Flatlander

Early this summer, we went out to begin setting trail cameras in a few of our favorite whitetail spots. While out on this first trip we noticed that the canyon had more bear sign than normal. When we returned to check the cameras a month later the bear sign was more frequent and very fresh. I began to hope this bear would stay close for the next couple of months. When we checked the pictures, we had just one pic of the bear. When we went back last weekend for one final look, we found bear piles everywhere, and it appeared the bear was starting to really stock up on the pinon nuts. While glassing we spotted the bear making his way out of a feeding area and into the bottom of the canyon for a drink of water. We decided to come back after the next season opened and try to find him again. Yesterday, we made the 2 mile hike in the dark to our glassing area. At 8:00 am I decided to move glassing areas to a place where I could see more of the canyon floor. Shortly after moving I heard something in the bottom of the canyon, it was a strange sound that carried on for several seconds. I radioed my buddy Mike and asked if he could hear the noise and he said he could but couldn’t see the area it was coming from. There was a small rise blocking my line of sight to where I thought the sound was coming from. I gathered my gear and quickly snuck to the edge of the rise, and crawled to the edge to peak over. When I looked over the edge I could immediately see the source of the noise, the bear had jumped into a pool of water just 85 yards below me. I tried with little success to compose myself as I grabbed my pack and laid my rifle across it. Without even turning up the scope I settled the crosshairs on 4 inches of back that were sticking out of the water and fired. The bear hardly moved on impact and I was unsure of the shot, but soon the bear began to thrash and expired within a few seconds. That’s when it hit me, I had achieved one of my greatest lifetime goals; taking a bear on a spot and stalk, otc hunt in the heart of coues country. I feel very fortunate to have taken this animal and could not have done it without the help of a few great friends. Thanks to my brothers in law Blaine and Josh who have both helped me set and check trail cameras during the past couple of years. I also owe a huge thanks to my buddies Mike and Marc who sacrificed their opening weekend of archery deer season to come and help me chase this bear. As always thanks to my wife and two boys who have been incredibly supportive of my passion for chasing critters.

My only regret is I wish I had watched him swim a little bit more before shooting, I had never seen that before.

Great video. Priceless ending.

Love that coat. Very cool bear. Congratulations!

Just finished a short run, my calf is still bugging me though so it was mostly a test run. Weighed 201 today, luckily I had that bear hunt to keep me in shape last week.

Thanks for all the comments guys I failed to mention that this was a boar. I think the water helped because there weren't many flies at all, but he was covered in fleas. Fortunately he dried out fast during pics cause it took all three of us to heave him out of that pool, he must have weighed 80 extra lbs with all that water. My pack was about 85lbs and we had to cross two canyons to get out, my buns are burning today.

Awesome. I can't wait for these experiences with my kids. Congratulations on a great accomplishment.

Guess you can cross off the bear and the lion. That does not bode well for one of those bucks. Sweet spot and congrats on your recent success.

Congrats Jeff

Congratulations on a great achievement. Looks like there were a couple killed out there this weekend.

Awesome. That's a good morning of hunting in my book.

Awesome buck.

Hope you get em Stephen!

I have never aged meet on the early hunts, its a luxury that we just don't have. In fact, I rarely age deer from AZ cause the temps are just too warm during most of the hunts.

VJ - Thanks for the info on the boot. The calf is feeling somewhat better today, at least I can walk without a limp, so I may be back in the game next week. I will let you know if it lingers and I think I need to try something new. Thanks again.

Be sneaky.

Congratulations. I took my first archery animal on that hunt 11 years ago. Really got me addicted to archery and I learned a ton.

VJ -Can you tell me what it is called or where you got it? I have never pulled a calf before but this morning about a mile from home I started to notice it, and when I tried to hit the gas it started giving me grief, now I can hardly walk.

Couple of questions. Can someone tell me how many cases of CWD in whitetail deer have been documented in Texas. A state that has more corn flingers per square mile than other? Tonto, can CWD live in water? http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/cwd/ I was wondering the same thing about it being transmittable through water? From this website it looks like a possibility. Same website also shows very few confirmed cases in Texas, and only in the far Western portion. But beyond all this I think Tonto has a valid point, the reason we get liberal archery seasons is because the success rates are much lower, obviously. So it stands to reason that if success rates increase, more control will need to be implemented. I also understand that some folks would rather have one quality hunt with trophy potential than multiple opportunities. I for one feel that archery deer season makes the wait for other quality tags bearable. I can wait 5-7 years for an elk tag because I know every fall I will be out for most of the year chasing WT with my bow, not having that opportunity might drive me over the edge. Tonto, thanks for the well worded and very informed post, this was one of the best posts I have read on this site. Although I am sure we will not ever be able to all agree on this topic, I think we all can appreciate the type of information you have provided.

Bob showed me this pick this morning. Congrats on both critters.

200 even again this week. And worse yet I think I may have pulled my calf this morning so no more running.

I don't know this unit real well, but have spent some time there and researching the hunt. The research I have done tells me that the big bulls move in the last few weeks prior to the hunt as the rut starts to pick up. I think you are in a good position with the cows and a few key water sources located. Once the rut gets going I think you are going to have more bulls around. Congrats and good luck!

That buck would score right at Stud mark, not sure how many total inches that is, but its a bunch.

Wish I had 11 days to hunt. Went out today and glassed 10 deer in about 3 hours, one really good buck that survived from last year, a couple little bucks, and a bear. I think I may spend next weekend with a rifle in my hand instead of my bow. Good luck everyone, and don't forget to post pics.

The rains the last few weeks have filled up every pool and pond in every canyon in my unit. Guess it will be spot and stalk for me.