Diary of a Wisconsin Bear Guide 7-2-2012
By Mike Foss
Scouted on Tuesday, Wednesday I set up 4 new bait stations on private land. Couldn't decide if I wanted to go deep into the property, sometimes its best to let the bears come to you and that's what Ive decided on this piece. I always have to take into consideration that all hunters will not have an ATV to go deep so some bait stations will be a short walking distance, farthest one on foot is a half a mile, that's long enough of a walk, especially when walking out in the dark. I don't care how good of a woodsman or woods women you are, on the way out I know you will be looking behind you every 30 seconds, visualizing that big black monster seeking his revenge, and I don't blame you.
Wednesday was an all day event, couldn't wait to view the pictures and videos from my Cuddebacks. Bait stations are getting pounded, lots of morning activity, cooler in the mornings. I will definitely have hunters on stand early mornings. The more I bait more bears are showing up. One bait station I have only baited 4 times and there are 6 different bears hitting it. I have learned not to get to excited about early baiting, mid August will tell the real story on what bears are committed to what bait stations.
Thursday was dumb dumb day. While doing a courtesy check on a cabin of one of the properties I have permission to hunt on, during one of the last storms we had, a tree had fallen on the roof, causing some damage. I returned to my home, called the land owner to inform him of the misfortune. I returned with a ladder and chainsaw. To make a long story short, never use a chainsaw on a ladder. I cut the top of the tree off only to have it fall backwards onto me. The ladder is destroyed and I spend 5 1/2 hours in the emergency room. Thought my hip was broken. Thank God no broken bones, but a bad groan injury with plenty of bruising. Will take weeks to heal, glad I have good help.