Craig Cichanofsky's 639 Pound Wisconsin Black Bear

by Dick Ellis

Wisconsin bear hunter Craig Cichanofsky’s hopes began to fade like the tangled Bayfield County forest floor fast disappearing below his treestand. Cichanofsky had already held vigil for more than nine hours above the bait pile that had in recent weeks drawn in the monster bear known as Snaggle Tooth. But in these final minutes of light September 17th, the legendary boar was apparently once again a no-show.

The Cuddeback camera mounted on a tree near the bait had revealed the recent visits of a bear estimated to weigh well over 600 pounds, and another bear almost as large. The long tooth jutting from the side of the bear’s mouth, a badge of war almost surely inflicted in a fight for dominance with another bear earlier in life, verified that it was indeed Snaggle Tooth, the startlingly large boar Guide Mike Foss had first seen years before in broad daylight during the black bear mating season. 

Over several years of diligent scouting Foss, owner of Northern Wisconsin Outfitters in Washburn, had narrowed the bear’s travel and bedding areas. His clients, though, had played a futile waiting game on strategically placed stands during the bear hunting seasons that came and went. Big bears don’t grow to exceptional size or live to old age without an uncanny sixth sense for survival.

Cichanofsky checked his watch and checked his emotions.  He could legally hunt for three more minutes. [Read more ...]