Jim Olsson Takes Zone C Monster Bear
A Bear of 10 Lifetimes
By Jim Olsson
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I'm not talking about the ones from Chicago either. It's bear season in Wisconsin and I was fortunate enough to draw a tag. After researching the cost of baiting and driving to central Wisconsin every weekend all summer, I decided it would be more cost effective to hunt with an outfitter.
After multiple personal references, several phone calls and some time on the Internet I chose Running Wild Guide Service. Jim and Nicole Teal fielded all of my many questions and agreed to accommodate my goofy schedule due to work and family commitments. I would be hunting management zone C where the aid of dogs is not allowed and the go-to option is baiting for bears. After a couple visits to learn where I would sit and what bears were showing up I committed to using my bow to harvest my first bear.
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Skip ahead to opening day where I was on stand by 2:30 pm but had a very uneventful night as I didn't see any bears. Day two found me on my way back to the stand with a bucket of bait I would place myself and then back in the tree for the evening. As the shadows lengthened and light began to fade I saw a giant black shadow cruising down the trail towards me. Inexperience on my part left me unable to judge the size but knowing it was at least a decent bear.
I took the first shot that was offered when the bear turned broadside at 30 yds. At the shot he bolted into the deep brush and then turned towards my stand. I heard him go down and the infamous death moan that tells every bear hunter that they have succeeded in making a good shot. After waiting for the cavalry to arrive we followed a short blood trail to what turned out to be a truly special animal.
Based on the reaction of the Teals and their helpers I knew I had taken a special bear. When things calmed down and we were able to take the measurements from the bear and calculate his live weight. 6'7" from nose to the tip of the tail and 60" around the chest left me with an estimated live weight of 647lbs. 16% reduction for field dressing leaves it at 546 lbs. the trophy of ten lifetimes for me. Thanks to www.runningwildguide.com
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