlife areas, regional district parks, and ecological reserves.

Overview

Spring Season/Dates: Yes. Opening and closing dates may vary slightly by management unit.

Most open April 1 and close as late as June 30.

Fall Season/Dates: Yes. Dates vary by management unit. Some open as early as August 15 and close as late as December 10.

Annual Bag Limit: Generally two bears province-wide; some specific management units have one bear.

Baiting Allowed: No Dogs Allowed: Yes Legal Weapons: Centerfire rifle calibers, shotguns 20-gauge and larger, bows with minimum 40-pound draw, compound crossbows no less than 100-pound draw, heavier recurve crossbows with no less than 150 pound draw, and muzzleloaders.

Color-Phase Potential: Up to 40% of bears east of the Coast Range are some color other than black with brown most common. Blonde and cinnamon-colored bears are also common in some mainland interior locations.

License Fees/Availability: General hunting and bear licenses are available at vendors throughout the province, including hunting outfitters. Resident Basic Hunting License-$32, Resident Bear License-$20, Non-resident Basic Hunting License- $75, Non-Resident Alien Basic License-$180, and Non-resident of B.C. Bear License$180.

Contacts: B.C. Fish and Wildlife Branch, 1-(877) 855-3222, www.env.gov.bc/fw. Guide Outfitters of B.C., 1-(604)541-6332, www.goabc.org.

Bear Questions/Answers With Al Raychard

Q - My hunting partner and I plan on baiting bears this year. Is baiting more productive during the spring or fall?

A - Success depends on several factors, not the least of which is bait location and placement, type of bait used, and baiting schedule. In general, my experience has been that it is easier to bait bears during the spring since bears are hungry after exiting their dens and looking to regain weight lost during hibernation. In the fall, natural foods are more abundant, there is greater food variety, and natural foods are more readily available. Keep in mind, bears are generally more active on baits during lean, natural food years and less active when natural foods are abundant, so fall bait activity, sightings, and shot opportunities can vary year-to-year. With all things considered, based on personal experience and having hunted with numerous guides and outfitters, baiting can be productive during both periods.

Q - This will be my first spring baiting bears. Can you suggest some good baits? I have access to a lot of chocolate.

A - Every outfitter I have hunted with seems to have a “secret” formula. Personally, I prefer sweets like sugar-coated donuts and other old jelly-filled pastries. The sweet, sugary odor helps as an attractant and bears are known to have a sweet tooth. Stale bread and oats and, where legal, roadside deer kills used with sweets work well. The same can be said of dry dog food coated with molasses for smell and sweetness. Due to their strong odor, one bear hunter I know swears by beaver carcasses that he gets from trappers. Bears are opportunists and will eat just about anything, so don’t hesitate to experiment. Use some liquid smoke or one of the commercially available products as an attractant. Bears love www.bear-hunting.com

chocolate and other dark cocoa derivatives but is not recommended by some wildlife departments since it contains theobromine, which can be toxic to bears and certain other wildlife in large amounts. The use of chocolate is actually prohibited as bear bait in New Hampshire and Michigan and several other states are considering it.

Q - I own a crossbow with a draw of 150 pounds. Is it enough for black bears?

A - As is the case with any weapon, with the proper shot placement and within an acceptable range of about 40-yards or so, the answer is yes. The first bear I ever killed with a crossbow had a similar draw, although I prefer denser, faster bows that deliver heavier arrows with more energy and better penetration.

Q - This spring will be my first time self-guiding bear hunts. I was just wondering if there is a perfect stand height? I will be using ladder stands.

A - A good general benchmark is 15 to 20 feet.

Stands at this height get you out of direct eyesight of bears, provide good surrounding visibility, are plenty high enough to help any human scent to flow high and away from the target area, and provide a margin of safety in the event a bear gets too close or inquisitive. Just keep in mind that due to the steeper downward angle, the higher the stand the narrower the shot window to the vitals. Stands at lower heights will certainly work but it depends on the terrain, surrounding cover, and other factors. Higher, within reason, is generally always better.

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Sacred Pursuit with TL Jones

Wild Bill @TLJonesHVP

W

ild Bill, as he’s affectionately called by friends, was born William R. Carter, Jr. in the Romeo community of Greene County, Tennessee in 1949. His childhood years were not without difficulties. According to Bill, his dad was a “mean drunk” and was capable of cruelty. Bill once had an accident while plowing with a mule and made his dad so angry that he severely beat both the mule and Bill. That beating was the final straw with young Bill and he armed himself with a .22 rifle, determined to kill his dad. In a desire for revenge, Bill emptied the rifle of ammunition towards his dad but was so nervous he, fortunately, missed every shot. Bill walked off the farm that day and went to his grandfather’s house, who took him to the hospital for treatment of his injuries due to the beating he received.

Normally I wouldn’t include a family’s dirty laundry in a hunting article, but knowing Bill I think it’s important. You’d think that a boy who endured some of the things young Bill endured would be bitter and sour in life, but nothing is further from the truth. I’ve known Wild Bill my entire life. Four generations of my family have bear hunted with Bill, and I can tell you that Bill Carter is one of the most humorous bear hunters you’ll ever meet. He loves to laugh and cut up all the time. It’s impossible not to like Wild Bill.

Bill got his start bear hunting by what most would call an accident. He was hunting different game when he heard 56

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a pack of dogs and fell treed. Bill had hound hunted before, but he knew by the sound of this pack that something was different.

He decided to go check it out for himself. When he arrived at the tree, a pack of plott hounds had a bear treed. Within a few minutes a man walked into the tree that would eventually become a life long friend to Bill. The man was Berry Tarlton, a well-known plott owner and dedicated bear hunter. Bill was just a teenager that year (1966) but a fever set in on him that day that still lingers in the depths of his soul.

The Vietnam War came along and Bill had to trade his rural country life for a stint overseas. He served his country as an artillery surveyor. After Vietnam, Bill went through a short marriage and divorce. At that point he decided he just wanted to hit the road for a while and, as he said, “Goof off.” Bill straddled a Honda 750 and headed for Alaska. To choose the exact location that he would temporarily call home in Alaska, he threw a dart at a map and it landed on Cold Creek, AK. For two years, Bill and a friend roamed the country with no real purpose but roaming itself.

The Honda 750 finally made its way back to Greene County, TN where Bill had a job waiting on him at a local factory.

Have a hound topic you want covered?

Email requests to: sacredpursuit@protonmail.com May/June 2024

Throughout his life, Bill worked at several factories and built his own business. During the early years of his return home, Bill once again found himself drawn to hounds. He had left the hounds but the hounds had never left him.

Wild Bill tried to build himself a bear pack with any type of hound he could get for several years. He had some success at times, but wasn’t satisfied with anything until he found a pair of hounds that would become possibly his best duo of all time. Around the mid to late 1970s, Bill met a well-known plott breeder named Dan Murphy from the Tellico area of Tennessee. Dan had gained a solid reputation of breeding plott bear dogs which he called the Star Mountain Line. Bill traded a .444 Marlin to Dan for two plott pups. One was a male he named Outlaw Jose Wales and the other was a female he named Duffee.

Duffee was killed early in life, but Jose went on to be one of the best Bill would ever own.

At the same time, Bill had a fortunate mistake happen in his kennel. A well-bred Walker female was accidentally bred to a Redbone male. It wasn’t a cross Bill would have made on purpose, but as we all know sometimes it’s better to be lucky than good. From this cross Bill got a male pup he named Luke. Luke was a primarily red dog with a little white in his chest.

Jose and Luke became the stars of Bill’s pack. Luke was a slower, more methodical type of track dog with a cold nose. Jose was more of a medium-nosed dog with a lot of speed and grit. The duo worked great together. Luke was used to start cold tracks and Jose would be turned behind him. Once the track warmed up, Jose would drift the track to the front and round the bear to ground. It’s hard to say how many bears fell to this powerful duo.

Bill has had several other dogs of similar caliber over the years, including Rebel, Max, B.J., and Toby. Bill doesn’t really care what breed a dog is as long as it’s a bear dog, but plotts are his favorite breed. Bill said that if a young man was just getting started, he’d recommend them beginning with plotts. His favorite traits in a bear hound are speed, grit, tree power, and one that handles big water well. Bill puts a lot of emphasis on speed because his hunting grounds are surrounded by bear sanctuaries. Slow dogs let too many bears get out of bounds. Of all the things he likes about bear hunting, his favorite is getting in close on a bayed bear.

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Bill has hunted multiple locations with differing terrain including Tennessee, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, New Mexico, Maine, Michigan, and Ontario. Away from his home in Tennessee, his favorite place to hunt is the coastal areas of eastern N.C. He’d love to make one more trip to the coast, but it’s become extremely difficult to get on a lease over there.

Bill has also played a significant role in black bear conservation in Tennessee. He was one of the original founders of the Tennessee Bear Hunters Association.

In Bill’s lifetime, the bear population has increased tremendously. The only things he’d change in the current regulations is in regard to the training season. Bill believes a limited training season should be opened within the bear sanctuaries to teach the bears respect for human life.

Wild Bill is a bear killer. He hasn’t kept count of the number of bears he’s harvested, but it’s impressive.

Bill has a knack of being in the right place at the right time to kill his share of large bears, with several being over 400 lbs. The stories of Bill’s exploits are worth hearing. I can’t explain them all in this article, but I will hopefully put some of them in audio/video format in the future for your enjoyment.

I asked Bill what the future holds for him. He’s now 75 and the mountains are not getting any shorter.

Bill said, “I’m going to keep it up until my last breath.” He joked and said he hoped to die somewhere deep in the mountains with a dead bear and a pack of hounds that don’t know how to lead. He wants his younger buddy to have to drag him and a bear out together. That sums Bill up perfectly.

Bear Hunting

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{Hounds and Bears} Column

IN Hot PUrsuit

By Barry ‘Bear’ Siragusa @thehuntinghound

A

Off Season Training & Conditioning Detraining | Maintenance | Getting Ready

s I sit here in the mud and snow looking down the barrel of our annual April-August forced-pause from the activity and the lifestyle I am most passionate about, hound hunting, I am faced with a conundrum: what do I do now? How am I supposed to fill my time when all of my free time these last several months has been dedicated to hunting my hounds? I have considered several possibilities: developing a serious drinking problem, working on my opera singing (I’m a lovely soprano?), or try to get my body into some kind of shape that isn’t “pear.” While all three are solid options, I think I will continue to put time and energy into my hounds and their physical and mental well-being, even though it will have to look very different than during our chase season. The following is a rundown of how I conduct off-season training.

I break the off-season into three distinct phases.

We have the first phase where the hounds start out “lean and mean” following eight months of hard hunting; I call this phase “Detraining”. The second phase is during the hot summer months when the hounds will be doing lighter duty, a sort of vacation if you will; I call this phase “Maintenance”. The third and final phase is when the nights start to get chilly and the hunting season is bearing down on us like a fast horse; this phase is the “Getting Ready” phase.

for disaster. They will need to find an outlet for all that pent up energy, and if you don’t provide them with one, well, I hope you have a good relationship with your vet and local hardware store because it’s going to get expensive otherwise. Due to a personal injury, I was unable to activate my pack for several months in 2018. They destroyed their houses, kennels, equipment, and each other. It got messy and expensive. I have vowed to never let that happen again, even if that means asking a buddy for help.

We unfortunately have strict leash laws here in Norway and no “training seasons”, so I am forced to find other methods of engaging them than slapping a Garmin around their necks and dumping the box. My favorite thing to do, which stems from my 25 years as a sled dog guy, is to put a harness on them and hitch them up to an ATV, truck, or bike, and let them pull. This kills several birds with one stone for me and the pack because I have full control of them the entire time and I am following the letter of the law with leash laws because I have nosey neighbors.

During this phase, I can fully dictate how fast and how hard they run, which allows me to slowly decrease the intensity over the next month or so as we approach the hot and humid summer months. Last but not least, it allows me to assess how they are moving in a controlled setting. If they have soreness or injuries that I may have missed during the season, I will see them clearly when they are pulling in harnesses in front of an ATV. For those of you who can legally road your hounds, I would do that instead.

Detraining: After a long season, the hounds are in the best Maintenance: endurance shape they will be all season. They are ready for Once we have decreased the intensity and taken a bit of the fire anything and able to go hard for hours upon hours, and days upon days. To toss them in the dog yard or kennel on April 1st (a out of them during phase one, we enter the maintenance phase. cruel April Fool’s joke that doesn’t end April 2nd) and not ac- Usually it gets too hot during the summer months to run them tivate them when they are fully fit and raring to go is a recipe in harness. Here in the land of the midnight sun, it doesn’t even 58

Bear Hunting

May/June 2024

necessarily get colder during the evenings so I am forced to think alternatively. At this point, the physical training is less important than making sure the hounds are not bored. I accomplish this by giving them as much mental stimulation as possible. A bored hound is a destructive hound. I have a big fenced-in area that I will let my hounds run and play in daily.

I am always out there with them when they are loose in order to put the kibosh on bad behavior, but I find that allowing them to be social with the entire pack keeps the small personality issues from festering and becoming major problems. I will frequently toss handfuls of kibble into the tall grass to get their noses and brains working, and will throw tennis balls to get them jazzed and engaged. With younger dogs, I will make short drags with a chunk of fur or a foot and then allow them to play and pull for a while, just to keep some of the activities game specific. I don’t think this is necessary with the older hounds because they know the drill. This phase is the least time consuming phase of the year, which allows me to spend time on other projects around the house and give my long-suffering wife the attention she deserves. This spring, she actually recognized me when I popped back up (with roses) after the season ended. There are multiple reasons this phase is called “maintenance”.

Getting Ready: As the nights start getting longer and the air gets that nice autumn bite to it in the early mornings and late evenings, it is time to start gearing up again for the upcoming season. I want to take the hounds from “dad bod” to “movie star bod”. To accomplish that, I will bring out the harnesses and bike/ATV/truck and get them moving again. I will do the exact opposite of the first phase and slowly increase length and intensity until they are fit and ready to hit the ground hard when I dump the box on August 21st. I will start slow and short by running 2-3 miles at 12 mph. From there I will gradually work up to where they are doing 10-15 miles at 12-15 mph as we hit the hunting season. My goal is not to put speed on them or try and simulate the speeds they will hit while hunting, but to build muscle and strengthen their tendons and ligaments so that the hounds have a good foundation of strength on which to build their endurance as the season kicks into gear.

This phase also allows me to assess each individual hound’s physical well-being and status after the long break. If I have a hound that was injured last season or a bitch that has just finished raising puppies, I can evaluate that hound and make an educated decision about how ready they are for the upcoming season. Once the season starts, I may decide—based on observations during the “getting ready” phase—that I will plug that hound in later in a race rather than dump them with the rest of the box in the beginning. The same goes for young dogs and older dogs.

Training/roading gives me all the information I need to make the right call for oldies and youngsters starting the season, because they may not be ready (for conflicting reasons) to make an entire race “truck to tree”. I also find this time of year to be a priceless time for doing game recon. The hounds will still react while running when we cut a track, and I will note where that happens frequently so that I will have a bunch of good options for where to drop the hounds once the season starts.

When the season starts and the trials and tribulations of finding things to do to keep the hounds from destroying house and home during the off-season are forgotten, we hit the ground harder and healthier than my buddies that do not activate their hounds during the off-season. My hounds look like rugby players and his hounds look like an Olympic curling team. My hounds won’t fall out of races due to fatigue, and rarely due to running related injuries.

I find that I avoid physical injuries later in the season by having a pre-season training plan. All good hounds are tough and will run and push themselves despite fatigue and injury. Starting the season with fit and healthy hounds makes it less likely to have consequences down the road. My hounds eat his hounds for breakfast (figuratively, of course) and all because I did what I wanted to do anyway: invested time and energy into my hounds. That is time well spent.

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