I blogged about the angry bison in Yellowstone last week and this morning, very early this morning, an angry bear rampaged through a remote campsite near the northeast corner of Yellowstone. A Michigan man was killed and two others wounded. Unlike the bison attack, which was from people simply provoking an attack, the grizzly had a mission. How do they know this? They caught the bear returning to the site of the kill.
From recent reports it appears as if the attack wasn’t random and in fact the sow grizzly was actually targeting the campground in predatory fashion. The sow also had three cubs and after DNA evidence is confirmed the sow will be killed with the fate of the cubs uncertain.
Initial research indicates the campers followed food storage rules and nothing was apparent except the fact the bear was attacking to feed. I could get up on my pedestal and rant and rave about how we need to be hunting grizzlies and putting the fear of God and guns into them…, but I won’t.
You take a risk every time you hit the woods whether it is to hunt whitetails or brown bears. You could fall from a treestand or get caught in a wild lightning storm. Grizzlies in the West are just another hazard in the game of life. You face similar hazards and dangers every time you climb into your car, take a plane trip or even walk down a city street.
The attack was tragic and my heart goes out to the victims and their families, but it’s just one of the dangers we face on the road of life.
That said, I’d love to hunt a big grizzly bear in my home state. I can’t wait for the opportunity to do a little culling.
The horse trailer doubles as a great camper and it's bearproof...right Mark?
A buddy and I had a gleam in our eyes like kids at Christmas as we geared up at a trailhead to check our trail cameras. My mind was in fast forward. Did I catch a huge bull on film? Did a monster mountain muley pass down the trail? Could I have captured a bear on film or possibly even an elusive mountain lion? Did Bigfoot, a space alien or even a disheveled Nick Nolte walk past my hidden surveillance unit?
Yes, checking trail cameras is like rushing down the stairs to check what Santa left under the Christmas tree. It’s hard to hold back the enthusiasm and fortunately for me, miles and miles of remote country prohibit me from checking the cameras more than once a month. That’s not the issue for many hunters. In fact, checking your trail cameras too frequently can actually lead to bucks disappearing from film and sight.
It doesn’t take too many intrusions before whitetails catch on to your presence. Sometimes that’s OK. I’d rather deer grow accustomed to my presence than flee every time for fear. Being too overcautious can lead to terror when an isolated buck suddenly comes face to face with a human.
Several of my friends have pledged to only check their cameras once a month. Others have a routine that includes checking them every two weeks in a consistent pattern so deer become comfortable with the intrusion.
If you check them every few days be prepared for deer patterning you. It happens if you check cameras too frequently or hunt the same treestand repeatedly. Be careful and reign in your enthusiasm. I think the right answer lies between checking them every other week and once a month.
As for our camera checkup, the SD cards had lots of elk, deer, moose, mountain lions and bears. Here’s one of my favorites.
I'm Bigfoot in this neck of the woods.
I just watched an interesting news segment featuring tourists filming a bison in Yellowstone National Park. Yes, there was stupidity involved. Yes, someone got run over. Yes, it’s definitely tourist season.
It seems as if every year tourists travel to America’s parks and refuges only to discover the cuddly animals on “The Animal Planet” channel actually have attitudes in real life.
In this case the tourists were filming a mature bison. Let me describe a mature bison for you. It can stand 6 feet at the shoulder and top 2,000 pounds. This time of year they are cantankerous as the rut fires up and although they appear to be slow moving and stupid, they can swap ends faster than a broadband internet connection. When they reach top speed even Carl Lewis couldn’t win the race in his prime. That said, the average out-of-shape tourist doesn’t have a chance when a bison bull starts his steamroller impression. In fact, bison rank as the top tourist tragedy in Yellowstone as it relates to animal encounters.
Feeling lucky, punk?
Over the course of my career I’ve been in close proximity to many animals for filming purposes. The animal that has chased me the most is, yes, you guessed, bison. I once had one chase me nearly a mile across a grassy opening. He could have run me over at any time, but instead he just played with me until I reached my truck. On anther outing I had a bison bull chase my vehicle down a gravel road with the intent to send it straight to Maaco for putty and paint.
I’ve been lucky and as I age I definitely give animals more and more space unless the intent is to hunt them in fair chase. Bison are on the top of my “wide-swath list.”
The female video photographer was trampled and tossed by the bison, but survived to tell the tale. It was definitely a trip to remember, but a dangerous way to add another memory into a scrapbook.
I admit it. You got me. I give. Uncle!
I am not the best when it comes to working a GPS or most electronic devices. There are just too many hidden codes and cues that are only accessible by the correct use of the four or five buttons supplied. Punch the wrong series of buttons and before you know it I’ve reset the entire contraption and signaled the space shuttle to return to earth via the gravel road in front of my house.
Just the other day I was backing up my office computer to a portable hard drive and received the shock of my life. After unplugging the portable drive I looked back at the screen and the message “beginning memory dump,” or something akin to that, started streaming across a generic blue screen. Fortunately it was a cruel joke implemented by a bored Microsoft employee on an extremely slow afternoon. They simply imbedded the scary message for fun to see how it would affect a computer illiterate hick like me. Once again I was close to donning adult undergarments as permanent attire.
But I digress. Even though I still struggle from time to time with the programs on my GPS I did find one product that makes it a whole lot easier to note my location. Check out Hunting GPS Maps (www.huntinggpsmaps.com).You can order specific micro SD/SD cards or get the data from downloads. Your GPS maps will suddenly come to life with private and public differentiation, section lines and numbers, topographical lines, geographic names, roads, water data, national forest trails, wilderness areas, fishing access sites and even ownership in some instances. The data for each state varies depending on the map information available, but it’s an option that makes your GPS a more reliable tool while in the field. It’s especially helpful for the public-land and traveling hunter.
Now if I can just get the space shuttle to turn around before it touches down in front of my house everything will be fine.
Mark to space shuttle, please disregard that last message to come in for a landing!
I just read another survey on how hunters are feeling the pressure of being squeezed out of more and more private land. The trend is toward property owners closing the gate and nailing up “No Trespassing” signs. That means if you want to hunt you need to either score with another landowner or look toward public land.
Now is the time to be out and about. Whether you are knocking on doors trying to secure another property or snooping on public land, get out. If you feel like public land is your only choice, snooping right now is a good option. Others are likely hiking or using public lands for dog walks so your presence won’t be as jarring.
It’s also a good time to find other access points to private ground. A few weeks back I hiked a parcel of public land in my backyard as a backup for whitetail hunting. I parked in the traditional parking area, but instead of taking the path of least resistance I made a wide circle to a backdoor location where I suspected whitetails would loiter. The long hike alone would limit the bulk of hunters visiting this property.
My hike was greeted with several whitetail sightings and the enthusiasm to return later during the rut for a possible buck meeting.
Here’s another tip, try a lesser weapon. Firearm season is by and far the most popular time of year for hunters and thus the reason fields are ablaze in orange. Early archery, late muzzleloader and even handgun seasons offer windows with fewer participants and possibly higher success.
The days of yesteryear are gone along with unlimited hunting grounds. Donate to public access programs, scout and be innovative. Oh yes, quit following me around and find your own public-land honey hole.
I don't care if you have a TV show. STAY OUT!
It’s hard to find a movie or primetime TV star these days that actually has something in common with hunters. You know, common guys like you and I. Most are leaning left and would rather embrace gun control than squeeze the trigger on a plump squirrel to fry up in the pan for a tasty camp snack. That seems odd since the majority of TV shows and movies include firearms. Hollywood loves guns when they make them money, but hate them when it’s popular to bash them publicly.
There is one refreshing, veteran actor out there that doesn’t hide his respect and protection for the Second Amendment: Tom Selleck. Yes, it’s Magnum P.I and if you’re a Magnum fan (I’m actually a Quigley and Jesse Stone fan) you’re going to love the fact Selleck is going to be on TV again this fall in the new series “Blue Bloods” on CBS. I provide a link to CBS, but I’m still not talking to Katie Couric.
Did you also know that Selleck is a board of director member for the NRA? He owns a ranch in California, keeps a few saddle horses and is a fan of Filson clothing. He’s truly a breath of fresh air over the typical Hollywood hot air. I think you get the point if I just mention Lohan, Hilton or the current release of Gibson’s top 10 hits.
I wouldn’t look for any major TV shows or movies portraying hunting in a fair fashion, but at least we know there are a few actors out there that relate to our lifestyle.
Have a great weekend.
Quit laughing. I could play Quigley or a least little Quigley.
Hunters are a contentious bunch. They love to debate, argue and downright fight over the best gear and tactics. A favorite topic that comes up time and time again is the debate over the “best whitetail caliber.”
Here’s the short version. It’s the caliber you shoot best with deadly results. In most states legal calibers begin with .243 and the sky’s the limit. Instead of picking a specific caliber and putting it on parade, I’m going to list a handful of characteristics that make a great caliber.
First, does the caliber come with enough bullet selections for accuracy and optimum, controlled expansion to cleanly put down a mature buck? Companies like Hornady and their new Superformance ammunition offer ample selections of practically handloaded calibers.
Next, does the caliber come in the action that fits your hunting style? Can you get the caliber in a pump, lever, bolt, single-shot or even in the hot new format of an AR? This all comes down to your personal preference, personal hunting strategy and the terrain where you hunt.
Is the caliber readily available? This may not be as critical for the back-forty whitetail hunter, but if you travel and need extra cartridges, it’s helpful if you can pick them up at Walmart instead of being limited to Sam’s Gun and Meat Market.
Finally, are you comfortable with the caliber? Is the recoil punishing or pleasant? Do you like the results when your aim is dead on? It goes back to the short version. Can you shoot it with deadly results?
I’m a fan .30 calibers. My favorite is the .300 Winchester magnum, but there are a handful of others that also do the trick. My son shot two deer last year with the .30 TC and I was more than impressed with the results. I’m not a fan of the classic .30-30. I own one and historically it’s responsible for millions of pounds of pan-fried venison, but except for nostalgia there are dozens of better calibers that can handle the job with high-performance results.
I’ll write it once more. Shoot what’s comfortable and what you shoot best. That’s the best caliber for your whitetail hunt. That’s all for now. I have to start answering E-mails from angry .30-30 owners.
I can't believe it! That gray-haired hunter in the red, plaid jacket just shot the buck I was eyeing with his .30-30.
It was a father daughter weekend. Cole and Sharon traveled late in the week for Cole to participate in the state 4-H shooting sports competition leaving Katelyn and I to fend for ourselves.
Although she had to practice with her horse for upcoming 4-H competitions, we decided to take a hike in the mountains with our good friend Gale Smith. The hike was more than exercise; it was to scout for elk. Driving in we glassed more than 100 cows and calves on a huge open hillside as they fed and played, but we were heading in another direction.
About two hours into the hike we stopped on a saddle between two meadows and I soon spotted a pair of coyotes hunting on the adjacent hillside. We dined on Pop Tarts and granola bars as we watched the pair and then I decided it would be fun to call the pair in close. Our pup Sage was along and she needed the experience if we hoped to make her a coyote decoy dog.
Dad, I think Sage passed out from an overdose of elk scent.
Immediately the calls lured in an angry mule deer doe and soon after the coyotes followed, but before the coyotes reached us a commotion to the left drew our attention. Cow and calf elk began spewing from the nearby timber moving right at us. I grabbed Sage and held her collar while Katelyn grabbed our small video camera to record the event. Over the course of the next five minutes nearly 100 elk streamed by. Of course Sage went berserk hoping to herd the great smelling gang of ungulates. That’s the full-time job of a border collie: herding. Even so, elk chattered and walked by our hidden position. It was a memorable event.
We wrapped our seven-mile hike with several more elk sightings and ended it hiding from a deluge of hail. In brief, it was the perfect day and I marked another spot on the map for a future elk rendezvous.
Guns and hunting go together like November and whitetails. They are inseparable. After writing this blog for more than a year I have discovered one thing. Whenever I write a blog about firearm rights it touches a nerve.
You commented on the recent Second Amendment Supreme Court case regarding firearm rights in Chicago. I also suspect you have opinions on the debate of Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan. I can’t say Kagan is a surprise. I mean really. Would President Obama have selected someone that the NRA supported whole heartedly? Hold on. I’m trying to stop laughing so I can finish.
Speaking of the NRA, if you want to educate yourself on nominee Kagan you should visit their web page (www.nra.org) and read or watch the links on why the NRA opposes her. I doubt if you will be shocked, but you will be more informed. You can then send a message to your senators, especially if they are depending on your vote in a tight race this fall.
If you recall, the Chicago gun ban Supreme Court case barely passed with a 5 to 4 vote. Supreme Court Justice Sonya Sotomayer was one of the votes against our Second Amendment rights and when she was in the hot seat as a nominee she issued a statement almost verbatim to Kagan’s regarding your right to bear firearms. They hide behind the statement that it is “settled law.” Settled law? I don’t think so. It is a right. That’s why it is in the BILL OF RIGHTS.
You can read more at the following link (http://www.nraila.org/News/Read/NewsReleases.aspx?ID=13980). As for me, I’ve read enough. Kagan is no friend of mine or my family.
Honey, put the AR down. The new Supreme Court justices will protect us.
Weird and wacky weather patterns are nothing new to hunters and if you’ve been following the national forecast the past few days you probably noticed some wide swings in temperature extremes. For instance, the East Coast is in the middle of record-setting heat. Warnings are out suggesting people stay in their homes with the air conditioning on to avoid heat exhaustion or other heat ailments.
It wasn’t like that in my Western neighborhood. In fact, there were several days over the long weekend that I thought it would snow at any moment. It made for some interesting camping and limited our wilderness bathing to the first day when the temperature was in the 70s. Temperatures barely made it to the 50s after that and by the time we loaded the horse trailer again to pack out of the high country there was a forecast for snow. Yes, snow!
Hunting season offers the same fluctuations and if you’re going to be successful you need to be able to swap cold-weather strategies for a warm-weather ambush. While you’re busy planning for a morning of rattling when there’s frost on the pumpkin you also need to think ahead in case there’s a heat wave. It’s not at all uncommon to hunt deer or elk when temperatures exceed 70 degrees. Think about water. Think about shady bedrooms. Think about food sources in cool locations.
Despite the current global warming cheerleader being sidelined for a masseuse infraction I can guarantee you this much. This coming hunting season at least one of your hunts will be altered by an unusual temperature spike. Think ahead for a backup strategy to keep you in the game.
Hurry up and bathe Sage before the creek freezes!
It seems hard to believe, but July 4 usually represents the midpoint of summer. I know the days of summer are ticking away for me and in a little over a month I’ll be putting the finishing touches on many of my scouting efforts. I’ll be on the hunt by mid-August.
But this weekend means relaxation and reflection. I’m going to reflect on a few things and you can add them to your list of thoughts or simply watch the fireworks.
First, America is still the land of the free and the home of the brave. Never forget that concept. Freedom means the right to bear arms and to partake in the rich tradition of hunting. If those freedoms ever come to question, will you be brave enough to defend them?
Second, Americans are blessed with an abundance of public lands, both state and federally controlled. Every year I expand my exploration of these lands, especially the broad expanse of national forests from coast to coast. This expanse of public domain gives you the freedom to roam, camp and hike on an estate where you hold the key. That’s an invaluable freedom as well and one that also may need to be defended from too little protection or even too much.
Third, America’s great wildlife resources owe their success to one group:
hunters. You and I brought many species back from the brink of extinction, protected masses of others and have been unparalleled stewards for nearly every other living animal. Nobody or no group has done more for wildlife, yet lately it seems everyone has their hands in wildlife management hampering the work of those paid to do the job. Litigation, research studies and the likes by groups who never give a dime to natural resources are holding up sensible management plans, or altering plans for unrealistic results. There’s a simple fix. Match the money generated by hunters to gain the respect of America’s true conservationists.
Americans have a rich history of firearms, hunting and protection of natural resources. Hunters are a key component of the results. Enjoy your freedoms this Independence Day weekend, but never forget that freedoms are never free. Our troops are testament to that statement.
Have a great holiday! I’ll be spending some of my weekend putting out trail cameras, horseback riding in the mountains and taking the kids fishing. Does it get any better than that?
America the beautiful. Happy Independence Day!
There’s been a flurry of tragic, odd and mystifying events taking place in the crossover zone where wildlife and humans meet. In case simple things like the free-falling stock market, lack of job creation, increasing deficits and the ever-increasing questioning of the Constitution have most of your attention, I’m here to bring you wildlife news.
First up, two back to back coyote attacks on children have taken place in the span of four days in suburban New York and the events occurred only 1.5 miles apart. The first attack last Friday involved two coyotes that charged a 6-year-old girl in her front yard. She escaped with scratches. The second attack, mind you only 1.5 miles away, took place Tuesday when a coyote targeted a 3-year-old in her backyard. She too made it through the harrowing event with non-life-threatening injuries. Do you know what suburban New York needs? They need some Western-style predator management.
Next up, and tragically more severe was the elderly Illinois hiker that met up unexpectedly with a Wyoming grizzly bear. Strangely, the bear in question had just been darted and collared by a bear research team. In fact, the research team was the first contact the worried relatives had when searching for the victim. Sadly, the gentleman didn’t survive the mauling and soon after the grizzly in question also received a death sentence. According to news reports the area was posted and signed as being an active bear research area, but the hiker either missed the signage or ignored the danger. Bears, particularly those with no fear of humans, definitely deserve respect.
Finally, in the same neighborhood of northwest Wyoming, two hit and runs have been reported. Late this spring a grizzly bear was hit and killed in Yellowstone National Park. And just the other day the same thing happened again with a black bear in the park. Who hits a bear and drives away? It’s not like hitting a squirrel or a skunk. Bears cause damage. Don’t you want the police report to hand over for an insurance claim? You can’t get your car fixed without one. And, you really can’t explain a bear-produced dent as just another “Walmart grocery cart ding.” Can you?
Whoa! That was close. I can't afford two bear crashes in one week.
Citizens in Chicago concerned about their safety and lack of legal ability to defend themselves due a nearly three decade ban on handguns, found some solace. The Supreme Court voted five to four today to uphold the right afforded by the Second Amendment and confirmed those rights for all U.S. citizens, including those living in Chicago. Municipalities will still have the option to impose laws governing firearm safety and without doubt those will likely face future challenges, but at least for now the fundamental right to bear arms is safe. Or is it?
Why was there a split in the Supreme Court over one of the first amendments our founding forefathers thought important to add to the Bill of Rights? Five to four? What’s that all about? If there’s a question about the right to bear arms what’s next? Are they going to question the First Amendment regarding the freedom of speech?
Although this was definitely a victory, it was also an eye-opening vote on just how close we are to losing our firearm rights in this country. What’s even more amazing is how the mainstream media doesn’t realize how important this close vote is when it comes to a right afforded to citizens. Would they be as lackadaisical about a close vote on freedom of speech? I’m beginning to think the media, many Americans and our lawmakers are so far removed from the principles of our founding fathers that even a close vote on freedom of speech wouldn’t raise a red flag.
Your rights are safe for now. How long “now” will last is anyone’s guess.
I'll keep my right to bear arms and my right to freedom of speech. Thank you very much.
The new show I’ve been working on for the past several months is about to launch on the Pursuit channel this weekend. If you have nothing going on Sunday evening, tune in 8 p.m. (Eastern). It’s also got me thinking again about hunting on television and what was once entertainment, has somehow turned into a cult following. I’m personally not worried about groupies showing up at my Wyoming homestead. I also haven’t been shopping for a bus, a graphic designer or an agent to create an “American Idol” image for my future marketing campaign. I do need a haircut though.at least that’s what my wife keeps telling me.
Nope, you get the same old Mark. My foundation has been and will continue to be solid strategies presented in a fast-paced format. Yes, I’ll be hunting in all types of weather and in a variety of Western and Midwestern terrains so be ready for more crawling, climbing and without question, patient waiting.
Is this celebrity fad causing a black eye on the hunting community? You tell me. Personally I believe any enthusiasm we can bring to the sport is a good thing. If young hunters look up to some of the more popular TV personalities and tune in; can you call that a black eye? If watching an episode of Michel Waddell’s “Bone Collector” squad inspires a young or old hunter to pick up a bow, or firearm again, is that a bad thing?
I believe the main issue we need to moderate is the over-the-top reactions after the kill. Hunting creates an adrenaline high that is hard to match, especially after a successful hunt. How that’s presented on TV requires careful consideration. Although it’s fine to show enthusiasm and extreme satisfaction, there also is a humbling aspect to the hunt from enduring extreme conditions to the actual taking of a life.
Overall, I believe that hunting on TV has brought more awareness to our tradition in a modern format. It shows that hunting is fun, brings meat to the table and offers social interaction in a hunting camp atmosphere. And really, wouldn’t you rather watch hunting on TV than some left-leaning sitcom on primetime?
Look over there! It's another groupie. My bad. It's just my neighbor fixing fence.
