Bear stalk

[wadevb1]

Did a little bear stalking last Sunday with my Nikon D90. The bears were hitting my chicory, clover and alfalfa hard.

I seen a single black first and hit the woods to sneak in for closer shots. As I neared the field edge I caught this bear entering the field and he stood for a look. My autofocus caught the limbs blurring him out and before I had an opporunity to switch to single point he charged the first bear taking the field to himself.

Distance was 70 yards

http://usera.ImageCave.com/wadevb1/bearstanding.jpg

Mom and two cubs soon entered:

http://usera.ImageCave.com/wadevb1/bearstalkkcubs.jpg

http://usera.ImageCave.com/wadevb1/bearstalkclose.jpg

Later a larger bear joined the first:

http://usera.ImageCave.com/wadevb1/bearstalk2.jpg

[35percent]

Nice pictures, where was this at?

- Jacob

[wadevb1]

Nice pictures, where was this at?

- Jacob


Thanks, pictures would be better if I can figure a way to sneak a better glass buy past the wife.

Ontario, WMU-37


A little video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIydOsOqe7s

[northkid]

Nice pictures and video, Were you with a group that did very well hunting that area? With 13 out of bears.

[wadevb1]

Nice pictures and video, Were you with a group that did very well hunting that area? With 13 out of bears.

We don't get into bear hunting and I'm not sure which group you are referring to, so that is a no. I shot one in '93 and never caught the fever. We allow the local MNR (CO) hunt the farm along with a neighbors brother. They don't have a problem filling their tags.

[TAC]

Did a little bear stalking last Sunday with my Nikon D90.

I would love to do something like that! When I was 15 I went to Florida with my friend and his parents. Going though the Smokey Mountains we encountered several black bear in the road. We carefully got out of the car and took pictures from about 100 feet. Probably too close for safety, but we didn't know any better. It was an experience I never forgot...even 46 years later!

[wadevb1]

I would love to do something like that! When I was 15 I went to Florida with my friend and his parents. Going though the Smokey Mountains we encountered several black bear in the road. We carefully got out of the car and took pictures from about 100 feet. Probably too close for safety, but we didn't know any better. It was an experience I never forgot...even 46 years later!

I did get a little worried about my safety after watching the bear in the first picture charge the first bear in the field. They can close a 100 yards quicker than you think. That is why my perspective changed in the subsequent photos, I went further up a hill.

I'm not far from the point where I'll start shooting most of my game with a camera opposed to a rifle. I need to invest in a quality 400-500mm lens for that extra margin of safety for bear. Later that evening I stumbled upon on face to face at 100 yards. He saw me first and sat on his butt as I reversed my path.

[TAC]

You should make/buy something like this:

Bushawk Shoulder Mount
http://bushhawk.com/

[Tom Fineis]

Always enjoy reading your posts. Looks like an awesome piece of property you have.

[wadevb1]

I'm sure Canadian customs would think they'd hit the motherload if they found that AR lower in my ride, but that is a good idea. I have a nice Manfrotto tripod and ballhead....I have to get into the habit of packing it along.

[TAC]

I'm sure Canadian customs would think they'd hit the motherload if they found that AR lower in my ride, but that is a good idea. I have a nice Manfrotto tripod and ballhead....I have to get into the habit of packing it along.

LOL! I didn't think about that! Below is another idea I found on the web just the other day...


String "Tripod" -- Equipment required:

- a thumb-screw that fits your camera's tripod connector
- 4 to 6 feet of string
- a stick about 1-1/2” to 2” long

Tie one end of the string to the screw and the other to the stick. Attach the screw to the camera mount, drop the stick on the ground and step on it. Roll the stick with your foot to wind up the string while holding the camera in shooting position until the string is tight. Adjust the string to your preferred length and re-tie it. Place your legs apart a comfortable distance and step on the stick. Pull up with camera, tightening the string. Take a breath, hold it, and press the shutter release. (Note: using a longer stick with string going to both ends and placing both feet on the stick may be helpful.)