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Outdoor topics => The Outdoor Board => Topic started by: Jeff on September 12, 2008, 08:38:31 PM

Title: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: Jeff on September 12, 2008, 08:38:31 PM
Hello from da U.P.!  I'm up here helping with my sister's bear hunt by baiting and scouting. This year we have lots of bear sign and activity. We have at least 4 different bears, and maybe 6 or 7. Most of the activity is on my property. So far no shooters confirmed in the area, only sows with cubs and young bears that we have no interest in harvesting. The DNR trapped and moved a large boar two weeks ago just down the road that was harassing a fish camp. They took him about 50 miles away. may take a day or two for him to get back.

I have bears terrorizing my automatic feeder. Apparently we have an acrobat thats going out on the cable. Yesterday Burlkraft and I found the feeder once again had been molested,this time severely smashed, disassembled and chewed up. Today I JB welded the thing together and siliconed the holes and tomorrow I'll put it back up, but this time the trail cam will be pointed up at it to try and catch the impending show. Lynda and I will hunt there in the morning.

I'm going to try and upload some photos in a bit here. :)
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: Jeff on September 12, 2008, 09:00:24 PM
 

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/bear_hunt_2%7E0.jpg)

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/bear_hunt_5%7E0.jpg)

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/bear_hunt_4%7E0.jpg)

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/bear_hunt_6%7E0.jpg)

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/bear_hunt_3%7E0.jpg)

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/bear_hunt_7%7E0.jpg)

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/bear_hunt_8%7E0.jpg)

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/bear_hunt_9%7E0.jpg)
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: Mooseherder on September 12, 2008, 09:47:55 PM
Your camera works great at night.  I was real disappointed with ours last month.  It had worked great at night for a while.  I know the flash works because it works great during the day.  All it gets at night is eyes.

Tell Burlkraft to use the outhouse eh.   :D ;D



(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/bear_hunt_3%7E0.jpg)
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: crtreedude on September 13, 2008, 06:39:13 AM
Cool photos Jeff. What camera are you using? Is that a automatic trail watcher type camera or where you in a blind?
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: Jeff on September 13, 2008, 07:03:12 AM
Lynda and I are in the blind right now. The photos were taken by the moultry trail cam though. Its just daylight enough to see right now and real quiet. I can hear my thumbs pushing the buttons on the phone here as I type. The only other thing I hear right now are the bats settling in the eaves of the blind after flying in at dawn.
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: crtreedude on September 13, 2008, 07:12:01 AM
Ain't technology a wonderful thing!

Thanks

Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: Jeff on September 13, 2008, 12:35:29 PM
A few of last night's trailcam photos on my property. The Bears are trying to figure out where the feeder went I guess. Only thing up there right now is the pulley and cable.  :)

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/bear_hunt_10%7E0.jpg)

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/bear_hunt_11%7E0.jpg)

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/bear_hunt_12%7E0.jpg)

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/bear_hunt_13%7E0.jpg)

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/bear_hunt_14%7E0.jpg)
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: SwampDonkey on September 13, 2008, 03:30:50 PM
They like to chew those empty vitamin supplement bottles I place info sheets inside of. One bear even clawed up one of the trees I tied it onto.  ::)
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: Gary_C on September 13, 2008, 03:39:54 PM
Quote from: SwampDonkey on September 13, 2008, 03:30:50 PM
They like to chew those empty vitamin supplement bottles I place info sheets inside of. One bear even clawed up one of the trees I tied it onto.  ::)

Can those bears actually read your info sheets?   :o :o   

Maybe they would not be so angry if you gave them some vitamins.  :D :D
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: LeeB on September 14, 2008, 12:45:41 AM
Ya'll be carefull with them bears. I saw on the news this morning about a black bear that swam acroos the river, climbed up a dock and into a boat, and then proceded to maul the man in the boat. Scary stuff. :o
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: thecfarm on September 14, 2008, 06:43:35 AM
Nice pictures.My step son is thinking about getting a trail cam.What kind is yours and how much did it cost?Would like the model number too.If you don't mind me asking.Seems to work real good.He is coming up today to put up some stands for deer.He's going bear hunting too.First time he's been.
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: Jeff on September 14, 2008, 08:57:27 AM
Its a moultrie digital camera. MPH-DGW-4.0  The kids got it for me for Christmas. I see them at walmart for $99.  If they ask me what I want this year, I'll ask for another one!
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: thecfarm on September 14, 2008, 10:10:41 PM
He was saying $2-300 for one.Probably he only looked at L.L. Bean.Thank-You
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: Jeff on September 15, 2008, 07:32:58 PM
Lynda and I are my blind on our powerline as I type. We have had a legal Bear here for over an hour. He's smaller then we want so have been having a good time just watching him. Not sure how my video's or photos will turn out as he has been in the cedar about 25 yards in front of us and its dark in there for trying to photograph.  It was awesome watching him come out into the field and start eating on the food plot I planted.  :)
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: Jeff on September 15, 2008, 07:36:01 PM
Forgot to mention we have had a Doe and fawn here as well just behind us.
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: Tim L on September 15, 2008, 07:41:02 PM
nice pictures Jeff ,

                        I got a couple deer pics last night but they were really dark (not to mention butt shots, perhaps making a statement ?)
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: beenthere on September 15, 2008, 07:42:00 PM
Jeff
Sounds like fun. Look forward to the pics...and hope you get the bear.

:) :)
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: Jeff on September 15, 2008, 10:55:21 PM



(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/bear_hunt_17%7E0.jpg)

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/bear_hunt_16%7E0.jpg)

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/bear_hunt_15%7E0.jpg)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKzEjrGO6sc
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: Mooseherder on September 15, 2008, 11:21:01 PM
Shoot! :D
Just Kidding.  Don't shoot.  Wrassle him. ;D
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: pappy on September 16, 2008, 09:39:31 AM
Jeff,
What's the seed mixture in the food plot ??

Want to get something going out in our 8 acer field for for the wildlife...
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: Jeff on September 16, 2008, 04:20:59 PM
Pappy, this is what I have in this year. I killed the whole thing again three times this spring and summer to try to further the reduction of the canary Grass.   

The second week of July I planted the whole thing with forage oats. Then, the first week of August I over seeded the oats with this mix.

Dwarf Essex Rape
Purple Top Turnip
Field Rye
Aliske and Canadian Mammoth Clover
Buck Wheat
Chicory
Birdsfoot Trefoil
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: isawlogs on September 16, 2008, 05:10:26 PM

  Here is a good way of making a food plot , aint the best but is one fairly good and productive plot .
 
8 Acres is a good size to cover . What I would do is cut it up into three different parcels of 2 1/2 acres or so ..... (the last peice can be bigger )  :)

These I would breakup into three parcels again .
  brassica in one end , Clover mixed with chicory in the center and soya and/or peas in the last third ... repeat forthe two other plots .

Brasica is an annual , clover and chicory will last three to five years , peas and soya are also anuals . brasica needs to be rotated from year to year , so in doing this type of ploting , it is simple to rotate the anuals around . I mix oats or wheat with the anuals . The deer will come and paw at the brassica after there is snow on the ground.
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: beenthere on September 16, 2008, 06:59:05 PM
Now, we been left hangin on the bear results... but sounds like your seester let that one go.

::) ::) ::)
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: Jeff on September 16, 2008, 07:43:35 PM
For Beenthere...
Quote from: Jeff on September 15, 2008, 07:32:58 PM
Lynda and I are my blind on our powerline as I type. We have had a legal Bear here for over an hour. He's smaller then we want so have been having a good time just watching him.
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: beenthere on September 16, 2008, 07:46:25 PM
Yep, I read that....but

Hope you see another one....
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: Jeff on September 16, 2008, 07:50:10 PM
Not near the excitement out here ronight. Nothing but quiet so far. We have abput 20 minutes of shooting light yet though.
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: pappy on September 17, 2008, 08:07:28 AM
Thanks for the feed plot info Jeff and Marcel but I should of given yous a bit more info,,, We do have an 8 acer field here that we have quite a few volunteer white spruce , fir, cedar and white pine coming in nicely and don't want to turn it over into an open field,, but I was thinking I'd like to have a few smaller feed plots mixed in here and there for wildlife reasons ..   I'm thinking a couple three places or so where I can use an old horse drawn harrow pulled with my ATV in circles then plant something in one then something else in an other one... I'm guessing brassica (which I've heard of before) in one crop circle  ;D then clover in an other and so on...  We get plenty of Moose passing through but seldom see any Deer ... Turnips sound good too ??



A fellow up in these parts used to bait / feed da bears around a shack he had out on his 100 acre or so wood lot,, spring , summer, and fall ... He had some sort of a deal with the grocery store in town where they'd keep him pails of out dated food,, he'd get steaks, chops, sweets etc... We'd go up once in awhile just before dark and Ricky would have Black bears coming from all directions... The shack had dry wall screws screwed from the inside in pointing out to keep the Bruins from tearing down the walls... We could stand in the doorway and watch them,,, not the smartest thing to do but the bears would be just a couple feet away from us  :o   Anyway Ricky would have some of the meat hanging up on trees so the bears would have to stand up to get it... Man o man he had one big bruiser called Reggie ( he had names for all of them, I'd say 12 or so at a time) When he stood up he could reach 10 to 12 feet high... One of the bears favorite treats where Rollo's.. When it was time to leave Ricky would walk us back to our trucks and shoe them away... Sometimes we'd be closer to em then I'd like,, felt good getting back into the truck!!



Hope I'm not high jacking your thread Jeff,, just thought ya wouldn't mind a little bear story while hanging out in the blind :) 



Also hopein' da biggin' shows up fur ya !!!  8)  8)



Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: SwampDonkey on September 17, 2008, 03:40:06 PM
Clover + Oats and Corn draw the bear around here. Last year thinning next to a 50 acre corn field that was surrounded by woods we saw bear every morning in September that we were cutting brush. Uncle sees a couple big bear in the clover field on the farm he is working at picking taters. There was corn and oats behind my brother's place and a big bear was in there all summer, he took a bunch of pics. Just as we have tons of moose, we have all kinds of bear too. Found 4 dens this summer in hardwood we were thinning out. You can't miss them when you cover every square inch with a brush saw blade. ;D
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: Paul_H on September 18, 2008, 03:19:01 PM
I was finding packages of cookies and potato chips around the yard recently and was helping myself and enjoying them with no regard to where they might have been coming from.Looking back I should have been suspicious but I was hungry and it was convinient.
Then,just last week,I saw some more over by the shed and I lumbered over to have a feed and that's when I heard a quiet cough.I immediately became suspicious and my ears pearked up and I sniffed the air and caught the scent of this predator watching me from the safety and comfort of it's human blind and realised I had been baited.Luckily for me I had a warning because I have no doubt if I would have contiued toward the shed,I'd have been dinner  :P



(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10199/fiddler-on-the-roof.jpg)



(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10199/fiddler-on-the-roof-1.jpg)
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: beenthere on September 18, 2008, 04:03:04 PM
Hey, is that dude in a nut tree? Good thing you have a good nose to sniff him out.

Pics of the bait would be great.... ;D ;D ;D

Good story... ::) ::)
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: SwampDonkey on September 18, 2008, 04:47:39 PM
I think he needs help getting down.  ;D
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: Paul_H on September 18, 2008, 08:49:35 PM
I can't bear to lie to you guys so I'll level with you ;)

I was putting in fenceposts for an electric fence to keep the bears out of the fruit trees in the front yard and this guy was standing on the nieghbour's shed eating the dried cherries hanging on the tree.I came around the corner and he was standing on his hind legs right on the peak of the roof and was pulling down branches and filling his face.Lots of snuffing and grunting ::)
When I got the camera,he was back on all fours and when I got close he started huffing at me causing a rock to be lobbed in his direction.He baled off the roof on the other side and left for a little while.
Later when Carla was washing the upstairs windows,she saw him back up eating away in the tree again and she had a great view because the shed is only 60-70 feet from our house.
He was eating away and leaning out for a branch and she said he slid right off the roof and landed on his feet and he was scrambling just like any person would do if they were going off a roof :D :D

Lucy and I watched him later and he would lean way down the roof but kept his feet hooked on the peak so he wouldn't go headlong.

So far the electric fence has kept them out of the trees in the front and out of the garden.They were digging up the carrots last year till they were all gone.



Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: Dave Shepard on September 18, 2008, 09:02:54 PM
We get them in the corn fields this time of year. They strip back the ears and eat all of the kernels off the cob, rolling around on their backs, I presume. They leave huge rolled areas full of stripped ears. Much more efficient than those DanG coons, they only eat three kernels, on every ear of sweet corn in the field.  ::)


Dave
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: beenthere on September 18, 2008, 09:40:35 PM
Paul_H
A bear like that must be pretty rough on a roof with tab shingles, rather than steel. And I'm surprised the ridge cap holds up to a bear that size keeping a firm grip on it. Maybe it doesn't.. ::) ::)
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: ely on September 19, 2008, 04:34:22 PM
nice thread, i am intrigeued about bears, would love to hunt them but we are just now getting them around here. maybe a season will follow in a few years. good luck to your sis jeff.
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: Jeff on September 21, 2008, 11:28:19 PM
 

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/bear_hunt_18%7E0.jpg)
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: SwampDonkey on September 22, 2008, 06:30:58 AM
As a kid, I never liked to see bears caged up in zoos. And there was no need to, we have all kinds of them. They were meant to run wild.  :)
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: isawlogs on September 23, 2008, 05:15:27 PM

Great pic Jeff , when is the bear season over ... ???
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: Jeff on September 25, 2008, 12:47:59 PM
 

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/bear_hunt_21.jpg)

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/bear_hunt_20%7E0.jpg)

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/bear_hunt_19%7E0.jpg)
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: sprucebunny on September 25, 2008, 01:10:54 PM
I think that bear knows about the camera ..... First you get the tongue sticking out, then the "Who, me ? " Look, and then the big ol' bear butt wagging off into the woods  :D :D :D :D
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: Raider Bill on September 25, 2008, 02:41:49 PM
Jeff,

How big are these guys appromx?
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: Jeff on September 25, 2008, 02:51:06 PM
The sow bears we are seeing we guesstimate around 325-350  there are some juveniles that are somewhere around 150-180 (earlier pic of one in the food plot.)  The cubs look to be around 75 lbs. 

Sprucebunny, that's about exactly the story I was thinking. :

I've found a plentiful food for them that they seem to L O V E!  We've been Mixing  our aspen sawdust with french fry grease Jeremy got for us from the bar. We have 25 gallons of oil. We mix it to the consistency of oatmeal and just dump it in a hole and they eat it all up.  Last night they ripped the stump out of the ground I had dumped it on.

Were hoping instead of finding bear crappola on the trails, we start finding sheets of OSB or fireplace logs. ;D

Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: Raider Bill on September 25, 2008, 03:16:32 PM
I've seen bear tracks in tenn and caves but no critters yet.

Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: beenthere on September 25, 2008, 05:29:37 PM
Quote from: Jeff on September 25, 2008, 02:51:06 PM
..........

Were hoping instead of finding bear crappola on the trails, we start finding sheets of OSB. ;D

Maybe it will be a good firestarter....like lighter wood.   ;D ;D ;D

Might be a good market, if'n ya don't have to do much truth-in-labeling on the package.  :)
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: Kevin_H. on September 25, 2008, 06:29:54 PM
I can just see someone walking down the trail and tripping on a piece of wicker furniture  :D

Bearwood Products Inc.

Now that my friends is value adding...
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: Ron Scott on September 26, 2008, 11:00:30 AM
Nice bear pictures Jeff. Now you know that they are there. Makes it interesting.

I have the Moultrie DGS-M40 game camera as a couple of my hunting buddies and clients have. It seems to do a good job and has 150 day battery life.
Cabela's and Gander Mountain have them on sale for $199.00, but I got mine for $150.00 by shopping around on the internet.
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: Jeff on September 26, 2008, 10:04:25 PM
 

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/bear_hunt_22%7E0.jpg)
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: Jeff on September 26, 2008, 10:46:57 PM
 

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/bear_hunt_23%7E0.jpg)
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: thecfarm on September 27, 2008, 07:01:44 AM
Is that a wild rabbit? Reason I'm asking as it's white so soon.Nice pictures you are sharing with us. Thank You
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: Jeff on September 27, 2008, 07:29:30 AM
Nope, its a domesticated rabbit. Just thought I'd throw that one in there. ;D He lives in my Sister's yard.

We took this photo out of my blind window. I'll have to see if I can I.D. him when I get home.

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/bear_hunt_24%7E0.jpg)
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: SwampDonkey on September 27, 2008, 09:00:23 AM
When we thin we see lots of birds that size all over our lots, but this time of year the woods is more quiet because many birds are gone south. It's amazing the little birds that will hop around your work area after you shut the saw off. You'd think with a bunch of saws going those little birds would vacate 1/2 mile away.  ;D
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: Jeff on September 27, 2008, 09:09:50 PM
 These two photos were taken within 10 feet of the same spot, about 25 yards from my deer blind.

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/bear_hunt_25%7E0.jpg)

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/bear_hunt_26%7E0.jpg)
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: SwampDonkey on September 27, 2008, 09:37:06 PM
I think it was 3 years ago I kept seeing a moose and calf in a clover field for a number of weeks and in that time I saw a bear in the field at the same time a couple times. Maybe 200 yards apart. Bears will take calf moose.
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: Ron Scott on September 28, 2008, 10:59:34 AM
Great photos! Have you named them yet?
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: Jeff on September 28, 2008, 11:44:42 AM
Matter of fact we have named the ones we can accurately identify. The bear in the photo above is a new bear we now call Blaze. He has a white v on his chest.  He is a character. He has an attitude as well. We have video of him chasing squirrels and birds. Lynda and Pete watched him from my blind two nights ago for an hour. 
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: Jeff on September 28, 2008, 02:06:33 PM
Answer to CSI-Outdoors

The shot was high. We went out in the dark one hour after she shot and looked and looked and I found a track entering the very thick woods and some broken and bent grass but that was as far as we looked at that point because I was not crawling into the thick knowing only that. We came back at first light and found everything we needed to know. The 356 Winchester left a trench in the soft ground spraying soil on the vegetation for 15 feet. We found where the Bear stood, where it turned and the track and grass I found in the night is where it left the powerline.  Lynda saw three Bear that evening. Blaze was at the feeder, a half hour before the missed bear came in a bear ran across the powerline from south to north, and the one Lynda missed at about 75 yards. If she would have had more light she would have waited as it probably would have come right to her.
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: beenthere on September 28, 2008, 02:41:19 PM
Better luck getting the next shot in a better spot, for your seester.

We're hoping she gets that second chance..

But exciting so far, just the same. Much better than not seeing anything..days on end.  ;D
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: SwampDonkey on September 28, 2008, 04:40:41 PM
Kinda like fishing over salmon in a pool and they not taking the fly hook.  ;D
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: Corley5 on September 28, 2008, 08:19:52 PM
Quote from: SwampDonkey on September 28, 2008, 04:40:41 PM
Kinda like fishing over salmon in a pool and they not taking the fly hook.  ;D

That's when ya put on one a dem lead flies with three hooks  ;) ;D
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: SwampDonkey on September 28, 2008, 08:24:00 PM
That's when ya hear the fisheries warden clear his throat before he climbs out of his blind to inform you he is about to seize your pickup, boat and gear.  :-\
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: Corley5 on September 28, 2008, 08:31:55 PM
It's illegal to even a have weighted hook in posession near water here.   :)
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: Bow Saw on September 28, 2008, 10:48:53 PM
     Hey, interesting stories & neat pics of the bears guys!
Bowsaw was visited by a 180 -200 lb bear while cording
next year's firewood last Thurs.  He came to sit between
the Kabota & where Ken was actually stacking the wood! :o
So they just looked at each other until the bear moved on
down the trail towards our pond & continued in a clearing
along the edge of the forest.  Guess he didn't find anything
appetizing in our woods!  Sorry, but there's no photo!
Mrs. BowSaw
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: Mooseherder on September 28, 2008, 11:14:36 PM
Did Ken go in to do the laundry after that little episode? :D
At least they aren't grizzleys. ;D
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: Bow Saw on September 28, 2008, 11:25:43 PM
Ah, that's probably why he came out of those
woods sooner than he usually does! :D
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: Jeff on September 29, 2008, 04:28:47 PM
I went out to put out some oatmeal for da bears this morning, (thats what I call the aspen sawdust/frenchfry grease mix) and about stepped on this fellow. He only moved a few feet and let me get my camera off my belt  Can you see him in this photo?

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/grouse_1.jpg)


Here is the same photo zoomed
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/grouse_2.jpg)
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: Corley5 on September 29, 2008, 05:54:17 PM
They taste better when you shoot em before they fly  ;) ;D :)
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: beenthere on September 29, 2008, 07:18:47 PM
They can hide pretty well....good pic.
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: SwampDonkey on September 29, 2008, 07:40:56 PM
They're in season Wednesday morning up here.  ;D
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: pappy on September 30, 2008, 04:32:32 PM
Quote from: SwampDonkey on September 29, 2008, 07:40:56 PM
They're in season Wednesday morning up here.  ;D

Yup me big bro is up here from Mass to go after dem lil jungle chickens a startin' tomorrow   ;D  Oh happy day !!!
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: Jeff on October 01, 2008, 12:43:20 PM
Bear Oatmeal ;D



(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/oatmeal.jpg)
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: SwampDonkey on October 01, 2008, 01:09:26 PM
The raw deal eh? Ah ya need to add is some molasses.  :D
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: Jeff on October 01, 2008, 01:17:33 PM
We do. :)
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: Norm on October 01, 2008, 01:32:12 PM
I'm sure bear digestion is different than mine but I can't help but chuckle thinking that if I'm up your way oatmeal is out of the question. :D
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: Raider Bill on October 01, 2008, 01:34:10 PM
Anyone ever hear of drilling a bunch of holes in a stump then pouring mollasses in them for deer?
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: ely on October 01, 2008, 04:06:52 PM
i am going to side with norm on this one jeff, that looks nasty as all get out.
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: SwampDonkey on October 01, 2008, 04:52:20 PM
Never mind them fellers Jeff, the grits they been swallowing has tainted their taste in fine bread dough.  :D :D Don't forget the yeast.
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: ely on October 02, 2008, 03:47:57 PM
i am a big fan of yeast.......and barley and hops............just not jeffs oatmeal :-X
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: Jeff on October 02, 2008, 04:41:03 PM
Even if I was to add a bit of outdated raspberry puree' ? ;D



(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/oatmeal_2.jpg)


Blast from the past link. Look for the bearbait link (https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php/topic,20840.msg298374.html#msg298374)
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: Mooseherder on October 02, 2008, 04:43:46 PM
mmmmmmmmmm....... :D
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: ely on October 02, 2008, 04:52:11 PM
i seen something similar to that..........................then i went and seen a doctor :D
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: Raider Bill on October 02, 2008, 04:58:02 PM
that looks like something my ex wife would cook.
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: Sparty on October 03, 2008, 06:18:53 AM
Jeff's cooking can give you:
a full belly,
the runs,
and splinters...
all at the same time :-[
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: Burlkraft on October 03, 2008, 08:01:58 AM
Ask him about his clam chowder  :D  :D  :D
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: Radar67 on October 03, 2008, 10:51:28 AM
Does it dam clam you up for weeks on end?  :D :D :D
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: WDH on October 03, 2008, 09:04:53 PM
If the bear don't eat it, you can burn it in the Biomizer :D.
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: SwampDonkey on October 04, 2008, 06:18:54 AM
All that grease and sawdust should make a nice fire. :D
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: Ron Scott on October 04, 2008, 01:08:43 PM
Jeff,
Any bears "hanging" yet?? A 575 pounder was recently taken down here in Mitchell Swamp just west of Cadillac last week.
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: Jeff on October 04, 2008, 02:06:09 PM
Just the same characters hanging around. None hanging from the bear pole though. :) 575 is one big bear!
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: Weekend_Sawyer on October 07, 2008, 06:44:51 AM

I am following this with great interest. The bears are getting to be a real pain at our cabin. Last weekend we toured a neighbors tree farm and saw tree after tree broken off by these furry vandals.
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: SwampDonkey on October 07, 2008, 08:21:05 AM
I know bear will do that, I've seen fir around bear dens snapped off. But, mostly it's moose doing that up here in plantations and scraping. Doesn't seem like much when you happen upon a $25 Christmas tree ruined, but when it adds up to 100, then it's getting expensive. ::)
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in Nevis MN 2008
Post by: Loghead on October 12, 2008, 01:32:40 PM
Just got my paper from the cabin up north (Nevis MN) and on the front page is a 611 pound black bear 8' 11" nose to tail
on the paw they said it weighed in around 750 lbs  :o :o :o He saw it while bow hunting and decided to go get the rifle instead.  (I wonder why?)
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: Jeff on October 14, 2008, 08:24:31 PM
I rode up with Lynda Friday and we came home Monday. We had the same smaller bear come in Sunday evening for about 20 minutes. 

Something I noted:
2 of our evenings of hunting and we had Ruffed Grouse at 3 different times walk into where the corn feeder was and had pine squirrels attack them and run them off every time yet they won't bother the bluejays or other birds that make regular appearances. Makes ya wonder why.

We took a break one afternoon to og drop off some of the slabs we made while running the sawmill to our friends in Stalwart. They will use them to help fire their Sugarbush this coming spring. While we were there I snapped this photo of the 3 remaining pups they have from a litter of Labs. The others were yellow and chocolate from the same litter. They are having trouble finding homes for these guys.



(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/labs.jpg)

A few photos I didnt post

Here is a photo of Blaze
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/bear_hunt_28.jpg)

And one of the Sows and her cub that is coming in
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/bear_hunt_27.jpg)

And one of the many bandits that frequent the area
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/bear_hunt_29.jpg)
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: Paul_H on October 14, 2008, 10:05:23 PM
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/labs.jpg)

You'd think somebody would want the two headed one for certain.
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: isawlogs on October 14, 2008, 11:04:22 PM

I have room herefor two of um ... might even could be talked into all of um ... Do you deliver ??? Gas is getting to the point we could almost call cheapper !!!!   :D
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: SwampDonkey on October 15, 2008, 07:41:54 AM
I'd love one of those dogs. But, they need looking after and feeding, so I withdraw my commitment. ;)  Nice puppies, I can see in their eyes they want to chew my slippers. :D :D
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: Jeff on October 15, 2008, 08:29:18 AM
Hopefully they don't take after their Mamma. Mamma Annie is going down the road as soon as the puppies do because she has developed a taste for chickens. Lyle and Peggy have 3 adult female Black labs. Two coexist with the chickens, Annie loves them as well, but with a little mashed potatoes on the side. :D
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: isawlogs on October 15, 2008, 05:59:06 PM

Perfect , send her down to Patty . Becky will have a partner in crime .  ;D
I still would want the little one s, lots a room here for um .
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: Paschale on October 16, 2008, 12:14:20 AM
Quote from: Paul_H on October 14, 2008, 10:05:23 PM
You'd think somebody would want the two headed one for certain.

:D :D :D :D
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: Norm on October 18, 2008, 12:05:10 PM
Quote from: isawlogs on October 15, 2008, 05:59:06 PM

Perfect , send her down to Patty . Becky will have a partner in crime .  ;D

Becky already has all the help she needs.... :D

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10427/fatpup.jpg)

But she's down to just two left.
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: isawlogs on October 18, 2008, 01:29:04 PM

Ya got two of those left ... I want um , can you deliver ...  8)
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: Jeff on October 18, 2008, 05:20:01 PM
Peggy says these last 3 are free. 50 dollars  if ya want papers .

We're in da bear blind now. We had some excitement last night. 3 bears but no shooters. One was a big one but we felt the smaller bear could possibluy have been last years cub so let them go.
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: Weekend_Sawyer on October 18, 2008, 08:18:04 PM

Norm and Patty, nothing melts my heart more than a chocolat lab puppy.
someday when I'm done trvling so much I am going to have one or two or tree!

Jeff, It's gotta be hard to pass up a shot, good to hear you can.

Jon
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: Jeff on October 18, 2008, 09:17:19 PM
clip
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ouFs-Nd90S0
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: isawlogs on October 18, 2008, 10:03:12 PM

Cool , nice to be able to watch the videos the same evening .  :D
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: beenthere on October 18, 2008, 10:45:49 PM
I didn't hear the gun go off  ::) ::)
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: Jeff on October 19, 2008, 08:15:47 AM
Quote from: beenthere on October 18, 2008, 10:45:49 PM
I didn't hear the gun go off  ::) ::)

Quote from: Jeff on October 18, 2008, 05:20:01 PM

We're in da bear blind now. We had some excitement last night. 3 bears but no shooters. One was a big one but we felt the smaller bear could possibluy have been last years cub so let them go.
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: beenthere on October 19, 2008, 08:43:49 AM
So, yer sayin it was the same "big" bear.... ;D ;D

Good luck on findin one that fits.  :)
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: Jeff on October 19, 2008, 05:23:51 PM
This is the last time for the 2008 bear season we will be sitting here in da bear blind. We have abput 2 hours before dark. Maybe this will be Lynda's night. The trailcam showed two big bears in here last night within minutes of our leaving the blind.

Tonight the winds are calm but its raining. We're ready!
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: Weekend_Sawyer on October 21, 2008, 06:45:27 AM

Wuh, what happened??? ???
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: SwampDonkey on October 21, 2008, 08:25:21 AM
He switched gears and he and his sister started chasing aspen trees.  ;)
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: isawlogs on October 21, 2008, 12:38:25 PM

  Instead of a bang , he heard a clic from the camera shutter as he took a pic of those nice trees .

   Till next season mon ami .  :)   It was fun being in the stand there with you and Leeeenda  ;D   8)   
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: Jeff on October 21, 2008, 12:48:44 PM
Although Lynda didn't kill a bear, it was a good, satisfying and exciting season. Lots better then mine a couple years ago when I never saw a hair.  Having bear underneath you is a pretty cool event. There were several times that a legal bear could have been taken, but the right bear didn't present itself other then the one time. Were not sure if actually killing a bear could have made it a better season then it was. :)
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: Weekend_Sawyer on October 21, 2008, 12:55:13 PM
 
I like your attitude. THAT is what hunting is all about.

Jon
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: Norm on October 21, 2008, 02:32:17 PM
I'll second that. Too few folks realize it. :)
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: SwampDonkey on October 21, 2008, 03:35:20 PM
I wish some more had that attitude when they came hunting bear over the years. I've seen  younger folks scared to death of a 60 lb bear and just shot it because they were scared, it was black and probably thought this was the one opportunity they are going to get while over whelmed by adrenalin. Yup, that about puts the perspective on it.  ;D
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: beenthere on October 21, 2008, 04:56:21 PM
Jeff
Good on ya both, and I've had plenty of hunting experiences like that. Fun just being there and experiencing the excitement. The pics captured were great for us too. Thanks.
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: Jeff on October 25, 2008, 12:12:13 AM
More photo's from bear season.



(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/134_beach.jpg)

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/bear.jpg)

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/bat.jpg)
Title: Re: Chasing Bear in da U.P. 2008
Post by: SwampDonkey on October 25, 2008, 06:33:36 AM
I take it, that bat was in the camp?  ;D