Many times we have called in bears using cow elk/lost calf mews while elk hunting and this year I am going to try to specifically 'call in a bear'.
Talking with Lou last night, I mentioned I am going to try using a couple different calls - 'The Can' [deer bleat] and a predator call.
I know Paul@the Fort called in/killed a bear using a predator call...
Anyone else?
As I loaded my gear for the day I realized I had left my bow hanging in the garage at home – doh! I had my backup .40 pistol so figured I’d use that if I happened upon a bear.
I began hiking and after an hour lo and behold I glassed a bear! He was meandering downhill toward me into a canyon. I hustled to close the distance and by the time I got to the vicinity I had lost track of him, although I guessed him to be within 200 yards or less. I picked a good area with commanding view and chambered a round and started blowing mouth predator call. I have sonic earplugs I use when gun hunting that allow you to hear but block the sound of a shot and had put them in. After about 5 min not seeing anything coming from below me I pulled out one earplug thinking I should be hearing him if he was coming my way. I kept calling for another 5 min or so scanning all around me. Suddenly the bear popped up less than 10 yards to my right! Immediately I could see he was pretty small: huge ears, skinny body. I fumbled to replace my earplug, torn as to whether I wanted to shoot him. With my bow I probably would have tried – I’ve never shot a bear before.
Between me not being ready with earplug (I knew pistol would be really loud), him quartering to me and not very good shot, me not overly confident to hunt with pistol (only shot targets) and me hesitating because he was so small I ultimately blew my 20 second opportunity. He woofed and bolted over the edge of the slope he had popped up from.
Exciting and I can’t wait to call in another one!
Things can get hairy occasionally from what I understand but it's still on my bucket list. I believe Matt Burke called one in that resulted in an interesting story. He'd have to tell it if he stumbles across this thread.
I own that vid, no clue where I put it. lol
