2021 Bear Success Thread

[Timberline001]

My 2021 bear. He showed up at the bait the 14th of May and an hour into my sit the next evening he came in and winded me before he got into the bait. I was able to draw and make a shot as he snuck out. 20 9/16th skull and squared at 7’1”.

 

[Dust1n]

My 2021 Alberta Spot and Stalk Bear Hunt

Wear A Good Laying System for Cool nights and Hot Days

.300wsm 165g Federal Fusion
Exo K2 5500

 

[Pdzoller]

This is my second bear. Just started hunting them four years ago. Canyon bear on cherries is some of my favorite hunting now. We are going to make a yearly vacation of it.

 

[BackcountryBloodline]

My 2021 Alberta Spot and Stalk Bear Hunt

Wear A Good Laying System for Cool nights and Hot Days

.300wsm 165g Federal Fusion
Exo K2 5500

Well done doing it spot & stalk in a bait province, curious how you would compare the two methods of hunting if you've tried both. Temperature control during spring bear is always an interesting challenge, could get almost any kind of weather!

 

[Caleb777]

I’m new to the forum and this is my first post. Unfortunately this was not a ‘21 bear but rather a ‘20 bear I took in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan but I still believe it will get some enjoyment. The rifle pictured with me is a 1937 Finnish M37 chambered in 7.62x54r. This rifle was made in the Tikkakoski factory in Finland…better known in the states at “Tikka”. Using 200gr Russian Silver Bear soft points. Chased the bear for 9 miles and according to the dogs GPS collar, he averaged 6mph. It ended with him about 10ft from me looking me in the eyes on the ground in his den and it was so thick neither one of us had anywhere to move. A shot to the base of the neck anchored him there but made for a difficult drag back to the trail!

 

[Dust1n]

Well done doing it spot & stalk in a bait province, curious how you would compare the two methods of hunting if you've tried both. Temperature control during spring bear is always an interesting challenge, could get almost any kind of weather!

The zone I was in had a bait ban in effect.
I never tried hunting bears over bait but i have done a lot of treestand hunting. I honestly think the fair chase spot and stalk hunt is a lot more interesting for the wildcard factor of not knowing what your gonna see.

This spring was crazy for temperature swings with lows hovering around freezing and highs approaching 30’s

This was only my second bear hunt and I’m 2/2

 

[Ianoskavich]

This year I struck out on elk after putting in a lot of miles, only to stop at a new spot between spots, found some sign, posted up and waited. 10 minutes later I was fortunate enough to have this guy cruise past me! Not a big bear but he was my first and I am so excited to have gotten him! Saw him about 45 yards out and was able to close a little distance on him as he moved. Made the shot at 32 yds. Straight through the lungs and out the other side!

 

[Semperhunt]

2021 Montana spring bear tag filled Tuesday night.

Great bear

 

[BigBull777]

I’m new to the forum and this is my first post. Unfortunately this was not a ‘21 bear but rather a ‘20 bear I took in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan but I still believe it will get some enjoyment. The rifle pictured with me is a 1937 Finnish M37 chambered in 7.62x54r. This rifle was made in the Tikkakoski factory in Finland…better known in the states at “Tikka”. Using 200gr Russian Silver Bear soft points. Chased the bear for 9 miles and according to the dogs GPS collar, he averaged 6mph. It ended with him about 10ft from me looking me in the eyes on the ground in his den and it was so thick neither one of us had anywhere to move. A shot to the base of the neck anchored him there but made for a difficult drag back to the trail!

Love that mount!

 

[BigBull777]

My 2021 bear. He showed up at the bait the 14th of May and an hour into my sit the next evening he came in and winded me before he got into the bait. I was able to draw and make a shot as he snuck out. 20 9/16th skull and squared at 7’1”.
View attachment 359354View attachment 359355

That’s a beautiful bear! Congrats

 

[lemirage]

2021 Montana spring bear tag filled Tuesday night.

Bravo gorgeous

 

[BearGuy]

Love seeing all these bears. Shot and lost a big bruin in Idaho last year. Can’t wait for redemption this spring. Right around the corner!

 

[MontanaBornandRaisedHunting]

First bear ever. Glassed him up after bumping a bull over a ridge. Didn't think it could be a bear because it was so big, until it stuck its head out from behind a tree. Stalked in to 220 and waited 10 hours for him to come out of what turned out to be his den. Shot straight through the chest and out his back strap. He then went up a 70ft+ ponderosa pine and had to shoot him a few more times before he finally fell. Shocked at his size when we got up to him. Picture doesn't quite do him justice. I can roll a bull elk over by myself if I need to and it took two of us to roll him. Hide and head weighed around 100 lbs. Game warder guessed him at 400-450 when I checked him in. I guessed him at least 350. I'm 6' and 230 lbs and he made me feel small. Pretty amazing hunt and experience.

 

[Honyock]

View attachment 386369
First bear ever. Glassed him up after bumping a bull over a ridge. Didn't think it could be a bear because it was so big, until it stuck its head out from behind a tree. Stalked in to 220 and waited 10 hours for him to come out of what turned out to be his den. Shot straight through the chest and out his back strap. He then went up a 70ft+ ponderosa pine and had to shoot him a few more times before he finally fell. Shocked at his size when we got up to him. Picture doesn't quite do him justice. I can roll a bull elk over by myself if I need to and it took two of us to roll him. Hide and head weighed around 100 lbs. Game warder guessed him at 400-450 when I checked him in. I guessed him at least 350. I'm 6' and 230 lbs and he made me feel small. Pretty amazing hunt and experience.

Very nice. Congrats!

 

[huckfin]

It's all about the angle of the camera. Maybe a 130 lber.

 

[pdub]

Nice Bears

 

[OsoHunter]

2021 Fall Bear.

 

[gigandet642016]

My 2021 bear. He showed up at the bait the 14th of May and an hour into my sit the next evening he came in and winded me before he got into the bait. I was able to draw and make a shot as he snuck out. 20 9/16th skull and squared at 7’1”.
View attachment 359354View attachment 359355

that is a really cool looking bear!!

 

[North Idaho Stickbow]

Great minds think alike, keep us posted!

I finally got my 2021 bear back, and I’m really liking the backpack mount a lot!

 

[huntleaf212]

Backcountry Frank Church bear from this past weekend. Not a huge sow, but couldn't resist the beautiful blonde. Missed her at 760 yards, but was able to close the distance by dropping 700' vertical down the hill and have her walk straight into me at 15' in the buck brush. Long, hot, steep packout ensued, but well worth it.

Cavemanthehunter
What time in the spring are you usually in the Selway/ Church I'm headed in spring of 23 looking for the best time of the spring to be In that area. Not looking for spots just the timing