I have a number of friends and acquaintances who had gone in the past and was inspired by their experiences. Also was able to get valuable information to prep.
I went through Shane Black at Canada North Outfitting. He has a number of options and prices for locations, but trusted him to put me in the best location and guides. He did not disappoint. One advantage is they are a complete all inclusive package. With my hectic schedule this spring and the pace of Arctic communications, We set a date for the hunt, to be out of Resolute Bay, Nun, CA.
Another hunter had cancelled last minute, and I got a discount on the hunt to go at those times. Right up to the hunt I had my hands full of puppies, our Black Lab had given birth to 9 pups on Valentines day!
Most all air traffic goes through Ottawa to Iqaluit. So east coasters have it a bit easier. So starting on Sunday, March 27 here is my trip-
Day 1- Anchorage to Chicago (red eye)
Day 2- Chicago- Toronto- Ottawa. Check into hotel booked by Outfitter, meet with representative who also supplied cold weather gear. Met up with another hunter who had already lost a day to a flight delay. Flights up North do not go everyday!
Day 3- Delayed flight Ottawa- Iqaluit, Change airplanes, Iqaluit- Pond Inlet- Arctic Bay- Resolute Bay
Resolute Bay- A brief history dates back to the Cold War- a weather station and an airstrip were built in 1947 to assert sovereignty for Canada in the region. In 1953 there were forced relocations of Inuit and a community was established there and Grise Fiord. Many modern Polar expeditions start from this location.
Another couple staying at the hotel were from Spain/Germany and had done many Arctic expeditions. They were planning to spend a month ski-touring self supported around Ellesmere island! talk about hard core, and they were in their 60s
The hunters going to Grise Fiord made it out- but their luggage didn't!
A rifle hunter was heading back and I got his recap. He passed up a great bear on his first day, because it was too early he said! Needless to say it took him 9 more days on the ice to find one as big again, a beautiful 9'+ bear! The good news he did see plenty of bears. He also got a nice Musk Ox.
I was not going to be nearly so picky. I had spoken to a recent super slammer who I met in Mexico on a Coues hunt, Ned. He had to make two trips to get his Polar bear. My other friends who went in 2019 took 10 days on the the ice to fill their tags on medium sized bears.
Also my research showed and my previous thread on Boone- and Crockett Polar bears revealed that it hasn't been done- the world record P&Y polar bear Does NOT qualify for B&C
I opted for more gear, and a back up bow instead of the target. Turned out to be a mistake! I should have listened to Ned. I had extra gear I didn't use, and didn't shoot my bow as much as I should.
I rigged up a snow bank to shoot into, but over the course of the trip I lost a couple arrows.
I had promised her I had a good feeling about the hunt and to not worry, I would be back before she was to leave on the girls trip, and I would take care of our teenage kids and poopers.
With weather days piling up I was cutting it closer
We loaded up into what I will call an ice Shanty! a combo canvas plywood shelter on a sled pulled by the ski-doos.
I'm jealous,
Robb
His name was Devon and at 21 was an awesome kid, very accomplished and professional. He has a team of dogs and will be guiding a couple hunts next year.
Those who have experienced the Arctic know the Inuit culture, a very happy, soft spoken people, usually of little words, that move at their own pace. The head guide was David, and was a man of little words but lots of experience 30 yrs + of guiding. Jaime the long time assistant always had a huge smile and would tell us what the plan was. Devon is the modern Inuit with respect and mastery of the old traditions, but a more western pattern of speech and engagement, and technology. I was lucky he became the de facto photographer.
We need visibility to hunt bears. If we head out and can't see far, then we could move right past a bear without knowing its there. the advantage humans have over the bears is sight- you can glass them on the horizon before they know you are near. If its low vis, then they can smell or hear you and move away before you see them.
nice an warm in the shanty and the stove going
The bears are constantly moving hunting for seals. The seals lived under the ice and make breathing holes that they keep open all winter. Snow will cover the top so they are hard to see, but the bears can smell them some how. If its an active hole they may lay in ambush till they hear/smell a seal come up, then dive head first into the hole to grab the seal.
Also female seals will make dens or liars in the snow mounds to have pups (think of a beaver hut they access from under the water) That is why broken ice and pressure ridge areas often have bears. They are hunting for the hidden snow caves with baby seals in them.
Seal populations and subsequently the Polar Bears are doing great in this area.
We covered quite a few miles with no bear sightings. We did cut the tracks of a couple bears. Jamie said to be patient, to not be too anxious- the bear will show himself when he is ready.
David called it a day, the dogs had made a good run, and it was time to make camp.
We set about making camp for the night. Positioned the shanties for the prevailing wind. and started to get the dogs chained. Jaime and Devon decided to take a look west where we were planning to go the next day.... and said they think there was a bear.....
I got my spotter out and indeed, saw my first Polar Bear! I don't have a good picture of the Pants- this one shows them- seal skin waist and cuffs, said they were hot pants! All self made, hunted and dried.
We actually came up with 3-4 Bears! one looked to be a sow and cub, the other was off to the side and looked bigger.... big enough to take a closer look.
they were far out on the horizon, the cold was hard to get my phone scope on and standing on a shakey box and wind didn't help for a steady long picture
Mark
I got my bow set up and took a few practice shots- still not perfect, and I wish I had that target. This is where I lost a couple arrows.
Robb
The bear was starting to walk away from us, so it was time to head out!
The pace of the sled was consistent, though not fast. It felt like a boat going through water.
the bear was on "flat" ice- and it turned out to make the chase longer and harder. David said in broken ice with mounds and bergs the bear will more likely bay up sooner.
That said they were still tired after a full days work. The musher will often run along side the sled to help in areas and to turn the team. This was a big work out for David!
Finally we closed the distance and the bear was slowing a bit, David released his best bear dog to see if the bear would engage- it didn’t but kept going due to the flat ice.
You could see the breath on the bear, it was slowing but not stopping. The bear would eat snow for water. The dogs too- they never get “water” all winter but eat enough snow to hydrate
we were down one dog, so I was alternating with David on running along side the sled to help them out. Talk about a work out! My heart rate was pumping
With daylight slipping it was time to take a chance, David released the dogs and we ran to catch up
The Bear stopped briefly with the dogs
My brain had switched into survival mode my aim and shot process out the door. My first shot hit back- low in the ham, but drew lots of blood. The dogs smelled blood, the bear visibly hesitated. I shot another- this time it was way low? My next two I don't even recall..... one missed and the other connected somewhere mid body.
The bear had stopped moving and the dogs finally keeping it at bay. I shed the outer coat and had time to compose myself. I made a good frontal shot, then the bear turned and another chest shot (which should have been my first) finished it off immediately....
(should have brought that target like Ned said, for more practice in the gear and cold)
With how late it was getting and the dogs tired out, the assistant guides went back and got the shanties and camp while I helped David skin and quarter the bear.
Finally dinner and bed
Looks like it wasn't that horribly cold?
David and Jamie have aged in 4 years since I was up there! You got the bear quickly...mine took until day 11 of the 10 day hunt. But those two guys were great to camp and hunt with! David was a pretty fair cook too.
I slept well that night! David said it would take about 2 days to get back to Resolute. We packed up camp and started the trek back.
Part of the mornings on the ice involves melting snow for our drinking water. I didn’t drink enough my first day out and got a headache. The cold is incredibly dry as well so I made sure to hydrate every morning.
We packed the meat and headed out. I sent an inReach message to the outfitter that we had connected and we’re heading back.
We moved along at dog sled pace til I got a message from the Outfitter- if I could get back to Resolute sooner I could catch a flight out the next day.
As mentioned earlier there are only a few flights each week, and can be delayed. Devon talked with David and came up with a plan to take me back to Resolute then he would go back with an empty sled for the dogs. If all went well we could all sleep in beds that night.
We made it back to Resolute and stopped by Devon’s dogs. He has a team of about 15, with a new litter of pups as well! He will be ready to guide next year for sure.
My wife was more excited to hear I would be making it home soon, than the fact I got a bear :)
I stopped to say goodbye to the guides, and see the bear one more time.
We were able to roughly measure the bear at 8 1/2’ and the skull around 24-25”. A very nice fat mature boar, with a broken tooth!
I’ll hold out for a Booner once Alaska opens up hunting again ;)
Flight from Resolute- Iqaluit
All the flights are boarded out side- be sure to be ready for the wind and cold when you walk out!
Iqaluit- Ottawa
Having a complete travel package was nice with the outfitter. The travel arrangements, hotels, flight changes were all Made for me.
The US still required the negative Covid test to enter. I brought one of those free tests that you can pay to be certified online- except I didn’t read the instructions before hand. You are supposed to use a laptop or computer- no smartphone to do the video verification. I didn’t have one so luckily the travel coordinator already had me scheduled in Ottawa for the test.
I grabbed dinner across from the pharmacy at a food truck while waiting for the taxi. I like eating at local places and cuisine when I travel. Poutine was on the menu- my first time trying it.
Ottawa- Chicago-Anchorage
On the last two trips from Canada I was surprised to learn that the US customs was completed at the Canadian Airport. Helps with connections to the final destinations.
I made it into the airport and got the car my wife left there when she flew out that morning- good timing.
I was back on poop pick up duty and placing the last puppy!
All those photos and vids are like a Documentary.
Congrats man,
Robb
We usually don’t think of the impact or importance of traveler’s going to regions of the world and spending their money in a way that allows native people to continue their local heritage.
The usual sentiment isthe government needs to hand out money. Off spring move out and the culture dies.
Thank you for allowing those people to make a living doing what they love. And is in their DNA
Great write ups and incredible pictures, thanks for sharing with us.
Congrats on a great polar bear!
I remember my first taste of Poutine in Montreal waiting to fly out on a Caribou Hunt.
Not sure on the taxidermy yet- leaning to just have the hide tanned and skull cleaned then stored at a friends lodge in BC. I have no hope they will become importable…..
The natives dislike the the ban as well- it really cuts into their fur trade. They kill lots of polar bears across the Arctic, populations are doing well.
As mentioned trophy hunting definitely supports locals and the traditional ways. Devon said there would be no way he could stay in Resolute and make a living long term without it, or afford the dogs and sled team.
Probably my wife wanting me back was the reason!
I have not heard how the hunters in Grise Fiord did? Anyone know?
I think there are big bears there for sure. Would ad extra travel days and weather…
And yes, it DOES seem right .... truly (literally) life supporting to the locals.
Great that the stars were aligned, for you on this adventure!
Probably the best hunt action pics ever seen on here. I bet you have a pile more pics and vids to keep you excited for a long time to come!!
Mike
These stories are what make Bowsite the best. I don't even care what broadhead you used. much....
The assistant guides were supporting off to the side and got the angles of the chase
You must have missed this post Bou
The assistant guides were to stay back until we got close to the bear. They could then support from the snow machine if needed. As mentioned Devon was able to take the excellent photos of the chase!
and this one
I suspect Devon got a VERY nice tip! ;-)
what those temps due to kill batteries in cameras, phones, rangefinders, etc. is amazing. it can be almost instantaneous
I went in mid-February and it was a lot colder with extremely short days. -30* to -40* F or C. I did not winterize the bow itself…a Prime Rival. I did however take my Ripcord rest apart and clean it with carburetor or brake cleaner…forget which but it de-oils and cleans them. On rd-assembly I found it was stiff and sluggish so lubricated the bearing area very lightly with Breakfree CLP. It worked well then.
I tested the bow by putting it into the -15*F chest freezer. BC was in a deep freeze then as well so did some shooting with the bow out of the freezer into cold outside temps with a lot of clothes on. No issues so I went hunting.
I also took a spare bow…my old Mathews Drenalin that got similar treatment. Both fit in my Prime Rival soft case. When out on the ice the softcase with the bows never.came into the heated tent ,,,just laid out on the ice next to the tent for the 17 hour nights.
I never took the bow out of the case, put on the Tightspot quiver or pulled the arrows out of the tube until setting up to chase the bear on day 11.
Electronics were kept on the body in chest pockets…iPhone, InReach and spare battery. My phone froze in a knife or two taking bear pictures, as did my pinky finger. Only frostbite I got. Had to give it a jolt with the battery bank to get it going again….battery went from an indicated 80% to 0% when frozen. The guides camera and other guides phone did no better.
And of the top 100 bears only 1 was from Nunavut.
Devon said this skull roughly green scores 27” which is B&C min!
Looking at the picture with a Regular 24-25” bear a 27” skull is massively bigger!
A couple inches DOES make a difference! Haha
Amazing the difference of those two skulls!
