I just installed the new game camera Thursday. Between then and this morning this is whats taken place on that one camera:
Bobcat?
Why so busy?????
When I was up there Thursday I noticed a weird smell near the cargo container area. It reminded me of the zoo. My first thought was that one of the container delivery guys had taken a dump in the woods. The more I thought about it, I figured I had rolled through some cow patties on the way up there and thats what I was smelling. Satisfied that was the source, I didnt give it any more brainpower.
Rolled in there early this morning and as I puled up several large birds took to the air. “Somethings not right”, I said. A couple turkey buzzards took off. “Something’s dead”, I said. Got out of the vehicle and caught that smell again. Now I knew what it was. Somewhere around there was a dead…thing. An animal, most likely although I wouldnt be too surprised to find a dead human. Stuff happens.
Donned my 10mm, grabbed the AK and descended into the brush. I followed the smell and it got way stronger. I flipped the safety off the AK just in case, and found this poor bastard:
That upper jaw I’m poking with the AK had all sortsa fresh blood around it…grass was still red with the vibrancy. And more than a few mounds of what was quite obviously bear poop. I think I figured out why the sudden influx of predators. So, now that I know theres a dead animal there that the bears and lions are munching on, what should my course of action be?
Mount a game camera over it, of course! Should be some very interesting pics coming from that!
So one mystery solved. Fall bear season opens in three weeks. I was on the fence about whether to ruin a bruin or let them be. Might buy a tag ‘just in case’.
Enjoy the pics, guys. And, for those curious, container leveling went okay but it was a bit of work. I’ll have a post about that at some point
Mule deer?
BTW, What game cameras do you use?
RJ
Moulie. However as of late I have been using Spypoint cameras from Costco.
SPYPOINT is my go to except for one WGI cam.
If you have never taken black bear as a game animal be advised it’s very tasty. Better than venison ( which I do much like) and more akin to pork. It’s worth the tag cost.
I’ve had bear burgers before. The meat is really dry. The person who gifted it (he kept the skin to make a rug and gave the meat away) suggested mixing it with ground pork next time. Also, be sure to cook thoroughly. Bears can be infected with trichinosis like pigs.
Yes, go ahead and get a black bear hunting tag, just because, in addition to other regular game animals seasonal harvesting tags you normally get. You may “need” it as a spur of the moment hunt opportunity may arise with those guys when your there and you will have paperwork in order already. You may have to or want to hunt them just to put pressure on them to stay clear of your property a bit so they don’t tear it up food foraging later on. Train them to respect your street credibility.
Oh yeah slow down and obey traffic codes in those cities and towns partner, limit your interactions with the police to just friendly waves and not routine traffic stops that can turn non routine with the wrong .gov employee.
Stay frosty up there.
Does Montana have lifetime licenses?
Not that Im aware of.
Yes, for vehicles over 10 years old. Driving them, that is, not hunting them.
Heh.
Kurt
Permanent tags in MT are for vehicles 11 years and older. Not sure what the logical was there vs 10 years.
Counting to eleven filters the numerate from those who must remove one boot.
As previously mentioned, by many, “They’re more afraid of you…”
Well, that may be true, in most cases, but… There’s always, “the one”…
The “one” that’s wondering where “YOU” are, as you’re wondering about them…
It appears you’ve just met, “The One”…
“IF” I was going to take him, before he takes me… remember, these critters can out run you, every time… trying to hit a fast moving target, during an adrenaline rush, before he reaches you would be foolish… A lot of folks say that they’d do
“head shots” on a perp, or adversary. Trying to hit a bobbing and weaving 9″ pie plate (A Head size target) is wishful thinking… IMHO this applies here too…
It might be best to get above him… yes, they do climb too, but, at least you’ll get a couple shots at him… on the ground, not so much…
Good luck at what ever you choose to do…
If we don’t hear from you again, well, we’ll figure out who won the,
“showdown at the beta site” (Could be a good title for a novel)
Actually, I am told there is a grizzly in the area that the locals have named “Hank the Tank”.
“Bobbing and weaving” is not really a problem when they are running.
Look for vids of them climbing trees. Some of them are VERY quick when climbing. Lots of variables, like their size and the tree size and type. You will be much slower.
Don’t waste time and energy running. That makes you a bad shot just when you NEED accuracy and speed.
Talked to a guy once who went to college with member of the Apache tribe in Prescott, AZ. The tribal member’s mother had made him jerky from bear meat, said it was the best jerky he’s ever had.
Look at the long tail on that “bobcat”……………….
Nature red of tooth and claw!
Be careful out there. Looking forward to the next series of photos.
If you want or need to discourage predators, you might try spreading around human hair. Just give your barber a plastic bin liner bag and ask him to fill it for you. Caveat: this only works on animals that have already learned to avoid human scent. If the beta site is very remote, they might not know to do so.
Could be a Lynx or Bobcat. That one photo looks to be a brown bear but need to see the face and snout to be sure.
Brother went to Canada to shoot some bears. He said the guide always had a twelve gauge pump for surprises. He said walking to and from the blind was about the scariest walk he ever took.