Bear Poetry II

by Daniel Dufour
(Saint-Alexis Quebec)

Read the following little story - slowly - because this is hunting with J.A. Dufour Outfitters.

A branch snaps somewhere, but you were daydreaming and can not decide which direction the sound came from. Another sound, was that a branch being brushed aside?

Nothing for almost a minute, then another branch snaps and this time you know it is from the main trail, and close. Without moving your head you shift your vision to scan as much of that trail as possible.
You force an exhale as you realize that you have been holding your breath.

The forest is still. No little birds flitting about. No squirrels scampering up and down trees and chattering and scolding unseen dangers. Even the ever-croaking frogs have shut up.

Shadows have been changing shapes and density as the sun's feeble rays try to illuminate the forest. Night is taking over. But there is still enough light to see colors, to watch the trails that approach the bait site, and to see your crosshairs. You slowly move one arm and bend the hand downward, exposing your wristwatch.

Fifteen minutes of legal hunting time remain. Fifteen minutes that can justify sitting in a tree for four hours.

Suddenly a black shadow transforms into bear and a huge bruin walks silently to the bait drum. Small head and big butt, almost no ears! Those are the signs of a big one and you check each criteria. To top it off he has a small diamond shaped white patch at the bottom of his throat and his coat shines as he passes through a beam of sunlight crossing the trail.

He is a dandy. Without any hesitation he stands beside the drum and tips it over with both paws. Then he drops to all fours and tries to tear the lid off with his powerful claws. Giving up he rolls the barrel a short distance until the heavy cable stops its movement. He peers into the holes in the side of the drum and picks scraps up from the ground.

Suddenly his hackles rise and he peers over to one side. Low murmurs warn another bear that this is his spot, and you hear a sudden crash as the intruder rushes off.

Your heart pounds as your find the safety. He looks away and you slowly bring the rifle to your shoulder, slip off the safety and concentrate on placing the crosshairs perfectly. Through the scope he is even bigger than you imagined!

He turns broadside - offering a perfect shot at the heavy muscled shoulder. How does this all turn out? Come up to J.A. Dufour Outfitters to find out for yourself!

Daniel Dufour
Guide and Outfitters
Tel: 418 299 3040