44Years of Bear Hunts
Contributors to this thread:Bears
From: spike buck
20-Apr-18
Sam McNabb Sr. December 2017. Erwin Tennessee. First bear hunter at Pine Acres in 1974.
Sam McNabb Sr. December 2017. Erwin Tennessee. First bear hunter at Pine Acres in 1974.
Sammy Jr. came bear hunting with his dad at Pine Acres in his Mid teens.
Sammy Jr. came bear hunting with his dad at Pine Acres in his Mid teens.
Earnie Bradford, of Belog North Carolina, also hunted at Pine Acres starting back in 1974.
Earnie Bradford, of Belog North Carolina, also hunted at Pine Acres starting back in 1974.
Sam McNabb, of Erwin TN., in his mid 80s, pictured above, was our first bear hunter in camp in 1974. From 1974 - 79 he would stay 3 weeks each Spring running bears with hounds. He would come each Spring with a large group of hunters. Sam had just come back from an early morning bear hunt a few miles away from his home in Erwin Tennessee when I took this pic.
Sam Jr., now mid 50s came to Pine Acres with his dad at a very young age, to run bears. Still hunts with his dad in the Smokies and W.North Carolina. I was able to sit down with the McNabbs and another old bear hunter David Steppe for the first time in Dec. 2017, 39 years later.
Earnie Bradford, third picture has been on Moonshiners and The Walking Dead. His family now operates a LEGAL moonshine buisiness in Ashville N. Carolina. Called Howling Moon Moonshine!!! Was also one of Pine Acres early bear hunters.
Back when I was 12 years old in 1974, I would follow with these Bear Hunters as they chased bears through out the bush of NW Ontario. There was no limit on bears in the 70s. These Tenessee & NC hunters are who started us into the buisiness of bear hunting. We got into baiting bears for clients in 1980. Havent hound hunted at Pine Acres since 1980.
I was born a Toban and moved to Ontario in 1974. My dad bought the camp in March 74. My dad worked at Colenso Sawmill from 1974 to 83 to help pay bills while my mom would drive me around in a cube van running baits. I took over the baiting from my dad in 1981. Had many hunter throughout the years, Brian Phelps...bowsite handle Screwball a customer from 1983 till present time.
Back in the early years Pine Acres was 95% rifle hunters and now adays bow hunters are taking over with about 80% bowhunters now adays. I find Bowhunters are much more successful than our rifle hunters are nowadays.
From: spike buck
20-Apr-18
Matts Bait!!
Matts Bait!!
We chose an early morning start so as to be able to walk on the snow pack.
We chose an early morning start so as to be able to walk on the snow pack.
Started baiting bears for the 2018 Spring Season today. Was nice to get out in the field!!! Warmed up today to 56F. Have not had any new snow since Feb. 28th.
From: spike buck
20-Apr-18
Started up Mile #8 bait among a few others. Todays bait consists of a garbage bag of our popcorn mixture, horse feed mixed with pie filling and molasses, trail mix, snickers bars, gummies and chocolate coated peanuts.
From: Alexis Desjardins
20-Apr-18
That’s great, wish u the best this year Chris be safe. That’s awesome to see bearhunters history at pine acres sure get to meet some incredible people in our business ey Chris would not trade it for anything. God bless
From: spike buck
20-Apr-18
Thanks Alexis.... I have met many bear hunters and made many friends & memories. A bear guide, such as the sponsors of Bowsite.com are in the business for the enjoyment of it all!! and yes the money helps alot. Good luck to you and wish you a successful season. Chris.
From: grape
20-Apr-18
Good luck Chris. There will be a lot of us watching..exciting time!
From: spike buck
20-Apr-18
Thanks Greg!! Spring bear has always been fun times. Good luck to you on your bear hunting excursions!!
From: Screwball
20-Apr-18
Hey Chris, 4 years to retirement. Then we can run around all the time! It has been incredible having friends like Lottie, and you. Actually I should having family like you all. We will be up this year. Brian and Kathy
From: Ibow
20-Apr-18
Congrats Chris. Bear outfitters who last 44 years are doing it right! Best wishes for a great spring season. Looking forward to your spring thread!
From: spike buck
20-Apr-18
Thanks Ibow!!!
Hey Screwball, Ill be in Eau Claire tomorrow at 3:30 or so....want to go for supper. Getting 2 truck loads of bait at Otter Lake. Message me. Saxon will be there too. Chris.
From: spike buck
20-Apr-18
Joe Tanner putting together one of many new treestands together. Shooting rail which can be raised for bow hunters and a foot rest. Our tree stands at Pine Acres have gone a long way since the 70s.
From: NoDaker
21-Apr-18
Chris, Can't wait to get to bear camp the beginning of June. Being first time hunters with you, when I see all the positive feedback, and pictures, I feel we made a great decision going with you. We've talked a couple times on the phone and can't wait to meet you in person. I'm sure you'll post trail cam pics as you start collecting them which will get me fired up even more than I already am. Hopefully I can get a picture with that world famous rock of yours. Patrick.
From: Shug
21-Apr-18
I think I remember your old 1980’s add in Bowhunter magazine... possibly you standing in front of a mounted spike buck... yes?
From: Screwball
21-Apr-18
NoDaker, Bear Hunting is incredibly better now than in the 80's or 90's. Just got back from dinner with Chris and Saxon. Lots of bear bait in his trucks heading north. Number one suggestion is listen to Chris. When you begin to doubt at all listen to Chris!
From: NoDaker
22-Apr-18
Roger that Screwball, Thanks.
From: spike buck
22-Apr-18
That's funny Mark... Shug!!! That was me, Spike Buck .... early to mid 80's or there abouts. Looking back, I can't believe I put that deer in that add. LOL. The other deer in the pic was a 12 point.
From: spike buck
22-Apr-18
Patrick, just got back from a bait run from Eau Clare. You picked a great week!! Rut and hungry bears.
From: spike buck
22-Apr-18
20 Billion trees and they choose a hydro pole!! Osprey, NW ONTARIO!!! April 22/18.
20 Billion trees and they choose a hydro pole!! Osprey, NW ONTARIO!!! April 22/18.
OSPREY NEST, NW ONTARIO....
OSPREY NEST, NW ONTARIO....
From: Stycks
22-Apr-18
Keep fattening those bears up, everyone wants a big one.
From: spike buck
01-May-18
Wabigoon River.... hunters fish for Walleyes and Bass from shore here before the afternoon hunt.
Wabigoon River.... hunters fish for Walleyes and Bass from shore here before the afternoon hunt.
The Wabigoon River flows into English river and eventually joins the Winnipeg River.
The Wabigoon River flows into English river and eventually joins the Winnipeg River.
Most of the baits are out now. The 55 gallon barrels are filled right to the rim. Cameras are watching over the bears!!!
From: spike buck
01-May-18
Lots of ice but no more snow left!!! May 1rst 2018.
Lots of ice but no more snow left!!! May 1rst 2018.
From: spike buck
01-May-18
Deer herd on our private piece of land. May 1rst...
Deer herd on our private piece of land. May 1rst...
NW Ontario May 1rst 2018.
From: NoDaker
02-May-18
Chris, good to see the spring thaw coming along. Looks like the deer faired the winter all right. Hope to see some trail cam pics in the near future.
From: spike buck
02-May-18
I have the cams up but wont retrieve the pics for about a week. I don't download pics with each bait check. Ice will be out about May 12th. Walleye spawn will be late!! We are having to cut our way down a few roads due to the heavy wet snow, Oct 24, knocking brush and trees over the road. But things are on schedule.
From: Wv hillbilly
02-May-18
Can't wait to start seeing some of the spring pics spike! The end of August can't get here quick enough. I need me some more bear meat and some great food from Lottie's restaurant! Good luck to you and the spring hunters. Hope you have a safe and successful spring season.
From: Ibow
02-May-18
Great pics Chris!
From: Mark Watkins
02-May-18
Good luck Chris! Keep us posted!
Mark
From: spike buck
02-May-18
Thanks Guys
The Ruffed Grouse ritual. May 2nd 2018. The things you get to see during the Spring Bear.
From: spike buck
07-May-18
Wild Rice Bait!!
Wild Rice Bait!!
Just the other day this site had a foot of snow , now 2 bears. Amazing how fast it picks up!!
From: Ibow
07-May-18
Hoping for some nice warm weather for you guys! So glad you guys have a spring season again - it’s only right.
From: spike buck
07-May-18
Truck said 82 F here today. From winter to summer. Bears are just now starting to hit good. Lots of pics, just have to go through them. Now 53 bait sites set, ranging from 2.5 miles to 55 miles from camp.
From: NoDaker
08-May-18
Do you typically keep the farther away set ups for back up stands? Or it doesn't make a difference, just hunt which ones are most active.
From: spike buck
08-May-18
I hunt the farther areas as much as the close. Usually save the North for later in the season.
From: spike buck
08-May-18
Male Bear....Segise #4...far North area.
Male Bear....Segise #4...far North area.
Segise #4.
Segise #4.
From: spike buck
08-May-18
Cabin Bait, Wabigoon River Rd. Quite a few bears visiting this site
Cabin Bait, Wabigoon River Rd. Quite a few bears visiting this site
From: NoDaker
08-May-18
Nice looking bears Chris.
From: spike buck
08-May-18
Thanks Patrick. I have quite a few baits hit now. I am not checking the cams each time I rebait a site, so that is why not so many pics posted. Have 37 cameras watching over the sites.
From: rattling_junkie
09-May-18
Good luck and be safe out there!
From: spike buck
09-May-18
Thanks David, hope you tag a big one!!
From: spike buck
10-May-18
Clay Bait....Red Bluff Area.
Clay Bait....Red Bluff Area.
From: spike buck
10-May-18
Redvers Lk. #4
Redvers Lk. #4
From: spike buck
10-May-18
Redvers Lk #3
Redvers Lk #3
From: spike buck
10-May-18
Lanton Lk. Bait....2.5 miles from camp....bow setup
Lanton Lk. Bait....2.5 miles from camp....bow setup
From: Ibow
10-May-18
Great pics Chris... I love your spring thread! Best wishes for a great spring season!
From: NoDaker
10-May-18
Again....nice bears. Can't wait to get up there.
From: JL
10-May-18
That bear at the tan/brown barrel has one of the bigger/wider heads I've seen in a long time. Looks like someone cut his ears in half. Hopefully someone gets that one. I'd like to see how big it turns out to be.
From: spike buck
10-May-18
Cobble #2 Bait....just got hit for the first time.
Cobble #2 Bait....just got hit for the first time.
Just checked this bait on Tuesday and was not hit yet. They are just now starting to hit hard. Most of my baits are in the edges of heavy forest swamps, there are still patches of snow and ice as the sun cant penetrate through the thick forest canopy. If yo notice in the pics, you need a machete to penetrate the forest. Here, bear activity starts later than other places. Was -3C this morning, high of 7C. Weekend is in the low 20's or about 76 F.
JL, we wont be able to hunt Redvers Lk area till the end of the month as tree planters just moved into the area. They wont be anywhere near the baits but just decided to wait. We last hunted here for bear in 2015 fall season. This same bear with half ears was hitting then 2015.
From: Fish on
11-May-18
Chris that bear on Redvers LK 4 looks huge. Can't wait to get up there in August
From: 616Buck
11-May-18
Hey, I know a guy who will be hunting up there at the end of the month. Maybe he will get a shot at that redvers bait.
From: spike buck
11-May-18
Just so happens Chris, that it is where you hunted in 2015 (Redvers). Your old bait is being wiped out too. Have cams watching over them now!!
From: spike buck
12-May-18
Drive By Shooting Bait, Deer Lk Rd. North Bear Management Area
Drive By Shooting Bait, Deer Lk Rd. North Bear Management Area
From: spike buck
12-May-18
Segise #3....Cinnamon Bear
Segise #3....Cinnamon Bear
Daybreak Bear!!! Segise #3.
Daybreak Bear!!! Segise #3.
From: spike buck
12-May-18
Segise #3....
Segise #3....
From: spike buck
12-May-18
Segise# 4 Deer Lk. Rd
Segise# 4 Deer Lk. Rd
Bait Robber.... Segise #4
Bait Robber.... Segise #4
Bear demolished the trail Cam....start hunting this bait tomorrow!!! First pic at 4:10 bear. My computer died out in the field so all the pics for today. LOTS OF NEW HITS TODAY!!!
From: Ibow
12-May-18
Great pics Chris... love following along on your thread!
From: Trial153
12-May-18
Lots of postive reviews for pine acres ..they must be doing something right!
From: spike buck
13-May-18
We tagged that big bear off of Segise #4 tonight. Wouldve been a P&Y but shot by crossbow!!! Took one off of Segise # 3 too. Computer is acting up so on another one. Hope to down load pics tomorrow!!
From: HoytHntr4
13-May-18
Can't wait to start seeing the pictures of successful hunters from camp, as well as all the trail camera pictures this spring! Always look forward to your bear threads Chris. I need to find a time to book another trip up there. Good luck to all the hunters this spring!!
From: Bou'bound
13-May-18
Well done he is a brute
From: Fish on
13-May-18
They get that cinnamon bear last night. Looked like a pretty good bear
From: spike buck
13-May-18
No...the first time bear hunter decided to take the first okay bear he see's. Its actually the first animal he has hunted and shot at and got to tag. 3 hunters shot at Bears...2 tagged.
From: spike buck
13-May-18
From: Fish on
13-May-18
Good for him. Will you sit anybody else on that bait for that cinnamon?
From: spike buck
13-May-18
New guy moved in....about 6 different bears hitting this site. Cobble #2 Bait.
New guy moved in....about 6 different bears hitting this site. Cobble #2 Bait.
Greg, we left the camera on the site ( Segise #3 ) to monitor it for future potential. If the bait shows good daytime activity, yes we will. We have 58 baits out.
From: spike buck
13-May-18
Little Cinnamon.....Colenso Creek Bait, Wabigoon River Road.
Little Cinnamon.....Colenso Creek Bait, Wabigoon River Road.
Colenso Creek Bait
Colenso Creek Bait
From: spike buck
13-May-18
Friendly Bear waves at everyone!!! Wildrice Lake Bait
Friendly Bear waves at everyone!!! Wildrice Lake Bait
Wild Rice Bait
Wild Rice Bait
Wildrice Bait...Wabigoon River Rd.
Wildrice Bait...Wabigoon River Rd.
From: Wv hillbilly
13-May-18
Dang spike some good pics already! Good luck this spring. Can't wait to get there in August!
From: spike buck
14-May-18
Clay Lk. Bait
Clay Lk. Bait
From: spike buck
14-May-18
Jordon of Wisconsin....Archery....
Jordon of Wisconsin....Archery....
From: spike buck
14-May-18
Alex Barnstable...Wisconsin...Crossbow...
Alex Barnstable...Wisconsin...Crossbow...
3 arrows released with 3 taken so far with bow. 2 shot at by rifle and not found.
From: Ibow
14-May-18
Chris - In your opinion, what’s the biggest mistake gun hunters make when shooting a bear? The reason I ask is obviously your post above but also because I am taking a first time bear hunter to MB this spring and he’s using a gun. I’ve never gun hunted bears or deer in my life.
From: spike buck
14-May-18
They (gun) rush their shot. One instant, the gun hunter had his phone in his hand and the bear started walking away on him so he rushed. Bear was behind the bait. Missed completely. As I always said "Put the phones away"!!! A big bear will not come in if he's watching you moving at a distance as you film the smaller bears with a hunters phone.
I might add, every time a text message or checking time or anytime a phone is used in stand, the hunters face and background light up. Bears will see this. Last year a guy dropped his phone while putting it down to grab his gun.
From: Ibow
14-May-18
Thanks... always wondering what happened when you read that stuff.
From: spike buck
16-May-18
Marty Block....he left his cell phone in his truck this time!!!
Marty Block....he left his cell phone in his truck this time!!!
He had a shot at a bear on Sunday (rifle). This is his second chance bear!!!
From: spike buck
17-May-18
Mile #8 Bait....Wabigoon River Rd.
Mile #8 Bait....Wabigoon River Rd.
Colenso Bait
Colenso Bait
From: NoDaker
17-May-18
Looks like some nice bears you're starting to take Chris. Is the bear above on the Mile #8 Bait maybe the same bear that that is on your pic from the Colenso Creek Bait?
From: spike buck
17-May-18
No, its about 9 miles apart. Other bear is lighter. Hunter passed the bear on Colenso Bait same day as this pic was taken. Seems to have genetics in this area for colour phase. As "Matts Bait" also has a mother and a this years cub that are colour, she just moved in to the site.
From: spike buck
17-May-18
Langton Lake Rd Bait....wrong date on cam. ATV only bait
Langton Lake Rd Bait....wrong date on cam. ATV only bait
From: grape
17-May-18
Chris....Great pics...not sure if you mentioned it or not..when do you consider the most active your baits will get? Good luck to you and all your hunters.
From: spike buck
17-May-18
You mean in the season?? If so, not for another week or so. Although we still have enough good hitting baits for the next week. I am considering not taking hunters this same week next year..... ( W/O May 14th)....late spring this year.
From: grape
17-May-18
Yeah Chris, I guess when do you consider the season is finally in full swing with activity this year? Greg
From: spike buck
17-May-18
Last weekend of May on is "PRIME". This past week was successful, but will just start a week later next year.
From: spike buck
17-May-18
Quackers Diner, Vermilion Bay's only sit down restaurant!!!
Quackers Diner, Vermilion Bay's only sit down restaurant!!!
If anyone is traveling through Vermilion Bay Ontario on thier way North fishing and are hungry, stop in at our Restaurant!!! Open Thursday to Monday 8:00 am to 8:00 pm ....closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
From: spike buck
18-May-18
"Wing It Bait".....Archery site for June
"Wing It Bait".....Archery site for June
"Wing It Bait", sow and cubs also
"Wing It Bait", sow and cubs also
My main reason for using trail cams is to know if sows with cubs are visiting the sites. Cannot take a sow that is accompanied by cubs of the year.
From: spike buck
18-May-18
"Screwball Bait"....3 bears here.
"Screwball Bait"....3 bears here.
From: spike buck
18-May-18
Redvers #4, big guy still there for June!!
Redvers #4, big guy still there for June!!
Redvers #4, Bait robber!!
Redvers #4, Bait robber!!
From: Fish on
18-May-18
Screwball bear looks huge
From: spike buck
19-May-18
Bear looks in direction of some rustling in the bush.
Bear looks in direction of some rustling in the bush.
Couple of minutes later a wolf
Couple of minutes later a wolf
From: Bearwhisperer2
19-May-18
What a week!!! The opportunity Chris and joe gave me at yet another black bear was amazing! Chris knows his bears for sure! I would recommend doing a hunt here to anyone... this bear stepped out around 6pm and put on a show until about 8:30 when he finally came to the bait and presented a broad side shot! I don’t think I’ve shaken for that long ever!!! What an adrenaline rush!!! Thanks again Chris. You are a definite professional!
From: Bearwhisperer2
19-May-18
From: Barney
19-May-18
Wanna say thanks again to Chris and joe definitely a couple of professionals... I’ll never forget this past week at pine acres... what a amazing experience, See you next spring!!!
From: spike buck
19-May-18
Honey Moon Suite Bait!!! ( Bridge Bait) red bluff Forest Access rd. 5 bears visiting this site.
Honey Moon Suite Bait!!! ( Bridge Bait) red bluff Forest Access rd. 5 bears visiting this site.
Thanks Barney and Bobby!! This site has a Sow with 3 cubs of the year here also....
From: spike buck
21-May-18
A 2 for 1 special!!! Perfect Archery setup for Wolf!! Portal Lk Bait...
A 2 for 1 special!!! Perfect Archery setup for Wolf!! Portal Lk Bait...
Bears and Wolves share this bait. I am going back to a hanging bait at this site.
Bears and Wolves share this bait. I am going back to a hanging bait at this site.
From: spike buck
21-May-18
Segise #4, still 3 bears visiting here.
Segise #4, still 3 bears visiting here.
Segise #4
Segise #4
From: Ogoki
21-May-18
Chris , since you run a very successful bear hunting operation, what are your thoughts on morning hunts ? There is a thread on morning hunts , but I did not see where you commented. Thank you
From: spike buck
21-May-18
***MORNING BEAR*** Others call this bear a nocturnal bear
***MORNING BEAR*** Others call this bear a nocturnal bear
Everyone of my baits have pics of morning bears. So yes mornings are successful. Problem is, in late May and early June it stays daylight till 10:30 at night. After eating and unwinding from the afternoons hunt, no one feels like getting up at 3:00 in the morning to be there by daylight which is at 4:15am. But yes, if a hunter hunts morning, his chances are good at tagging a bear.
But many guides will argue whether the mornings are successfull or not... but 30% of our fall hunters tag in the morning.
Fall is different...dark by 8:30pm daylight at 5:45am easier to hunt mornings then.
*** A nocturnal bear is otherwise known as a morning (daylight) bear***The arguement that if you run a bear off as you sneak in and he wont come back in the day is proven to be wrong with our morning success!!
Also, one way to spook wolves off of a bear bait is to use an older trail cam that has a flash. One flash at night and they wont come back!!! EVER...
From: Ibow
21-May-18
44 years of bear hunts... lots of experience and good info & advice. Love this thread.
From: spike buck
22-May-18
This bear showed up for the first time this year when this pic was taken. Big ol male with a visible wound on his backside.Double Dam Bait.
This bear showed up for the first time this year when this pic was taken. Big ol male with a visible wound on his backside.Double Dam Bait.
Shows up for his first meal and the the blood trailing begins!!
Shows up for his first meal and the the blood trailing begins!!
Didn`t go far!!! Pics in the morning. Its a real nice boar!! I remember tracking this bear in 2015.
From: spike buck
22-May-18
Screwball Bait
Screwball Bait
From: spike buck
22-May-18
``3 Bears Bait``
``3 Bears Bait``
From: spike buck
22-May-18
Mutrie Cabin Bait.....notice the time on the cam
Mutrie Cabin Bait.....notice the time on the cam
From: spike buck
22-May-18
Wing It Bait
Wing It Bait
Sow with cubs....Wing it Bait....5 bears visiting this site
Sow with cubs....Wing it Bait....5 bears visiting this site
From: grape
22-May-18
Great pics Chris
From: carcus
22-May-18
Lovin this thread, keeps me going while i wait for wind direction and days off to coincide
From: Slate
22-May-18
Awesome thread. Great pics and stories.
From: spike buck
22-May-18
Brian Lord....Wisconsin
Brian Lord....Wisconsin
The Mrs. filmed the bear coming in and the shot....Rifle
The Mrs. filmed the bear coming in and the shot....Rifle
4 hunters this week. 50% so far!!
From: spike buck
22-May-18
Lynx... Redvers Rd. camera`s always at the ready!!!
Lynx... Redvers Rd. camera`s always at the ready!!!
From: spike buck
23-May-18
Joe Tanners first animal under his belt. Archery!!!
Joe Tanners first animal under his belt. Archery!!!
Joey Tanners first bow kill!!! Joey's dad gave Joe 160 acres 3 years ago. He set himself a baitsite on his property. This year he bought himself a bow. Visits Bowsite .com everyday. He practiced everyday, shooting from a stand here in camp and shooting from the ground. Yesterday he found an afternoon off and atv'd to his site.
Thanks to everyone here on bowsite.com and their shared knowledge and Joeys willingness to learn, he was able to tag his first animal.....Congrats Joey!!
From: spike buck
23-May-18
Chips Bait
Chips Bait
Chips Bait
Chips Bait
From: spike buck
23-May-18
Clay Bait
Clay Bait
From: NoDaker
23-May-18
Great pictures Chris! My bags are pretty much packed and I'm ready to roll. The next week and a half are going to be torture. LOL.
From: JL
23-May-18
Excellent cat pic!
From: spike buck
24-May-18
George Knopic....New Mexico
George Knopic....New Mexico
From: spike buck
24-May-18
Meadow Bait....Hwy#105
Meadow Bait....Hwy#105
From: Screwball
24-May-18
Meadow bait so many memories, there and up 105, beast as usual on meadow.
From: spike buck
25-May-18
Segise #1
Segise #1
100% tagged this week!!!
From: spike buck
25-May-18
Segise #3, another big guy!!
Segise #3, another big guy!!
From: grape
25-May-18
good job Chris
From: Slate
25-May-18
Great thread love all the pictures.
From: spike buck
25-May-18
Thanks guys, its been fun!! Was 90F yesterday. Suppose to get lots of rain but when storm came out of Manitoba, went south instead.
From: spike buck
25-May-18
Truck Bait....HWY#105
Truck Bait....HWY#105
New bear to site!!!
New bear to site!!!
From: spike buck
25-May-18
"Manitoba Bait".... NW Bear Management area...
"Manitoba Bait".... NW Bear Management area...
From: spike buck
26-May-18
Matt's Bait....Quite a few coloured bears in this Bear Management Area
Matt's Bait....Quite a few coloured bears in this Bear Management Area
From: carcus
26-May-18
Thats a big fat bear Chris!
From: spike buck
26-May-18
Yah, its a nice Cinnamon...not as big as your trophy Jason. Congrats on your old bear!!
From: JL
26-May-18
Ya know.....I'm wearing my humble advertising hat here. I'm surprised all of you guys (outfitters) do not stencil your outfit's name on the barrels. That way it will show in all of these trail cam pics you guys post up here and other places. It would be kinda cool to see a big bear at the barrel with your outfit's name on it. Great advertising in my humble opinion.
From: spike buck
26-May-18
Little Bull Bait
Little Bull Bait
From: spike buck
27-May-18
Sup Lake Bait...NW Bear Management Area
Sup Lake Bait...NW Bear Management Area
This bear does not like the camera....swats at it.....Sup Lk Bait
This bear does not like the camera....swats at it.....Sup Lk Bait
From: BLord
27-May-18
Chris and Joey, you gentlemen are true professionals and experts when it comes to your bear hunting!! My entire group had an amazing time and learned so much from both of you! We can't wait to come back up there again for both Bear and Whitetails!! See ya soon and thanks again!!
From: spike buck
27-May-18
Gully Bait....Sow with 3 this years cubs
Gully Bait....Sow with 3 this years cubs
Thanks Brian for picking us as your bear outfitter....was a blast!!!
From: spike buck
29-May-18
Logan Houba.....Illionois
Logan Houba.....Illionois
From: NoDaker
29-May-18
Appears you're breaking in a new photo rock....I like the back drop
From: stuckintherut
29-May-18
Hi Chris, The whole family has been following along this season. Looks like you have a lot of big bears hitting also more color phase than past years. Everyone is super excited to get up there. Looks like the weather is going to be perfect. Much better than the upper 90s we have had here this week. Daughter Aspen says Hi and she is very excited to meet you. see you soon curt
From: Schmitty78
30-May-18
Looks like you’re having another awesome season Chris!!! Sure making me want to get back up there sooner than later!! Got a call from my taxidermist yesterday and my rugs almost done:)
From: Alexis Desjardins
31-May-18
Great job everyone congrats
From: spike buck
01-Jun-18
Successful West Virginia Bear Hunters!!! Tagged a Biggin!!!
Cedar Bait...Archery
Successful West Virginia Bear Hunters!!! Tagged a Biggin!!!
Cedar Bait...Archery
Thanks Alex. Went from 92F to43F today.
The hunters passed all week waiting for the shooters to show up...one saw a cinnamon...another hit and couldn't find. And many seen.
From: spike buck
01-Jun-18
Curt, weather will be perfect. Got your sites ready to go...got a "NEW" double man stand set for you, see you Saturday. Hopefully in the morning to set up for afternoon. Drive safe!!!
From: spike buck
01-Jun-18
From: spike buck
01-Jun-18
Tom Hanes....W. Virginia....Archery, Rage...
Tom Hanes....W. Virginia....Archery, Rage...
From: spike buck
02-Jun-18
Jean Redman of West Virginia
Jean Redman of West Virginia
From: spike buck
05-Jun-18
Mr. Ulerick of Indy.
Mr. Ulerick of Indy.
A oversize camper took out our telephone and internet on Friday. Now its back!!!!
From: spike buck
06-Jun-18
Bob Wisner....Manitoba Bait
Bob Wisner....Manitoba Bait
Aspen and her mom Arika
Aspen and her mom Arika
From: spike buck
06-Jun-18
Anishinaabe Bait NW
Anishinaabe Bait NW
From: spike buck
06-Jun-18
Portal Bait
Portal Bait
Portal Bait....Hanging bait is working at keeping the wolves from eating from the bait
Portal Bait....Hanging bait is working at keeping the wolves from eating from the bait
From: Ibow
06-Jun-18
Awesome pics Chris. Congrats on a great spring - some really nice bears!
From: JL
06-Jun-18
Great wolf pic!
From: spike buck
08-Jun-18
Josh Lyles of Indy area
Josh Lyles of Indy area
Took 9 bears this week with 5 bears dodging the arrow and bullets and live for another season!! Most were skinned and quartered before I got a chance for pics.
From: spike buck
08-Jun-18
Annisinaabi Lk Rd Bait
Annisinaabi Lk Rd Bait
Badly Rubbed bear
From: spike buck
08-Jun-18
Larry Concus of Indy
Larry Concus of Indy
From: spike buck
08-Jun-18
Robert Bonesteel of Kokomo Indiana
Robert Bonesteel of Kokomo Indiana
From: spike buck
09-Jun-18
Segise #4
Segise #4
From: spike buck
09-Jun-18
Segise #3...Another morning bear
Segise #3...Another morning bear
From: spike buck
11-Jun-18
Knob Lake Rd Bait
Knob Lake Rd Bait
From: spike buck
11-Jun-18
Bridge Bait....Chaval Rd
Bridge Bait....Chaval Rd
From: spike buck
12-Jun-18
From: spike buck
12-Jun-18
72 year old Betty Buck and her first bear.
72 year old Betty Buck and her first bear.
From: spike buck
12-Jun-18
Hunter Van Arsdale of Indy area
Hunter Van Arsdale of Indy area
From: spike buck
12-Jun-18
Adam Shook...Michigan...Archery
Adam Shook...Michigan...Archery
From: Wv hillbilly
12-Jun-18
A lot of nice bears as always spike buck! Looks like you've been busy. Congrats to you and all the spring hunters you've had.
From: NoDaker
12-Jun-18
Chris, Looks like you're starting the week off good.... Me and the guys had a great time last week up there with you. Saw a ton of bears, beautiful country and great fishing! We are all looking forward to doing it again in 2020 (wish it could be sooner). You and Joe take care and I'll be patiently following along here on Bowsite. Patrick.
From: spike buck
12-Jun-18
Thanks Dave and Patrick. A quarter of the sites we have active now are not going to be used at all this Spring...just didn't need them. We will just use them this Fall.
***Season starts in a short 63 days*** Need to get more bait as we went through all we had.
From: Nogutsnostory
13-Jun-18
Harvested on 6/10 thanks Chris!!
From: spike buck
14-Jun-18
Colenso Creek Bait.... Dan Shook...Archery.
Colenso Creek Bait.... Dan Shook...Archery.
Dan Shook....Michigan.
Dan Shook....Michigan.
Dan arrowed his bear in 1 lung. Bear still had enough in him to run 300 hundred yards only to climb a tree and die at the tree top. His son Kyle, climbed up the tree and pushed the bear out of his perch. Congrats Dan, his father in law Richard and Adam his son for the bears the tagged. Awesome archers and great clients and friends. Now just have to work on getting Kyle a bear. Kyle saw a nice bear yesterday, chose to pass on it as he didn't have the ideal shot.
From: spike buck
15-Jun-18
Bear Factory Bait ....Curt Brouwer of Michigan
Bear Factory Bait ....Curt Brouwer of Michigan
From: Screwball
15-Jun-18
Hey Chris, What bait did Betty shoot her bear on? Tell Curt congrats nice bear! We are all set to head up end of June. paper work complete. Thanks
From: spike buck
15-Jun-18
Mile 8 bait. See you at the end of June!! 3 more hours of season left. 3 hunters out now.
From: spike buck
15-Jun-18
Kevin Brouwer....Grand Rapids Michigan. RAGE does it again!!! Mile 44 Deer Lake Rd....Lake Bait
Kevin Brouwer....Grand Rapids Michigan. RAGE does it again!!! Mile 44 Deer Lake Rd....Lake Bait
From: Screwball
15-Jun-18
Congrats Kevin and Curt!
From: Nogutsnostory
16-Jun-18
Courtney's bear taken on the truck bait. Thanks again Chris.
From: Ogoki
16-Jun-18
Curious. Is that some brown i am seeing ? Have not seen a black with SOME color phasing .
From: spike buck
16-Jun-18
A small portion of the bear is brown rest is black. Had pics of him on camera but thought it was just rub spots.
From: Luckydad
17-Jun-18
Another great hunt Chris. 3 out of 4 bears taken with the chance to have had 4. But that's why they call it hunting. Many great opportunities. Congrats to my son Adam on his first bear and father in law Rick Kyle will get that bear next year. Great job Joe. You are a great compliment to Chris and Pine Acres Bear Camp. Remember, you can't always ask someone if they got a bear down! They may just have a bear up! Haha! See you next June. Dan
From: spike buck
17-Jun-18
From Bear Baiter to Renovator....Cabin #1 and #2 gets a complete make over!!!!
From Bear Baiter to Renovator....Cabin #1 and #2 gets a complete make over!!!!
Had a day off after the spring hunt ended and got on cabin makeover duty!!! New windows, doors inside and out, Pine walls and a update on plumbing and electrical. Also new Natural gas heater. Job will be done by deer season or sooner. Cabin was built in 1981.
****Also....thanks to all the clients who hunted with us in Spring 2018. Thanks also to Bowsite.com for the ability to post our thread on the big game forums.
**** ALSO a big thanks to Joey Tanner, you are an awesome employee!!!
Bear season starts in 57 days. Will be looking forward to another successful Fall 2018 season!!
From: grape
17-Jun-18
Great thread Chris..
From: Wv hillbilly
17-Jun-18
Thanks for taking the time to take us along Chris. Can't wait for August to get here!
From: Ibow
17-Jun-18
Really enjoyed following along Chris. Thanks for taking the time to post your pics & stories. Enjoy your summer. Looking forward to your fall thread!
From: spike buck
17-Jun-18
Thanks all!!
***we have only the week of June 2nd available for 2019 bear hunts. Call 1-807-221-9793.
From: OntarioJoe
18-Jun-18
Haha thanks luckydad. I might invest in a pair of climbing spurs for the next time you're up! And thanks Chris, it was a great spring season!
From: Screwball
18-Jun-18
Joey, We will meet you next Tuesday. On my first trip to Pine Acres in 1983 we stayed in Cabin two. With that said, you just got a compliment from Chris as an Employee! You must do good work and appreciate it. You may not get many of those. LOL! Screwball
From: spike buck
18-Jun-18
We now only have space for 3 more hunters for June 2nd 2019. All other weeks taken. 1-807-221-9793. Hunt cost is $1450.00 us plus tax.
From: catchindeers24
18-Jun-18
Thanks for another great week Chris. I told you I had some unfinished business from my last trip 3 years ago where one got away without finding it and you did a great job giving me another chance on a great first (successful) bear. Also for making camp an enjoyable, laid back place to joke around and have a good time but still be serious about getting everyone a chance to see some bears. My dad, brother, grandpa, and I really enjoyed the week and can't wait to make it back up next year.
Pine Acres is a great operation, and Chris and Joe do an awesome job at making sure you'll get a chance at a bear. Thanks for a great trip!
From: Mt. man
19-Jun-18
Great thread, maybe someday I can get the wife up there and let her have a shot at putting an arrow thru one of those big boys. Can I ask you Chris what is the average P&Y size you get up there? I ask because I have shot 18 bears in Idaho in my life with 1 at 18- 3/16", 1 at 19- 12/16" and the bear I just shot last week is drying but should be just over 19- 2/8". The other 15 have been 17" or so and I know over 18" is getting pretty rare anymore down here. In order to get my wife her 1st P&Y bear I am thinkin a place like yours is my only shot for her. Your thoughts would be much appreciated here in Idaho.
From: spike buck
19-Jun-18
Chuck Hanlon, Official P&Y 18 14/16ths.
Chuck Hanlon, Official P&Y 18 14/16ths.
All the bears are skinned by the hunters and frozen with skull still attached. Hunters taxidermist does the skinning of the skull and if the hunter decides to score his bear, Taxidermist can also take care of scoring the skull. One of our customers, Chuck Hanlon, just got his certificate from P&Y back. Was 18 14/16ths. Only way I know the actual skull size is if they get back to me when the drying period is over. So unfortunately, there's no way for me to accurately answer your question. We just take a rough estimate here like "ALL" the other outfitters can do at time of kill
From: spike buck
21-Jun-18
The "Bear Mobile"
The "Bear Mobile"
Across the tracks, no matter which road you take and how far you travel on them, all the roads are within Pine Acres Bear Management areas.
Across the tracks, no matter which road you take and how far you travel on them, all the roads are within Pine Acres Bear Management areas.
From this point and to as far as you can see and way beyond are Pine Acres BMA'S.
From this point and to as far as you can see and way beyond are Pine Acres BMA'S.
I took the "NEW" rd to the left!!
I took the "NEW" rd to the left!!
Out doing some scouting in an area just opened up last Fall due to logging. Many miles of "NEW" road into virgin bear country!!!
From: spike buck
21-Jun-18
No shortage of material for road building.
No shortage of material for road building.
This Area is known as the Beaver Hut Lk Forest area. All new roads.
This Area is known as the Beaver Hut Lk Forest area. All new roads.
A Beaver cone...actually invented and produced by Walter Fleming. Walter owned Fleming Black Bear Camp.
A Beaver cone...actually invented and produced by Walter Fleming. Walter owned Fleming Black Bear Camp.
From: spike buck
21-Jun-18
Norse Lake
Norse Lake
Walsh Lake
Walsh Lake
From: spike buck
21-Jun-18
ATV trail to a Trappers cabin on Norse!!
ATV trail to a Trappers cabin on Norse!!
good way to stay warm during the cold nights....on the table in the trappers cabin.
good way to stay warm during the cold nights....on the table in the trappers cabin.
View from the Trappers Cabin!!
View from the Trappers Cabin!!
From: Wv hillbilly
21-Jun-18
Wow chris. The new area looks great.
From: NoDaker
22-Jun-18
What direction from camp is all the new accessed land?
From: spike buck
22-Jun-18
Northeast of camp. Patrick, you were Northwest. Its going to take a few scouting trips to figure out where to set up bait sites. Will have the area ready to go, with treestands set up and active by end of July. Blueberries, if weather keeps up, will be abundant this year and on time. Means should be done by August 15th, bear season start. All spots taken for the Fall season 2018.
From: spike buck
22-Jun-18
2018 Spring Trophy Bear........Segise #1. Used spring and Fall 2017.
2018 Spring Trophy Bear........Segise #1. Used spring and Fall 2017.
2018 Spring Trophy....Cedar Bait....a site used since spring 1994.
**** a P&Y contender****... if and only if the hunter takes the time to have it entered. Guessing or rough estimates at time of kill and at skinning is only a guess.
2018 Spring Trophy....Cedar Bait....a site used since spring 1994.
**** a P&Y contender****... if and only if the hunter takes the time to have it entered. Guessing or rough estimates at time of kill and at skinning is only a guess.
Its important to open up new areas every couple of years. Although the bear in the above pics was taken off a site used for many years. In the spring, if a hunter is carefull with movement and scent it doesn't matter if a stand has been hunted during the previous years. Also, a bear will most of the time look at you in the stand ( new setups and previously hunted). You just have to be still.
A hunter has to be prepared for an onslaught of pesky bugs, this year 90F temps etc. If you are unprepared for bugs, your chances at a bear is slim. Gotta stay still at all times, not just when a bear is in front of the hunter. Bears watch from a distance before they enter a site and most times a hunter has no idea of their presence.
I do not offer fishing in our packages. Why, because a some hunters have a tendancy to spend too much time on the lake and less effort focused on their afternoon sit. A few fisher/bear hunters dream only of catching walleyes rather than putting proper focus on taking a bear, especially when bugs are bad and with hot temps. Fish only after you take your trophy.
Many fishing camps in Ontario that offer bear hunts start their baits less than 2 weeks before the hunters arrival. This will mean less competition at the baits by bears. Meaning only 1 or 2 bears hitting. In the Spring (Fishing\bear camps), the time spent on bears is little as the fishermen are arriving. I prefer to just work on hunters not fishers!!!
From: spike buck
22-Jun-18
Lake Bait....mile 44 Deer Lak Rd
Lake Bait....mile 44 Deer Lak Rd
***RAGE BROADHEAD!!!! *** A RAGE BROADHEAD is one of the best, when it comes to taking a bear. They do damage if the Broadhead hits the x!!!
From: spike buck
25-Jun-18
Came upon this "WOLF" den while scouting a new spot. Went deep into the sand bank.
Came upon this "WOLF" den while scouting a new spot. Went deep into the sand bank.
From: Ibow
25-Jun-18
Great pic Chris... must be a really remote spot!
From: spike buck
25-Jun-18
It was remote. Usually the dens are on the backside of sand or gravel pits that are not used anymore. A gravel pit is like a litter box to the young wolf family. I kept my camera on one of my bear baits just to figure out the wolves. I noticed something that most don't realize.... the mortality of wolf pups are very high.
I have pics of a family of wolves from last year (male female and 5 pups). I have pics of the male and female this year, minus the pups from last year. I talked to the biologist from Dryden about the wolves going into bait sites for feeding. She said Wolves are depending on the bear baits because of the lack of prey animals. In my Far North Area, it is rare to see any moose sign. If you do there are 1 to 3 wolf tracks following the moose. The moose do not have a chance in area#5. So according to the biologist wolves have hit the bottom.....FINALLY!!!
In the next post I will try to show a family of wolves (male and female and pups) from 2017 and the same Male and Female in 2018 minus the pups. Pics are from early in the season so pups of 2017 would still be with her if still alive.
From: spike buck
25-Jun-18
Family of Wolves from 2017. Regular feeders off the bear bait....not normal!!
Family of Wolves from 2017. Regular feeders off the bear bait....not normal!!
Same adult wolves minus the pups from 2017. Did not see pups on camera for the whole Spring season.
Same adult wolves minus the pups from 2017. Did not see pups on camera for the whole Spring season.
This year the pair of adults are missing last years pups. After 1.5 months of pics from this bait, there are also no new litter with them from this spring. A good sign that wolves are on the down side. In area #5, I did not see a single deer in all my travels in the North BMA'S.
From: spike buck
25-Jun-18
There is a bear laying on the backside of this barrel....wolf comes in anyways.
There is a bear laying on the backside of this barrel....wolf comes in anyways.
Bear and wolf are playing cat and mouse....check out the timeline on pics
Bear and wolf are playing cat and mouse....check out the timeline on pics
Bear swats at the wolf....he's aggravated with him.
Bear swats at the wolf....he's aggravated with him.
Bear wins over the bait for over 3 hours
Bear wins over the bait for over 3 hours
I noticed the wolves would wait for the bear to take the log out of the barrel as they would show up almost as soon as the bear took it out to feed.
From: spike buck
25-Jun-18
I started hanging my baits instead of using the barrels at the 2 bait sites to keep wolves out....they were smart but failed to get at the bait.
I started hanging my baits instead of using the barrels at the 2 bait sites to keep wolves out....they were smart but failed to get at the bait.
Wolf couldn't get at the bucket so he focused on what was holding the bucket in the tree. The rope!!! But couldn't get at the rope. Wolves eventually moved on and we took a couple of bears off these sites.***see the treestand in the pic ***
From: Kevinhunter
25-Jun-18
Kevin Van Arsdale 6.10.2018 Indy Area
Kevin Van Arsdale 6.10.2018 Indy Area
6/10/2018. Thanks Chris! We had a great time at camp this Spring! My son got his first bear and Betty got her first bear as well!
From: spike buck
26-Jun-18
Was a great week Kevin....last you were up was 2002. Was happy to have you guys in camp once again!!!
From: spike buck
28-Jun-18
Screwball AKA Brian and his wife Cathy. Caught their limit today in a matter of minutes!!!
Screwball AKA Brian and his wife Cathy. Caught their limit today in a matter of minutes!!!
Caught while shore fishing.
***All our tags are taken for Spring and Fall Bear 2019***Thanks..Chris
From: stuckintherut
01-Jul-18
Hi Chris it's Aspen, Happy Canada Day
From: spike buck
01-Jul-18
Aspen on the left...mother and daughter team!!!
Aspen on the left...mother and daughter team!!!
Thanks Aspen, all of us at Pine Acres wish you and your family an AWESOME July 4th Holiday!!
*** ALL our spots for Fall 2018 & Spring and Fall Bear for 2019 are taken***
From: spike buck
04-Jul-18
To hunters coming this Fall....There are "NEW" duty charges (Border) starting July 1rst....There is a duty to be paid on most groceries and some liquor....Thanks Trudeau!!!
From: Wv hillbilly
04-Jul-18
Wow Thanks for the heads up Chris. Do we pay at the border when we cross or how does it work? Were fired up and ready for August. Can't wait to start seeing some of the fall pics show up!
From: spike buck
04-Jul-18
The fishers who arrived on the 1rst said that they paid at the border. The 1 bottle of liquor border crossers were allowed, is now taxable.
We are on our way to Lucky Seven in Cambridge Mn tomorrow morning for a load of bait for Fall. Getting a few more trail cams also. I'll get more info on duty on goods when I cross back into Canada.
From: Missouribreaks
04-Jul-18
Good stuff, thank you for posting.
From: spike buck
06-Jul-18
So....the tariffs on groceries will get complicated if you don't have your receipt for your purchased groceries brought into Canada from US. If you show them a receipt they will go down the list and highlight was tariffed. For instance Hunts Ketchup is not on the list but Heinz is. Certain liquors are on the list but not all. Certain beers are tariffed.
If you do not have a list (receipt) of your groceries and the agents are bored they will have you pull everything out and go through it item by item. There was someone being pulled apart while we were there because of no detailed receipt.
Just be prepared and everything will be fine. Chris.
From: Ibow
06-Jul-18
Chris, does this apply to Manitoba as well or is it a provincial thing?
From: spike buck
06-Jul-18
Yes, Canada wide!! Those with receipts went through faster than those who did not have. We paid an extra $51.00 over what we would normally pay for the same amount of bear bait. *** Just have your receipt for groceries and alcahol handy and things will be easier.*** cbsa-asfc.gc.ca
From: Ibow
07-Jul-18
Thanks Chris! You saved us from what could have been a hassle.
From: Screwball
07-Jul-18
Is this in response to the Tariffs or a new law, or one they are now enforcing???
From: spike buck
07-Jul-18
Tarriffs as of July 1rst.
