Post by CopperHead on Jun 6, 2013 19:11:06 GMT -5
May 12th could not get here fast enough when we started planning a 2013 spring bear hunt in October. I had crossed paths with a buddy of mine that I had worked with and learned that he was a hunter. We had worked together over a decade ago but never really talked about hunting. After a few email exchanges and phone calls we decided to book a spring bear hunt in Canada. Most of the information we found online pointed to Saskatchewan for the best bear hunting especially since Ontario had ceased its spring season. Dave did most of the research on the outfitters and passed the information on. I am not very picky and honestly just wanted to try bear hunting in Canada after seeing all the shows on the outdoor channel.
After reviewing a few outfitters we decided to go with Sask Can Outfitters run by Vern and Norma Hyllestad. The price was comparable to an outfitted deer hunt in the states and was all inclusive with the exception of transportation from the Saskatoon airport. Of course you are responsible for getting to Saskatoon as well.
The clock sounded off at zero dark thirty on Sunday may 12th. I was excited to get my first bear hunt experience started but nervous as it was an unknown to me and I am a creature of habit. My baggage consisted of a large duffle with my hunting clothes, my bow case, a medium backpack for more clothes and a backpack to carry my camcorder, binos and a laptop and a few more clothes. Generally I pack way more than I need but this time I had to be conscience of the overall weight of my bags. This drove me mad as I figured I would miss something. My loving wife dropped me off at the airport about two hours before my departure. I checked my baggage and was through security in a small amount of time considering my past experiences. My first stop was Minneapolis. There I had about a four hour lay over and was where I would meet up with Dave. Dave arrived shortly and we grabbed a bite to eat and awaited our final flight to Saskatoon. As we waited Dave teased me about shooting boo boo or as he referred to it as a backpack bear. I just wanted to see a bear and was sure I would be happy with the experience regardless of the out come.
After arriving in Saskatoon we clear customs and pick up the rental car and start our drive north toward Big River. Around Saskatoon the area appears to be flat compared to North Carolina and Virginia. As we get closer to Big River the fields slowly start to give was to patches of timber. Another thing I notice was the amount of water fowl. They were everywhere and fully explain why Saskatchewan is called the land of the living skies.
After about three hours we arrive at our destination. As we pull into the drive we are greeted by Vern and two of his clients; Bob and Mike, brothers from Michigan. Vern instructs us to drive around back of the house and unload our gear. The hunters stay in the basement of Vern and Norma’s house which is divided into three bed rooms, a common area and it has two bathrooms. The walls as adorned with whitetail trophies that have been taken by clients at Sask Can outfitters. They definitely would make any seasoned whitetail hunter drool. We settled in an unpacked our stuff. It was explained that breakfast would be served at 9:00 and lunch would follow around 2:00. Shortly after that the hunters would be escorted to their stands and sit till 9:30 PM after returning a light dinner would be provided. You can’t tell by looking at me but I am not much for eating but the food served here was amazing. The food served here alone was worth the price of the trip. For dinner that first night we had some of the best lasagna that I have every eaten in my life. Shortly after that we turned in and awaited the first day of the hunt. Due to the early rise and traveling all day I was ready to sleep but was too excited to sleep.
I awoke the next morning at around 5:00 I think. I was not used to it being so light outside that early. Just as promised we had breakfast at 9:00 and then the guides headed out to restock and check the baits. After breakfast Dave and I headed out to shoot a few times to ensure everything was good to go after the flight. A few practice shots and everything seemed to be in order. After lunch Vern went through the trail cam pictures on the big screen TV for us all to see. The sites all looked ot be pretty active but no beasts were seen. That afternoon each of the hunters drew a card from the deck. The cards picked the order in which hunters drew their stands. I drew Webb’s for the first sit. The stand was located a good 45 minutes driving from the homestead. After we got to our destination we loaded up on an ATV and headed to the stand.
Upon arriving at the stand I noticed it was a custom made ladder stand built with steel tubing and rebar. The stand was built to the dimensions of most two man ladder stands just a lot sturdier. We checked the tree for cubs and small bears, finding none I ascended the ladder to the platform and started prepping for the first sit. As I was getting things situated Vern was busy replenishing the baits with gummy candies, trail mix, beavers and an assortment of meat scraps and bones. The bait site had three barrels, with the furthest only a scant 22 yards away according to the range finder. The area was fairly open in front of the stand but it quickly closed in as the forest swallowed up the site. Once finishing his task Vern pulled the card from the trail camera, gave me a thumbs up and headed out.
As the sound of the ATV slowly began to fade I started to notice and take in the scenery. Ravens squawked and complained all around, small ground squirrels’ chirped and squealed as they chased each other around. The ATV had almost faded away in the back ground when I notice movement to my left. It was not only a bear but four bears. A sow and three of last years cubs started to amble into the bait site. I was thrilled to see them the mom was black and had two larger blondish cubs and a smaller black cub. They wasted no time coming to the bait. The cubs greedily picked bones and sucked up the oats on the ground. They spread out as if to claim the area. After a couple hours had past they had gotten their fill and slowly waddled out of the area.
What seemed like only moment after the gang had left another light bear came in and started investigating the site. I struggled with not shooting the bear as it seemed to be a boar from the characteristics but at he same time he seemed a bit on the wee side. He stayed to torment me for almost and hour then scurried off as a slightly larger black bear came in. I was not as interested in this bear and sat back and happily watched him as he pushed the barrels around and licked up the oats and candy.
Moments later another sow with two cubs came in and ran the smaller bruin away. She merely huffed once and it sent the little guy scurrying for the safety of the forest. A short time later the sow that I had first seen returned to bait forcing the mother and her two cubs up a neighboring tree. As the family of four greedily began gobbling up the nuts and oats the two cubs in the tree found a group of branches and made themselves comfortable.
I noticed the sound of something nervously walking around behind me and turn to catch a glimpse of three wolves nervously wondering around. They disappeared as quickly as they came. I turned my attention back to the group in front of me. As the darkness began to enclose my area I noticed a big shape slowly moving into the bait. The sow on the ground snapped her teeth together and hissed loudly. The cubs with her scampered up a tree for safety. After this the sow chased the dark shadow away and she turned to come back the beast was on her heels. She ran to the tree where the first sow was and began to climb. The sow in the tree complained and growled loudly telling the other sow to find her own tree this one is occupied!! The sow came down and false charged the brute again. This time he chased her up the tee where her cubs where. He then began to toss the barrel around as much as the chain would allow to spill the treats inside like breaking piñata. The older sow protested loudly and huffed from the safety of the branches above.
Shortly I heard the sound of the ATV approaching the site. The monarch on the bait picked up on it too and quietly disappeared into the forest. Vern as he neared the bait slowed to a claw and creeped into the site. I descended the tree and loaded up on the ATV and we headed out. This would be one of the most memorable hunts of my life. I was anxiously awaiting the next days sit.
Through the week I sat in other stands and saw just as many bears on each stand as I did the first. The least I saw in one sitting was eight the most was fifteen. Of these bears I saw many of them on multiple occasions. There was very little time that I sat on the stand that I did not have a bear in front of me.
Thursday was like the rest of the week and I we had a bear on the bait before the guide had even gotten out of hearing distance. This bear however was different from the rest except the beast I saw near dark on the first night. The distance between his ears appeared to be equal to the distance from his ear to his nose. Essentially his head was the shape of a triangle. He was not huge by any means but he looked like a boar and was a decent bear. I made up my mind to take the shot. As he settled in on the bait he was facing directly away leaving no room for shot. Eventually he turned slowly to his left giving me a nice angling away shot. I drew the bow and settled the pin. At the release of the arrow the bear roared and rolled backwards. Before he stopped moving I had another arrow nocked and sent it on its way. Within a short period the bear stopped moving and I excitedly called the guide Chris on the radio to come retrieve us. After what seemed like an eternity but in reality was only a couple minutes Chris pulled in. My bear turned out to be a boar. We set him up on log for some quick pictures.
The week ended with 100% success and everyone taking a bear. Dave’s bear was a beautiful chocolate and he took it a few hours before we left so the last day was busy to say the least. This was definitely a hunt to remember and I am absolutely hooked on spring bear hunting and hope to do it again next year.
Below is a link to the pictures we took. Enjoy!!
s1227.photobucket.com/user/harveycj/slideshow/Springbear2013
After reviewing a few outfitters we decided to go with Sask Can Outfitters run by Vern and Norma Hyllestad. The price was comparable to an outfitted deer hunt in the states and was all inclusive with the exception of transportation from the Saskatoon airport. Of course you are responsible for getting to Saskatoon as well.
The clock sounded off at zero dark thirty on Sunday may 12th. I was excited to get my first bear hunt experience started but nervous as it was an unknown to me and I am a creature of habit. My baggage consisted of a large duffle with my hunting clothes, my bow case, a medium backpack for more clothes and a backpack to carry my camcorder, binos and a laptop and a few more clothes. Generally I pack way more than I need but this time I had to be conscience of the overall weight of my bags. This drove me mad as I figured I would miss something. My loving wife dropped me off at the airport about two hours before my departure. I checked my baggage and was through security in a small amount of time considering my past experiences. My first stop was Minneapolis. There I had about a four hour lay over and was where I would meet up with Dave. Dave arrived shortly and we grabbed a bite to eat and awaited our final flight to Saskatoon. As we waited Dave teased me about shooting boo boo or as he referred to it as a backpack bear. I just wanted to see a bear and was sure I would be happy with the experience regardless of the out come.
After arriving in Saskatoon we clear customs and pick up the rental car and start our drive north toward Big River. Around Saskatoon the area appears to be flat compared to North Carolina and Virginia. As we get closer to Big River the fields slowly start to give was to patches of timber. Another thing I notice was the amount of water fowl. They were everywhere and fully explain why Saskatchewan is called the land of the living skies.
After about three hours we arrive at our destination. As we pull into the drive we are greeted by Vern and two of his clients; Bob and Mike, brothers from Michigan. Vern instructs us to drive around back of the house and unload our gear. The hunters stay in the basement of Vern and Norma’s house which is divided into three bed rooms, a common area and it has two bathrooms. The walls as adorned with whitetail trophies that have been taken by clients at Sask Can outfitters. They definitely would make any seasoned whitetail hunter drool. We settled in an unpacked our stuff. It was explained that breakfast would be served at 9:00 and lunch would follow around 2:00. Shortly after that the hunters would be escorted to their stands and sit till 9:30 PM after returning a light dinner would be provided. You can’t tell by looking at me but I am not much for eating but the food served here was amazing. The food served here alone was worth the price of the trip. For dinner that first night we had some of the best lasagna that I have every eaten in my life. Shortly after that we turned in and awaited the first day of the hunt. Due to the early rise and traveling all day I was ready to sleep but was too excited to sleep.
I awoke the next morning at around 5:00 I think. I was not used to it being so light outside that early. Just as promised we had breakfast at 9:00 and then the guides headed out to restock and check the baits. After breakfast Dave and I headed out to shoot a few times to ensure everything was good to go after the flight. A few practice shots and everything seemed to be in order. After lunch Vern went through the trail cam pictures on the big screen TV for us all to see. The sites all looked ot be pretty active but no beasts were seen. That afternoon each of the hunters drew a card from the deck. The cards picked the order in which hunters drew their stands. I drew Webb’s for the first sit. The stand was located a good 45 minutes driving from the homestead. After we got to our destination we loaded up on an ATV and headed to the stand.
Upon arriving at the stand I noticed it was a custom made ladder stand built with steel tubing and rebar. The stand was built to the dimensions of most two man ladder stands just a lot sturdier. We checked the tree for cubs and small bears, finding none I ascended the ladder to the platform and started prepping for the first sit. As I was getting things situated Vern was busy replenishing the baits with gummy candies, trail mix, beavers and an assortment of meat scraps and bones. The bait site had three barrels, with the furthest only a scant 22 yards away according to the range finder. The area was fairly open in front of the stand but it quickly closed in as the forest swallowed up the site. Once finishing his task Vern pulled the card from the trail camera, gave me a thumbs up and headed out.
As the sound of the ATV slowly began to fade I started to notice and take in the scenery. Ravens squawked and complained all around, small ground squirrels’ chirped and squealed as they chased each other around. The ATV had almost faded away in the back ground when I notice movement to my left. It was not only a bear but four bears. A sow and three of last years cubs started to amble into the bait site. I was thrilled to see them the mom was black and had two larger blondish cubs and a smaller black cub. They wasted no time coming to the bait. The cubs greedily picked bones and sucked up the oats on the ground. They spread out as if to claim the area. After a couple hours had past they had gotten their fill and slowly waddled out of the area.
What seemed like only moment after the gang had left another light bear came in and started investigating the site. I struggled with not shooting the bear as it seemed to be a boar from the characteristics but at he same time he seemed a bit on the wee side. He stayed to torment me for almost and hour then scurried off as a slightly larger black bear came in. I was not as interested in this bear and sat back and happily watched him as he pushed the barrels around and licked up the oats and candy.
Moments later another sow with two cubs came in and ran the smaller bruin away. She merely huffed once and it sent the little guy scurrying for the safety of the forest. A short time later the sow that I had first seen returned to bait forcing the mother and her two cubs up a neighboring tree. As the family of four greedily began gobbling up the nuts and oats the two cubs in the tree found a group of branches and made themselves comfortable.
I noticed the sound of something nervously walking around behind me and turn to catch a glimpse of three wolves nervously wondering around. They disappeared as quickly as they came. I turned my attention back to the group in front of me. As the darkness began to enclose my area I noticed a big shape slowly moving into the bait. The sow on the ground snapped her teeth together and hissed loudly. The cubs with her scampered up a tree for safety. After this the sow chased the dark shadow away and she turned to come back the beast was on her heels. She ran to the tree where the first sow was and began to climb. The sow in the tree complained and growled loudly telling the other sow to find her own tree this one is occupied!! The sow came down and false charged the brute again. This time he chased her up the tee where her cubs where. He then began to toss the barrel around as much as the chain would allow to spill the treats inside like breaking piñata. The older sow protested loudly and huffed from the safety of the branches above.
Shortly I heard the sound of the ATV approaching the site. The monarch on the bait picked up on it too and quietly disappeared into the forest. Vern as he neared the bait slowed to a claw and creeped into the site. I descended the tree and loaded up on the ATV and we headed out. This would be one of the most memorable hunts of my life. I was anxiously awaiting the next days sit.
Through the week I sat in other stands and saw just as many bears on each stand as I did the first. The least I saw in one sitting was eight the most was fifteen. Of these bears I saw many of them on multiple occasions. There was very little time that I sat on the stand that I did not have a bear in front of me.
Thursday was like the rest of the week and I we had a bear on the bait before the guide had even gotten out of hearing distance. This bear however was different from the rest except the beast I saw near dark on the first night. The distance between his ears appeared to be equal to the distance from his ear to his nose. Essentially his head was the shape of a triangle. He was not huge by any means but he looked like a boar and was a decent bear. I made up my mind to take the shot. As he settled in on the bait he was facing directly away leaving no room for shot. Eventually he turned slowly to his left giving me a nice angling away shot. I drew the bow and settled the pin. At the release of the arrow the bear roared and rolled backwards. Before he stopped moving I had another arrow nocked and sent it on its way. Within a short period the bear stopped moving and I excitedly called the guide Chris on the radio to come retrieve us. After what seemed like an eternity but in reality was only a couple minutes Chris pulled in. My bear turned out to be a boar. We set him up on log for some quick pictures.
The week ended with 100% success and everyone taking a bear. Dave’s bear was a beautiful chocolate and he took it a few hours before we left so the last day was busy to say the least. This was definitely a hunt to remember and I am absolutely hooked on spring bear hunting and hope to do it again next year.
Below is a link to the pictures we took. Enjoy!!
s1227.photobucket.com/user/harveycj/slideshow/Springbear2013
