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Darrell and I just got back from Montana and I am excited to say that I scored on my first color phase black bear. I took a beautiful Chocolate Color black bear @ 275 yards (which is a long shot for this bowhunter).
Last spring Darrell and I made our first trip to Heron, MT with Elk Creek Outfitting (www.ElkCreekOutfitting.com). We had an awesome trip, but Darrell and I were both a little embarrassed since we both missed very makeable shots at nice bears. We were fortunate enough to get to go back this spring to try to redeem ourselves.
This particular trip, the weather in Montana made if very tough hunting. 5 of the 6 hunt days never got out of the 40's and is rained/snowed almost every day. Those Montana bears did not want to come out of the holes.
On day 2 Andy, our guide, dropped me off to glass one canyon while him and Darrell went to scope out another canyon. It was not long when I spotted a chocolate bear about 700 yards away on a rocky bluff. I kept an eye on him while I waited on Andy and Darrell to return. By the time they got back the bear had bedded up against a large bluff out of the wind.
Andy came up with a game plan that got us to within 275 yards of the bedded bear. After getting as close as we could (this canyon was very rugged) we all got situated and started the waiting game. We could see the top of the bears head, but did not have an ethical shot. After about 2 hours we all were getting cold and impatient, so we started rolling rocks down our side of the canyon. IT WORKED! The bear got curious enough to get up and take a look. Everyone was ready, and after a few seconds of exciting action, I had my first color phase bear.
The next several days we spotted a few bears that were either to hard to get to or ended up being a sow with cubs.
The last day the sun came out and we had a beautiful day. That afternoon Darrell actually got to make a stalk on another colored bear, but the swirling winds got the best of them...Better luck next year Darrell (the Montana bear curse still lingers with Darrell).
A huge thanks to Brent, Andy, and everyone @ Elk Creek Outfitting (www.ElkCreekOutfitting.com) for a great week of hunting. The lodging facilities are very nice and comfortable, the food is always great, and all the people that work @ Elk Creek Outfitting are first class/down to earth folks. Darrell and I can not wait to come back this September to chase the monster bulls & deer.
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