Quebec Bear Hunt--2 Bears Arrowed on Video--added pg 42!!

[JC]

Normally I wait before climbing down, at least a half hour, sometimes longer. But when they fall in site, well, let's just say I came out a little sooner than 30 minutes    

I gathered my bow and forced myself to go to the impact sight first...

 

Those were yellow feathers...

[BigRonHuntAlot]

 Crimson feathers now. LOL

[JC]

The syrupy sweet smell of fresh blood filled the air. I glanced up the trail, seeing not only plenty of tracking sign but the black form behind the tree that was the bear.

Unmoving, I knocked an arrow anyway, cautiously approaching from the rear. As I gazed into her glassy eyes I realized she was indeed mine at last. I knelt and gave thanks to God for his generous gift...her fur was as deep as my fingers could reach, thick and luxuriant.

She fell in this position....

 

The head was indeed special, not only an old pearson deadhead, but a head that had belonged to my late great Uncle Tommy. Tommy died right before the Paradise hunt last year...I received a box of a few of his things after the funeral and this head was in there. I was very happy to see it perform so well (even though I've killed animals with deadheads before)...Tommy would have been proud. My first bear and he was still able to share it with me....yet again another moment I hope to recall for many years to come.

My favorite Morrison recurve had taken yet another animal...cleanly and proficiently. It feels like an old friend by now...one that stands by me when the chips are up or down.

The entrance side....

 

And a good shot of her all cleaned up the next morning with Ray's camera (I had forgotten my mini tripod in my full pack, carrying only a minimum of gear into the woods that night).

 

[CheapShot]

Atta boy Joe. Great story, felt like I was right there with you. It's awful nice when they drop in sight.  

[JC]

I was in perma-grin mode...I couldn't help but giggle at how beautiful the fur was..she was everything I could have asked for in my first bear.

I sat and admired her for some time.

Gathering my gear, I attached my drag rope and began the short haul to the road. She was only about 80 #'s so the job was easy...made all the more so by adrenaline afforded from the sweet taste of a cleanly taken animal.

I left her just off the road/trail...covered with my harness and all my gear but my bow and therma-cell, hoping the smell would prevent any large boars from making a meal out of her. It was still hours from dark and I was savoring the sensory overload of the sights and sounds of this foreign land. I took off up the road towards a scenic spot Allen had told me about....counting my blessings and replaying the recent events over and over in my mind.

[nyhunter73]

I heard that story in person when I picked him up that night and I can still feel the excitement in his writing.

[JC]

I walked past an oxbow that held a moose tower stand...it looked like a big bull would wander out into the gentle current at any minute...

 

The sun was dropping lower in the horizon, cascading the birch and conifers in varying patterns of light and shadow...

 

The river lay further on, flowing gently along with a comfortable breeze that whispered a sweet song in my ear...

 

[JC]

The flowers smiled up at me sweetly...it was as if everything in the universe had fallen into place, if only for that evening...

 

 

 

[IB]

Have YOU ever thought about writing a book, Bro ?


That there was Top SHELF readin JC        

As has this WHOLE THREAD......Thanks

[tippit]

I've been blessed to hunt several times with JC.  One of the things I love about my bro is his constant smile...but it was as big as I've ever seen after that evening.  A beautiful story to honor one of God's magnificent creatures    Doc

[Arrowslinger]

Way to go JC.    That was a great story.  Can't wait to hear more of it in person.

[JC]

Humbled by your kind words my friends.

Allen showed shortly before dark, listening intently as I babbled and giggled like a school boy after his first kiss. He grinned the entire time, nodding his approval as I recounted the tale. Then I paused long enough to realize I hadn't asked about his evening...but I'll let that story wait until we get the video posted. Trust me, you will NOT want to miss it.

We loaded her up into his pickup and headed back to camp in the dark.

Greeted by some of my dearest friends, hugs and back slaps covered me with genuine affection. Everyone was glad to see the previous sad ending had been vindicated...they shared equally in the joy of my clean kill.

I don't remember much about the food or fire, other than I would not have been anywhere else on earth at that moment than with fellow brothers of the bow....

I slept well that night.

[d. ward]

Ray I marked Bill down for spring of 2008.He's really happy and says he can't wait.Wants to do what he was born to do.bowdoc

[DW]

Great story and great pics. The lake pic is my back ground pic now. We can't wait to see the rug in person. Sky just started reading. Where's Mr. Walker and his story? This whole thread is great and don't want it to end. Don and Skyler

[JC]

Bob is traveling...he should show up in a few days.

Until then, plenty more stories and pics to come. More to come tomorrow; it's not over, it's just beginning...  

[Tim Fishell]

Congrats JC and all the guys on what sounds like a great hunt with great friends.  

JC I felt like I was in the stand with you every step of the way brother.  Good job at reliving the story and thanks for letting all of us share in triumph.

[vermonster13]

That smile says it all. Good on you bro.

[the Ferret]

Ahhh, nice read JC. Left me feeling rather satisfied      congrats

stunning pics  BTW  

[Tique]

Nice pics and great stories; you guys sure had one heck of a trip. JC, looks like that deadhead really did the job; is that a large or small head?

[CJ Pearson]

Bother JC, my friend I have read lots of stories from some of the best writers I have ever known. I have sat and listened to stories from some very well known bowhunters and was in awe while I was listening. Your story my friend, is by far THE best I have ever read.