Post by tuketu on Jan 25, 2022 10:02:50 GMT -4
It seems every year about this time I start reflecting on last Falls hunt and ponder the upcoming autumn. Paramount on my mind is "What should I do ? Is it time to start looking for a new baitsite? . I've been at this site for 11 years now and have enjoyed great success, not so much in the prosperity of the harvest but more so the number and diversity of the bear population in my area. Harvest numbers were by choice. I'd set myself a "Back as high as the barrel standard", which typically puts me in the 200 lb class of bear and prime table fare. Suffice is to say I am not trophy hunter, however should the opportunity ever presented itself I'd be a fool to pass it up, but I'll cross that bridge if I ever get to it. I have been blessed with generations of bears returning to my site. There are a few ole regulars, always some newcomers, and every year at least one good shooter that's not camera shy but totally nocturnal.
So why even consider leaving ? I've asked myself the same question. A desire for something different? A new challenge? ? They say a change is as good as a vacation. I've spent a lot of time and effort building this bait site to what it is today. First hit in the fall is not measured in days or weeks but in hours - they are literally waiting for me. Although part of me wants to move on I find myself drawn back to what I know, what is comfortable. As far as accessibility to my bait site goes, and knowing the distance and effort some of you go thru to set up, it's an embarrassing confession in simplicity of effort. My site is situated about a 100 yard off the road on what is now well beaten downhill trail that terminates on the fringe of a swamp. A pretty much effortless endeavor with the bait buggy! . Now with my advanced years (63 by this fall ) ... this set up more and more appealing even though the new knee has greatly enhanced my mobility.. To further complicate any decision to leave is the fact that I have exclusive key access to a 4 km (2.5m) gated road into a roughly 600 acre parcel of land in prime bear country, and all this located about 20 km (12.5 m) from home ~ 30 mins back door to bait ~ Need I say more ?
For several years I had hunted alone but was fortunate enough to hook up with a guy that was offering his expertise to a bunch of us at an informal bear hunting seminar. Roger and I quickly became friends and with the permission of the Land owner we were able to get Roger set up at a bait site we called the "Way Back" site. I swear to God I honestly think that he could set up in a Walmart parking lot and get bears ... The guy is the Bear Whisperer! We had several great years together until Roger left to pursue other opportunities. It was a great run together and to this day I miss the laughs, ribbings and experiences we shared. Hunting alone hasn't been the same since and I find it getting harder to get motivated or excited about bear season. I had actually taken a one year hiatus in 2018. Roger was guiding for North Shore Guide Service in New Brunswick and had a hunter looking to donate some meat, which thru Roger I graciously accepted. With meat in the freezer I saw no need to have to harvest another animal. To be honest if it wasn't for my absolute love of bear meat I probably would have quit bear hunting long ago. I have beat the bushes over the past few years looking for a hunting partner but it's so hard to find someone you are compatible with - especially when it comes to bear hunting. Bear baiting is not for the faint of heart ! It takes a big commitment of time, effort and yes money. I know I go a bit over the top when it comes to embellishing my bait, but my philosophy is ... If there's someone else in the vicinity baiting , I want to make damn sure I'm the bears first choice ~ knock on wood~ ... so far it's seemed to have served me well.
So I guess the big question is "Will" I hunt come the Fall of '22. As hard as I try to walk away from it, it draws me back like a buzzard to a gut wagon. I just can't seem to shake this monkey (bear) off my back. I don't hold out much hope for finding a harmonious hunting partner, though I'll keep an open mind. I do have an option open with a good friend but that's at least an hours drive one way. Over several months that gas bill adds up , and last time I checked, the price of that isn't going down anytime soon. I'd be delusional to think I could find a better spot , so until my little Shangri-La is rescinded I'll continue where I am. Maybe another spot close by - just for a change of scenery, but the same bears . I've got another 6 - 7 months before I'll need to make any decisions. Until then I'll just torment myself with the "What ifs" and let the chips fall where they may !
Forever on my mind !
tuk
d 1
So why even consider leaving ? I've asked myself the same question. A desire for something different? A new challenge? ? They say a change is as good as a vacation. I've spent a lot of time and effort building this bait site to what it is today. First hit in the fall is not measured in days or weeks but in hours - they are literally waiting for me. Although part of me wants to move on I find myself drawn back to what I know, what is comfortable. As far as accessibility to my bait site goes, and knowing the distance and effort some of you go thru to set up, it's an embarrassing confession in simplicity of effort. My site is situated about a 100 yard off the road on what is now well beaten downhill trail that terminates on the fringe of a swamp. A pretty much effortless endeavor with the bait buggy! . Now with my advanced years (63 by this fall ) ... this set up more and more appealing even though the new knee has greatly enhanced my mobility.. To further complicate any decision to leave is the fact that I have exclusive key access to a 4 km (2.5m) gated road into a roughly 600 acre parcel of land in prime bear country, and all this located about 20 km (12.5 m) from home ~ 30 mins back door to bait ~ Need I say more ?
For several years I had hunted alone but was fortunate enough to hook up with a guy that was offering his expertise to a bunch of us at an informal bear hunting seminar. Roger and I quickly became friends and with the permission of the Land owner we were able to get Roger set up at a bait site we called the "Way Back" site. I swear to God I honestly think that he could set up in a Walmart parking lot and get bears ... The guy is the Bear Whisperer! We had several great years together until Roger left to pursue other opportunities. It was a great run together and to this day I miss the laughs, ribbings and experiences we shared. Hunting alone hasn't been the same since and I find it getting harder to get motivated or excited about bear season. I had actually taken a one year hiatus in 2018. Roger was guiding for North Shore Guide Service in New Brunswick and had a hunter looking to donate some meat, which thru Roger I graciously accepted. With meat in the freezer I saw no need to have to harvest another animal. To be honest if it wasn't for my absolute love of bear meat I probably would have quit bear hunting long ago. I have beat the bushes over the past few years looking for a hunting partner but it's so hard to find someone you are compatible with - especially when it comes to bear hunting. Bear baiting is not for the faint of heart ! It takes a big commitment of time, effort and yes money. I know I go a bit over the top when it comes to embellishing my bait, but my philosophy is ... If there's someone else in the vicinity baiting , I want to make damn sure I'm the bears first choice ~ knock on wood~ ... so far it's seemed to have served me well.
So I guess the big question is "Will" I hunt come the Fall of '22. As hard as I try to walk away from it, it draws me back like a buzzard to a gut wagon. I just can't seem to shake this monkey (bear) off my back. I don't hold out much hope for finding a harmonious hunting partner, though I'll keep an open mind. I do have an option open with a good friend but that's at least an hours drive one way. Over several months that gas bill adds up , and last time I checked, the price of that isn't going down anytime soon. I'd be delusional to think I could find a better spot , so until my little Shangri-La is rescinded I'll continue where I am. Maybe another spot close by - just for a change of scenery, but the same bears . I've got another 6 - 7 months before I'll need to make any decisions. Until then I'll just torment myself with the "What ifs" and let the chips fall where they may !
Forever on my mind !
tuk
d 1
