K114 Most Excellent Bear Hunt
Contributors to this thread:Bears
From: rattling_junkie
08-May-19
First off, thanks to Scar Finga for organizing The Adventures of “K114” tribute to Kelly Harris. I remember becoming a member of Bowsite around 2007. I quickly learned that Kelly was one of the good guys, and enjoyed his many posts and annual threads. My heartfelt condolences to the Harris family.
Now for some background, as some of you here probably have come to realize, my son Noah was going to try and take his first big game animal at 12 years old. The first animal that he could legally take would be a bear. So, when I read the tribute that Scar Finga had organized I knew I needed to be a part of it. I was scheduled to receive the knife on May 10-23. But as you guys know with hunting, wind is everything and if I could get it sooner I should probably try. I contacted Altitude Sick (Jay) if I could get it sooner; he said that he would ship it as soon as he got back from Africa. Well true to his word, he did. Thanks Jay, this wouldn’t have been possible without your speedy delivery. And thanks for the note, Noah thought that was cool.
From: rattling_junkie
08-May-19
Noah pulling 40 lbs with ease
Noah pulling 40 lbs with ease
We went shooting a bit in the winter. Noah improved drastically from the summer. I think just growing bigger and stronger was helping him hold the bow that much better. I would turn the poundage up every week, just a bit, and before we knew it he was pulling the 40lbs required by Manitoba law.
From: rattling_junkie
08-May-19
His shooting wasn't too bad at 20 yards
His shooting wasn't too bad at 20 yards
From: JB
08-May-19
Really looking forward to this! Go get em Noah!!!
From: bowhunter24
08-May-19
Good luck Noah I will be pulling for you!
From: rattling_junkie
08-May-19
The time came to get the bait. We use corn and old fryer oil. The method we like to use is lots of bait, and only hunt with a good wind. I like to set baits with some sort of obstruction behind my stand, like a field, lake, river or an open meadow, so that bears only want to come from a certain direction and limit circling. Carcus picked up the corn and I took care of dipping for oil.
From: rattling_junkie
08-May-19
From: rattling_junkie
08-May-19
6,000 lbs of corn for Carcus' bait and mine
6,000 lbs of corn for Carcus' bait and mine
From: rattling_junkie
08-May-19
Getting fancy with the fryer oil. Trying to keep Carcus' truck clean for the bait trips.
From: Bowfreak
09-May-19
This will be good. Can't wait!
From: SBH
09-May-19
Nice! Great start! Thanks David, will be following along.
From: Treeline
09-May-19
Now that is some serious bear food there!
Great look at what goes on behind the scenes to set up successful bear baits... A lot of work!
Go get 'em Noah!
From: Brotsky
09-May-19
Alright! Been looking forward to this! Good luck Noah!
From: t-roy
09-May-19
Go kill a monster, Noah! Show em how us “southpaws” do things!
From: rattling_junkie
09-May-19
A bear bait has been born!
A bear bait has been born!
This year I decided to try and find a new spot, one that will hopefully become a giant producer. Every year I keep seeing Carcus with giant bears, and I wanted the same. So, off I went checking landownership maps. I contacted the landowner and before I knew it I had permission. When Carcus, and I got to the property for the first bait trip there was a bear waiting for us. Things were looking good.
From: rattling_junkie
09-May-19
For his 12th birthday Noah received 3 Iron Will broadheads. He experimented with the Magnus Stingers and the Iron Wills, and ultimately decided to trust the IW. They might be expensive, but they keep an edge even after shooting into targets all day.
From: rattling_junkie
09-May-19
He's happy with his shooting, so am I!
He's happy with his shooting, so am I!
After some final practicing Noah was ready to hit the bear woods. He has been hunting with me since he has been 3 years old. He’s watched a ton of hunting videos, and we have gone over shot placement and angles. I felt confident he would be ready. I thought of using a laser pointer on the bear for him, but decided that he was not only ready, but needed to experience this rite of passage partly on his own. No amount of training can fully get one ready to put the pin on the animal and shoot.
From: rattling_junkie
09-May-19
We received the journal and knife on Monday. It was a very cool experience to read the journal entries and the good luck notes. The knife was in perfect condition and razor sharp. It was ready to skin out a Manitoba bruin. After making our journal entries we were off to Carcus’ place to pick up more bait. He signed the journal too. Sorry no pictures of the big bear legend. He’s kinda camera shy.
From: rattling_junkie
09-May-19
Noah's turn to hold the bow. I remember that first feeling, and now my son was able to experience the same thing.
Noah's turn to hold the bow. I remember that first feeling, and now my son was able to experience the same thing.
We finally arrived after a long ride. I looked at Noah as we were driving up to the property, and said, “you could be shooting your first bear in an hour.” The look on his face was priceless. I wish I had a camera man with me to get all the action. He said he was starting to feel the butterflies. I told him that’s normal, and a good thing, it means he is ready for action. We loaded our stands, and our packs. Time to walk in!
From: rattling_junkie
09-May-19
As we were walking in we saw a bear on the bait. I asked Noah if he would like to stalk it and see if it’s big enough. He said yes, I had to remind him to put his release on. It ended up being a small bear, and ran off before we could even get a shot. Setting up the stands was a chore, since our designated tree was an ancient poplar and didn’t allow me to easily wrap my arms around it. Finally after a very long time and some sweat equity the ambush was set.
From: rattling_junkie
09-May-19
Nice 5 footer that Noah passed.
Nice 5 footer that Noah passed.
Not a lot of bait was gone, but there was good sign. I was still happy with the progress of a virgin bait. The first bear came in shortly after my noise making party. He was a beautiful 5 footer that Noah elected to pass. I told him there was nothing wrong with shooting this one for his first bear. He said, no, he wanted to shoot a 6 footer or bigger. Well he didn’t have to wait long for his opportunity. About an hour into our sit, here he comes.
From: rattling_junkie
09-May-19
Will Noah get a shot?
Will Noah get a shot?
From: rattling_junkie
09-May-19
The target bear comes in easily, and without a care. I told Noah that I would guess the bear at 6 ½ feet. He decided to pass. I started whispering in his ear, that this would be a really good bear and that if he passes he is waiting for a 7 footer at this point. I would love to see him shoot a giant, but also want him to be looking forward to the next goal to accomplish. He said he really wanted to see what else would come in. I knew the weather was supposed to turn and with that the bear action would most likely slow down. He asked if I would shoot it. I told him not now, but if it was my first I wouldn’t hesitate. He decided to shoot and drew back, but just before the arrow was released the bear turned and he let down like a veteran.
From: rattling_junkie
09-May-19
Noah waited for his chance and when it came he drew back. But as he was drawn a gust of wind came. I told him he could let down if he needed. He never did and took the broadside shot. Well the shot was off the mark and hit the middle of the middle (MOTM). I have never believed in hitting bears intentionally there, but I was hoping the MOTM apostles were right.
From: altitude sick
09-May-19
Great story and excitement
From: rattling_junkie
09-May-19
The shot was a complete pass through, and the bear tore off to our right and then circled back. As he was running I told Noah he gut shot it, not a great dad moment. He was very disappointed. But then the bear stopped briefly and tore off again directly behind the bait. I heard a crashing noise, and thought it might have been his death run and tumble. I told Noah he just might have died right there. It was mixed feelings in the stand. We traded places as now I would be the hunter.
From: rattling_junkie
09-May-19
It took a while for some other bears to come in. But a chunky gorilla bear came in. I drew back and almost took the shot. My wife would’ve been happy if we both shot bears and were done, but you can’t shoot a Carcus size bear if you shoot a rattling_junkie size bear, so I let down. Right at last light a nice 6 ½ footer with a grizzled face came in. When he came in he was grunting like a bull moose! I was tempted just because the story line would’ve been so good, and he had such a unique face (you will see him in the video, once it’s done).
From: rattling_junkie
09-May-19
It should be noted that the bears that came in followed the path that Noah’s bear took, and it sounded like they were snapping branches were I heard the crash. We gave ourselves hope that maybe they were trying to get the dead bear to move. Often times bears will intentionally snap branches as they come into the bait, especially if there is a bear already on it. So, we were holding our breath they were doing the same for Noah’s bear.
From: rattling_junkie
09-May-19
We got down and packed up, the grizzled face bear was still on the bait, and took off soon as I started to walk towards him. We drove back to camp, and found some cell reception to download Woody Sanford’s bear picture, where it shows you the vitals. He watched the shot over and compared it to the picture. The best that I could give Noah was that it was a liver shot. I reassured him there was a chance, but to be prepared that we might not find it. As a guide I’ve been on some blood trails where guys were certain we would find the bear to only be disappointed. I told him that I would do my best, and search all day for it.
From: rattling_junkie
09-May-19
the only spot of blood
the only spot of blood
We arrived at the bait early the next morning, and there was a bear on the bait. We couldn’t find his arrow, but knew it was a complete pass through. We thought that it might have hit the barrel and deflected off into the bush. We followed the line that the bear took. I only found one spot of blood. It had also rained lightly the night before. The rain and the far back shot I knew we wouldn’t have much blood to go on. It was a body search at this point. My plan was to go in the direction of where I heard it allegedly crash.
From: rattling_junkie
09-May-19
As he lays
As he lays
We had gone less than 200 yards and I smelt a dead bear, and then I saw it. I told Noah excitedly with emotion rushing through my veins that I smelt a bear. I quickly turned the video on using my phone to capture the first time he saw his reward. It was a priceless moment. The bear had been dead for a long time. I think the crash I heard was him actually crashing, and I do believe bears were snapping branches to try and get a reaction from him. He was bigger than I thought, Noah excitedly ran to his bear.
From: altitude sick
09-May-19
As you know. Bear blood trails can be tough. And it’s very easy to make a Marginal shot on them.
From: rattling_junkie
09-May-19
Noah with the bear as it was found
Noah with the bear as it was found
From: rattling_junkie
09-May-19
We skinned the bear and measured it as honestly as we could. We came up with 6'9, and most likely a pope and young bear. Not a bad bear for a 12 yr. old!
From: rattling_junkie
09-May-19
From: altitude sick
09-May-19
YES!!!!!
From: rattling_junkie
09-May-19
From: Treeline
09-May-19
Spectacular! Good job Noah!
From: altitude sick
09-May-19
Congrats Noah! Great bear. Get that knife bloody.
From: rattling_junkie
09-May-19
K114 was introduced to some bear blood!
K114 was introduced to some bear blood!
From: woodguy65
09-May-19
That's awesome - congrats to that young man!!
From: rattling_junkie
09-May-19
We found his arrow on the way out. Thank goodness, I didn't want to lose that broadhead!
We found his arrow on the way out. Thank goodness, I didn't want to lose that broadhead!
From: rattling_junkie
09-May-19
Well I hope you enjoyed the story. I am running against time. I need to get to work now. I'll get a father/son picture tomorrow or when I get home. But I think we did the knife justice, and Noah wrote his story in the journal.
From: Brotsky
09-May-19
Woohoo!!!! Way to go Noah! Awesome bear young man! Congratulations all the way around.
From: Elite 1
09-May-19
Great bear and great ending congratulations.
From: KSBOW
09-May-19
This is awesome story, congrats to your son!!!
From: huntinelk
09-May-19
Congratulations, making memories
From: Screwball
09-May-19
So Proud of both of you! I have chills just following along. I was coaching my softball team in sectionals when my son shot his first. I lived it through the phone. He was in the best hands with my friend Chris at Pine Acres. Way to go!
From: HUNT MAN
09-May-19
Now this is a hunting story. Can’t wait for the video.
From: Charlie Rehor
09-May-19
Atta-boy! Way to go Pop!!
From: njbuck
09-May-19
Great bear, hunt and story, congrats!
From: Korey Wolfe
09-May-19
Awesome!
From: Nick Muche
09-May-19
Excellent! Nice work young man, great bear too! Good on you for raising him right, David!
From: Big John
09-May-19
The story just made my day, Congratulations Noah
From: otcWill
09-May-19
As a father of two little boys this is my favorite thread in a long time. Great job and thanks for taking the time!
From: Ron Niziolek
09-May-19
Great bear. Congrats to you both!
From: Bowbender
09-May-19
Outstanding!! Congrats Noah!!
From: Ace
09-May-19
OH yeah! Noah, great job, Dad, happy as hell for you too!
As the future keeper of that knife, I'm glad that it has been bear blooded already. Dave go get you one now and then I can only hope to see one as big as Noah's.
From: Jaquomo
09-May-19
Wow! Great job, Noah, and to David for raising a fine son. Congratulations!!
From: SBH
09-May-19
Hell ya! Congrats Noah and David! THat's what its all about. great shot
From: sticksender
09-May-19
Man...o...man, that is fantastic. Congrats to Noah & dad!Look forward to the video.
From: JL
09-May-19
Great story and congrats to both of you!!!! Thanks for taking the time to show and tell it.
From: Scar Finga
09-May-19
WOW, What a great hunt and story!! Way to go dad and Noah!!!!! Kelly would be damn proud for sure!
God Bless and thank you taking K114, and for sharing your incredible adventure!!
From: adogg437
09-May-19
Fantastic job Young man! Great team work, Awesome father son moment.
From: BOWNBIRDHNTR
09-May-19
Great story guys, congrats to you both!!
From: Bowfreak
09-May-19
There is nothing better than seeing kids introduced into the sport we all love.
Congrats to Noah and congrats to Dad on being just that.....DAD! rattling_junkie will never forget this, but neither will Noah.
From: Paul@thefort
09-May-19
Priceless!
From: Cobie33
09-May-19
Congrats to Noah and to you rattling_junkie for being a great dad, spending time with your son doing something you love and passing it on! Loved the story, can't wait to see the video! Cherish those moments and keep making memories!
From: Bou'bound
09-May-19
Simply the best. Congrats
From: grubby
09-May-19
Way to go Noah! And dad too!!
From: dakotaduner
09-May-19
Congratulations Noah. Great father son memories. Thanks for taking us along
From: EliteFan
09-May-19
Great stuff, way to go Noah! And heckuva job, Dad!
From: M.Pauls
09-May-19
Fantastic Noah and David! Passing big bears, lol, you know this isn’t his first rodeo at the young age of 12! Great story!
From: Tyler
09-May-19
Great story and start Noah! Congrats to you both!
From: APauls
09-May-19
Just stupendous buddy!!!! Way to go to the both of you!!!
From: INbowdude
09-May-19
Congrats guys!
From: Ibow
09-May-19
Awesome David... just terrific! Really enjoyed this!
From: t-roy
10-May-19
Way to go, Noah!! Great story! What a way to start off your hunting career, young man!
From: JB
10-May-19
Great job Noah! I screwed up on my 1st bear opportunity and I was much older than 12! You can be very proud of your accomplishment. I am sure there will be many more. Nice job Dad too!!
From: bentshaft
10-May-19
Great job Noah! Making memories dad, it doesn't get any better than that.
From: Jaquomo
10-May-19
K114 started out slowly but the collective karma has it picking up steam!
From: BigOk
10-May-19
CONGRATS Noah!!!
From: carcus
10-May-19
Congrats Noah, wish I could have been there, damn work!! Great story and pics David, cant wait for the video
From: Crusader dad
10-May-19
Awesome
From: GhostBird
10-May-19
Congratulations Noah.
From: SBH
10-May-19
Let the chant begin! We know you have this on film.
Viiiiiid-eeeo... Viiiiiid-eeeo... Viiiiid-eeeo!
Honestly though, its great to see you teaching your boy the bear woods and ALL that goes into it. Bear hunting is special that way, especially diy. Theres a lot to it. You can tell that boy has been in a tree and around baits for awhile. Super cool to see him get that bear.
From: Butternut40
10-May-19
Congrats. Noah, I still get those butterflies heading in to the bear stand. It's a great feeling.
From: Beav
10-May-19
Congrats Noah on a great bear Noah!! Such a great story!!
From: rattling_junkie
10-May-19
father and son
father and son
Thanks everyone for the kind words and congratulations. Yes, it's on video, but I was more concerned with getting us set up, hunting, skinning, and quartering than the video. So, there isn't a lot of footage, but enough to preserve the memory long after I'm gone.
From: Boreal
10-May-19
AWESOME! Congrats Noah and David!
From: Mule Power
10-May-19
Excellent tale RJ! Congratulations to both of you.
From: Drahthaar
10-May-19
Awesome, congratulations to the both of you. Forrest
From: Nick Muche
10-May-19
I love that photo! Badass!
From: deerslayer
10-May-19
David,
Awesome. Great job, for both you and your son! I really enjoyed the read. Great looking bear as well!
From: Scar Finga
10-May-19
Yes K114 started off slowly, but only because the first two hunters wanted something spectacular, just like Noah's bear!!!! We both passed on animals we could have killed quite easily, but that was not what we were after!
Once again Noah, congratulations, and best of luck in future hunts!
From: rattling_junkie
13-May-19
The K114 got another workout!
From: boothill
13-May-19
Oh my what a teaser of a photo that is Dave...
From: rattling_junkie
13-May-19
The wind direction was right on Mother's Day. I kissed my wife, called my mom and went to the bear stand. There were 3 bears on the bait when I got there. I was pleasantly surprised to see that the bait was getting hammered.
I needed to set my stand and cut some shooting lanes. I had a visitor the whole time, you'll see that in the video. This was more than likely my last evening in the bear stand, as I go guiding for Stickflingers on Saturday for 2 weeks. I tried to convince Carcus to drive up, so that we could hunt together, but the wind wasn't good for his stand.
From: rattling_junkie
13-May-19
I saw about 10 different bears, but most small. When at around 8:50 pm a bear that I passed on with Noah came in, and then his chubby buddy. But the chubbster didn't want to come into the bait when old grizzle face was eating. I originally estimated old grizzle at 6'6 feet. But after reviewing the footage at home between hunts I figured 6'10 and maybe 19".
From: rattling_junkie
13-May-19
I told my wife about this bear, and she said shoot it. So, now back to when he came in yesterday evening. I decided to pass, then picked up my bow and aimed at him, then put the bow back on the hanger. I couldn't do it. I started to think, Donna (my wife) wanted me to shoot this bear. It was Mother's Day after all, and I was out here hunting! So, I whispered into the mic and said, "This is for you Donna," and let the arrow fly.
From: rattling_junkie
13-May-19
The shot was 20 yards, and an absolute perfect pass through. Old Grizzle tore out, and dropped 80-90 yards away. He let one louder breath, and the woods became quiet, except for the other 7 bears milling around. The chubbster decided to come in and eat. He is your stereotypical "gorilla" bear. I have wanted to to kinda shoot one for a while, but decided on the "bigger" one. I got down, and was actually shocked at how big he actually was. I said out loud for only myself to hear, "Man, that's a 7 footer." I positioned him for pictures, and decided to come back in the morning, as the bears were feeling the courage of darkness, and I needed better light for some pics.
From: rattling_junkie
13-May-19
As I found him
As I found him
From: rattling_junkie
13-May-19
I almost forgot. As I was skinning I had a small bear hanging around and trying to bluff me out. He was getting closer and closer. I guess he got behind me while I was skinning and made a bluff. That was rather interesting. So, after de-boning the first front shoulder I threw him a bone. Called him my pet bear after that. While he was chomping on Old Grizzle Face I could finish skinning.
From: rattling_junkie
13-May-19
K114 posing with Old Grizzle Face
K114 posing with Old Grizzle Face
From: rattling_junkie
13-May-19
Well I am now done with K114, I just need to finish writing in the journal. It will be off in the mail tomorrow, so that Ace can use it on a big old New Brunswick bear.
From: Charlie Rehor
13-May-19
Congrats!
From: Nick Muche
13-May-19
Very nice David! Congrats!
From: Scar Finga
13-May-19
David,
That is so AWESOME!!!! Congratulations!!!!!!
So happy you both were successful!
God Bless!
From: EmbryOklahoma
13-May-19
Great job, Dave and great job, Noah! Love it!
From: T Mac
13-May-19
Congrats Noah and awesome job Dad !
From: Ace
13-May-19
Atta boy! I hope that knife still has some mojo in it.
From: Beav
14-May-19
Cool bear! Congrats
From: Handle
14-May-19
Awesome! Thanks for sharing!
From: midwest
14-May-19
Outstanding all around!
From: Boreal
14-May-19
Way to go guys!
From: carcus
14-May-19
Congrats Dave, wish I could've been there, now I'm solo, lonely times in bear camp!
From: rooster
14-May-19
Nice work for both father and son! Thanks for sharing your stories,
From: HUNT MAN
14-May-19
Way to go!
From: Basinboy
14-May-19
Congrats on a fine first bear Noah!
From: Brotsky
14-May-19
Beautiful bear Dave! Congrats to you and again to Noah. Hopefully you left a little luck in ol' K114 for us!
From: Herdbull
14-May-19
Well done Noah!!! David, Keep up the good work with your video productions. Nice bear you got as well. I hope to see you next year. Mike
From: SteveB
14-May-19
Love this! Congratulations!!
From: grape
15-May-19
Thanks Dave...Love your threads.
From: rattling_junkie
15-May-19
Thanks for all the positive comments! The video is looking good. I can't wait to finish and share it here.
From: Buffalo1
20-May-19
Awesome bear hunting going on here. Congrats !!!!!
From: wooddamon1
20-May-19
Good stuff!
From: t-roy
20-May-19
Looking forward to the video!
From: loesshillsarcher
21-May-19
awesome!
From: BowJangles
21-May-19
Congrats on a great bear, Noah!!
From: kota-man
21-May-19
Great work! Congrats to both of you...Great story, great times...
