We saddled our horses today to go bear hunting. We know that we do have an advantage not only with the speed of getting to our hole but also with the sound of the horses’ hooves versus the sound of our hunting boots and our scent on the ground. Today we had Lea with us. I thought I would bring her along for good luck. Getting the children involved in the out doors is always a good thing.
We rode up the trail toward our water hole. Along the way, we saw plenty of bear sign, or as many prefer to call it, scat! Hank & Lea played with the ripened acorns along the way. They tossed them at each other and snickered quietly. I kept wishing they would stay quiet. As we got closer to the hole, I pulled my rifle from my scabbard and prepared myself for a quick dismount if one happened to be swimming and we jumped him. We stopped, and I told them to keep an eye out for any bears as we rode out of the trees.
We slowly proceeded forward on our horses. Then behind me, I heard Lea making all kinds of racket. I thought, “Dang it! You guys quit goofing around and pay attention” as I scanned the pond for movement. That is when Lea got louder. She was whispering as loudly as she could “Mom! A bear! A bear! A bear!” I realized what she was doing, and she was not goofing around tossing acorns. I saw the bear who heard her just as I had. He was out in the meadow but headed to the brush when he heard what she had said. I dropped my reins and jumped from my horse. I knelt on one knee to brace myself and looked for the shot as he darted into the oak brush and out of sight before I even had a chance.
Dang! I missed my chance! That was a beautiful cinnamon phase bear. He was just what I had been hoping for, and I missed my chance at him. All is well. We will hunt more this afternoon. We left that pond to lie since the bear left, crashing through the oak brush. He was a good size bear. We could see his back as he walked through the thickness, up the hill, and out of sight.
My little good luck charm sure was one! She spotted that bear right off and even tried to tell me quietly. I think I will bring her along again for an evening adventure. We were so happy to finally have seen one that was a decent size and cinnamon phase to boot. More hunting this evening!
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Mia Anstine is an outdoor writer, licensed outfitter, hunting guide, life coach, keynote speaker, and range safety officer, firearms instructor, and archery instructor. She is the founder of MAC Outdoors and Host of the MAC Outdoors Podcast.
Mia Anstine strives to encourage others to get outside, hunt, fish, shoot, and survive life with others in a positive way.
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Mia Anstine
MAC Outdoors LLC
PO Box 31
Ignacio, CO 81137-0031
That sounded like it was a great hunt ! Taking the kids to the Outdoors to share your experience of a hunt that you and the kids will never forget. Its not always about bringing home the Game but the memories that will last a life time.