Bear Bums – Bear Hunting

What’s happening?! We’re suppose to have 1-2 big bears down and deer and fish and photos and?  Frank and Roger open the day at the Armpit where Karta river empties into Karta Lake. Jed and I are on Anderson Creek at the other side of the lake.

Frank loaded with gear.

On Anderson creek we’re catching Salmon and some more Trout out of the Lake. We’re patient and watch the creek pretty closely but find following the stream to deep inland isn’t very possible due to falls, timber and deep water. It seems most of the bear sign is at the mouth anyway. We last until about noon then the plan is to meet the other group with the boat.

From a good look out spot from the Karta Armpit Frank and Roger spot a decent bear across Karta Lake from them headed their way. They make a move and set up in the tall grass on the edge of the lake wishing they could still see the bear.

The blacky shows up around a bend and according the account I heard offered a good broadside shot. I later learn that others get excited in the presence of black bears and in the adrenalin rush this bear dodges 2 well intended bullets.

Now what? Frank and Jed perch over the Armpit and Roger and I sneak into a 150 yard long island made by a split in Karta river, one of us at each end.

half life depakote

Picture of the Island on Karta River from the Float Plane.  This place was absolutely covered in bear sign.

The sitting was hard. Though the weather was cool it wasn’t freezing and the tiny black flys were murder. I think the locals call these flys “no-see-ums”.  The provided a wicked bite.

I spotted a bear sneak down to the river and get a fish and slip to the timber. By the time I got Roger there, no bear, so we traded places. Sure as heck, I then had a bear show up right across the river and later one coming up the river toward me. This time Roger gets there in time to have a couple anxious, not well placed shots. What can I say? If it had been me I would have left this part out.

We were pretty sure that epinephrine had triggered the misses but the next AM we shot our rifles and they were good.

Riding home in the dark.

Day 5 could only be beat one way. We are seeing bears, catching fish, taking great photos and having great weather.

This place had unique looking mushrooms.